Veritas et Lux

Living By Revealed Truth: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon – Tom Nettles (2013) Part 3

Chapter 2: Made for Gospel Ministry

Dr. Nettles continues to guide readers on a fascinating account of Spurgeon’s ministry by beginning with his first sermon and first pastorate. Spurgeon himself admitted, “I felt my own inability to preach.” Yet the rookie preacher acknowledged from the beginning that God had his number. Spurgeon affirmed the irresistible sovereign grace that God wielded upon his life, the One who “had plucked me as a brand from the burning, and set me upon a rock, and put a new song in my mouth, and established my goings.”

Spurgeon affirmed the doctrines of grace at the beginning of his ministry and finished strong as a five point Calvinist. He proclaimed, “I am a Calvinist … It is Calvinism they want in London, and any Arminian preaching will not be endured.” My how times have changed. These days, a tepid Arminianism dominates many pulpits, especially in America. And when the doctrines of grace wane, the church diminishes in power and gospel effectiveness. But most of all, the glory of God is obscured.

One notable feature is the power that was manifest in Spurgeon’s pulpit from the onset of his ministry. He remarked, “The pulpit is no place for weak, stunted, deformed, wretched-looking men.” He maintained his commitment to Calvinism with bold resolve while at the same time fleeing from the erroneous doctrine of hyper-Calvinism. Indeed, this man was made for gospel ministry.

Living By Revealed Truth: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon – Tom Nettles (2013) Part 2

Chapter 1: Birth to New Birth

Living By Revealed Truth Begins where any biography ought to begin – at the beginning. Spurgeon was born on June 19, 1834 and was influenced at an early age by dead writers: “The old writers, who are, by far, the most sensible – for you will notice that the books that were written about 200 years ago by the old Puritans have more sense in one line than there is in a page of our new books – and more in a page than there is in a whole volume of our modern divinity!” Spurgeon was influenced by the likes of John Owen, Stephen Charnock, and John Bunyan – men who would inform his theological mind for the duration of his ministry.

The author unfolds the fascinating story of Spurgeon’s conversion and rise to pulpit ministry. Spurgeon reports, “Ah me, how I seemed offended against the justice of God; I was impure and polluted, and I used to say, ‘If God does not send me to hell, He ought to do it.’ I sat in judgment upon myself, and pronounced the sentence that I felt would be just.” He continues, “Then I was brought down to see my corruption, my wickedness, my filthiness, for God always humbled the sinner whom He means to save.”

Spurgeon’s testimony is remarkable, especially given the postmodern aversion to proclaiming the sinfulness of sin and the efficacy of the substitutionary atonement. For example, Tony Crank, Senior pastor of the One Love Church recently opined, “Some churches have become the kind of place where you point the finger, and you condemn and rebuke and you’re really quick to do it, and so I think that is definitely lending itself to people not wanting anything to do with church and thinking church sucks!” Evidently the kind of approach that Crank opposes is precisely the kind of ministry that was instrumental in Spurgeon’s entry into the kingdom of God.

The Puritan writer, Samuel Bolton agrees with Spurgeon’s approach and opposes Pastor Crank: “When you see that men have been wounded by the law, then it is time to pour in the balm of Gospel oil. It is the sharp needle of the law that makes way for the scarlet thread of the gospel.”

Spurgeon’s conversion is instructive and his subsequent ministry informs the conscience of anyone who seeks to reach lost people. He remarked, “To preach in this great building the self-same gospel in the same simple tones. Sinners, look to Christ and be saved.” Spurgeon taught a simple lesson that every pastor must heed. Sinners must be confronted with their sin. They must understand how they have violated God’s holy law. And they must be exhorted to look to Christ, to believe in Christ, to embrace his salvific benefits that he purchased on the cross.

Living By Revealed Truth: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon – Tom Nettles (2013) Part 1

Living by Revealed Truth: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon by Tom Nettles is a magnum opus if I ever saw one. The subtitle nicely summarizes the path that is set before readers as they study the rich biography of the Prince of Preachers and gain insight into the theological landscape that dominated his ministry for almost 40 years.

