Theocracy – Remastered and Remixed (2007)

theocracyThe self-titled release by the Atlanta-based band, Theocracy first appeared in 2007 but has been out of circulation since that time.  For several months, fans have long-awaited for the release of Theocracy’s original album – an album that has been remastered and remixed.  On November 19, fans around the were thrilled to listen in to Matt Smith and the boys hammer out their unique style of Stryper meets Dream Theater heavy metal music.

Track by Track:

After a 80’s-like keyboard intro the album begins with a double-base drum anthem that celebrates victory in Christ.  Here’s a few lines from Ichthrus.

Forced into the catacombs
unite to praise the King of kings
they fear a revolution
and the power that He brings
heaven’s sons stand as one, as believers
in the blood of Christ
even in death we have true life

CENTURIES FLY
BUT THE FLAME IS STILL ALIVE
THE MAY HIDE IT, BUT IT WILL NEVER DIE
CARVED IN OUR SOULS,
SEE THE TWO HALVES OF THE SIGN
THROUGH THE AGES HIS GLORY WILL ARISE
FOR ALL TIME

The Serpent’s Kiss begins as a ballad and speaks candidly about the curse of sin that has been inflicted on the cosmos.

Born into the darkness
thrown into the viper’s den
the serpent in the cradle
takes the child into its nest of sin
slowly suffocating
the souls of victims it has found
into the vicious cycle
on the path that only leads us down

Rat-race-fueled machinery
this system of corruption
have we become so cold and numb
we’re blind to its destruction?
We’re forging in the fires made of greed
Our idols made of gold
then bowing down before them
with corrupt, adulterous souls
opened eyes,
realize…

WHAT WE HAVE DONE
WHAT WE HAVE SEEN
WHAT HAS BECOME OF OUR LIVES
CORRUPTED OUR DREAMS
WHAT WE HAVE LOST
AND WHAT REMAINS
PARALYZED BY THE VENOM THAT RUNS THROUGH OUR VEINS
THERE’S GOT TO BE MUCH MORE TO LIFE THAN THIS
THE WORLD’S CARESS IS JUST THE SERPENT’S KISS

But the venom that has plagued mankind has been defeated by the power of the cross.  So the song continues …

I stand before you as a child
by this world I’ve been defiled
stained and poisoned, burned and beaten
bruised and wounded, sick and vile
with hands reaching out to you, I run
realizing what I’ve done
you take me in your arms, a reunited father and son…

The song is not only a powerful reminder of the gospel but also leaves listeners with a permanent and painful warning:

And all illusion ceases to exist
the world’s caress is just a serpent’s kiss

Mountain paints a vivid portrait of the journey that every Christ-follower faces.

Step by step the climb gets harder
my being weakens as I struggle farther and farther
flesh is weakness, darkness, sickness
my dreams are shattered, my ambitions crumbled
my will defeated, my spirit humbled once more
I am hopeless, helpless without you

The tune resembles John Bunyan’s classic work, Pilgrim’s Progress and leaves listeners with hope as they plod their way through the Christian life:

Take me to the places I can’t go
Transcending
I’m sick of living in the status quo
New Beginning
And when it seems I’ve given up
On eagle’ wings you life me up again
and this time I know, in the end
…You carried me

The title track, Theocracy is a metal dream that challenges every listener with the direct claims of Christ’s lordship:

At the center of my heart there sits a throne
That the rightful occupant’s not always
free to call His own
For how can I give the King
His place of worth above all else
When I spend my time striving
to place the crown upon myself?

The chorus hammers the lordship theme with a holy vengeance:

I TAKE MY CROWN AND CAST IT DOWN
CASTLES BURNING
CASTLES BURNING
LEARN TO GROW, GROW TO BE
A FLESH AND BLOOD THEOCRACY
TO TAKE THE LOSS AND BEAR THE CROSS
RAISE THE KINGDOM
RAISE THE KINGDOM
BURN AWAY ALL IVE BEEN
TO RESURRECT THEOCRACY WITHIN

2 Corinthians 10:5 is employed to remind Christians to submit every thought to the lordship of Christ:

and the would-be rulers of my heart
that I place upon the throne
each lead the kingdom of my life to ruin
to bring every though into submission
to tear the idols down
is to break the chains, to rearrange,
to give the king his crown

The Healing Hand is a powerful five-part masterpiece that begins with the prophecy of the Messiah – the hope of nations.  The tune leads listeners from the cradle to the Cross of Christ where the “healing hand becomes the bleeding hand.”

