Veritas et Lux

A BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF PREACHING – Jason C. Meyer (2013)

Anyone who fills John Piper’s shoes deserves to be heard. That’s my attitude about Jason C. Meyer, the young pastor who recently accepted the call to serve as Senior Pastor at Bethlehem Baptist in Minneapolis, Minnesota. John Piper writes the forward to Meyer’s new book, A Biblical Theology of Preaching. Piper eagerly endorses the new work and celebrates the “expository commitments of Jason Meyer,” (a phrase that should lure every expository preacher to this book).

I. THE BIG PICTURE: BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

Meyer presents his thesis in the first chapter. He argues, “The ministry of the Word in Scripture is stewarding and heralding God’s word in such a way that people encounter God through his word.” In reality, the stewardship presented here is a three-way arrangement: There is a necessary stewardship of truth between God and the preacher and between the preacher and his congregation. Ultimately, the stewardship rests in the members of the congregation who have a responsibility to hear God’s Word and be changed by it.

One of the major themes here is the resolution that God will bring; a resolution that will address a creation that is presently groaning. God will bring a new creation through the majestic King, the Lord Jesus Christ – all through the promised seed of the woman.

II. A SURVEY OF PARADIGM SHIFTS IN THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

Part two is a panoramic look at Scripture and a survey of paradigm shifts. The author presents ten paradigms as it relates to stewardship of the Word. These shifts are outlined below:

The Stewardship of the Covenant of Creation
The Stewardship of the Covenant of Promise
The Stewardship of the Covenant of Law
The Stewardship of Joshua, the Judges, and Samuel
The Stewardship of the Covenant of Kingship
The Stewardship of the Prophets
The Stewardship of Psalmists and Scribes
The Stewardship of the Son
The Stewardship of the Apostles
The Stewardship of the Pastor

Meyer gives readers a chance to pass on section two. However, in my mind, expository preachers should be urged to press through this excellent material as the author makes direct application to ministry. One set of principles that emerge in Chapter 6 is especially helpful:

God’s word is bursting at the seams with life-giving power and man’s word is not.
Sin and rebellion stem from a failure to steward God’s word.
God’s word is a word of blessing when followed and a curse-bearing word of judgment when broken.
Even after God’s word is broken, it provides the promise of redemption with the announcement of a coming deliverer.
Redemption results from hearing and trusting God’s work of redemption promised by his word.

Meyer works hard to show the positive examples (Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Samuel) and negative examples (Balaam, Eli) of biblical stewardship as they surface in the redemptive plot-line of Scripture.

III. EXPOSITORY PREACHING TODAY

Part three is the “skeletal structure” of the book and provides readers with the rationale for expository preaching. Meyer helps readers understand the what, the how, and the why of expository preaching. Anyone who surveys these chapters will be convinced of the necessity to preach expository sermons. The unconvinced probably should not be preaching.

IV. SOUNDINGS FROM SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY

Part four includes several reflections that build on the previous sections. One helpful sentence makes this section especially worth reading: “I am not to be a lead questioner of the text as a model for my students, but a lead worshipper over the text – modeling worshipful engagement with God through the text for my students.”

The strengths and weaknesses of topical preaching are given. But in the final analysis, local church ministry should be undergirded by expository preaching. Meyer notes, “A preaching ministry with a steady diet of expository preaching is the best strategy for the long-term health of the body of Christ.”

SUMMARY

A Biblical Theology of Preaching is a much-needed book in an age that is drowning in proof-text preaching, topical preaching, and man-centered methodology. Meyer’s sounds the alarm and invites preachers to wield the Word of God in the way that God intends with power, authority, and faithfulness.

4 stars

A WALK ACROSS THE SUN – Corban Addison (2012)

In the nineteenth century, the British politician, William Wilberforce began a movement that led to the abolition of the slave trade. His robust Christian faith fueled his resolve to see tyranny destroyed and people created in the imago Dei set free. Today, there are 27 million slaves in the world. 1.2 million are children, enslaved by the sex trade industry in India. These horrifying realities are a painful reminder of the sin that pollutes our world; they harken back to the days of Wilberforce. Yet today, very few appear willing to pick up the cause that Wilberforce began.

