Veritas et Lux

IN IT TO WIN IT: Pursuing Victory in the One Race That Really Counts – Steven J. Lawson (2013)

Twenty years ago, Steven Lawson penned the book, Men Who Win. In It to Win It is a fresh and updated version of his original work that points readers to the race that matters, namely, the Christian life. In It to Win It is packed with practical advice that is saturated with biblical wisdom. Dr. Lawson directs Christian runners to the starting line and sets forth the aim of the book: “My desire is that God will ignite a fire within you to live victoriously in what truly matters in this life. My goal is to help you chart your course, set your pace, and point you to the finish line. My stated aim is to help you design a game plan so that you may ‘run in such a way that you may win.'” In this short volume, the author successfully guides readers to the blocks and sends them running with the intention of glorifying God.

Readers are encouraged to enter the right race, pursue rewards, and commit themselves to a rigorous training program. Healthy runners drink deeply from the never-ending well of God’s Word. Runners are urged to feast on the truth of God’s Word and strive to attain spiritual victory. They are encouraged to model the God-centered faith of saints like Abraham, Moses, and Noah. They are challenged to remove obstacles that hinder them from running the race. Ultimately, these runners are urged to keep their focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and to faithfully follow him all the way to the finish line.

Dr. Lawson warns runners about the possibility of being disqualified. He spends some much-needed time warning about the consequences of sexual sin in particular.

At the end of the day, In It to Win It is a practical guide about the doctrine of sanctification. Sports fans will greatly benefit as the author includes several examples from the world of athletics that he directly ties to the Christian race. Here is a book to read, digest, and put into action immediately. And ultimately, this practical guide will help runners enter the right race, run the race with their eye on the prize and cross the finish line – all to the glory of God!

THE PEACE WHICH CHRIST GIVES HIS TRUE FOLLOWERS – Jonathan Edwards

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27, ESV)

The Peace Which Christ Gives His True Followers by Jonathan Edwards is a short treatment of John 14:27 which is filled with encouragement for believers and warnings for unbelievers.

Doctrine

Edwards sets forth the doctrine: “That peace which Christ, when he died, left as a legacy to all his true saints, is very different from all those things which the men of this world bequeath to their children when they die.” The peace that Christ gives is compared to a will or testament. The blessings that Christ bestows in the testament are overflowing with peace for everyone who believes the gospel. The Puritan divine describes this peace in vivid terms:

1. Christ’s peace is a reasonable peace and rest of soul; it is what has its foundation in light and knowledge, in the proper exercises of reason, and a right view of things; wheareas the peace of the world is founded in blindness and delusion.

2. Christ’s peace is a virtuous and holy peace.

3. This peace greatly differs from that which is enjoyed by the men of the world, with regard to its exquisite sweetness.

4. The peace of the Christian infinitely differs from that of the worldling, in that it is unfailing and eternal.

Application

Edwards application is straightforward: “The use that I would make of this doctrine, is to improve it as an inducement unto all to forsake the world, no longer seeking peace and rest in its vanities, and to cleave to Christ and follow him … Christ invites you to come to him, and offers you this peace, which he gives his true followers and that so much excels all that the world can afford.”

One short sermon reminds readers of the vivid contrast between the peace of God and the lure of the world. For all who reject the peace that Christ offers, Edwards offers a serious warning: “You hang over the infernal pit, with the sword of divine vengeance hanging over your head, having no security one moment from utter remediless destruction.”

BILL O’REILLY AND THE MEASURE OF TRUE SUCCESS

Bill O’Reilly invites his audience to enter the “no spin zone” each night. But evidently something has run amuck. He recently opined, “Oprah Winfrey is the most successful woman in America.” Clearly, anyone worth 3 billion dollars has fared well. It didn’t happen by accident and she is obviously a savvy businesswoman. But one wonders why O’Reilly’s statement went unnoticed and unchallenged.

