The Meaning of Marriage – Timothy and Kathy Keller (2012)

0525952470_lThe Meaning of Marriage by Timothy and Kathy Keller is a thoughtful look at marriage through the lens of Scripture.  The Keller’s pull no punches.  This book is honest and transparent.  They reveal some of the struggles they have overcome in their marriage and point readers to biblical solutions.  The Meaning of Marriage definitely has a “Keller-like” feel to it.  Much of the book is deep and serious (one of the many reasons why Keller’s popularity continues to escalate), but it is filled with practical help for newlyweds and marriage veterans alike.

The thesis of the book is that “through marriage, the mystery of the gospel is unveiled … marriage is a major vehicle for the gospel’s remaking of your heart from the inside out and your life from the ground up.”

The major strength of the book is the continual return to the gospel: “The only way to avoid sacrificing your partner’s joy and freedom on the altar of your need is to turn to the ultimate lover of your soul.  He voluntarily sacrificed himself on the cross, taking what you deserved for your sins against God and others.”

The Meaning of Marriage affirms complementarianism and rejects the growing tide of egalitarianism.  The apologetic for complementarianism is offered in a gracious manner and emerges in what may be the best chapter of the book (chapter six) which is authored by Kathy Keller.

My only complaint is Keller’s argument that remarriage may be an option even when a previous spouse is still living.  While he does not develop his argument at length, the popularity of the Erasmian view is alarming.  Readers should refer to John Piper’s work, This Momentary Marriage for the opposing view.

Overall, The Meaning of Marriage is a valuable book that should be devoured and utilized for years to come.

4 stars

THE LIFE OF GOD IN THE SOUL OF THE CHURCH – Thabiti Anyabwile (2012)

The Life of God in the Soul of the Church by Thabiti Anyabwile is a refreshing look at the inner life of a healthy functioning New Testament church.  Pastor Anyabwile is lays the foundation in part one by pointing to the reality of our union with Christ.  He discusses the nature and goal of spiritual fellowship and discusses the role of the Trinity  and their respective responsibilities in building the church.

In Part two, the author makes direct application by making an appeal to the “one another’s” of the New Testament.  Each chapter is arranged in a thematic and expositional fashion that aims to glorify God.  The Life of God in the Soul of the Church aims for the heart.  Anyabwile continues to make solid contributions to the local church.

KINGDOM THROUGH COVENANT – Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum (2012)

One of the thorniest theological dilemmas in my mind concerns two systems of thought, namely, Dispensationalism and Covenant Theology.  God found me and saved me by his grace in a Conservative Baptist Church that was heavily influenced by Classical Dispensationalism.  With the arrival of the third pastor, I learned the distinction between the church and Israel, various dispensations, two peoples of God, not to mention the so-called carnal Christian theory.  These notions particular to Classical Dispensational thought were fairly commonplace at the time and I accepted them uncritically.

My time in a well known Christian University continued to engrain dispensational distinctives into my mind.  But in 1988,  the theological tides began to shift.  It began with the publication of a book by John MacArthur, The Gospel According to Jesus.  MacArthur delivered a death nell to the so called “carnal Christian theory” and distanced himself from some of the primary tenets of dispensational theology.  At the same time, MacArthur was writing as a committed Dispensationalist, what we refer today as Progressive Dispensationalism.  The Gospel According to Jesus not only refuted some of the errors in Classical Dispensationalism; it also introduced readers to the Puritans and spoke in positive terms about Reformed theology – both subjects that were frowned upon by several professors in the Christian University I attended.

Kingdom Through Covenant by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum, is in many ways the book that I have been waiting for.  The authors strive to forge a path between dispensationalism and covenant theology.  Their two-fold purpose is set forth at the beginning of the book: “First, we want to show how central the concept of ‘covenant’ is to the narrative plot structure of the Bible, and secondly, how a number of crucial theological differences within Christian theology, and the resolution of those differences, are directly tied to one’s understanding of how the biblical covenants unfold and relate to each other” (p. 21).