His kingdom forever, the Lion of Judah in strength
everlasting redemption, atonement complete
resurrected in power, as King now he stands
FOR THE BLEEDING HAND HAS BECOME THE RULING HAND

Faith-born forever, a part of His kingdom become
Or reject him, stand back
and watch his kingdom come
Alpha and omega almighty is he
Christ reigns victorious for eternity
Eternity

Several more songs grace this stunning album.  There is simply too much to share in a short review in this format.  But suffice it to say, this piece of work by Theocracy is about as good as it gets.  The music is tight, the production is crisp, and the vocals are spot on.  Again, as I have noted elsewhere, Matt Smith is one of the premier songwriters of this day.  For whatever reason, he has gone largely unnoticed – a tragedy in its own right.  This young man should be commended for his God-given gifts.  But as every God-fearing man recognizes, all the glory goes back to the Giver of every good gift.

Thanks to Matt Smith and the band for writing such God-honoring music; heavy metal music that truly honors the Lord Jesus Christ and magnifies his gospel!

5 stars

RISKY GOSPEL – Owen Strachan (2013)

owenWhen is the last time you took a risk – something really risky; something adventuresome, something costly?  Whatever the reason is, many people have failed to step up to the plate.  Hoards of Christ-followers have failed to live up to their calling before almighty God.

Owen Strachan’s newest book helps Christians reach for something greater; something that is all-together God-honoring.  The subtitle captures the essence of the book – Abandoning Fear and Building Something Awesome.  In Risky Gospel, the author urges readers to live according to God’s design.  For “God doesn’t want his people to be fearful, but faithful.”  Strachan rightly argues that believers are called to live boldly for God, to demonstrate courageous faith, even in the midst of suffering and adversity.

Strachan is the executive director of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.  As such, he makes a strong case for complementarianism and sets forth a winsome case for building families according to the Scriptural mandate, a vigorous Christian life that is led by godly men and supported and encouraged by godly women.

The author encourages readers to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit who empowers them to live in the way that God intends.  This power is fueled by the gospel and is available to every Christ-follower.  And it is expressed  in our homes, in our careers, in our communities, and in our gospel witness.

Strachan urges readers to risk everything they have for the glory of God.  Please recognize, this has nothing to do with self-effort.  Rather, it has everything to do with the gospel, which is summarized beautifully by Dr. Strachan: “Gospel risk, then, is grounded in an unshakable foundation: God.  It is possible through divine grace, secured through the cross of Christ and activated in our lives by the resurrection of Christ.  Sin is defeated; Satan has lost; the law is kept; we are counted righteous in the heavenly courtroom, all because of Jesus.  Now we are freed and empowered by the Spirit to count the cost, forsake all the paltry pleasures of this world, and life a life of faith.”

There is so much to commend here.  The author writes simply without being simplistic.  He writes in a popular style that will appeal to a younger audience.  It is very obvious from the start, that this author is plugged into contemporary culture and understands the hot-buttons of the younger generation.   References to popular musicians and current television programs bear this out.  Yet at the same time, Strachan is introducing readers to the Puritans and inviting them to join him in a rigorous study of systematic theology.

One review of the book maintains that Risky Gospel is uninspiring.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  While the book should target a younger audience, this does not negate the bold reality and challenge the Strachan presents.  This is good stuff.  This is gospel stuff.  God is honored by this kind of writing.

RUSH REVERE AND THE BRAVE PILGRIMS – Rush Limbaugh (2013)

rushMost people know him as the conservative radio talk show host.  And most people have an opinion about him.  Many Americans love Rush Limbaugh.  Liberals and social progressives can’t stand him.  But everyone should appreciate what he’s trying to accomplish in Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims.

Limbaugh’s newest book is designed for children as he takes them on a journey to the seventeenth century and introduces them to the pilgrims.  The author employs the fictional tool of time travel to teach some important history lessons that will appeal especially to young readers.

Rush is to be commended for his desire to bring the events of the Mayflower to a readable format that children can enjoy.  Unfortunately, some of the historical data gets overshadowed by the prose.  But Limbaugh does leave readers with the right mindset toward history.  This is a reminder that young and old can appreciate.

