Veritas et Lux

FEARLESS FAITH: JOHN KNOX – Steven J. Lawson (2014)

2014 marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Knox, the Protestant Reformer who risked life and limb for the sake of the gospel in Scotland and much of western Europe. Steven Lawson retells the story in his newest work, John Knox Fearless Faith.

The author guides readers though the fascinating account of Knox’s life – a life filled with pain and persecution, powerful preaching, and passionate appeals. He portrays the Protestant Reformer as one who “remained stout of heart and strong in conviction” even as he neared the end of his life. Lawson observes, “To the very end, Knox was preaching Christ and Him crucified, exalting his Savior and extolling his Lord.”

John Knox Fearless Faith is a boon for discouraged pastors who have experienced the sting of false accusation and the pain of persecution. It serves a sort of theological balm for pastors who are lonely in ministry and on the verge of throwing in the ecclesiastical towel. In a few short sentences, Dr. Lawson rightly summarizes the fiery Reformers passion for truth and his steely resolve:

Through these many dangers, Knox persevered in his ministry, boldly preaching the Word and trusting God for the outcome. Beneath his frail body was an unshakeable confidence in the sovereignty of God. He believed that his times were appointed for him by an all-powerful God. He knew that he was invincible within the allotted time of the divine will. His faith remained strong in the One who orders all things.

As Knox approached his final years, his commitment to God grew yet deeper. The opposition he faced never subsided, even to the end, but neither did his confidence in God.

May pastors find strength in this godly man whose birth 500 years ago marked church history and changed a generation. May John Knox fuel our resolve to boldly preach God’s Word and wield the mighty sword of Reformed truth for the world to see and savor. May pastors lead the next generation of Christians who live with the integrity and the zeal of Knox. May they rebuke and admonish carnal professors who seek to divide Christ’s church. May they be inspired by his example as they champion the cause of truth and challenge every rival from Rome, Mecca, Salt Lake City and every heresy that poses a threat to the gospel!

Semper Reformanda!

5 stars

Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy With God – Timothy Keller (2014)

Over the past twenty-five years, I have read books on prayer by the Puritans and Reformers, the Quakers and the contemplative writers, the Desert Fathers, and even some living authors who think they have something unique to contribute to the discussion.

Timothy Keller’s newest work, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy With God is quite frankly the best book I’ve ever read on prayer. This short review will only touch the tip of the iceberg; so I encourage readers of Veritas et Lux to read this incredible book for themselves.

Keller’s work is divided into five parts:

Desiring Prayer
Understanding Prayer
Learning Prayer
Deepening Prayer
Doing Prayer

The book aims to show that “prayer is both conversation and encounter with God” and demonstrates that prayer is both “awe and intimacy, struggle and reality.”

Keller rightly notes, “A book on the essentials of prayer should contain three components: the theological, experiential, and methodological.” The author succeeds in presenting a lucid theological framework for understanding prayer. He presents the experiential side of prayer by citing numerous Scriptural examples and drawing on the work of many Christ-followers in Church history. And he sets forth a workable methodology, which in the final analysis includes many different forms that may appeal to different kinds of people.” Keller’s book is biblical, engaging, God-centered, gospel-centered, and Spirit-fueled.

Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy With God will confront readers with the God-centeredness of Jonathan Edwards, the earthiness and practicality of Martin Luther, and the theological precision of John Calvin. This work will undoubtedly be used by God to encourage faithful prayer, enlist new prayer warriors, and revitalize a church that has neglected the important discipline of prayer.

5 stars

TAKE COMMAND – Jake Wood (2014)

“The key to relentless execution, quite simply, is the consistent and conscious choice of success over failure. It is living your personal life and leading your professional life in a way that acknowledges that when the stakes are high, the only thing that moves the needle from failure to success is the right attitude.” Jake Wood points leaders in the right direction with such a mindset in his book, Take Command.

A former Marine sniper turned businessman, Jake Wood shares his life experiences with readers with a systematic approach which is easy to read and apply to daily life situations.

The author presents eight lessons for leaders. These lessons are not mere theory; these lessons were forged on the battlefield and the business world. Relevant quotes from famous military leaders are found throughout the book.