First time author, Corban Addison delivers a heart-wrenching, mind-rivetting, spine-tingling thriller that exposes the human trafficking/sex trade industry in his novel, A Walk Across the Sun. Readers should be forewarned that this novel is not for the faint at heart. The author paints a grizzly portrait of the underworld; a world that exploits women and children and panders to the diabolical deeds of men.

I can’t say enough about Corban Addison. He writes with Grisham-like precision which ultimately leads to a redemptive end. He gives enough details to educate readers to this horrifying industry which carries the ultimate aim of involvement, reformation, and the obliteration of slavery around the world. The book is a mixture of unmitigated evil and unvarnished beauty.

Many thanks to my friends, Ron and Mark for alerting me to this book. I’ll never doubt you again!

INNOVATION’S DIRTY LITTLE SECRET – Larry Osborne (2013)

Innovation’s Dirty Little Secret did not help as much as I had originally hoped. However, everything changes in Part Six which summarizes the importance of vision. Osborne distinguishes between mission and vision: “Vision is much more detailed. It’s the narrative that describes what success is supposed to look like in detailed and real-life terms. It puts flesh on your missional bones.”

The author adds some helpful questions that helps leaders come to grips with their vision. He urges them to ask, “What do you feel best about?” and “What are the things that cause you to feel most embarrassed or discouraged?” These two questions are worth the price of the book as they encourage leaders to dig deep and discover the essence of their personal and corporate vision.

The author argues that vision comes from within: “A God-given vision will always be unique, simply because every leader and every organization is unique.” He strongly encourages leaders to build teams that reflect and complement the vision that will drive a given organization.

Osborne urges leaders to set the course of visionary leadership. He reminds leaders that vision seldom comes out of a committee meeting: “A realistic vision has to align with the passions, skills, and strengths of the leadership team and those who operate the organization. But it also almost always has to flow out of the heart of the leader.” Indeed, organizations must trust leaders as they guide the troops through the minefields of life.

Leaders are called upon to create and sustain vision. One key factor to the success of a given vision is regular and consistent communication. An important part of effective communication is the ability to convey the essence of a vision in a few short sentences, what the author refers to as an “elevator speech.” That is to say, leaders should be able to spell out a vision between the first and third floors.

The author concludes with a well-thought out chapter that helps leaders leave a legacy of innovation. “Leaders,” he argues, must have “the freedom to ask the right questions.” Leaders are urged to wrestle with the following:

1. What is our unique mission?

2. What are our unique strengths and weaknesses?

3. What is current reality?

4. What do we need to do to better fulfill our mission?

Osborne’s closing words are wise and timely: “At the end of the day, all a leader can do is prepare the horse for battle. The final outcome is out of our control. Even the wisest leaders and serial innovators must deal with innovations dirty little secret and the failures that come with it.”

I was disappointed with the first 150 pages of this book. The content was uninspiring and forgettable. But the last 22 pages of the book shine brightly. They contain a wealth of wisdom that leaders can benefit from and apply immediately in a variety of contexts. Like any book, readers must eat the meat and spit out the bones.

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.

THE HOLE IN OUR HOLINESS – Kevin DeYoung (2012)

Talk about holiness can be dangerous business. It’s so easy to turn the biblical notion of holiness into a set of do’s and don’ts – as a measure of spirituality. Keeping lists is the business of Pharisees. And we all know – there is no shortage of finger-pointing Pharisees in the evangelical church.

Kevin DeYoung tackles the subject of holiness in his latest book, The Hole in Our Holiness. His approach to sanctification is packed with biblical wisdom and counsel.

DeYoung argues that the evangelical church does not appear to be concerned with holiness much anymore: “The hole in our holiness is that we don’t really care much about it. Passionate exhortation to pursue gospel-driven holiness is barely heard in most of our churches. It’s not that we don’t talk about sin or encourage decent behavior. Too many sermons are basically self-help seminars on becoming a better you. That’s moralism, and it’s not helpful. Any gospel which says only what you must do and never announces what Christ has done is no gospel at all.” The author nails it in the first chapter. The remainder of the book continues to drive home the chief contention of gospel-centered holiness. He militates against man-made techniques and drives readers to Christ and his cross.

