Veritas et Lux

PLASTIC DONUTS – Jeff Anderson (2013)

Plastic Donuts by Jeff Anderson is a book that explores the important and hotly debated topic of financial stewardship. At the heart of this little book is the biblical principle that giving is pleasing to God. The author develops four principles, what he refers to as “acceptable gift truths.”

1. The amount matters.

2. We determine the amount.

3. We give according to our abilities.

4. The heart makes the gift count.

Anderson explains these four principles in simple, down-to-earth language and provides personal illustrations that drive home the respective lessons in meaningful and practical ways. Each principle is supported with the weight of biblical authority which, in the final analysis makes the book significant.

Tithing in the local church appears to be at an all-time low. Tragically, parents are not giving children instruction that concerns financial stewardship and tithing. Pastors rarely offer biblical teaching in this crucial area. Plastic Donuts is a good place to begin the discussion. Readers should continue a series study by pursuing works by authors like Randy Alcorn and Larry Burkett for sound, biblical teaching on financial stewardship.

3.5 stars

ISCARIOT – Tosca Lee (2013)

Traitor. Betrayer. Disloyal. Unfaithful. Two-timing. Treacherous. Treasonous. Faithless. Son of Perdition. Words that should never appear on the epitaph of any man. Yet these words hardly begin to describe the man we know as Judas Iscariot. But there is another side to Judas. He was a man; a man made in the image of God. He spent many days in Jesus’ inner circle. He heard Jesus pray. He saw Jesus teach. He witnessed the miracles of the Messiah. He was a real man. He was a real man with real struggles.

Tosca Lee seeks to “humanize” the man who betrayed Jesus Christ in her latest historical fiction work, Iscariot. Written entirely in the first person, the author goes to great lengths to “get into the head” of Judas. We find him much like any other person. In his case, hopes of raising a family and aspiration to be a scholar. Readers witness the full range of emotions that Judas experiences – joy, frustration, regret, hope, fear, and loneliness.

Tosca Lee has truly done her homework on this one. It is obvious that she has labored to understand middle eastern culture and it shows. Iscariot not only reveals the human side of Judas. It reveals the full humanity of the Messiah. It is layered with fascinating historical insight and draws readers in to discover the inner psychological prison of the son of Perdition. In one gripping scene, the moment where Judas betrays the Lord Jesus, the author shows the interplay between the two characters:

His whisper, when he spoke, was worn against my ear. “Do what you came for, friend.”

Inexplicable tears – hot tears – coursed down my cheeks.

“Hail,” I whispered, and kissed him with trembling lips.

It was a greeting and goodbye.

4 stars

WHEN THE WORD LEADS YOUR PASTORAL SEARCH – Chris Brauns (2011)

When the Word Leads Your Pastoral Search by Chris Brauns should be required reading for churches who are seeking a new pastor. This work stands in sharp distinction to much of the material in print that focuses on the pastoral search process.

This book is distinct in three respects. First, as the title indicates, the Word of God is the basis for finding a new pastor. Indeed, this immediately catapults the book to the top of the list.

Second, Braun’s work is distinct because it is militant and non-pragmatic. Instead of driving a pastoral search with the typical categories that demand a pastor to possess an outgoing personality, specific education and expected abilities, this book encourages churches to find a man of God who will preach and teach the Word of God without compromise.

This leads to the third distinctive mark of Braun’s book, namely – the call to find a strong preacher of God’s Word. Paul sets forth the critical imperative, “Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Tim. 4:2, ESV).

The author includes helpful questions to ask during an interview and helpful suggestions for setting the tone to make a pastoral candidate feel welcome.

Strongly recommended.

THE MAN WHO CYCLED THE WORLD – Mark Beumont (2009)

Some people run marathons, others climb mountains. Some men dream dreams. Others live their dreams. Mark Beaumont cycled around the world. In doing so, he lived his dream. Anyone who circumnavigates the world by bicycle in 194 days 17 hours (a total of 18,296) has a story to tell. And Beumont tells his story well. The Scottish adventurer recounts his long distance ride in his book, The Man Who Cycled the World.

Beumont holds the Guinness Book World record. In fact, he demolished the record by a breathtaking 81 days. His journey took place in a series of seven legs:

Leg 1: Paris to Istanbul

Leg: 2 Istanbul to Calcutta

Leg 3: Bangkok to Singapore

Leg 4: Perth to Brisbane

Leg 5: Dunedin to Auckland

Leg 6: San Francisco to St. Augustine

Leg 7: Lisbon to Paris

Beumont tells the story in rich detail. His adventure includes new friends, enemies, car crashes, racism, cultural adjustment, rich food, horrible food to boot. His story is an inspiration to athletes and a rebuke to lazy Americans who can barely drag themselves from their vehicles to walk 100 feet to the front door of WalMart. It is a riveting tale of courage and perseverance; one that celebrates the tenacity of the human spirit.