3 stars

THE BOY ON THE WOODEN BOX – Leon Leyson (2013)

boxLeon Leyson recounts his personal nightmare in The Boy On The Wooden Box.  Leyson is a holocaust survivor and was among the Schindlerjuden, the Schindler Jews.  This fascinating story takes readers on a mind-chilling journey that leads Leyson through many brushes with death, only to be saved by Oskar Schindler, the German who was celebrated in Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster, Schindler’s List.

The Boy On The Wooden Box is a testament to the human spirit and serves as a magnifying glass that illuminates the depths of human evil and depravity.  Leyson provides enough details to keep young readers interested and beautifully weaves his personal story through the darkness days of the 20th century.

While the book is designed for younger readers, it will certainly captivate the attention of all kinds of book lovers, especially students of history.  Leyson is to be commended for retelling his story and celebrating the man who saved the lives of so many Jewish people.

4 stars

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAD – Aubrey Malphurs (2013)

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEADI was greatly influenced and encouraged during my Seminary days by Dr. Aubrey Malphurs.  So when I learned about his newest book, Look Before You Lead I jumped at the chance to read it.  I wasn’t disappointed!

The subtitle of Malphur’s book is an accurate description of the tone and tenor of this leadership treasure: How to Discern and Shape Your Church Culture.

Part 1: The Basics of Congregational Culture

Part one is a primer on culture and how effective ministries navigate successfully in a given cultural milieu.  Malphurs writes encourages pastors to read their respective cultures: “If they fail to read the culture well, it will mean that the culture of the church will lead and manage them … The better a pastor knows his church’s culture, the better he’ll be able to lead his church.  To a great degree, leadership decisions are based on the knowledge of one’s culture as well as one’s gifts and abilities as a leader.”  Ultimately, churches must adapt to their culture, while at the same time, maintaining doctrinal integrity.

The author discusses congregational culture, which he compares to an apple.  The skin on the apple represents the church’s outward behavior.  The apple’s flesh represents the church’s values.  And the core of the apple represents the beliefs or doctrinal standards of the church.  These three elements combine to give the church its distinct flavor and character in the community.  Dr. Malphurs carefully unpacks the three distinguishing characteristics of the cultural apple and provides tools for pastors to determine their cultural niche.

Churches may respond to cultures in three specific ways, namely – isolation, accommodation, and contextualization.  Isolated churches will either cloister around a set of ideals and never make any difference in the world.  Eventually, they will die.

Church who accommodate to culture (like emergent churches) compromise by embracing the spirit of the age and adopting liberal theology and man-centered ideology that may look good externally, but will in the final analysis result in watered down temples of worldiness.

Churches who contextualize seek to communicate the gospel in ways that fit the cultural context without compromising the truth.  Malphurs rightly notes that, “the gospel is supracultural in its origin and essence but cultural in its interpretation and application.”  Therefore, Christians must be careful to differentiate between the gospel and their culture in order to effectively penetrate the lives of people.

Part 2: Reading Congregational Culture

Reading congregational culture involves a deeper understanding of the so-called cultural apple; that is to say, pastors must exegete their congregational culture.  The author includes numerous exercises that will lead to a proper reading of the congregational culture.  Additionally, he encourages pastors to address several critical issues:

  • Discern if the Culture is Spiritually Mature or Immature
  • Determine Where You as a Leader Will Be Most Effective

Malphurs encourages pastors to do an honest self-assessment.  Pastors must discover the origins of their cultural framework which include an uncovering of the leaders behavior, values and cherished beliefs.

Part 3: Shaping Congregational Culture

The final section includes several ways that pastors can and should shape their congregational culture.  Numerous exercises are included to help pastors effectively do this.  Practical help is offered for those who resist change.  Five levels of leadership need to be effectively saturated with the vision for maximum impact:

  • Governing board
  • Ministry staff and committees
  • Sunday school teachers and small group leaders
  • Leaders of support ministries
  • A patriarch and/or matriarch

“The wise leader,” writes Malphurs, “encourages change more by asking insightful questions than by offering directions or giving ultimatums.”  Good communication is paramount in the process.

The bad news is that at least 80 percent of churches are either on the plateau or are in a state of decline.  So pastors must navigate the waters of change with care, boldness, and determined vision.