Built into O’Reilly’s assertion is the notion that success is directly tied to wealth. But I’m wondering, since when does net worth define the success of an individual? A corporation may have a bulging bank account but oppresses people with unfair business practices or even peddles a product that destroys people. A king may enjoy riches that defy the imagination yet that individual may mistreat his subjects or rule them with an iron fist. An athlete may ink a contract worth millions but disappoint thousands of young people with unethical behavior. So clearly finances don’t guarantee true success.

What is troubling about O’Reilly’s assertion is that he is not alone. In fact, this worldview has a stranglehold on American culture. Multitudes of people in America equate success with money, especially young people. Ask any high school graduate what they plan to do for a career. Then pose the big question: Why do you intend to become a ____________________? The answer will oftentimes be linked with money.

St. Paul offers a radical worldview that runs counter to the typical American mindset: “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs” (1 Timothy 6:9-10, ESV).

King Solomon understood the reality of God’s economy and recognized that financial prosperity does not constitute success in the final analysis: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1). Indeed, personal integrity and honesty are at the core of anyone who seeks to be truly successful.

The prophet Micah describes what matters to God at the end of the day and defines a person in whom God delights: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8, ESV).

If net worth is the barometer of true success, then missionaries, social workers, and school teachers are dismal failures. But we know better. So we celebrate men and women who put Christ at the center by serving people, helping people, and loving people. We celebrate people like William Carey who gave his life for India. We celebrate with Hudson Taylor who lost everything for the sake of China. We celebrate with Jim Elliot and Nate Saint who died for a Godward cause. We celebrate with people who adopt children so one less child goes to bed hungry and enjoys the embrace of a loving parent.

My good friend in Belarus once remarked, “The only thing that matters in the final analysis is friendship with God and friendship with people.” Success is not defined by portfolios or a curriculum vitae. Success is not defined by real estate or luxury yachts. The measure of true success is a matter of the heart. The measure of true success finds its origin in a love for God and a love for people.

Jesus provides the framework for pleasing God when he challenged the religious zealots of the day: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37, ESV). He continues, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39, ESV). So the measure of true success is not found in a financial ledger.

Jim Elliot understood the measure of true success. He understood what truly mattered in God’s economy. Seven years before he was brutally killed by the people he sought to reach with the gospel, he wrote: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” Elliot recognized the supreme importance of living according to God’s Word which contains a life-changing promise: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8, ESV). The measure of true success comes as we yield our lives to Christ in obedience and give of ourselves to serving people.

DOCTRINE MATTERS – John Piper (2013)

Over 18 months ago, I accepted the call to serve as the new Senior pastor at Christ Fellowship in Everson, Washington. Early on, I established the benchmarks of what I consider to be ministry that honors God and edifies the people of God. It is interesting to note that most of these benchmarks emerge in John Piper’s newest book, Doctrine Matters. It is obvious that John Piper’s ministry has had significant influence on my life and ministry.

One of the last questions I received during the candidating process went something like this: “If you could recommend one book (other than the Bible), which book would you recommend.” The answer to such a question reveals much about one’s doctrinal presuppositions and theological commitments. I immediately recommended Desiring God by John Piper. Again, it is clear how much John Piper has influenced my approach to ministry.

Doctrine Matters summarizes what Piper calls the “theological trademarks” of his 30 + years of preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The marks include:

1. God Is

2. The Glory of God

3. Christian Hedonism

4. The Sovereignty of God

5. The Gospel of God in Christ

6. The Call to Global Missions

7. Living the Christian Life

8. The Perseverance of the Saints

9. Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

10. Sorrowful Yet Always Rejoicing

Doctrine Matters should be required reading for every pastor. Dr. Piper’s words are rooted in Scripture and provides a wealth of pastoral wisdom that will propel the flock of God in a direction that pleases Him.

5 stars

ADDICTIONS: A Banquet in the Grave – Edward T. Welch (2001)

I don’t like the word, “addiction.” Far too often, I hear Christians using the word addiction in a way that suggests a helplessness and inability to please God or live in a way that glorifies him. So anyone enslaved to a substance (be it legal or illegal), a habit like pornography or overeating has an automatic excuse – after all they’re “addicted.” Such a person continues to battle but usually with little hope of ever overcoming their sin.

Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave by Edward T. Welch obviously employs the use of the word that I struggle to embrace. However, he too has reservations with the word. My suspicion is that our uneasiness with the word, “addiction” is very similar, if not identical.

Part I: Thinking Theologically

The author reluctantly uses the word “addiction.” Ultimately, he links addictions to the sinful heart of human beings. Instead of suggesting that addictions are a result of sickness (which is the dominant model in the counseling world these days), the author identifies the core problem, namely – people desire a given substance over God. So idolatry drives the addict. Dr. Welch adds, “Addicts make choices to pursue their addiction.”

In the bravest and most bold move in this work, the author makes an appeal to Luther’s classic work, The Bondage of the Will. Luther rightly notes that the will is powerless apart from God’s grace. Sin has the power to captivate and control sinners – and that it does. But Welch adds, “Sin feels exactly like a disease. It feels as if something outside ourselves has taken over.” No wonder so many in the counseling community refer to addiction as a disease!

The author demonstrates how sin works on the human heart: “We are both hopelessly out of control and shrewdly calculating; victimized yet responsible. All sin is simultaneously pitiable slavery and overt rebelliousness or selfishness. This is a paradox to be sure, but one that is the very essence of all sinful habits. If you deny the out-of-control nature of all addictions, as some Christians have done, then you assume that everyone would have the power to change himself. Change would be easy. You would simply say, ‘Stop it.’ There would never be a sense of helplessness or a desperate need for both redemption and power through Jesus. So this cannot be our position.” Such thinking elevates this work to the top of the list and proves a helpful addition to the tool box of pastors and counselors.

Part II: Essential Theological Themes

Part two explores several avenues of change that pastors and counselors can pursue with people trapped in idolatry. The author includes several noteworthy sections that encourage people to know God, fear him, and turn from the lies that led them to the cesspool of sin.

Edward Welch makes a solid contribution that is of tremendous help. First, he offers biblical help to anyone who is struggling with sinful addictions. Second, he offers a treasure chest of resources for pastors and counselors who seek to reach out and encourage people trapped by sinful addictions. Addictions are never treated as unavoidable events in the life of a struggling sinner; rather these addictions are confronted as idolatrous behavior that can be broken by the power of Jesus and his saving gospel.

4.5 stars

COVENANTAL APOLOGETICS – K. Scott Oliphint (2013)

K. Scott Oliphint makes a bold and courageous proposal in his newest book, Covenantal Apologetics. His proposal is to essentially do away with the language of presuppositional apologetics and replace this outdated terminology with “covenantal apologetics.” He makes a good case for the terminological change and takes the best of Van Til’s apologetic and leads readers down a path that is biblically informed, culturally aware, and apologetically sound.

“Christian apologetics” argues Oliphint, “is the application of biblical truth to unbelief.” With a broad definition in mind, the author moves forward by marking out the covenantal approach to apologetics. Each person is either in Adam or in Christ. All those in Adam are opposed to God and rebel against God’s authority as a matter of habit. All those in Christ have been given grace and are pronounced “not guilty” before the heavenly Tribunal, all owing to the person and work of the Lord Jesus. The essence of the covenantal approach is this: “All persons are in a covenant relationship with Christ the Lord. They owe him obedience. The same Christ who rules over you, rules over those who oppose him.”

Since the term presuppositionalism appears to be outdated and rendered obsolete, the author proposes the covenantal model of apologetics. He rightly argues, “Given that all men are in covenant relationship to God, they are bound by that relationship to ‘owe obedience unto Him as their Creator.’ That obligation of obedience comes by virtue of our being created – we were created as covenant beings. We are people who, by nature, have an obligation to worship and serve the Creator.” So sinful people (in covenant relationship with God) have turned their responsibility into an opportunity for disobedience and rebellion.

The author paints a portrait of a biblical apologist who sets Christ apart as Lord (1 Pet. 3:15) and is ready to give a defense of the gospel. The Pauline model is set forth (based on Acts 17) and readers are encouraged to engage unbelief by utilizing the so-called trivium of persuasion, namely, ethos (personal character), pathos (putting the listener in a certain frame of mind), and logos (proof that is set forth propositionally).

