Veritas et Lux

SEEING BEAUTY AND SAYING BEAUTIFULLY – John Piper (2014)

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” So says King Solomon in Proverbs 25:11. These wise words are the biblical basis for John Piper’s new book, Seeing Beauty and Saying Beautifully. Nearly fifteen years ago, Dr. Piper embarked on a series of books called, The Swans Are Not Silent. The beauty of these books is found in a combination of brevity, historical narrative, and theological depth. The books set out to introduce key figures in the history of the church – from Augustine, Calvin, and Luther to Bunyan, Wilberforce, and Cowper. The newest volume introduces readers to George Herbert, George Whitefield, and C.S. Lewis.

The author’s aim, as he says, is “to probe the interrelationship between seeing beauty and saying it beautifully.” And he accomplishes his goal by pointing to Herbert, Whitefield, and Lewis by demonstrating how these men pointed others to see the beauty of Christ.

Piper spends much of his time laboring over the poetic effort of these men: “Poetic effort is the effort to see and savor and speak the wonder – the divine glory – that is present everywhere in the world God made, in the history God guides, and in the Word God inspired.”

This is the sixth volume in the Swans Are Not Silent series. Each book stands alone and is brimming with joy and hope, which are centered in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The newest edition is no exception. John Piper continues to equip and encourage his readers. Over and over again, he proves, the swans are not silent.

5 stars

Personal Productivity Unleashed With God-Centered Resolve

It’s been almost twenty-five years since I first read The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Since then, many of the principles that Covey explores have been a part of the fabric of my life.

A few years back, I had the opportunity to read David Allen’s best selling book, Getting Things Done. Like Covey, he added some ammunition that helped in the area of personal productivity.

Matt Perman picks up where Covey and Allen left off. His new book, What’s Best Next contains the best of Stephen Covey and David Allen. But Perman’s work contains a significant difference. And the distinction he introduces makes all the difference in the world. Matt Perman helps readers understand how the gospel transforms the way we get things done.

What’s Best Next is filled with practical hints that will ramp up personal productivity – but never as an end in itself (which appears to be a flaw in both Covey and Allen). Perman argues that personal productivity should have an end game. Personal productivity, should enhance our ability to help people. He adds, “We should care about personal productivity not simply for our own sakes but also for the sake of others.”

Anyone familiar with Covey or Allen will freely admit that these writers have the best intentions in mind. And I have personally benefitted greatly from their work. But Matt Perman is concerned first and foremost with the gospel of Jesus Christ. He helps readers understand how their productivity can be enhanced in four specific areas including personal life, work life, organizational life, and society.

What’s Best Next is one of those books that is nearly impossible to review in a comprehensive way. Principles could be explored that the author promotes and productivity hints could be shared. But readers would inevitably be cheated – because this book is a gold mine. It deserves to be read by every person who has a passion for the great commission and the great commandment. Simply put, it will enhance one’s ability to serve God and people with maximum effectiveness.

The aim of Matt Perman is to “reshape the way you think about productivity and then present a practical approach to help you become more effective in your life with less stress and frustration, whatever you are doing.” The author succeeds, and then some. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

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

REDEFINING LEADERSHIP – Joseph Stowell (2014)

Leaders understand the true nature of the task before them. But true leadership must be redefined, according to Joseph Stowell. His newest book, Redefining Leadership seeks to draw leaders to a “character driven leadership experience that will produce maximum outcomes.”

Stowell presents two distinctly different kinds of leaders: Outcome leaders and character-driven leaders. The former are referred to as “instinctive” leaders, the later – “kingdom” leaders. The author describes kingdom leadership which is “measured by the life of a leader who cuts a wide and impactful swath of positive influence.” This is the kind of leader, in the final analysis, who makes a difference in God’s kingdom.

The book is arranged in three parts:

Part I: A Redefined Priority

Outcome-driven leaders focus primarily end results while character driven leaders live exemplary, God-pleasing lives. Character-driven leaders “use their organization to build stellar people, who in turn build a thriving culture that produces maximum corporate outcomes to the fame and glory of God.”