Look Before You Lead is a terrific book that should receive a wide reading.  Dr. Malphurs offers a deep knowledge of strategic planning but offers advice with the heart of a seasoned shepherd.

LOVE DOES – Bob Goff (2012)

1400203759_bSometimes theologians need to read books to motivate and inspire.  Sometimes they just need to read something to make them laugh.  I read  a lot of pretty head stuff.  For instance, I just finished a 700 page book by Tom Schreiner called, The King in His Beauty.  To compare Schreiner’s book with Love Does by Bob Goff would be a little unfair.  Schreiner’s book is intended to be a serious book about biblical theology.  Goff’s book is not designed to be a theological treatise.  It’s designed to motivate and inspire.

A while back, I responded to a blog post by Donald Miller.  I entitled the post, A Black and White Proposal: Farewell to Fuzzy Thinking.  My good friend, Ron read the post and knows that I’m not a big fan of Miller’s book, Blue Like Jazz.  When I visited Ron in Okinawa, Japan he encouraged me to read Miller’s book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.  I resisted.  He persisted.  I had other important things to read.  He wouldn’t give up.  Ron said, “Dude, you’re a cyclist.  Miller’s a cyclist. You’re gonna dig this book.”  So because I love and respect my friend, I actually decided to read A Million Miles.  Ron was right.  I loved it.  In fact, I need to read it again!

There is a story that stood out to me in A Million Miles.  It was a story about a wide-eyed friend that Miller made somewhere along the way; a story about a guy who loves life and made a huge impression on Miller.  I’m not sure how I made the connection, but somehow it became clear to me that Miller’s friend was Bob Goff.  So I eagerly devoured his book, Love Does.

Love Does is a series of brief meditations; short stories that provide a window into the life, loves, and passions of Bob Goff.  The subtitle is an accurate reflection of what Goff intends to communicate in the book: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World.

While Love Does is not designed to be a theology book, the author does bring theological commitments to the table.  For instance, in Chapter 29 he admits that he quit attending what Christians call a “Bible study.”  The idea behind this practice is this: The author argues, “We don’t need to study Him anymore to know Him.”  I understand what Goff is getting at here.  He’s tired of storing theological facts in his brain that don’t make a difference in the real world.  And this is certainly commendable.  The problem is that Christ-followers are called to study the truth of God’s Word – which involves a careful study of Christ (2 Tim. 2:15).   And while the intentions appear commendable, the popular notion of “deeds not creeds” is, in the final analysis not Scriptural.  We are instructed to be “filled with a knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:9b-10).  So this is not an either-or proposition.  Christians are not given a choice to study or live out the claims of the gospel.  They are commanded to do both!  And living out the gospel (what Goff creatively calls, “Love does”) is a supernatural result of one’s knowledge.

Having said that, if readers approach Love Does with the right perspective, they’ll find it strangely liberating.  It is filled with encouraging stories and pithy bits of wisdom drawn from the real world of Bob Goff.  And this guy knows how to do life.  He truly is a breath of fresh air!  My encouragement would be – read this book.  Read it with discernment.  Allow Bob Goff to rub off on you.  And learn from his example of living life with passion and intentionality.  

3 stars

A REFORMED APPROACH TO SCIENCE AND SCRIPTURE – Keith Matthison (2013)

The battle over the age of the universe has been brewing and has reached a fevered pitch in some refdenominations and evangelical educational institutions.  Keith Matthison’s short book, A Reformed Approach to Science and Scripture is an attempt to speak into the debate with clear biblical insight and a measure of humility.

First, the foreword is written by R.C. Sproul who sets the stage for what follows: “All truth meets at the top.  This is so because all truth is God’s truth.  It is not only His truth because He possesses it and He yields sovereign control over it, but also because He is the source and fountainhead of all truth.”  Sproul adds the necessary epistemological groundwork and Scriptural footing to enable readers to walk carefully along the precipice.  He provides the guardrails for readers by adhering to the correspondence theory of truth, the notion that truth corresponds to reality.  Such a notion is repudiated by many postmodern thinkers which leaves them handicapped before the race begins.

The introduction begins with the age-old question, “How old is the universe?”  The author turns to R.C. Sproul who took time to answer the question at a recent Ligonier conference.  Sproul’s answer is typically saturated in Scripture but is also bathed in humility as he answers the question with a big, “I don’t know.”  Some readers will recoil at his response.  I was pleased by it.  For too many are dogmatically arguing their position without the necessary empirical evidence to support their unvarnished claim.