The thesis of Gentry and Wellum is that “the covenants constitute the framework of the larger story.  They are the backbone of the biblical narrative” (p. 138).  As such, God would sovereignly choose Israel to be his covenant representatives, “a light to the world of what it means to be properly related to God and to treat each other properly according to the dignity of our humanity” (p. 138).  But Israel failed.  They did not keep the Mosaic Covenant.  As a result they were cursed for their disobedience.  However, the Scripture speaks of a new covenant; a day when it would be possible to keep the covenant.  Jesus fulfilled prophecy and rescued Israel from the curse: “Then as King of Israel, he had to do what the nation as a whole had failed to do: bring blessing to the nations.  He accomplished both by dying on the cross” (p. 296).

In presenting the via media between dispensationalism and covenant theology, the authors aim to strike a biblical balance while paying a certain degree of homage to each respective school of thought.  In a pivotal moment, the authors appear to strike the necessary balance with a great deal of precision: “Contrary to covenant theology, which has a tendency to speak of God’s one plan of salvation in terms of the ‘covenant of grace,’ or ‘dispensational theology,’ which tends to partition history in terms of dispensations, it is more accurate to think in terms of a plurality of covenants, which are part of the progressive revelation of the one plan of God that is fulfilled in the new covenant” (p. 602).  The authors continue add, “In contrast to the other theological views, our proposal of ‘kingdom through covenant’ wants consistently to view and apply the previous covenants through the lens of Jesus’ person and work and the arrival of the new covenant age.”

Kingdom Through Covenant is written by two godly men who are fair-minded in their approach and careful to accurately describe their theological opponents.  While their proposal is fresh and bold, they in no way claim to have the final answer on this disputed matter.  Rather, this 716 page tome serves as the entry point for meaningful discussion.  Their approach is light years away from some of the mean-spirited polemics that took place between the proponents of covenant theology and dispensationalism in the 70-‘s and 80’s.  The church should receive the work of Gentry and Wellum as a gracious gift that will spark meaningful discussion for decades to come.  A fine work, indeed!

4.5 stars

THE CASE FOR CHRIST – Lee Strobel

The Case For Christ by Lee Strobel, a former atheistic journalist turned pastor, retraces his spiritual journey by interviewing thirteen leading scholars and authorities.  Strobel asks penetrating questions and forces these scholars to defend their views with solid data and argumentation.  He plays the role of “devil’s advocate” and asks questions that a typical skeptic might ask.   The author hopes to challenge the presuppositions of the reader and force him to think through various questions that affect his eternal destiny.  He drives home the point that if Jesus is to be believed, then nothing is more important than a proper response to him.

Part one examines the Scriptural record detailing the life of Jesus.  Strobel examines  the biographies of Christ and challenges their veracity.  He determines whether the biographies of Jesus were preserved for modern readership.  He searches for evidence of Jesus’ life and teaching outside the gospel accounts.  And he sets out to verify whether archeological evidence exists that bolsters the claims of Christ.  Despite the Strobel’s rigorous questioning of the hard data, the case for Christ emerges victorious.

Part two turns from the record of Jesus to the man himself.  Strobel seeks to determine if Jesus was really convinced he was the Son of God (as opposed to films like The Last Temptation of Christ) which portray Jesus as a doubting, insecure person.  Strobel interviews Gary Collins to determine whether or not Jesus maintained his sanity throughout his life.  Was he a lunatic?  Was he crazy?  Or was he truly  who he claimed to be – the eternal Son of God.  In his interview with D.A. Carson, the author sets out to determine whether Jesus’ attributes really matched the attributes of God’s.  And finally, the author meets with Louis Lapides a converted Jewish pastor to determine if Jesus is really the long-awaited Messiah.

Part three examines the evidence for the resurrection.  Strobel’s interview with Alexander Metherell, M.D. is fascinating and convincing as they challenge the so-called Swoon theory and come to terms with the fact that Jesus really did die on the cross.  Strobel questions the eminent philosopher, William Lane Craig on the evidence for Jesus’ missing body.  The post-resurrection appearances is discussed with Gary Habermaas.  And the circumstantial evidence supporting the resurrection of Christ is supported by J.P. Moreland.

The author draws the book to a close by challenging the reader with the evidence.  He recalls his own personal story that brought him to this point: It would take more faith to adhere to atheism than trust in Jesus Christ!  In the final analysis, he lays the evidence at the feet of the reader and forces him to make a decision.  In light of the evidence for Christ and his unique claim to be God, a choice must be made.  Strobel presents a simple gospel message and the reader is left hanging in the balance.