The introduction leaves no room for ambiguity. Spurgeon was a Bible man, an uncompromising pastor who loved to proclaim the truth of Scripture. One man captures the essence of the British pulpiteer, when someone inquired about the secret of Spurgeon’s effectiveness after his death: “Two things; first, he had one single object before him always, ‘to win souls for God by preaching Christ, and Him crucified and risen’; second, his own personal faith in Christ was always feeding on Christ as revealed in Holy Scripture.”

Eighteen marvelous chapters are packed into this book of nearly 700 pages. Over the next several days, I intend to present the high points, noting the strengths of the book and any criticisms that may arise. One thing is sure: Spurgeon was a towering figure in 19th century England and he continues to wield a mighty influence on preachers in the 21st century. His influence on this preacher has been inestimable. His integrity, passion for truth, love of evangelism, and heart for people is a mighty boon for the soul. I’m looking forward to the journey!

Three Days in Moscow: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of the Soviet Empire

rea May 31, 2018, is the thirtieth anniversary of President Reagan’s speech at Moscow State University. On that day, our 40th president stood before a packed house of enthusiastic students who listened to a message of freedom and hope. Lurking behind Reagan was a mural of the Russian revolution and the bust of Vladimir Lenin. When press secretary Marlin Fitzwater was asked about this strange pairing, he replied, “If anybody would ever appreciate Lenin having to spend an hour and a half looking at the backside of Ronald Reagan, it would be the president.”

Three Days in Moscow: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of the Soviet Empire by Bret Baier celebrates the life and legacy of President Ronald Reagan. Baier provides an inside look at the Reagan administration and the events leading up to his monumental speech at the Moscow State University.

President Reagan inspired hope in each of the participants that day:

Standing here before a mural of your revolution, I want to talk about a very different revolution that is taking place right now, quietly sweeping the globe without bloodshed or conflict. Its effects are peaceful, but they will fundamentally alter our world, shatter old assumptions, and reshape our lives.

We do not know what the conclusion will be of this journey, but we’re hopeful that the promise of reform will be fulfilled. In this Moscow spring, this May 1988, we may be allowed that hope: that freedom, like the fresh green sapling planted over Tolstoy’s grave, will blossom forth at last in the rich fertile soil of your people and culture. We may be allowed to hope that the marvelous sound of a new openness will keep rising through, ringing through, leading to a new world of reconciliation, friendship, and peace.

Baier comments, “He was a messenger of hope, seducing them with their own longings, which he knew they had. How could they resist the poignant cry of their countryman?”

One cannot help but recall that President Barack Obama uttered similar words, namely, to “fundamentally transform America.” But the vision Obama was after had more to do with big government, higher taxes, escalated regulation, and minimized religious freedom. Reagan demanded the opposite and he understood that the Soviet people yearned for this kind of freedom.

At the end of the speech, the audience gave Reagan a standing ovation. Baier reports, “Reagan later quipped that while they were cheering, he’d glanced behind him and seen Lenin weeping.”

Three Days in Moscow: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of the Soviet Empire is a stirring historical tale of freedom that chronicles the ascent of Ronald Reagan to the highest office in the land. Brett Baier accurately and passionately recounts the details of his presidency and the leadership gifts he shared with the American people and the world.

Growing in Christ – J.I. Packer

J.I. Packer, Growing in Christ (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2022), 333 pp.

Growing in Christ by J.I. Packer was originally published in 1994. Crossway Books has updated this volume for a new generation of readers. Dr. Packer is convinced that the way of catechesis has fallen into hard times and needs to be revived.

The book is arranged into four parts that explore the Apostles’ Creed, baptism and conversion, The Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments. Packer’s theological insight and breadth is refreshing, which is no surprise to anyone who followed Dr. Packer before he went to be with the Lord.