The lessons are organized in four broad categories – prepare, analyze, decide, and act. Wood’s life experiences in the military and business world make the life lessons come alive. His approach is humble and inviting. There is no pretense here; only common sense principles for anyone who seeks to become a better leader.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

3.5 stars

COMMUNION WITH GOD

“A minister may fill his pews, his communion roll, the mouths of the public, but what that minister is on his knees in secret before God Almighty, that he is and no more.” – John Owen (1616-1683)

LIBERTY AND TYRANNY: A Conservative Manifesto – Mark Levin (2009)

Mark Levin’s book, Liberty and Tyranny made quite a splash when it was originally published in 2009. Even though the book is a bit dated now, I think it’s relevance is even greater now that President Obama’s failed policies have taken root. The rotten fruit of liberalism litters the American landscape – conservatives are faced with the challenge of cleaning up the mess.

Levin lays his cards on the table at the beginning: “Conservatism is a way of understanding life, society, and governance.” Indeed, conservatism is a worldview; a way of seeing the world and playing a part within it.

All of the arguments in Liberty and Tyranny find their genesis in the minds of the founding fathers: “The founders understood that the greatest threat to liberty is an all-powerful central government, where the few dictate to the many.” Or as President Reagan once said, “The most frightening thing to hear when answering the door is, ‘Where from the government and we’re here to help.'”

Liberty and Tyranny is really an expose on the Statist ideology. Of course, the Statist is consumed with power as we have seen displayed in the Obama administration. Levin makes it clear that the “Conservative does not despise government. He despises tyranny … The Conservative is alarmed by the ascent of a soft tyranny and its cheery acceptance by the neo-Statist. He knows that liberty once lost is rarely recovered. He knows of the decline and eventual failure of past republics. And he knows that the best prescription for addressing society’s real and perceived ailments is not to further empower an already enormous federal government beyond its constitutional limits, but to return to the founding principles.”

So with the backing and historical muscle of the Founding Fathers, the author presents a cogent case for Conservatism by confronting Statism with bold arguments and common sense American values. He tackles matters of the free market, welfare state, environmentalism, and immigration among others.

I highly recommend Liberty and Tyranny by Mark Levin. It will serve as an encouragement to most Americans but will be a source of irritation for social progressives.

4 stars

JESUS CONTINUED – J.D. Greear (2014)

Jesus Continued by J.D. Greear is a book about the Holy Spirit. The subtitle is a better description about the big idea in Greear’s book – “Why the Spirit Inside You is Better Than Jesus Beside You.” If nothing else, the subtitle is bound to prompt discussion about the role of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, if the discussion follows the basic flow of the book, the discussion will, in the final analysis prove fruitful and worthwhile.

Part One: The Missing Spirit

In part one, the author makes an absolutely crucial point that runs through the rest of his work, namely – we cannot fulfill the Word apart from the Spirit. That is to say, the Spirit of God uses the Word of God to transform the people of God. Eliminate the Spirit from this maxim and the result is dry academia which influence no one. Eliminate the Word from this maxim and the result is fanatical extremism which may influence some people but is utterly useless. Greear makes it clear that Christians must be “led by the Spirit and taught by the Word.”

The author discusses the role of the Spirit in the Christian life. He adds, “Devotion to the mission of Jesus and the fullness with the Spirit of God, you see, always go hand in hand … The primary objective of God’s Spirit is to complete the mission. To know him is to be devoted to that mission. Without him, we cannot hope to succeed. With him, we cannot fail.”

Greear clearly describes the role of the Spirit in the life of the believer and reveals the benefit of the indwelling Spirit which is better than “the Jesus beside you.”

Part Two: Experiencing the Spirit

In part two, the author helps readers understand how to experience the Holy Spirit. He notes that Christians experience the Holy Spirit in at least six specific ways:

In the Gospel
In the Word of God
In our giftings
In the church
In our spirit
In our circumstances

Greear gives practical illustrations how the Holy Spirit is experienced and offers biblical support throughout.