The Case For Christ is a terrific  book.  Many strengths run throughout Strobel’s fine work.  First, he interviews credible scholars.  These men argue the claims of Christianity with clear and passionate argumentation.  The author’s selection of scholars is noteworthy.  He really picks the cream of the crop.  I was particularly pleased with his decision to interview D.A. Carson and J.P. Moreland.  Second, the book helps skeptics to see the issues and examine all the pertinent questions.  There is no hint of subterfuge in this book.  Not one hint of evidence is hidden from the reader’s eyes.  Third, Strobel’s book builds the faith of believers.  The evidence presented only bolsters one’s faith and confidence in the written record and unique claims of Christ.  Fourth, this work vividly shows the validity of classical apologetics, otherwise known as evidentialism.  Fifth, the book is intensely practical.  The reality of Jesus Christ and his claim to be God point to the practical effect of following him in daily life.  It really does help promote devotion on the part of the believer as well as foster decision-making on the part of the lost.

I am excited about using this book in the future as I dialogue with lost people and challenge them with eternal issues.  I am also excited about passing Strobel’s book to believers to build their faith and help them in the everyday challenge to evangelize the lost.

DELIGHTING IN THE TRINITY – Tim Chester (2010)

Delighting in the Trinity by Tim Chester is a welcome addition to the growing number of titles from the folks at the Good Book Company.  This impressive British organization is committed to the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Their commitment is reflected in a consistent stream of solid material designed to strengthen disciples of Jesus Christ.

Chester’s book should be considered a primer on the doctrine of the Trinity.  In part one, he pours the necessary theological “concrete” which gives shape to the foundation which undergird the Trinitarian formulation.  Part two is a walk through church history, beginning in the second century.  Part three explores practical considerations as they relate to the doctrine of the Trinity.  The author explores the relationship of the Trinity to revelation, salvation, humanity, and mission.

Delighting in the Trinity is a helpful book, especially for believers who need a basic entry point to understanding this essential doctrine.

4 stars

GOSPEL WAKEFULNESS – Jared C. Wilson (2011)

In the 1746, Jonathan Edwards wrote Religious Affections (See my Review) – one of the most significant books ever written.     Edwards’ thesis is plain: “True religion, in great part, consists in holy affections.”  Gospel Wakefulness by Jared C. Wilson explores similar themes.  His thesis is a complement to Edwards: “Gospel wakefulness means treasuring Christ more greatly and savoring his power more sweetly.”  The author maintains that gospel wakefulness not an optional add-on to the fabric of the Christian life; Rather it is an essential aspect of vital Christianity.  Exactly what does gospel wakefulness do?  Wilson explains: “Awe.  Transfixion on Christ.  Confidence in him.  Humility.  Assurance.  Transformed worship.  New affections.  Stronger hope and clearer peace in moments of grief and pain.  Assassination of idols.  Quicker conviction, quicker repentance.  Acts of generosity and service.  Unity with brothers and sisters.  Deeper love for God and deeper love for neighbor.”  In the remainder of the book, Wilson continues to unpack the beauty of the gospel diamond and presents practical ways for gospel wakefulness to become a reality in the lives of God’s people.

Wilson’s work should be celebrated for its Christocentric presentation of the gospel.  He delivers a death-blow to legalism and invites Christ-followers to the radical pursuit of a holy God.  He uncovers  the biblical reality of progressive sanctification: “We cannot continue to treat the gospel as if it is the power of God for a conversion experience but not for total life transformation.” Gospel Wakefulness is a welcome addition to a growing number of books devoted to the gospel.

5 stars

Highly recommended

THE FORGOTTEN GOD – Francis Chan (2009)

Forgotten God by Francis Chan is an introductory book about the person and work of the Holy Spirit.  The subtitle describes the essence of the book, namely – Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit.  Many churches through fear or ignorance have done just Chan suggests; they have neglected the Holy Spirit.  And the net results are tragic indeed.

Chan holds that many people “have an eisegetically formed concept of the Holy Spirit.”  His accusation is essentially this: These people have “cut and pasted whatever verses and ideas work for [them].”  So the author sets out to “present the core truths that have been revealed to believers about the Holy Spirit.”