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP – Jonathan Leeman (2012)

Jonathan Leeman’s newest installment, Church Membership is his latest contribution to the 9Marks Healthy Church Series. The author sets out to help readers understand what church membership is – since many appear to be confused or reject the very notion.

Leeman begins by arguing that the church is the highest kingdom authority on earth: “The local church is the authority on earth that Jesus has instituted to officially affirm and give shape to my Christian life and yours.” So when God’s people gather together, they do so under the kingly authority of Jesus.

Additionally, the author maintains that the church is an embassy : “A local church is a real-life embassy, set in the present that represents Christ’s future kingdom and his coming universal church.” Leeman continues, “A church member is a person who has been officially and publicly recognized as a Christian before the nations, as well as someone who shares in the same authority of officially affirming and overseeing other Christians in his or her church.”

And the author presents a principle that really emerges as the theme of the book, namely – “Christians don’t join churches; they submit to them.” This theme is developed later in the book as Leeman carefully develops the rationale for biblical submission.

Church Membership is a welcome addition to the 9Marks Series. The arguments are clear and biblical. The importance of church membership is emphasized in gracious tones that will captivate readers and spur them to action.

3.5 stars

SAVING EUTYCHUS – Gary Millar and Phil Campbell (2013)

I have a confession to make: I love books about preaching. There’s something exhilarating about reading about God’ spoken word. Indeed, every preacher is called to “preach the gospel … not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power” (1 Cor. 1:17). Saving Eutychus: How To Preach God’s Word and Keep People Awake is unique in its own right. It does not exhibit the strengths found in other preaching books, however. For instance, it does not stress the gravitas of the spoken word like Steven Lawson’s The Kind of Preaching God Blesses. It does not stress the importance of God-centeredness in preaching like John Piper’s work, The Supremacy of God in Preaching. It does not address preaching in a postmodern milieu like Albert Mohlers’s, He is Not Silent: Preaching in a Post-Modern World. And it doesn’t have the punch and power of Martyn Lloyd-Jones book, Preaching and Preachers. But this is not to suggest that Millar and Campbell have missed the mark. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Saving Eutychus is a refreshing reminder to pastors to preach sermons that aim for life transformation. Preaching must change lives and transform hearts. The thrust of their message is similar to the one I received in my D. Min program under Dr. Donald Sunukjian. My professor stresses over and over that the primary job of the sermon was not to “inform but to transform.”

Additionally, Millar and Cambell drive home the importance of keeping the people in the pews engaged. The book includes several practical suggestions for not only keeping people awake but keeping them engaged as well. And the bottom line: When people are not engaged, it is usually not their fault. Rather, it is the fault of the preacher.

Saving Eutychus echoes the main theme of Haddon Robinson’s, Biblical Preaching by presenting the importance of developing a sermonic big idea. Don Sunukjian drilled this into my brain over ten years ago as well. It is a lesson I’ve never forgotten.

Saving Eutychus includes a section on effective delivery that I found very helpful. The authors call it the “delivery sphere” where pastors are encouraged to vary their pace, volume and pitch. They rightly note, “Dull preaching shares a few characteristics. Monotone delivery – locked on a fixed pitch – is hypnotic.”

Finally, whenever Don Carson recommends a book, potential readers should listen carefully. Carson gets the last word here: “If I could, I would make this little book mandatory reading for seminarians everywhere, and then urge them to read it a couple more times during the course of their ministry. It avoids cutesy and manipulative suggestions, and makes its practical points while urging integrity, faithfulness, and imagination. Many books on preaching are published every year; this one is a ‘must.'”

4 stars

JOHN ELEFANTE – On My Way to the Sun (2013)

Kansas was my first taste of progressive rock in the early 80’s – a blend of heavy guitars, keyboards, and melodic vocals – set to complex melodies and soul-searching lyrics. Songs like Play the Game Tonight, Hold On, and Fight Fire With Fire set a high watermark for a new generation of musicians. John Elefante provided the vocals for those Kansas classics. He continues his musical journey with his latest, release, On My Way to the Sun.

The first thing listeners will notice is the classic sound that catapulted Kansas into the national spotlight over thirty years ago. Strong and melodic vocals dominate the album. The production is first-rate, the kind of work that Elefante fans have grown accustomed to. The arrangements are tight and sound is current – really a mix of the present and the past.