The author address potential pitfalls and “delusions” that character-driven leaders need to avoid. This brand of leader has his eyes fixated on the One who humbled himself and became a Servant to all, namely, Jesus Christ.

Part II: A Redefined Identity

Part 2 introduces the concept of “followership.” The author maintains effective leaders “choose to identify themselves, first and foremost, as followers! Followers of Jesus.” He adds, “Only when we have a firm grasp of our identity as a follower of Jesus are we equipped to effectively lead and influence others.” Three qualities mark the leader who is committed to the notion of followership:

Follower-leaders count it an honor to follow Jesus.
Follow-leaders actively pursue Christ.
Follow-leaders are found in the “Way” with Him.

Part 2 proves to be the heart and soul of the book as the author spells out the importance of “moral authority” and the importance of humility in a growing leader who commits himself to the “Way” of Christ.

Part III: A Redefined Leader

The final section surveys the core competencies of a leader which is grounded in the kingdom priorities of Jesus. This leader relies on the strength that is granted through the indwelling Christ. Indeed, he is committed to the kingdom agenda that emerge in Matthew’s gospel. Such a leader manifests qualities such as repentance, forgiveness, meekness, and mercy.

Redefining Leadership is a book which is totally unique. Few books devoted to the topic of Christian leadership are filled with the depth of wisdom found in these pages. Both young and seasoned Christian leaders would do well to pour over these pages and benefit from Dr. Stowell’s wisdom.

4 stars

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

CHURCH ELDERS – Jeramie Rinne (2014)

Everything rises or falls with leadership. In the local church, this kind of leadership begins with pastor/elders. As such, I believe that the fruitfulness of our churches is dependent upon men who exert strong, humble, and God-centered leadership. Godly leadership is informed by at least four critical assumptions:

It must be anchored to the Bible.
It must be guided by unshakeable convictions.
It must be based on God’s blueprint – for he has an order for his church.
It must be intensely spiritual.

Church Elders by Jeramie Rinne another fine selection in the 9 Marks Series, edited by Mark Dever. Rinne begins with some basic presuppositions which are designed to guide prospective elders down a path that is both biblical and practical.

The author outlines the qualifications for the office of elder as set forth in 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5. The discussion is elementary but is nonetheless very helpful. In addition, the terms for elder are surveyed (pastor, elder, overseer, and bishop). There can be no misunderstanding that the terms are synonymous, a feature that seems to be misunderstood by many people.

Elders are called to shepherd the flock. Therefore, they are called to:

Engage in relationships with the flock.
Minister with the intent of growing the flock in Christian maturity.

Readers should not be surprised that elders should participate in the teaching ministry of the local church. This fact is the key factor in distinguishing between men who are called to serve as elders as opposed to deacons. The elder must be “able to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2). Rinne makes it clear that this teaching ministry is not limited to the public preaching of God’s Word. It may include biblical counseling, one-on-one discipleship, classroom instruction, or small group gatherings. The important take-away is that a qualified elder is able to teach God’s Word – which means he also has a good handle on God’s Word.

Additionally, elders are called to protect the doctrinal sideboards of a church family: “He must play both doctrinal offense and defense, ‘holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9).

Elders are to pay attention to the flock and hold God’s people accountable to their faith commitment as well as their membership commitment. They are charged with watching over the straying sheep. The author notes five kinds of straying sheep which include sinning sheep, wandering sheep, limping sheep, fighting sheep, and biting sheep.

Elders must be humble men. Rinne adds, “The simplest and most effective thing a church can do is to develop an intentional process for screening potential elders, and then be sure to select humble men.” Men must serve in plurality. There is no hint of a lone ranger eldership in the New Testament. The author rightly notes that elders always serve as a team – in plurality.

Church Elders by Jeramie Rinne is a terrific introduction to the subject of biblical eldership. Readers interested in a more comprehensive treatment may turn to Thabiti Anyabwile’s work, Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons. For the best survey of this subject, I commend Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch.

THE GOSPEL: Recovering the Power That Made Christianity Revolutionary – J.D. Greear (2011)

J.D. Greear’s excellent book, The Gospel: Recovering the Power That Made Christianity Revolutionary is based on a simple prayer:

“In Christ, there is nothing I can do that would make You love me more, and nothing I have done that makes You love me less.”