The Hole in Our Holiness is a welcome addition to the growing number of gospel-centered resources that continue to saturate the marketplace among Bible-believing Christ-followers.

Highly recommended

4.5 stars

CRAZY BUSY – Kevin DeYoung (2013)

Crazy Busy is the latest offering by Kevin DeYoung. The book short and sweet. In fact, the subtitle lures readers to give it a try: “A (Mercifully) Short Book About A (Really) Big Problem.” But don’t let the brevity be a distraction. For within the pages of this little book is a message that needs to be heard and heeded.

DeYoung, a self-described busy person has his finger on a problem that is only getting worse by the day: People are crazy busy. The net result are fragmented families, failing healthy, and frustration of seismic proportions.

The problem that DeYoung is concerned about is primarily a spiritual problem. He rightly argues, “When we are crazy busy, we put our souls at risk.” The author identifies three specific dangers that threaten the very foundations of our spiritual lives.

Danger # 1: Business can ruin our joy.

Danger # 2: Busyness can rob our hearts.

Danger # 3: Busyness can cover up the rot in our souls.

DeYoung serves readers by offering seven prescriptions which offer hope for the busy and practical help for anyone who suffers from the tyranny of the urgent. The seven diagnoses are:

1. You are beset with many manifestations of pride

2. You are trying to do what God does not expect you to do

3. You can’t serve others without setting priorities

4. You need to stop freaking out about your kids

5. You are letting the screen strangle your soul

6. You’d better rest yourself before you wreck yourself

7. You suffer more because you don’t expect to suffer at all

Readers who find themselves too busy to read Crazy Busy need to sit down and read this book. It is filled with practical help, winsome suggestions, and biblical wisdom. Crazy people will turn away from this book. Wise people will read it, absorb it, and assimilate the principles into the fabric of their lives.

Highly recommended

4 stars

LIVING BY REVEALED TRUTH: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon – Tom Nettles (2013) Part 9

Chapter 16: Spurgeon and Baptists in America

Of course, Spurgeon’s influence was felt around the world but his influence in America was especially profound. George Truett pays the Prince of Preachers a wonderful compliment: “[He] had no sort of fellowship with the nerveless, hazy, intellectual libertinism that plays fast and loose with the eternal verities of Christ’s gospel … [He taught] the great themes of divine revelation: the sovereignty of God; the holiness of God; the love of God; the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; the solemn wonders of the cross; the divine forgiveness of sins; the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings; the fellowships of Christ’s sufferings; the power of his resurrection.”

Chapter 17: Sickness, Suffering, Depression

It is common knowledge that Spurgeon suffered greatly throughout his life. He was tormented from all sides, had numerous physical ailments and battled depression for most of his adult life (as is chronicled especially in Iain Murray’s terrific book, The Forgotten Spurgeon. His godly example is also known well: “Our happiness does not depend upon our understanding the providence of God.” Nettles remarks, “Spurgeon never doubted that his exquisite pain, frequent sickness, and even despondency were given to him by God for his sanctification in a wise and holy purpose.”

So Spurgeon developed a theology of suffering that grew out of his own painful crucible. His response was nothing less than God-centered and serves as an inspiration for anyone who endures a dark night of the soul.

Chapter 18: Conduct in the Face of Death

Spurgeon was not a perfect man. He struggled with indwelling sin and battled the flesh all the way to the Celestial City. But Nettles makes the point abundantly clear. Spurgeon finished well. The British pastor said, “Should you even lie in all the despair and desolation which I described, I would persuade you to believe in Jesus. Trust him, and you shall find him all that you want.”

Summary

Living By Revealed Truth: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon is a sweeping epic that beautifully illustrates the life and legacy of one of the most prolific pastors ever. Tom Nettles has done a great service for the church by researching and writing with the depth of a seasoned theologian and the heart of a caring pastor.