Covenantal Apologetics is a fine work, indeed. Many principles are beyond the scope of this review. As such, readers should dive in and approach this work with a sharp mind and a soft heart. The treasure trove in this work is bound to help shape a new generation of evangelists – so the nations will find their joy in Christ!

DEATH BY LIVING – N.D. Wilson (2013)

Grasshoppers, swings, dirt, traffic jams, puppy dogs, and blue skies. N.D. Wilson appears to be captivated by everyday objects and everyday situations. He appears to be captivated by life. Living life is what his new book is meant to convey – really living life. But living also means dying. So the author wordsmiths his way into the heart of readers by painting portraits of life and death – most of which arise from his own life and the lives of his family and extended family.

Death by Living is a plea for people to living life as God intends. In other words, to quote Red from Shawshank Redemption, “Get busy livin’ or get busy dyin.” Wilson challenges readers to get busy living which of course will culminate with death: “How much of the vineyard can we burn first? How fast can we run? How deeply can we laugh? Can we ever give more than we receive? How much gratitude can we show? How many of the least of these can we touch along the way? How many seeds will we get into the ground before we ourselves are planted?”

A theme that runs through Wilson’s work is that life is a story. Life is a story that each of us participate in. Indeed, we write our stories every day. But the author maintains, “there is a difference between asserting that life is a story and actually living life like a story. And there is another difference between living life-like a story and living life like a good story.” Living life like a story, therefore, is part and parcel of the Christian life.

The author helps readers see what real living looks like: “Grabbing will always fail. Giving will always succeed … Our children, our friends, and our neighbors will all be better off if we work to accumulate for their sakes … Don’t leave food uneaten, strength unspent, wine undrunk.”

Wilson urges readers to live with all their might. And while he never mentions Jonathan Edwards, I hear a strong Edwardsian influence throughout the book. Edwards himself penned 70 resolutions that reflect many of the propositions in Death by Living. One of those resolutions is to “live with all my might, while I do live” (Resolution 6). Nate Wilson argues in the same vein, which of course, is undergirded by America’s greatest intellectual: “Laugh from your gut. Burden your moments with thankfulness. Be as empty as you can be when that clock winds down. Spend your life. And if time is a river, may you leave a wake.”

Death by Living will elicit laughter – lots of laughter. I found myself reading portions of Wilson’s work to my wife and she would laugh with me. In fact, I haven’t laughed so hard in a while! Some won’t find Wilson’s humor funny – which makes me laugh even harder!

Death by Living may prompt tears. There is a realism here that is hard to come by these days. This author speaks in candid terms. Taking prisoners simply isn’t an option. All the cards are on the table. Readers are left to determine a whether the “hand they’ve been dealt” will result in joyful, Christ-saturated living or death by a thousand qualifications. Far too many have simply thrown in the towel. Wilson argues from an entirely different perspective as he encourages readers that “life is meant to be spent.”

One reviewer compares Wilson to John Eldredge – what is likely meant to be a compliment. Sure, whatever. I prefer, as I have done elsewhere [See my review: Notes From the Tilt-a-Whirl] to compare Wilson to Dennis Miller, G.K. Chesterton, and C.S. Lewis – no doubt a true compliment! Death by Living is about the gospel but it never comes across in “preachy” tones. It’s a celebration of life lived and ended well. It’s about a life that is lived passionately and faithfully. Death by Living is about living with gusto; about living with passion; about living to honor Christ. But real living also requires dying. We are called to finish strong and die well – all to the glory of God!

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.

4.5 stars

ECHOES OF EDEN – Jerram Barrs (2013)

Echoes of Eden by Jerram Barrs sets out to explore literature and the arts and its relation to the historic Christian faith. With a deep commitment to the Christian worldview, the author helps readers navigate their way through the minefield of the arts.

One of the chief contentions of the author is that “great art contains elements of the true story: the story of the good creation, the fallen world, and the longing for redemption.” He argues that people long for a return to Eden – where truth, beauty and righteousness reign.