Growing in Christ is a brilliant display of scholarship that is geared toward laymen and anyone who desires to develop spiritual courage and robust spirituality.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

Spineless: Restoring Courage and Conviction to the People of God

Spineless: Restoring Courage and Conviction to the People of God addresses the insipid kind of “Christianity” that has subtly slipped into the church. It carefully diagnoses the decline of Christian courage and traces its tragic demise. The book sets forth a carefully crafted plan for recovering lost ground in our generation. And it presents biblical strategies for restoring our spiritual muscle and sets a course for moving forward with bold courage and conviction in a world that is hostile to the historic Christian faith.

Endorsements

“Every generation of church history demonstrates that the people of God must exercise courage and conviction in order to pass on the truth to the next. In our own generation, we have seen countless men and women capitulate God’s truth in exchange for cultural relevancy. Spineless is the manifesto we so desperately need. Thoroughly biblical, David Steele has served the church well by setting courage and conviction as the necessary virtues that will ensure that believers never surrender the high ground of God’s truth in Christ.”

–DR. DUSTIN BENGE, Provost and Professor of Church History, Union School of Theology, Bridgend, Wales

“Spineless is a call for courageous and convictional Christianity in the midst of an evangelicalism that is often more prone to capitulation than to fearless proclamation Author David Steele, identifies the problems afflicting both the church and the world but he is not content to simply “curse the darkness”; he shines the light back to the path of courageous Christianity. The need is great. The stakes are high. The time is now to stand up for truth and to stand confidently on God’s inerrant Word. Steele skillfully utilizes history, theology, and worldview scholarship as he illustrates the biblical call to courage. This book is biblical, timely, and needed. You will learn, grow, and be challenged to a life of courageous faithfulness. I recommend this excellently written work.”

–DR. RAY RHODES, JR., Author of Yours, Till Heaven: The Untold Love Story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon and Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon.

“This is a timely call from Pastor Steele to avoid, in a time of great opposition to the Christian faith, the sin Christians fall into of passivity and cowardice. It is a helpful reminder of the importance of staying rooted in Scripture and being helped by the example of heroes of the faith, like the OT prophets, the apostles, the Reformers, the Huguenots, and the Puritans. Also being instructed by theologians like Luther, Calvin, Bavinck, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, J.I. Packer, C. S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer and Al Mohler in his book, The Gathering Storm. Specifically, strong Christians must settle the matter of worldviews, and be aware of the stark contrast between biblical Christianity and false religious and philosophical systems of our day, knowing that only the Christian worldview is sufficient.”

–DR. PETER JONES, Director, TruthXchange; author of The Other Worldview, Escondido, CA

“My comrade in ministry has hit another home run with this book. One of the most detrimental quotes attributed to Francis of Assisi so many Christians have latched onto is the saying, “Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.” Dr. Steele balances this ancient pragmatism with the facts that those who have most, and will most transform society are those who know the Word, are convinced and convicted of its authority and truth, and apply it daily in their thoughts, hearts, actions and proclamation of the gospel. Never more than today do we need men and women of conviction that know their Bibles and proclaim and live its message boldly with grace and truth. Thanks again, Dr. Steele for such a motivational manifesto to be theologically and theocentrically courageous in our time by speaking and proclaiming the gospel clearly and loudly.”

–DR. DAVID P. CRAIG, Lead Pastor, Valley Baptist Church, San Rafael, CA

“In his latest book, Spineless: Restoring Courage and Conviction to the People of God, David Steele takes readers by the hand and guides them as only a pastor-theologian par excellence can into the rich soil of biblical-theological convictions that will help shape their lives. In our day, we need Christians who are unafraid of the truth and unashamed to stand upon God’s Word. David, in this work not only gives the correct diagnosis, but the remedy to the ills of why many Christians lack a backbone by steadying our gaze upon the biblical text and the person and work of Jesus Christ. By doing so, he helps his readers discover from the Bible and Church History how men and women of God have stood upon the truth of God’s Word with courage and conviction. Wherever you are at in your walk with the Lord and whatever station you have in the church reading, Spineless will help you grow and be shaped by the Word of God, for a life lived under the gaze of God, for the glory of God.”