Highly recommended

LIVING BY REVEALED TRUTH: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon – Tom Nettles (2013) Part 8

Chapter 13: Theology and Controversy

“We do not wish to fight; but if we do, we hope that the pity will be needed by those with whom we contend.” Spurgeon was not one to pick a fight but when truth was on the line, he didn’t back down either. He bravely battled Arminians and Hyper-Calvinists. Unlike many modern pastors, refused to pretend a cordial relationship when truth was sacrificed at the altar of relevance: “He would not pretend fellowship with those with whom he disagreed upon vital points of truth.”

The author presents several notable theological controversies that Spurgeon confronted including the Rivulet controversy, his battle with atheistic evolution, and his skirmishes with Plymouth Brethrenism.

Chapter 14: Destroy or Be Destroyed

The author continues the discussion and reveals Spurgeon’s passionate defense of the truth as he stepped into the fray against the Roman Catholic Church. Spurgeon once remarked, “Showing charity to priests is like showing charity to tigers and rattlesnakes.”

Nettles recounts Spurgeon’s run-in’s with the Church of England. For instance, he called baptismal regeneration, “a wretched and rotten foundation” and a “deceitful invention of antichrist.” His repudiation of infant baptism was clear. He referred to the font as a “mockery.”

Chapter 15: The Downgrade Conflict

The author carefully describes the downgrade conflict, the theological slide which Spurgeon confronted directly and ultimately led him out of the Baptist Union. Spurgeon painfully notes, “I have cut myself clear of those who err from the faith, and even from those who associate with them.”

Little room was left for the imagination to wander when one considered Spurgeon’s position on controversial matters. He was a man who would not be swayed by theological error. He was a bastion of truth in an age of compromise.

LIVING BY REVEALED TRUTH: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon – Tom Nettles (2013) Part 7

Chapter 10: Theological Foundations for a Benevolent Ministry

Spurgeon placed the highest priority on the Word of God and proclaimed the truth of Scripture with blood-earnest faithfulness. But he also had a burden for practical ministry: “We want more Christian ministries of the practical sort.” He was the primary visionary behind the Orphanage for Boys. Nettles summarizes Spurgeon’s heart who “saw the needs of childhood not only in terms of food, shelter, and clothing, but in terms of family relationships, maternal care, and pure childish delight.”

Chapter 11: Personal Theory and Preferences in the Production of Godly Literature

Both Spurgeon and his wife were lovers of books. Mrs. Spurgeon began a Book Fund which was a deep encouragement to pastors in western Europe. Spurgeon’s writing ministry flourished for most of his ministry. Soon his sermons were being sent all around the globe

Chapter 12: Literature About Right, Wrong, and Truth

One of the most enduring qualities of this chapter was the discussion that focused on Spurgeon’s love for Jonathan Edwards. Nettles writes, “Spurgeon’s spirituality savored of an Edwardsean aroma … Spurgeon had a personal appreciation for careful scholarship and its usefulness to the church. He always longed, however, that scholarship and orthodoxy be suffused with the pulsation of spiritual life.”

LIVING BY REVEALED TRUTH: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon – Tom Nettles (2013) Part 6

Chapter 6: Spurgeon’s Message of Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice

“The Lord Jesus Christ on his cross of redemption was the center, circumference, and summation of the preaching ministry of Charles Haddon Spurgeon,” writes Nettles. This is the theme that readers are drawn to again and again in this excellent biography. A few direct citations from Spurgeon will drive this truth home:

“Redemption is the heart of the gospel and the essence of redemption is the substitutionary atonement of Christ.”

” … The death of Christ was the hinge of the world’s history.”

“Christ’s people shall be made willing in the day of his power, and the great attraction by which they will be drawn to him will be his death on the cross.”

“The cross is the mighty battering ram wherewith to break in pieces the brazen gates of human prejudices and the iron bars of obstinacy.”

Chapter 7: The Challenge of Church Life and the Governance of Worship

The burden of shepherding the flock was often times overwhelming for Spurgeon: “Sometimes I become so perplexed that I sink in heart, and dream that it were better for me never to have been born than to have been called to bear all this multitude upon my heart.” The Metropolitan Tabernacle made a crucial error in electing deacons for life – a polity policy that will often times prove to be detrimental to the health of the church.