Enter Keith Matthison.  He was so struck with Dr. Sproul’s answer that he set out to write a book to defend his mentor’s candid claims.  He essentially argues that the notion, “all truth is God’s truth” is no stranger in Reformed circles:  “A God-centered view of the truth demands that we affirm that all truth is God’s truth.  That which is true is true because God said it, created it, or decreed it.”  Indeed, the very notion is apart of the very warp and woof of Reformed theology.

Matthison includes a very helpful section on general and special revelation.  The basic argument is this: Both special revelation and general revelation are infallible.   While some may balk at the very notion, they must recall that it is “God who is doing the revealing, and God is always infallible.”

The author rightly argues that “since general and special revelation both proceed from God, they cannot ultimately conflict.”  An appeal is made to the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy which maintains the complete truthfulness of God’s Word.  The specific denial in the Chicago Statement is crucial: “We further deny that scientific hypotheses about earth history may properly be used to overturn the teaching of Scripture on creation and the flood.”  Here is where many stumble by neglecting the Sola Scriptura principle and pitting science against faith.  At the end of the day, Matthison argues, “Any  scientific theory that claims natural phenomena arose from purely materialistic causes is necessarily wrong.”

The author reminds us that many theologians have erroneously interpreted Scripture, especially in the case of the geocentric worldview that was the dominant thinking in the 16th century.  Copernicus changed all that with his heliocentric bombshell but was still met with strict suspicion by some of the brightest theological minds of the day.

There is so much more that Matthison covers in this little book that readers can discover for themselves.  But he ends with a bold note of humility when it comes to making dogmatic statements that concern the age of the universe: “It is also wiser to say, ‘I don’t know,’ than to make ultimatums that may be based on misinterpretations of Scripture and/or God’s created works.”  Keith Matthison is on the right track.  Oh, that others would join in his parade!

4 stars

MY FAVORITE READS OF 2013

2013 proved to be a great year for books.  My top ten are listed below.

1. DEATH BY LIVING – N.D. Wilsonwilson

My number one pick for 2013 would be easy to pass by.  But passing over Wilson’s work would be a big mistake.  This little gem is filled with biblical insight that is destined to hit readers right between the eyes!  Wilson has a way of grabbing readers by the throat and encouraging them at the same time.  Death by Living is essential for real living.

See my review

2. THE KING IN HIS BEAUTY – Tom Schreiner

0801039398_b

Tom Schreiner’s, The King In His Beauty: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments is comprehensive in its scope and is simply breathtaking.  Schreiner wonderfully captures the essence of Christ in both testaments by putting his person and work on display.  Some books are meant to be read once.  I will turn to The King In His Beauty again and again.

Highly recommended!

See my review

3. STOP ASKING JESUS INTO YOUR HEART – J.D. Greear

GREER

My number three selection is a book that I recommend to all my Arminian friends.  Many Arminians I know embrace the doctrine of perseverance of the saints, albeit inconsistently.  Greear’s book is sure to make a difference in the lives of many people.

Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart is also a great pastoral tool.  The book is readable and packs a practical punch.

See my review

4. A WALK ACROSS THE SUN – Conrad Addison

WALK

This book stopped me dead in my tracks.  The author alerts readers to the dark world of trafficking which is not only prevalent in countries like India and Thailand; it also plagues American cities.

This book is dark and sinister but the message of redemption makes it well worth the read.

See my review

 

5. FIVE POINTS – John Piper

PIPER

There is no shortage of books describing the merits of five point Calvinism.  In fact, the acrostic has come under fire in recent days by theologians like Roger Nicole and J.I. Packer.  In J.I. Packer’s excellent introduction to From Heaven He Came (David Gibson and Jonathan Gibson, Ed), Packer critiques the “L” in Tulip: “Now, it is true that definite redemption is central to the Reformed understanding of the gospel and that atonement, a word meaning reconciliation, is an acceptable alternative for redemption; but limited is an inappropriate emphasis that actually sounds menacing.”  Perhaps  we’re do for a modification in terminology.

That said, Piper’s treatment of the five points is outstanding.  This book should be studied by critics of Calvinism and devoured by lovers of the doctrines of grace.

