Veritas et Lux

THE THINGS THAT BELONG TO TRUE RELIGION – Jonathan Edwards (1751)

The text is Acts 11:12-13 which describes an episode in the life of Cornelius. Edwards describes Cornelius as he preaches to the Mohawk indians at Stockbridge as a man who was a non-Jew, a man who came from the stock of a heathen nation; a man who came from a nation that had beaten down the Jews. This man had heard rumblings about God – but he knew nothing of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This man had a teachable heart and prayed that God might instruct him. God listened to his prayer and sent an angel “to tell him how he should come into greater light.” When he heard Peter proclaim the message of the gospel, he surrendered; he trusted Christ for his eternal salvation.

Edwards tells Mohawk friends that his intent is to preach this same message: “Now I am come to preach the true religion to you and to your children, as Peter did to Cornelius and his family, that you and all your children may be saved.”

He describes the essence of true religion. As such he condemns the teaching of French Roman Catholics who must have gained a hearing among the indians: “True religion [does not] consist in praying to the Virgin Mary and to saints and angels. It [does not] consist in crossing themselves, in confessing sins to the priest, and worshipping images of Christ and of the saints, and other things that the French do.”

Doctrine

But these things which I am now going to tell you of belong to true religion.

Edwards wastes no time in getting to the core of his message: “In order to men’s being truly religious, they must see how they have sinned against God and made God angry: [they must see] what wicked creatures they [are], must see what wicked hearts they have, and [that they] are all over wicked … [They must see that they] deserve that God should hate ’em and should take ’em into hell and show ’em no mercy. He proceeds to proclaim the necessity of knowing about and understanding the person and work of Christ and turning to him for salvation. He adds, “[They must have] new hearts given to ’em.

In simple terms, Edwards describes the essence of saving faith which involves a turning from sin and a turning to Christ.

Application

Edwards encourages his readers that his commitment is to preach the message of the gospel – faithfully. He says, “Such as have this religion are happy men; they need not be afraid to die: death can do ’em no harm.”

The shift in the homiletical style of Edwards is evident in his move to the Stockbridge mission. He is a perfect example of contextualization. The message is more simple. The sentences are shorter. He is ministering to a people with very little education. As such, he contextualizes the message so they might understand and embrace the gospel.

Edwards was concerned that the Mohawks understood veritas et lux. His desire was that his new friends who embrace truth and light. For “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5).

52 LITTLE LESSONS FROM LES MISERABLES – Bob Welch (2014)

Sin and salvation. Grace and greed. Mercy and justice. Good and evil. Truth and lies. God and the rejection of God. These are just a few of the themes that emerge in Victor Hugo’s monumental work, Les Misérables.

Bob Welch, author of seventeen books has been touched by Hugo’s story and has a passion to share that story with his readers.

The title gives away the central purpose of this well-written book. Welch provides readers with a short, crisp introduction to Les Misérables and rightly argues that “context matters.” Once the context is in place, the author takes readers on a journey through this classic work and carefully enters the mind of Victor Hugo.

I was originally skeptical and wondered if Welch was prone to exaggerating and embellishing the story to make a quick buck. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Welch carefully weaves his way through the story and picks up on themes which are ultimately tied to real life situations. The gospel weaves in and out of these life lessons. The lessons could easily be developed and utilized in a small group setting.

52 Little Lessons From Les Misérables is a book worth reading and digesting. It is a book for all kinds of people – believers and unbelievers alike as one of the final citations illustrates so well. The author writes,

Challenged by an agnostic to tell the Christian message in ten words, Will Campbell, a Yale Divinity School graduate and former director of religious life at the University of Mississippi, said it like this: ‘We are all bastards but God loves us anyway.’

“Yes, we – les misérables.” [the poor” or the miserable ones]

4 stars

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

SPURGEON’S CALVINISM

The seventeenth century theologians at Dort responded swiftly and decisively to the rising tide of Arminianism. The official response came as a result of the Synod of Dort which convened in 1618-1619, over one hundred years after John Calvin’s birth in 1509. Their response is summarized in the famous TULIP acrostic:

T – Total depravity

U – Unconditional election

L – Limited Atonement

I – Irresistible Grace

P – Perseverance of the Saints

So while the formulation of Calvinism as we know it today did not originate with Calvin himself, it is important to understand that these doctrinal moorings originated with the apostles and Jesus himself, 1500 years before the birth of John Calvin!

This reality becomes clear in C.H. Spurgeon’s little book, “A Defense of Calvinism.” Spurgeon’s Calvinism, edited by Stephen McCaskell is an updated version of Spurgeon’s original work. The author has edited out much of Spurgeon’s Victorian language which will be a valuable service for most readers.

Spurgeon was a unashamed Calvinist, a label is wore until his death in 1892. He held that “Calvinism is the gospel, and nothing else.” In Spurgeon’s Calvinism, the Prince of Preachers walks readers through the five points that were formulated at Dort. Readers familiar with his style will be drawn to his passion for Scripture and his ability to relate the doctrines in a unified whole. While Spurgeon’s treatment of the doctrines of grace prove to be unshakeable in the final analysis, the real highlight of the book is its ability to draw worshippers to the throne of God. Spurgeon’s Calvinism is a fitting introduction to this biblical way of viewing God’s purposes in redemptive history.

“The old truth that Calvin preached, that Augustine preached, that Paul preached, is the truth that I must preach today, or else be false to my conscience and my God. I cannot shape the truth; I know of no such thing as paring off the rough edges of a doctrine. John Knox’s gospel is my gospel. That which thundered through Scotland must thunder through England again.” – C.H. Spurgeon

MASTERING GOLF’S MENTAL GAME – Michael T. Lardon (2014)

Reading an instructional book on the game of golf is a study in contrasts. I would rather watch paint dry than reading some of these books. On the other hand, some of these instructional books are quite inspirational and helpful. Dr. Michael T. Lardon’s book, Mastering Golf’s Mental Game is of the later sort.

The book is organized into two parts. Part one details what the author refers to as the six components of mental excellence, which include: (1) Attitude, (2) Motivation, (3) Control, (4) Optimization, (5) Concentration, and (6) Mental Plan.

The components are thoroughly research and have been field tested in several arenas. Most importantly, the six components of mental excellence have been tested on the golf course.

A chapter is devoted to each quality noted above. The author carefully describes each quality and backs the concept up with at least one case study. Additionally, each chapter includes a practical homework assignment where readers (or golfers in this case) can apply the principles that are presented.

Part two includes the “Mental Scorecard.” Dr. Lardon essentially takes the philosophical components in part one and applies the lessons which can be immediately utilized on the golf course.

The primary ingredient in the mental scorecard is the “pre-shot pyramid which is designed to fine tune the golf game of everyone from amateurs to professionals. The pre-shot pyramid includes three critical components, namely – 1) Calculate, 2) Create, and 3) Execute. Golfers are encouraged walk through these carefully defined steps which will theoretically improve one’s score. The author presents a workable system wherein golfers can apply each principle set forth in the book.

Mastering Golf’s Mental Game is a fascinating read that will be of tremendous help to golfers who seek to lower their scores. The writing is clear and concise. The case studies help show how the principles work in the real world. Essentially, the author presents a system; a system which is designed to renovate the mind and lead to positive results on the golf course.

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

4 stars

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