“Your presence and approval are all I need for everlasting joy.”

“As you have been to me, so I will be to others.”

“As I pray, I’ll measure Your compassion by the cross and Your power by the resurrection.”

The book is a plea to the church to return to the simple gospel – that gospel that is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. The author seeks to convince readers to know and live the gospel. He adds, “The goal of the gospel is to produce a type of people consumed with passion for God and love for others … Being converted to Jesus is learning to so adore God that we would gladly renounce everything we have to follow him.”

Greear’s book stands among a growing list of books that emphasize the simple gospel of grace. This should be required reading for every Christ-f0llower!

EXPOSITIONAL PREACHING – David Helm (2014)

Some guys are telling stories from the comfort of a stool. Others are ranting about politics or psychology. Many are waxing eloquent about pop culture and exploring the benefits of modern technology. These well-intentioned fellows may hold an audience and they may attract a crowd. But one thing is for sure: they’re not preaching.

David Helm sets the record straight in his excellent book, Expositional Preaching. Four sections make up this book which is a part of the 9Marks Series

Contextualization

“Contextualization in preaching is communicating the gospel message in ways that are understandable or appropriate to the listener’s cultural context.”

Helm is quick to admit that contextualization is necessary in a solid expositional preaching ministry. However in many pulpits, contextualization has eclipsed the Bible. The author helps preachers understand some of the tendencies that can overrule the authority of Scripture in the pulpit.

One instance that is explored is the popular devotional practice, Lectio Divina which has origins in the Roman Catholic church. This questionable practice places more emphasis on the subjective which ends up marginalizing theological knowledge: “Lectio Divina advocates a method that is spiritual as opposed to systematically studious. It substitutes intuition for investigation. It prefers mood and emotion to methodical and reasoned inquiry. It equates your spirit to the Holy Spirit.” Simply put, this devotional practice ignores exegetical tools and sound hermeneutical methodology. Let the preacher beware! Lectio Divina is only one example which is cited. Readers can investigate the other pitfalls for themselves.

Exegesis

Second, the author alerts preachers to the importance of biblical exegesis which should drive every sermon. Unfortunately, many preachers are bypassing this crucial aspect of sermon preparation and moving directly to application which is in the final analysis, a deadly mistake.

The overriding theme that emerges in this chapter is the importance of knowing the Word of God and understanding the original intent of the author. But Helm warns, “Exegesis is not enough. Done in isolation, exegesis alone can lead to preaching that is either overtly intellectual or merely imperatival.”

Theological Reflection

The author encourages a robust adherence to biblical theology and systematic theology as these disciplines inform the preaching task. In particular, systematic theology offers at least three advantages:

1. It holds you in the faith.

2. It helps you connect to the gospel from particular genres.

3. It hones your ability to speak to non-Christians.

Today

Finally, a positive case is advanced for contextualization. Now that the preacher has done his exegetical homework, using the tools of biblical and systematic theology, and sound hermeneutics, he may advance to work on contextualization. He is concerned here with three important elements:

1. The makeup of his audience.

2. The arrangement of his material.

3. The application of his message.

The great strength of this book is its brevity. The author clearly defines his terms and sets preachers on a course which is determined to lead to fruitfulness in the pulpit which will serve many congregations well in the future. More comprehensive treatment may be found in Lloyd-Jones work, Preaching and Preachers and John Piper’s, The Supremacy of God in Preaching.

BLOOD WORK – Anthony Carter (2013)

I have an aversion to blood. A recent trip to the hospital to pray with a friend before surgery was a vivid reminder of my problem. My intent was to be strong for my friend; to be a source of encouragement. But as the nurse completed the IV, the “rock of strength” crumbled.

But when it one considers the high points of theology, nothing could be more important than blood. This much is clear in Anthony J. Carter’s excellent book, Blood Work: How the Blood of Christ Accomplishes Our Salvation.