–DAVE JENKINS, Executive Director, Servants of Grace Ministries, Executive Editor, Theology for Life Magazine, Host, Equipping You in Grace, Teacher, Servants of Grace and Warrior of Grace Podcasts

“Drawing from the rich legacy of bold and courageous men of church history, and chock-full of sound biblical teaching, Spineless is a must read for all Christians who desire to boldly live with courage and conviction in an age of timidity and rampant compromise.”

–JEREMY PICKENS, Senior Pastor, Good Shepherd Church, Ferndale, WA

“I not only highly recommend this book to you, but just as importantly, its author. Dr. David Steele doesn’t just write words well, he lives them out. His character is worthy of emulating and his writings should be read and reflected on. We need more men like Pastor Steele, men of Gospel grit, who confront our age’s spinelessness with courage and boldness.”

–BRYAN PICHURA, Senior Pastor, Mount Olivet Church, Huron, SD

“The negative effects of pride and domineering church leadership have been well documented, but not enough has been said and written about the perils of cowardice and passivity. Drawing from Scripture, church history, and personal life experience, Dr. David Steele pens a well-researched book for Christians to get serious about being men and women of courage. The amount of relevant church history references in this book is stunning. It’s the kind of book that will be particularly suitable for young Christians.”

–DAVID QAOUD, Associate Pastor, Blogger, Bethesda Evangelical Church, St. Louis, MO gospelrelevance.com

Available now on Amazon

Blackout: How Black America Can Make Its Second Escape from the Democrat Plantation

Blackout: How Black America Can Make Its Second Escape from the Democrat Plantation by Candace Owens will irritate and offend many people. But this is a book that needed to be written. More importantly, this is a book that deserves to be read and internalized.

Owens explores how liberals have consistently manipulated and marginalized black Americans. She tackles controversial subjects ranging from family, faith, and feminism. But she also focuses her attention on socialism, education, media, culture, and slavery.

Owens is an unashamed black conservative woman. She has a dizzying intellect and a charismatic personality. But the most impressive thing about Owens is that she is bold and courageous. She is willing to tell the truth about the liberal elites and is more than prepared for the fallout.

The author is deeply in touch with the plight of the black community. And she links that plight to the purposeful ploy of leftists who have and continue to pander to African Americans and hold them captive to their liberal worldview and ideology.

Owens passionately encourages black America to stand and be counted. She urges black America to make its second escape from the Democrat plantation: “If black America finds its free voice; if there is a blackout from the liberal establishment, and if the occasional voices of those freed from the mental slavery of the left turn instead into a chorus, then black America will finally find that its suffering may turn a corner …”

Owens raises the banner and admonishes black America to reclaim their freedom and move forward with bold and courageous resolve:

The gates of the castle are under attack. We must now batter them down and storm the fortress of the liberal order. Join the ideological battle now. Let us turn the lights off in the liberal establishments of America as we shut the door behind us. Let us make this blackout a reality.

Blackout should be required reading for every thinking American – both black and white and everyone in between. It should certainly be read by every high school and university student. Those who read with an open mind will be challenged and moved to action.

Thanks to Candace Owens for courageously wielding the sword of truth in these perilous times!

Theocracy – Remastered and Remixed (2007)

The 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 an 80s-like keyboard intro, the album begins with a double-base drum anthem that celebrates victory in Christ. Here are 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’s wings you lift 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 I’VE 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 leads the kingdom of my life to ruin
to bring every thought 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!

Standing on the Authority of God’s Word

We are children of postmodernity. The challenges before us may seem daunting. We live in a culture that relies heavily on hunches, intuitions, and feelings. The emphasis on the subjective has led many to deny biblical Christianity and reject any notion of truth. The witty British writer, G.K. Chesterton poetically described the plight of postmodern culture: “Once people stop believing in God, the problem is not that they will believe nothing; rather the problem is that they will believe anything.”

Given the dismal postmodern attitude toward authority, where are we to turn? Perhaps more than ever, we as disciples of Jesus need a solid rock to stand on or the waves of syncretism, pluralism, and false teaching may sweep us away. We must, therefore, begin and end with the Bible as the source of divine revelation from God.