Part Three: Seeking the Holy Spirit

Part three combines the best of parts one and two and challenges readers to surrender afresh to the Holy Spirit and to expect personal and corporate revival. He encourages readers to pursue the “ordinary means of grace” by 1) repenting of sin, 2) preaching the gospel faithfully, 3) saturating themselves in the gospel, and 4) persisting in prayer.

Readers are urged to seek the Holy Spirit in prayer and living by faith in the promises of God. In the final analysis, Greear writes so that Christians will see the Holy Spirit is beckoning them to follow him.

Several features not only make J.D. Greear’s book noteworthy; these features make this book one of the best Christian books of 2014.

Jesus Continued is saturated in the Reformed tradition. While the author writes with Reformed convictions, his focus is on the Holy Spirit which should encourage charismatics and challenge Reformed thinkers.
Jesus Continued is a fresh look at the person and work of the Holy Spirit by a pastor who has a heart for theology and a love for the people of God.
Jesus Continued presents a pneumatology which is Scripture-soaked.
Jesus Continued is a personal work and practical work. While this is the work of a top-notch scholar, the writing is simple enough for a high school student to understand but will also challenge seasoned pastors.

I highly recommend Jesus Continued. I trust that it will receive a wide readership and that God will use it in mighty ways. May Christ-followers surrender afresh to the ministry of the Holy Spirit!

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

5 stars

ROSE GUIDE TO END-TIMES PROPHECY – Timothy Paul Jones (2011)

Rose-Guide to End-Times Prophecy by Timothy Paul Jones is a terrific overview of eschatology designed for beginning Bible students. The author provides a fairly comprehensive look at the four major eschatological views – Amillennialism, Postmillennialism, Dispensational Premillennialism, and Historical Premillennialism. Each position is spelled out in a fair manner – an unusual approach.

TAKING GOD AT HIS WORD – Kevin DeYoung (2014)

Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung is yet another reminder that Mr. DeYoung is for real. He consistently churns out books which are readable and practical. But more importantly, DeYoung writes books which are biblical. His newest book is no exception.

The subtitle of DeYoung’s work accurately describes the essence of the book: “Why the Bible is Knowable, Necessary, and Enough, and What That Means For You and Me.”

DeYoung challenges readers to consider the sufficiency, clarity, authority, and necessity of Scripture. This fine work will thrill conservative Christians and enrage liberals and postmodern compromisers.

At the end of the day, our approach to Scripture is what really matters. DeYoung summarizes: “Submission to the Scriptures is submission to God. Rebellion against the Scriptures is rebellion against God.” May Christ-followers maintain a strong and robust doctrine of Scripture in the difficult days to come. Taking God at His Word is strong encouragement for faithful Christians who love the Bible.

4 stars

Hand in HAND – Randy Alcorn (2014)

The debate over the sovereignty of God and the free will of man originally heated up between Augustine of Hippo and Pelagius in the 4th century. This debate has raged throughout church history and does not show any signs of letting up. Arminians accuse Calvinists of serving a “tyrant God” who plays the role of a puppet master, making free will an illusion. Calvinists accuse Arminians of serving a “timid God” who is weak at the knees.

Hand in HAND by Randy Alcorn addresses the thorny issue of God’s sovereignty and the free will of man. Alcorn does not promise to end all arguments. But he does enter the ring as a sort of “theological referee.” The author is a former Arminian theologian who has since turned into a Calvinist. While Alcorn prefers to say that he is a 4 point Calvinist, since he is uncomfortable with particular redemption, he is committed to Calvinistic presuppositions. This theological shift allows the author to sympathize with Arminians and provide some good teaching points for Calvinists who tend to be overzealous.

Alcorn begins by reassuring readers that the subject should be discussed and notes six important reasons for pursuing the matter:

1. To develop a deeper appreciation for God and his Word, which reveals him to us.

2. To help us mirror Christ’s humility.

3. To embrace all of God’s inspired Word, not just parts of it.

4. To foster unity in the body of Christ.

5. To avoid fatalism and crushing guilt.

6. To prevent us from becoming trivial people in a shallow age.

The author surveys the biblical data which point to the biblical reality of God’s sovereign control over all things as well as human responsibility. He notes how these two realities intersect, creating a paradox not a contradiction.