The title cut, On My Way to the Sun tracks a pilgrim who learns hard lessons and ultimately comes to the end of himself: “Lately, life’s been good to me/I finally found the key to what it’s all about/This is a life that’s been truly turned around/And this is no make believe.”

This is How the Story Goes is an 11 minute progressive tune that is reminiscent of Kansas; a true feast for the ears. Elefante is quick to alert listeners about the most important thing in life, namely – one’s eternal destiny: “And this is how the story goes/You must believe it all my friends from the beginning to the end/Cause everyone lives forever/We just have to choose where my friend.” As the tune progresses, the answer is given for people desperate for hope: “A Virgin had a Son/And a stone was rolled away/So how can we be terminal because He lives today.” Kansas fans will swear that Kerry Livgren and Dave Hope joined Elefante for this one!

We All Fall Short is a brilliant acoustic driven tune that awakens listeners to this fundamental reality, namely, every person has committed cosmic treason against a holy God, and has as a result, fallen short of His glory: “But we all fall short of the glory of the Lord/And if we stand on the fence it’s not a life we can afford/No better place to be than beneath His wings/And the love that we crave is the love that He brings.”

This Time is a haunting, cello dominated tune that follows a girl who gets pregnant outside of wedlock and is pressured to walk through the horrific prospect of having an abortion. The song is a powerful reminder that life is a gift from God – that life is meant to be cherished and treasured. A very special song, indeed.

Confess is a gospel-exalting song that celebrates the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ and the forgiveness He offers every person who confess their transgressions: “Praise Him and fall to your knees and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord/And He’ll be faithful to forgive you of your sin/Just confess that Jesus is Lord.”

My hope is that John Elefante’s new work will attract a whole new audience. This is masterful music that honors God and lifts the cross of Christ high! Play it loud and worship with a heart that magnifies and exalts the King of the universe!

5 stars

C.H. SPURGEON ON SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP – Steve Miller (2003)

C.H. Spurgeon On Spiritual Leadership by Steve Miller encourages readers, especially pastors, to emulate the life of the prince of preachers – Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Spurgeon was not only known for his breathtaking preaching; he is also celebrated for his spiritual leadership.

The author has selected some key areas of leadership that mark the life of the British pastor including prayer, faith, holiness, service, love for the Word of God, a heart for the lost, and a single-minded affection for the gospel of Christ. Spurgeon quotes are littered throughout the book which serve as a catalyst for ministry and further study.

C.H. Spurgeon On Spiritual Leadership, while good – is a very basic introduction to the prince of preachers. I recommend Iain Murray’s, The Forgotten Spurgeon for a more comprehensive treatment.

3 stars

PREACH [Theology Meets Practice] – Mark Dever and Greg Gilbert (2012)

Mark Dever and Greg Gilbert love the church of Jesus Christ. Whenever one of their books is released, it becomes immediately clear that a love for Christ’s church and the gospel are at the very core of each man. For example, I give a copy of Greg Gilbert’s excellent work, What is the Gospel? to each baptismal candidate at the church I pastor. It’s that good! So when Dever and Gilbert combine their collective experience and wisdom in order to write a book on preaching, my attention is automatically piqued.

Of course the authors don’t disappoint. Preach [Theology Meets Practice] is extremely informative and encouraging. Part One covers basic theological territory that lays the groundwork for the remainder of the book. The authors explore the important themes of propositional revelation, the power of God’s Word, and the centrality of expositional preaching. The kind of preaching they rightly promote is defined as “preaching in which the main point of the biblical text being considered becomes the main point of the sermon being preached.” Finally, the section concludes with a discussion that discusses the purpose of preaching: “We preach with the goal of spurring believers on in their maturity in Christ and of awakening nonbelievers to their need for the Savior … we preach with two main aims, to edify and to evangelize.”

Part Two surveys the practice of preaching. This highly practical section includes the nuts and bolts of the preaching task – preparation, structure, outlining, diagraming, and delivering the sermon. Dever and Gilbert trade back and forth sharing their particular bent on a given matter which brings depth to the overall tone of the book.

Once again, Mark Dever and Greg Gilbert provide an invaluable service to the church. Preach [Theology Meets Practice] is a terrific book for both beginning preachers and seasoned veterans. Beginning preachers will be encouraged to focus on the fundamentals of preaching and gain a host of practical suggestions that will inform and enhance their ministries for years to come. Experienced preachers will be refreshed and will receive new motivation for continuing a work that is of utmost value in God’s kingdom.