Barrs shows readers how books like The Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings constitute great art by recalling the “echoes of Eden.” But in a bold move, the author also demonstrates how the so-called Echoes of Eden emerges in works by Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and J.K. Rowling.

Echoes of Eden is a book that Christians need to study and reflect on with a sober mind and an open heart. I felt as if I were reading a new book by Francis Schaeffer – a high compliment to the author. But beware: Readers will be challenged to “think Christianly” as Schaeffer used to say. Some readers will walk away convicted. Others will walk away challenged. At the end of the day, every reader will benefit from reading Barr’s work.

4 stars

FOR THE CITY – Darrin Patrick and Matt Carter (2011)

For the City by Darrin Patrick and Matt Carter is a book for pastors, church planters and Christ-followers who want to make a difference in their respective cities. The heartbeat of the authors is to instill a passion for proclaiming the gospel faithfully and living the gospel in authentic, transparent, gospel-centered communities.

There is much to commend here but I especially appreciate the fiercely anti-pragmatic approach which is grounded in gospel-centered ministry. The authors present four approaches to the city. The first three are popular but do not reflect the burden of the New Testament.

Church IN the City

This first approach reflect churches that are merely in the city, geographically. While they strive to get people to church to hear the gospel, there is very little interaction with the city itself. This approach may be well-intentioned but doesn’t go far enough.

Church AGAINST the City

This approach opposes the city and carries an “us vs. them” mentality. Examples abound here. Frankly, these churches are an embarrassment to the evangelical world.

Church OF the City

Here is the opposite extreme. Instead of blatantly opposing the city, the approach caters to the whims of the city and leans heavily on a postmodern ethos and as a result, loses its saltiness and gospel influence. Some emergent churches live here. Horrible!

Church FOR the City

The authors hold the final option as the only option for the New Testament church: In this approach, “the church speaks the truth of the gospel and is not afraid to uphold a biblical worldview and moral standard. Such a church proclaims the truths of Scripture with passion, clarity, and boldness. At the same time, though, this is a church that commits itself to seeking the shalom, the flourishing, of the city. This means seeking the shalom of the people they live in community with, living sacrificially and using their gifts, time, and money to seek the peace and prosperity of their neighbors.”

While the authors never hint at it, this author wonders out loud whether a stringent premillennialism (and I’m premillennial) has negatively influenced churches that would otherwise exist as a church FOR the city.

For the City is filled with practical help, strong admonitions, and bold challenges. A timely work from two seasoned church planters.

3.5 stars

CHARLES HODGE: The Pride of Princeton – W. Andrew Hoffecker (2011)

Who says reviews don’t matter? “I could not put Hoffecker’s book down.” Seven simple words uttered by Dr. John Frame prompted me to pick up Charles Hodge: The Pride of Princeton by W. Andrew Hoffecker. The author makes a solid contribution in P & R’s American Reformed Biographies Series.

I first encountered Charles Hodge in Seminary. His piece on the decrees of God made an indelible imprint on my mind and has influenced my thinking since those early days. Hoffecker’s work puts skin on the bones that I was confronted with in my Seminary days. Here we find a man of courage and a man of deep conviction. Charles Hodge was a man willing to put his neck on the line and battle for truth. He laid the groundwork for men who would follow and continue to fight on the theological battlefield; men like B.B. Warfield and Gresham Machen.

A few highlights worth mentioning include Hodges’ faithful fight against liberalism. Like today, the liberalism of the 19th century was popular and would influence young minds if left unchallenged. Hodge was not content to sit by idly. He boldly confronted the pernicious error of 19th century liberalism (which oddly enough is seeking to permeate the church once again – primarily through many emergent sympathizers).

The second highlight is Hodges’ unwavering commitment to Reformed theology. Call him a guardian, a defender, an apologist – or just a diehard Reformed theologian. Hodge may have been willing to sacrifice certain negotiable doctrinal points. But he drew the line in the sand when it came to the doctrines of grace.

Charles Hodge is a model of teaching excellence. He is a worthy example of what it means to stand for the truth in a dark world. Young pastors and seasoned pastors alike would do well to emulate the courage and conviction of the Pride of Princeton – Charles Hodge.

4 stars