One chapter is devoted to addressing the matter of Open Theism, a theological cousin of Arminianism which denies God’s definite foreknowledge of all things and affirms the libertarian free will of the creature. Alcorn makes it clear that both points are patently rejected in Scripture.

Several features make Hand in HAND a worthy book; a book that will likely win the Gold Medallion Award:

First, Alcorn writes with the proper tone and spirit. Much of the debate the occurs over these matters produce more heat than light. Dave Hunt’s Book, What Love is This is a good example of this mean-spirited approach which caricatures a given theological view. Alcorn approaches the subject with humility and gentleness and invites readers of differing opinions to pay careful attention to the arguments.

Second, misunderstood terms are clearly defined. The author does a good job of providing working definitions that are biblical and understandable. The clear terminology should help in future debates between Calvinists and Arminians.

Third, the lines of orthodoxy are clearly drawn. Both Calvinists are Arminians are included in the so-called box of orthodoxy. This point is of great value, especially when both schools of thought accuse each other of heresy. Alcorn invites both sides to engage in meaningful debate without name calling. Additionally, Alcorn rightly notes that Open Theism is outside of orthodoxy. Any theologian who refuses to grant God the ability to possess definite foreknowledge of all things has moved outside the perimeter of orthodoxy.

Fourth, a determinism continuum is presented. Sadly, many readers and students of theology are unaware of the theological landscape which includes many views concerning determinism and free will. The author clearly describes and defines these views: Hyper-Calvinism (outside orthodoxy), Compatibalism, Molinism, Libertarianism, and Open Theism (outside orthodoxy).

Fifth, Biblical Calvinism is presented correctly. Apart from the merits of particular redemption which could be debated at another time, the author does a terrific job of presenting Calvinism as a biblical system which is passionately God-centered; a system which promotes evangelism and engagement with culture. Additionally, the author demonstrates repeatedly that Calvinism embraces the notion of free will, (what Alcorn prefers to call “meaningful choice”) by pointing readers to the definition popularized by Jonathan Edwards – “choosing according to one’s strongest inclination.”

Sixth, all readers are admonished to trust a sovereign God. In what proves to be the best chapter in the book (chapter 10), the author encourages readers of all theological backgrounds to trust in a God who is sovereign.

Hand in HAND will not be received well by Open Theists and Hyper-Calvinists. Some Arminians and Calvinists may be bothered as well by some of the content. But as a pastor who has travelled a very similar theological path from Arminianism to Calvinism – and even attended the same Bible College, I trust that thousands of people will devour Hand in HAND in the days ahead. There is no doubt that Alcorn’s work will spark questions and stimulate debate. But my prayer is that the debate will produce more light than heat. And in the final analysis, people will be drawn closer to the Savior and bank on his all-sufficient grace. Indeed, he is sovereign over all!

5 stars

REMEMBERING WILLIAM TYNDALE ON REFORMATION SUNDAY

William Tyndale was born in 1494. He attended Oxford, Magdalen Hall and Cambridge University. A student and adherent of the Protestant Reformation, Tyndale engaged in numerous debates with Roman Catholics. One leader in the Roman Catholic church mocked Tyndale: “We are better to be without God’s laws than the Pope.” Tyndale, never one to mince words replied, “I defy the Pope and all his laws. If God spare my life ere many years, I will cause the boy who drives the plow to know more of the Scriptures than you.”

Tyndale was a confident, bold, and fearless theologian and scholar who translated the Bible into an early form of Modern English, likely with Luther’s help in Wittenberg. But Tyndale was arrested and imprisoned for 500 days in a kangaroo court, and ultimately convicted. He was sent to be strangled and burn at the stake in the prison yard on October 6, 1536 – the same year that Calvin published the first edition of The Institutes of the Christian Religion. His last words were, “Lord, open the king of England’s eyes.”

Today, we celebrate Reformation Sunday. May God raise up a new generation of leaders like William Tyndale – courageous and bold; men with a theological backbone and rock solid integrity. May God raise up a new generation of men who say what they mean and mean what they say; men who are unashamed of the gospel; men who are utterly unwilling to compromise the truth; men who are willing to be burned at the stake for the sake of truth.

Semper Reformanda!