Carter examines the work of Christ on the cross for sinners in a multi-faceted way that highlights important themes such as propitiation, justification, redemption, and sanctification. Carter does not pretend to explore these and related themes in a comprehensive way. Rather the important facets of the cross are introduced and applied, albeit with great care, precision, and reverence.

Carter utilizes some of the great hymns of the faith to drive home some of the pertinent points, reminding readers to return to these timeless classics. But more important, readers are reminded to turn their attention to the blood work of Jesus Christ.

Blood Work is a terrific introduction to John Murray’s Redemption Accomplished and Applied. Carter’s clear and winsome style should draw beginning readers in and attract their attention to writers like Murray, Packer, and Stott who have written extensively about the cross work of Christ.

GOD’S LOVE: BETTER THAN UNCONDITIONAL – David Powlison (2001)

How many times have you uttered the words, “God’s love is unconditional?” Yet the term is strangely absent from Scripture. One might argue that other terms are absent as well, like “Trinity” and “hypostatic union.” Of course, the terms are missing but the truth of the Trinity and the hypostatic union are clearly taught.

So what does one make of the notion of God’s “unconditional love.” David Powlison tackles this important subject in his book, God’s Love: Better Than Unconditional. Here’s his proposal: “God’s love is much different and better than unconditional … God cares too much to be unconditional in his love.”

Powlison is not the only one who resists the notion of God’s unconditional love. R.C. Sproul adds, “I can think of no more pernicious lie to destroy people’s souls than this, which some preachers are spreading around the world: God loves you unconditionally. No, he does not. If we do not meet the conditions that he established for us in creation, then God will send us to hell forever” (Truths We Confess, Vol. I, 216).

Powlison grounds his argument with four “unconditional truths.”

1. It is true that “conditional love” is a bad thing.

2. It is true that God’s love is patient.

3. It is true that true love is God’s gift.

4. It is true that God receives people just as they are.

The author admits that the phrase “unconditional” has a “noble theological lineage in describing the grace of God.” But the term is fraught with difficulties. He suggests four biblical improvements:

1. There are more biblical and vivid ways to capture each of the four truths just stated. The Bible provides much richer descriptions of God’s love than “unconditional.”

2. It is clear that unmerited grace is not strictly unconditional. While it is true that God’s love does not depend upon what you do, it very much depends on what Christ did for you. In that sense, it is highly conditional.

3. God’s grace is something more than unconditional in that it is intended to change the people who receive it.

4. “Unconditional love” is filled with cultural assumptions. Such a term implies the minimizing or even elimination of expectations on the one receiving the love.

Powlison urges readers to consider the notion of “contraconditional love.” He continues, “God has blessed me because his Son fulfilled conditions I could never achieve. Contrary to what I deserve, he loves me. And now I can begin to change not because I can earn his love, but because I’ve already received it.”

I commend God’s Love: Better Than Unconditional to fellow pilgrims. It contains the biblical answer to the questions in regards to the love of God. Readers concerned with Powlison’s thesis will be quickly persuaded and encouraged to pursue God with greater obedience and passion – an overflow of the love received from the sovereign and loving God of the universe.

5 stars

WHAT IS BIBLICAL THEOLOGY? – James M. Hamilton Jr. (2014)

Biblical Theology is “interpretive perspective reflected in the way the biblical authors have presented their understanding of earlier Scripture, redemptive history, and the events they are describing, recounting, celebrating, or addressing in narratives, poems, proverbs, letters, and apocalypses.” So says, James Hamilton in his latest work, What is Biblical Theology?

Hamilton is no stranger to the world of biblical theology. In 2010, he wrote God’s Glory in Salvation Through Judgment, a book that I devoured and greatly benefitted from. In many ways, What is Biblical Theology? could serve as a sort of introduction to the earlier work as it summarizes the important discipline of Biblical Theology.

The sub-title accurately reflects the essential nature of the book: “A Guide to the Bible’s Story, Symbolism, and Patterns.” One important question that Hamilton addresses is, “How is God going to bless Gentiles in Abraham’s seed?” Ultimately we learn that “all families of the earth will be blessed in the seed of Abraham, Jesus the Messiah” (Gal. 3:14-16). But Hamilton leaves no room for ambiguity here: “Gentile Christians enjoy all the blessings given to Israel in the Old Testament” (Eph. 1:3-14).