Each chapter includes a brief explanation of the person and work of the Holy Spirit.  At the end of each chapter, the author includes a short vignette of real life characters who exemplify a life led by the power of the Spirit.

Forgotten God reveals much about the author.  This is solid writing that is clear and biblical.  High school students and first year Bible College students will benefit greatly from Chan’s insight.  This book may be the most helpful starting point for anyone seeking an introductory look at the Holy Spirit.

4 stars

THE FORGOTTEN TRINITY – James White (1998)

The Forgotten Trinity: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by James White is a book that deserves to be read.  Sometimes a given book slips under the radar screen and fails to receive the credit it deserves.  Dr. White’s book falls in this category.  Christian readers are missing out if they have neglected this excellent work.

White reminds the reader that “an unwillingness to worship God as God is and has revealed himself lies behind every denial of the Trinity that appears down through history.”  Indeed, this doctrine as Shedd says, “is the foundation of theology.”  White does a masterful job at explaining this all-important doctrine.

Good definitions of the Trinity are hard to find these days.  But the author provides a working definitions that is biblical and accurately describes the doctrine under consideration: “Within the one Being that is God, there exists eternally three coequal and co-eternal persons, namely, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”  White argues, “Every error and heresy on this doctrine will find its origin in a denial of one or more of these truths.”    The rest of the book is committed to unpacking the critical elements of the Trinity.  Heretical movements are explained.  The deity of each member of the Trinity is expounded.  Church history is explored.

The Forgotten Trinity is a powerful book.  In fact, this is one of the first books beginning students should turn to for a basic understanding of the Trinity.  And White is quick to point out the importance of the doctrine: “Almost every single imbalance in worship is due to a corresponding imbalance in our view of God … Christian worship will be vital, consistent, and powerful when the proper attitude toward the triune God is maintained.  When that truth is lost, Christian worship ends.”

5 stars

KILLING KENNEDY – Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard (2012)

Evidently, Bill O’Reilly loves writing about presidential assassinations.  And he’s actually very good at it.   One of the many strengths of Killing Lincoln was O’Reilly’s objectivity and lack of political banter.  The same holds true for his newest work, Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot.  Many reviewers will disagree and accuse O’Reilly of partisanship or naively embracing the “one killer” theory.  But nothing could be further from the truth.  Other reviews have a bone to pick with O’Reilly because he clearly lays out the amoral behavior of the former president.  Sometimes the facts hurt.  Nevertheless, Killing Kennedy gives readers a front row seat to the events of the 60’s that helped shape the American ethos.

Killing Kennedy is a bold reminder that strong leadership must be combined with strong ethics.  For a leader who lives a moral life but embraces a policy of appeasement (think Jimmy Carter) is marginalized from the start.  But a leader (like Kennedy) who leads with strength and conviction but fails in the area of personal ethics is equally marginalized.  Yet another reason to be thankful for Presidents like Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush – men who led from a position of strength and embraced strong ethical values.

Finally, this book reminded me about the importance of historical fiction (a genre that I formerly scoffed at).  Historical fiction may be the path that some students need to take in order to develop a hunger for history.  Killing Kennedy forges such a path and will likely lead many readers on a new historical  pilgrimage that will spark fresh discussion and revitalized insight.

4.5 stars

Highly recommended

MAKING SENSE OF THE TRINITY – Millard J. Erickson (2000)

Making Sense of the Trinity by Millard Erickson is a basic book that asks three profound questions:

1. Is the doctrine of the Trinity biblical?

2. Does the doctrine of the Trinity make sense?

3. Does the Doctrine of the Trinity make any difference?

Erickson succeeds in answering each question in the affirmative.  He unpacks the biblical doctrine and links his answers to the Bible as well as church history.  He alerts readers to some of the Trinitarian errors that have emerged throughout church history.  And he shows how the Trinity affects the daily life of Christians.

Making Sense of the Trinity is a good introductory resource on a crucial doctrine.  The author does not answer every objection.  He does not present a series of comprehensive arguments.  These matters can be covered in other works.  For a more detailed study that concerns the Trinity, see The Holy Trinity by Robert Letham.

4 stars