See my review

6. LIVING BY REVEALED TRUTH – Tom Nettles

SPURGEON

No English-speaking preacher has influenced so many people as the Prince of preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon.  Tom Nettles in his magnum opus, paints a stunning portrait of Spurgeon’s life, theology, and ministry on a canvas that will draw readers in and motivate them to get to know the British pastor for the remainder of their days.

Living by Revealed Truth is recommended reading for pastors, missionaries, and anyone who loves the gospel.  May the Prince of preachers focus your gaze with intensity on the Prince of Peace.

See my review

7. THE ENGLISH GIRL – Daniel Silva

ENGLISH GIRL

I read quite a few spy novels.  The English Girl by Daniel Silva stands head and shoulders over most other spy novels I’ve read.  Silva is no stranger to the world of espionage.  His best-selling thrillers have been flying off the shelf for well over a decade.  This guy just keeps getting better.

If you’re looking for some escape reading or want a plane ride across the country to whiz by, check out The English Girl by one of the best thriller writers alive, Daniel Silva.

8 STRANGE FIRE – John MacArthur

MAC

The Strange Fire Conference at Grace Community Church drew thousands of expectant listeners.  Many more tuned in online and several didn’t like what they heard.  My encouragement: Read the book.  For Strange Fire has a weightiness to it that will challenge your thinking about the contemporary charismatic movement.

MacArthur brings a lifetime of pastoral experience to the table in his newest book.  Here’s a challenge: If you haven’t read the book, you owe it to yourself to carefully read MacArthur’s reasoning.  Even if you disagree with his conclusions, you’ll appreciate the spirit in which he writes this important book.

See my review

9. SOJOURNERS AND STRANGERS – Gregg Allison

ALLISON

I’ll be honest.  Even though I’ve served as a pastor for nearly 25 years, most books on ecclesiology have one of two effects on me.  Their either bore me to death or they make me mad.  The ones the made me mad come from the emergent stream.  The ones that bore me tend to come from the Reformed community.  Greg Allison’s Sojourners and Strangers had neither effect.  Rather, I found this very long book to be informative, educational, thought-provoking and ruthlessly biblical.  Sojourners and Strangers will likely be the go-to text-book for Seminaries committed to Scripture.

See my review

10. DANGEROUS CALLING – Paul David Tripp

TRIPP

The title of this book says it all.   Tripp nicely summarized some of the complexities of pastoral ministry.  But the notion of complexity doesn’t go nearly far enough.  The facts indicate that pastoral ministry is dangerous business.  Paul David Tripp provides good biblical rationale for maintaining pastoral priorities that reflect a kingdom agenda.  A real winner!

See my review

Honorable Mention:

ECHOES OF EDEN – Jerram Barrs

ECHOES

The biggest reason I liked Echoes of Eden is this: It reminded me of Francis Schaeffer.  Many still remember the days when Schaeffer would skillfully weave a strong love for God’s Word with bold challenges to penetrate a pagan culture.  Barrs almost picks up where Schaeffer left off with his fine work, Echoes of Eden.

See my review

THE POETIC WONDER OF ISAAC WATTS – Douglas Bond (2013)

Steven J. Lawson serves as the general editor of A Long Line Of Godly Men Profiles, publishedwatts by Reformation Trust.  Douglas Bond adds to this excellent series with a biographical sketch of Isaac Watts.  The men set forth this series may disagree on secondary theological matters but “stood shoulder to shoulder” writes Lawson, “in championing these five biblical teachings (the five points of Calvinism) that magnify the sovereign grace of God in salvation.  They upheld the truth that ‘salvation is of the Lord.'”  Isaac Watts is no exception.

Watts was first and foremost a Bible-believing Christian.  Most recognize him as a poet, the author of at least 750 hymns.  Mr. Bond nicely summarizes the Christ-honoring pen of Isaac Watts: “He was unapologetically a biblical and theological poet who has given to all Christians a rich legacy of sung worship, full of imagination, skill, deep theological perception, vivid sensory insight, cheerfulness in the midst of suffering and disadvantages, and a contagious sense of wonder at the majesty of God.”

Bond is quick to give God the glory as he guides readers through the life and journey of Isaac Watts.  The book is a reminder of God’s sovereign grace which serves as an impetus to worship and serve him with faithfulness and Christ-saturated joy.

4 stars