The Word of God is our highest authority. Therefore, we also need to become acquainted with the supreme value of Scripture and the benefits it brings to our daily lives. Understanding the transcendent worth of God’s Word not only helps us grow more deeply in love with the Savior; it helps point our generation to the truth that can be found in Jesus Christ alone. Consider a few valuable qualities of God’s Word found in Psalm 19:7.

God’s Authoritative Word

First, the Word of God is perfect. Psalm 19:7 plainly says, “The law of the LORD is perfect.” The Hebrew word translated perfect means “complete, whole, or sound.” It is in accord with what is true. So we can confidently approach God’s Word with the full assurance that the truth presented corresponds to reality. God’s Word is not a trifle or a fad. It is perfect in every way and demands our unwavering allegiance.

Psalm 19:7 secondly reveals that God’s Word is the means of conversion. “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul.” In other words, apart from God’s Word, conversion is impossible. Calvin indicates that while God is revealed in general revelation, the “spectacles of faith” are needed to rightly perceive and receive God. “It is needful that another and better help be added to direct us aright to the very Creator of the universe . . . So the Scripture, gathering up the otherwise confused knowledge of God in our minds, having dispersed our dullness clearly shows us the true God.” Spurgeon adds force to the argument that God’s Word is the means of conversion:

The great means of the conversion of sinners is the Word of God, and the more closely we keep to it in our ministry the more likely we are to be successful . . . Try men’s depraved nature with philosophy and reasoning, and it laughs at your efforts to scorn, but the Word of God soon works a transformation.

So people everywhere must submit to God’s Word and recognize the biblical truth that salvation belongs to the Lord.

Third, the Word of God is reliable and trustworthy. “The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple” (Ps. 19:7b, NIV). “Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true” (Ps. 119:142). “O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised good things to your servant” (2 Sam. 7:28). God’s Word is the anchor of truth for believers who live in a world that balks at the notion of truth. It is the firm foundation where believers may confidently rest, knowing that the sacred Scriptures will never disappoint for they are utterly reliable and trustworthy.

When Luther stood before the Diet at Worms and was asked to repudiate his books and the “errors they contain,” he replied:

Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason – I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other – my conscience is held captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me, Amen.

May God grant us the rigor and courage of Luther as we hold the authoritative Word of God high in the unique culture where God has providentially placed us.

Unified – Tim Scott & Trey Gowdy

unified Tim Scott & Trey Gowdy, Unified (Carol Stream: Tyndale, 2018), 220 pp.

We may live in one of the most divided times in American history. The cultural climate is rising without any hope of resolution in sight. Senator Tim Scott and Congressman, Trey Goudy recognize the problems in our land. Yet, they both have a realistic outlook, which is laced with optimism. Their book, Unified invites readers to pursue racial reconciliation and restoration, which will strengthen the fabric of our fractured nation.

Unified is a very basic book that reads like a conversation between two lawmakers. These conservative thinkers, who have become the best of friends, bring their unique conservative perspectives to the table. Their mutual love and respect for one another are apparent from the outset. These two men, who are both committed Christ-followers model what friendship can and should look like.

Senator Scott and Congressman Gowdy steer clear of politics, however. Their aim is to promote an optimistic vision of hope for the future of our nation:

“We believe that our nation can be united and transformed by conversations and friendships that lead to reconciliation and understanding. As Americans, we must uphold the ideals of freedom, equality, justice, and opportunity, even as we continue to work together to make those ideals a reality for all. We must come together, find solutions, and get to a point where we can see that our strength as a nation is rooted in all that is good in our world.”

There are no quick fixes here. The authors understand and acknowledge that legislation will not cure the illness in American culture. True and lasting change must take place in the lives of people. In what may prove to be the most important insight in the book, Senator Scott writes, “We will change the nation only by changing the condition of the human heart.” This change, undergirded by the gospel of grace has the power to change individuals and families. Then and only then, will our nation see a renewal.

Unified is a worthy read by two men of integrity; men who are striving to make America a better place. This is the first of many steps but it is a step in the right direction.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.