Chapter 8: The Gospel is Evangelism

Anyone familiar with Spurgeon’s ministry understands the importance of evangelism as a normal part of church life. He shared the gospel personally and also preached the gospel passionately. Nettles adds, “Preaching to convert souls, for Spurgeon, meant laying out the full counsel of God to the sinner.” Spurgeon’s Reformed soteriology demanded a strong message that warned sinners: “Men must be told that they are dead … and that only the Holy Spirit can quicken them.” He resisted the Arminian approach to evangelism with holy fervor.

Chapter 9: Use of Evangelists

Chapter 9 is an extension of Spurgeon’s approach to evangelism. Nettles highlights Spurgeon’s Calvinistic zeal: “To keep back any part of the gospel is neither right nor ‘the true method for saving men.’ All doctrine is saving truth. ‘If you hold Calvinistic doctrine, as I hope you do, do not stutter about it, nor stammer over it, but speak it out.’ The lack of a full-orbed gospel is behind the evanescence of many so-called revivals.”

LIVING BY REVEALED TRUTH: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon – Tom Nettles (2013) Part 5

Chapter 5 : Theological Method and Content

The author places the spot light on the most prominent feature of Spurgeon’s ministry, namely, the proclamation of the gospel. While Spurgeon attracted thousands of admirers over the course of his ministry, he was also plagued with critics and naysayers. Nettles notes, “Spurgeon quickly learned that a preacher bent on pleasing all his critics would speedily leave the ranks of the ministry.” But Spurgeon would not be distracted. He faithfully forged a gospel path for his hearers – a path that led to eternal life for everyone who believes.

Spurgeon’s gospel focus was narrow and focussed and serves as a necessary reminder for preachers today. “Preach all you know about Christ … To conceal the plain truth of salvation beneath a cloud of words, when God’s honor and eternal human destiny are at stake, is treason to men’s souls and diabolical cruelty.” The cross was the centerpiece of Spurgeon’s ministry. He never compromised his primary calling – the preaching of Christ crucified.

Spurgeon was an accomplished theologian. Nettles weighs in: “The Christian theologian must be clearly Christian and no less clear a theologian.” Spurgeon’s example is a rebuke to many modern preachers who glory in their aversion to theology. The notion of a pastor who preaches messages void of theology would have repulsed the prince of preachers.

Spurgeon was an unashamed admirer of the Puritans and Reformers. Nettles remarks, “Spurgeon advocated a pure Biblicism for theological construction. He loved the historic confessions and the pious and helpful writings of the Reformers and Puritans …” Spurgeon taught the importance of reading dead readers – theologians with a backbone and the courage to proclaim the unchanging Word of God.

Spurgeon unapologetically embraced the doctrines of grace and proudly proclaimed the five points of Calvinism, including the doctrine of particular redemption. He lamented that “most of the mistakes which men make concerning the doctrines of Scripture are based upon fundamental errors with regard to the covenants of law and grace.”

The author makes it clear that Spurgeon’s sermons were chock full of theology: “Spurgeon’s sermons were virtually an overflowing stream of systematic theology …” Again, the contrast between Spurgeon’s doctrinally rich sermons and the weak content in many American sermons is alarming.

Spurgeon was not bashful about confronting his Arminian brothers. Nettles notes, “He loved Arminians as sincere persons and loved the emphasis on Christ that they shared in common with him, but he truly abominated the distinctive elements of their doctrine … The Arminian attempt to tame God, in Spurgeon’s view, created an idol unworthy of respect and adoration.” Spurgeon counted his Arminian friends as brothers and sisters but did not hesitate to remind them of their theological error.

Spurgeon did not equivocate when it came to controversial doctrines. He preached about a fiery hell and the almighty wrath of God. He preached about election and predestination. And he preached about a Christ who paid for the sins of everyone who would ever believe. He opined, “I had rather believe a limited atonement that is efficacious for all men for whom it was intended, than a universal atonement that is not efficacious for anybody, except the will of man be joined with it.”

Biblical authority, theological depth, and doctrinal precision marked the life and ministry of C.H. Spurgeon. Compromise was not a part of his makeup. Fidelity to the truth was at the core of his pastoral identity.