4 stars

THEOCRACY – As the World Bleeds (2011)

It’s possible that Theocracy may be one of the best and most under-rated bands in the world. While the boys from Atlanta boast a huge underground following, for some reason they have not gained the notoriety they deserve. Their latest album, As the World Bleeds should have catapulted them onto a bigger stage. It is filled with progressive metal that rivals bands like Dream Theater and Symphony X.

But what sets Theocracy apart is their approach to songwriting. While all the songs are valuable in their own right, a few in particular tunes stand out. Nailed follows a man who seeks desperately to receive salvation – but he travels a path of works-based righteousness that leads to emptiness and frustration:

I’ve been working for my whole life to get to the other side
And try to achieve true righteousness
All the scourges and whips I cracked
The flesh I ripped off my back
It only led me to emptiness

Here I am, a broken man who’s done all that a man could do
And found that it’s only filthy rags
Monasteries, religious schools, indulgences, laws and rules
It all added up to nothing and darkness and death
Vanity, Heartache, and emptiness
Efforts all fading away
The flesh and defeat that it brings
‘Till You guide me and show me things
That my eyes have never seen before
As I burst forth from the belly of the beast
Never fight it anymore
For the burden on my life has been released
Nail it to the door

Nailed these ninety-five things I’ve learned
They’ll say that I must be burned
For God has no place for heretics
All the things that they try to sell
It’s trickery straight from Hell
To turn it into a den of thieves

See these madmen peddling the wares of dead men’s souls
Collecting on a debt already paid so long ago
There’s fire in my spirit, and fire in their eyes
For now they’ll want to burn me alive
Yet freedom rings
Unworthiness is all I bring
The blood of Christ is all I claim
This grace revealed everything
That my eyes have never seen before
As I burst forth from the belly of the beast
Never fight it anymore
For the burden on my life has been released
Nail it to the door

Of course, the context reveals that the identify of the man: This is the German monk, Martin Luther who rediscovered the doctrine of justification by faith alone and published his astonishing biblical conclusions for the world to see on the castle door at Wittenberg. Of course, not everyone is as pleased with these lyrics that celebrate the Protestant Reformation. But Theocracy is merely rehearsing the God-centered resolve and resolutions of Luther. Soli Deo Gloria!

30 Pieces of Silver is a fast-moving epic metal tune that gets inside the head of Judas Iscariot:

All the treasure in the world so blinding
30 pieces of silver shining
Tell me what’s the price you seek
To place the kiss of death upon His cheek?
Blood money and the serpent winding
30 pieces of silver shining
Treasure fades away
What a price to pay anyway

Drown explores Peter’s faltering faith and the struggle of every believer to trust Christ in the face of adversity:

I see a ghost, a spirit
Walking on the water
He bids me come to Him
Without a boat
To walk upon the sea

So I jump over the edge
And take a step upon the water
I’m getting closer
As I feel the sea move
Underneath my feet

I feel the wind and hear
The roar of waves
That crash around me
And when they get their hold on me
I feel I’m going down
Please don’t let me drown

Like Peter all those years ago
Who looked away and sank below
When I sink in seas of doubt
Will You take my hand and pull me out?
The devil and the deep blue sea
With open arms awaiting me
But I won’t go down tonight
If I keep my eyes on You, I’ll be alright

Altar to the Unknown God recounts Paul’s address to the philosophers at Mars Hill. It is a bold denunciation of the propensity for humans to erect idols and bow down to gods of stone and a challenge to pay homage to the one true God:

Build a fire and fan the flame
Sacrifice without a name
Offerings on the altar to the unknown god

Multitudes of gods cover our landscapes and our lives
Images of deities and halls of sacrifice
Philosophers and scholars and sophisticates we are
Our gods are our religion and religion is our god

A stranger came to town one day
And fearlessly proclaimed
“The unknown god you worship
On this altar has a name”
He said, “This god is not an image
Or a statue of the dead
In Him we live and have our being
As your own poets have said”

He dwells not in temples
Built by human hands
He needs no assistance
Or service of man
The nameless you worship
Is greater than all
Your idols of death
Never answer your call
All nations He formed
From the flesh of one man
He marked out their times
And the boundaries of lands
Your life and your breath
He bestows with the day
So seek Him and find Him
For He is not far away

As the World Bleeds is a classic Christian metal album with songwriting that is biblically informed and combined with soaring and melodic vocals, screaming guitars, and a relentless rhythm that matches the intensity of the lyrics. If you’re looking for elevator music to calm your gangled nerves, you might look elsewhere! But if you’re after face-melting, progressive, epic, Christocentric metal, Theocracy is is for you!