ONE NATION – Ben Carson, MD (2014)

These days there is no shortage on political books.  Both liberals and conservatives are making the rounds in the publishing industry.  Many books are filled with drivel and propaganda.  A few are worth reading and prove very helpful.  Dr. Ben Carson’s new book is numbered among the helpful books. One Nation: What We Can AllContinue reading “ONE NATION – Ben Carson, MD (2014)”

THE DARING HEART OF DAVID LIVINGSTONE (2014)

The Daring Heart of David Livingstone captures the account of the well-known missionary who sought with all his heart to bring the gospel to Africa in the 19th century.  Jay Milbrandt, professor at Bethel University is responsible for the meticulous research and for producing the final product. Milbrandt guides readers through the adventures of theContinue reading “THE DARING HEART OF DAVID LIVINGSTONE (2014)”

HEAVEN ON EARTH: Capturing Jonathan Edwards’s Vision of Living in Between – Stephen J. Nichols (2006)

Heaven on Earth by Stephen J. Nichols attempts to capture the essence of Jonathan Edwards’s vision for living in between heaven and earth.  The author confronts the typical negative response to Jonathan Edwards who is regularly caricatured as a mean-spirited Puritan who is preoccupied with the wrath of God.  Of course, nothing could be further fromContinue reading “HEAVEN ON EARTH: Capturing Jonathan Edwards’s Vision of Living in Between – Stephen J. Nichols (2006)”

HOW STARBUCKS SAVED MY LIFE – Michael Gates Gill (2007)

I have over one hundred and fifty books on my “to read list.”  Most of them are big books; important books.  Most of these books are theological in nature.  They address the big questions in life.  They stimulate my thinking.  They warm  my  heart.  These books lead me closer to the Savior. So why wouldContinue reading “HOW STARBUCKS SAVED MY LIFE – Michael Gates Gill (2007)”

PROOF: FINDING FREEDOM THROUGH THE INTOXICATING JOY OF IRRESISTIBLE GRACE – Daniel Montgomery and Timothy Paul Jones (2014)

Intoxicating joy?  Irresistible grace?  The title is enough to draw the most lackluster reader in.  But once readers crack the massive door, they will be pleasantly surprised with what they find inside this elegantly decorated “castle.” Proof: Finding Freedom Through the Intoxicating Joy of Irresistible Grace is a cleverly designed roadmap which underscores the importanceContinue reading “PROOF: FINDING FREEDOM THROUGH THE INTOXICATING JOY OF IRRESISTIBLE GRACE – Daniel Montgomery and Timothy Paul Jones (2014)”

THE WAY FORWARD: RENEWING THE AMERICAN IDEA – Paul Ryan (2014)

Several years ago, I set out to read about as many of the United States presidents as possible.  Reading about the great leaders in America’s history; leaders like George Washington, John Adams, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan is an unforgettable experience that tends to leave a mark on each reader. During this political season filledContinue reading “THE WAY FORWARD: RENEWING THE AMERICAN IDEA – Paul Ryan (2014)”

PASTOR’S KID – Barbabas Piper (2014)

Some write to entertain; some to educate.  Others write to amuse or inspire.  Barnabas Piper writes to encourage.  He writes to encourage both pastors and their children. Piper writes from experience.  His dad is Dr. John Piper, former Senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Barnabas Piper is a Pastor’s Kid.  He, likeContinue reading “PASTOR’S KID – Barbabas Piper (2014)”

ROW FOR FREEDOM – Julia Immonen (2014)

You will never find me bungy-jumping, surfing, skydiving, or dangling from the face of the Half Dome in California.  However, I do enjoy reading about the adventures of other people who put their necks on the line for a thrill.  Row For Freedom by Julia Immonen is a classic example of adventure, courage, and sacrifice.  ButContinue reading “ROW FOR FREEDOM – Julia Immonen (2014)”

REPENTANCE – J.C. Ryle

J.C. Ryle was a man who would have been hated in this generation.  This cannot be stated too  strongly.  For instance, consider a man such as Mark Driscoll, a man who makes mistakes like anyone.  But Driscoll is a bold preacher.  He calls sin for what it is and urges sinners to repent.  That boldContinue reading “REPENTANCE – J.C. Ryle”

HEAVEN’S DRAGNET – Jonathan Edwards (1751)

The text is Matthew 13:47-50.  The missionary to the Stockbridge Indians sets his doctrine up in advance: The fisherman that cast the net are ministers of the gospel whom Christ appoints to gather men into his church. Edwards draws an immediate contrast between the righteous and the unrighteous: “So God will save his saints andContinue reading “HEAVEN’S DRAGNET – Jonathan Edwards (1751)”