The emphasis on continuity is a breath of fresh air, especially to one like myself who was trained with the presuppositions of classical dispensationalism. The remainder of the book explores these and related themes. In the final sense, the author seeks to draw readers into the drama of the biblical plot line. Of course, he should receive high marks for writing a book that mines out the deep truths of Scripture in clear and winsome ways.

Readers who are interested in other works of biblical theology should turn to The King in His Beauty by Tom Schreiner and Kingdom Through Covenant: A Biblical Understanding of the Covenants by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum.

5 stars

The Conscience Of A Conservative For The 21st-Century

The reason that I am a Conservative can be summarized by three important influences:

1. The influence of my parents and grandparents.

2. The leadership of President Ronald Reagan which restored American exceptionalism.

3. The Conscience of a Conservative by Barry Goldwater

The Conscience of a Conservative was written by Barry Goldwater in 1961. I didn’t read it until I was a high school student and later read it as an adult. It left a profound mark on me and continues to wield a mighty influence. But a new book by former U.S Representative Allen West could easily serve as the new barometer for Conservatives. Indeed, it could easily be considered The Conscience of a Conservative for the 21st century. Guardian of the Republic is Congressman West’s plea to restore the vision of the founding fathers. It is his earnest appeal to return to the ideological roots that make America great.

Part I: My Conservative Roots

Part one explores the background of Congressman West, a Lt. Colonel in the military who was raised in Atlanta and influenced by his parents which shaped him into the man he is today.

Part II: Conservative Principles

Part two is a primer on a conservative ideology which stands in the tradition of President Ronald Reagan. The author includes the basic philosophical and historical framework which undergirds a strong conservative stance. Among these principles include limited government, fiscal responsibility, a free market, individualism, a strong national defense, and an understanding that all of man’s freedoms come ultimately from God.

West includes three “pillars of conservative thought” which include effective and efficient conservative government, peace through strength, and traditional American values.

None of these are new ideas. But the reframing of these conservative principles is a welcome reminder which should call America back to her founding principles.

Part III: Conservatism in the Black Community

Part three may be the most interesting section. The author calls black Americans to return to their roots – for they “fail to understand the soul of [their] souls.” West reminds readers the reason for the establishment of the Republican Party: “the abolition of slavery through the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment.” Yet many social programs only create dependency on the government and enslave people in the final analysis. What’s the bottom line? West argues that these programs are tantamount to a “twenty-first-century economic plantation.” Slavery ended long ago, yet a new brand of slavery continues – a kind of slavery that needs to be abolished once again.

Part IV: The Future of the American Republic

Congressman West pleads with Americans to stand alert. He challenges Americans to wrestle with some critical questions that will have an impact on the future direction of our country:

Do we want an opportunity society or a dependency society?

Do we prioritize preeminence of the individual, or dominance of the state?

Will we choose individual exceptionalism or collective relativism?

Do we value wealth creation and expansion, or wealth redistribution?

Will we bet on economic freedom or economic enslavement?

Do we stand for principle or for party?

Do we want policy or politics?

Congressman West warns readers, “If there is to be a future for this republic, we must elect good leaders, not highly marketed, well-politicized petty usurpers and impostors.”

While Congressman West has been caricatured as an “outcast” by some and a “war criminal” by others, nothing could be further from the truth. He has been falsely maligned and his character has been unjustly impugned – all in keeping with Saul Alinsky’s horrible diatribe, Rules For Radicals. Allen West is a breath of fresh air in a day when political expediency and opinion polls appear to rule the floor of Congress and the White House. Congressman West is a man who says what he means and means what he says. He is unmoved by the banter of political pundits. And he refuses to be intimidated by the progressive agenda which is steeped in the ruinous ideology of socialism. Allen West has led by example. He has served our nation well. He has guarded the Republic with honor, courage, and dignity. Perhaps he can wield his influence in the Oval Office one day. America would be a better place with this principled man behind the most powerful desk in the world.