GOD’S PASSION FOR HIS GLORY – John Piper (1998)

Some books are worth reading again and again.  John Piper’s excellent work is such a book.  God’s Passion for His Glory: Living the Vision of Jonathan Edwards is composed of two parts.  Part One is a Personal Encounter with Jonathan Edwards.  Part Two is a republication of Jonathan Edwards magisterial work, The End for Which God Created the World.

The Personal Encounter with Edwards includes the rationale behind Piper’s book, a brief but powerful biography of the Puritan divine, a survey of Edwards’s inner life as it relates the life of the mind, and the relationship between Edwards and culture.

Central to the thought of Part One is the Piper’s assertion (that he credits to the hard work of Edwards) is this: “the exhibition of God’s glory and the deepest joy of human souls are one thing.”  Or to state it another way, “God’s passion for his own glory and his passion for my joy are not at odds.”  Piper builds on this reality by presenting fifteen critical implications that he has drawn for Edwards’s life and writing.  The final Edwardsean insight is in reality that thesis of Part Two, namely – that “God created the world to exhibit the fullness of his glory in the God-centered joy of his people.”

Part Two, then, is the complete text from Edwards book, The End for Which God Created the World.  The complex argument may be summarized in one critical sentence: “Hence it will follow, that the moral rectitude of the disposition, inclination, or affection of God CHIEFLY consists in a regard to HIMSELF, infinitely above his regard to all other beings; in other words, his holiness consists in this.”  Readers should struggle through the text to see the weight of biblical evidence that Edwards provides.  It is a humbling, earth-shattering, Christ-exalting stick of dynamite.  I first read this tremendous book over fifteen years ago in seminary at Starbucks – in one sitting.  It continues to affect me the same way it did so many years ago.  Readers will be struck with the depth of insight that emerges from the pen of the Puritan divine.  But readers will mostly be in awe at the glory which belongs to God and God alone!

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36, ESV)

WHAT IS THE TRINITY – David F. Wells (2012)

What is the Trinity by David F. Wells is an outstanding addition to the Basics of the Faith series by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing.

Wells introduces readers to this vital subject matter in a mere 37 pages.  Readers should be aware that the author does not intend to fully unpack the doctrine of the Trinity.  Rather, he merely gives readers of taste of this critical area of theology.  He begins with the unity of God and proceeds to explain the three persons of the godhead.

The author alerts readers to some of the battles that have surrounded the doctrine of the Trinity in church history.  He also makes practical applications that flow out of the doctrine.  Highly recommended for beginning theology students.
“There is so much more than we now know about God’s glorious being and his triune nature.  We stand at the edge of a vast ocean and see just its shoreline.  We cannot see beyond the horizon, though we can be entirely confident that what we cannot know about God is fully consistent with what we do know because of his self-revelation to us.” – David F. Wells

SOLI DEO GLORIA – TO THE GLORY OF GOD ALONE!

The truth of 1 Corinthians 10:31 has echoed from all eternity and will echo into eternity future: “Whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do all to the glory the glory of God” (ESV).  Contemporary culture appears to have more in common with Romans 1:23-25 than 1 Corinthians 10:31.  The apostle Paul writes, “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to  him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.” (Romans 1:21–25, ESV)  The glaring omission of “God” in the orignal draft of the 2012 Democratic platform is only a small example of how America is slowly turning away from God.

The flickering flame appears to be at the “end of the wick” in this country.  However,  God will  always have men and women in the halls of church history who will demonstrate faithfulness and have the courage to live according to the Word of God for the glory of God.  Jonathan Edwards writes, “The great end of God’s works, which is so variously expressed in Scripture, is indeed but ONE; and this one end is most properly and comprehensively called, THE GLORY OF GOD.”  How then, shall we who honor God above all live to the glory of God?

Three specific goals emerge in Scripture:

WE MUST RECOGNIZE THE GLORY OF GOD

Recognizing the glory of God is a matter of the mind.  As such, we must recognize the glory of God in at least seven specific areas.  First, we must recognize the glory of God in nature.  The Psalmist makes a mind-blowing discovery, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Ps. 19:1, ESV).   Calvin depicts the creation of God as a theater of God’s glory.

We recognize God’s glory in the church.  Paul writes, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.  Amen” (Eph. 3:20-21).

Additionally, we must recognize God’s glory in the gospel.  2 Thessalonians 2:14 says, “To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  The gospel message is a glorious message.  Therefore, we must recognize the glory of God in the gospel.

When we recognize the glory of God in the gospel, this leads us to recognize the glory of God in the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Scriptures proclaim that Christ is indeed glorious!  “He [Jesus] is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his [God the Father’s] nature, and he [Jesus] upholds the universe by the word of his power.  After making purification for sins, he [Jesus] sat down at the right hand of the Majesty [God the Father] on high” (Heb. 1:3, ESV).

We recognize the glory of God in the Word of God.  The Psalmist recognizes the glory of God in special revelation: “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;” (Psalm 19:7–8, ESV)

We recognize the glory of God in the works of God: “But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works” (Ps. 73:28, ESV).

And we recognize the glory of God in the salvation he grants his elect.  While many believers are quick to question the doctrine of election, Paul the apostle delights in this doctrine.  His recognition of the glory of God in salvation leads him to pen these words: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:3–6, ESV)

Many Americans fail to recognize the glory of God.  This is one reason the Democratic Convention omitted God from their original platform.  And while recognizing the glory of God is a crucial part of what it means to glorify him, mere recognition does not go far enough.  This would be something akin to recognizing a beautiful dinner that my wife made but walking callously past the dinner table to the television set to munch on a piece of beef jerky and watch a football game.  When one recognizes the glory of God but fails to rejoice in the glory of God, one fails to glorify God.  We must not only recognize the glory of God; we must rejoice in the glory of God!

WE MUST REJOICE IN THE GLORY OF GOD

While recognizing the glory of God is a matter of the mind, rejoicing in the glory of God is a matter of the affections.  Jonathan Edwards understood this reality which led him to the following argument: “God is glorified not only by His glory’s being seen, but by its being rejoiced in.”  Psalm 119:74 says, “Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.”  And Paul adds, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1–2, ESV)

But here is the mind-blowing reality.  John Piper says, “God’s passion for his own glory and his passion for my joy in him are not at odds … the exhibition of God’s glory and the deepest joy of human souls are one thing.”  Instead of being mutually exclusive, we find that God’s glory and the joy of the creature are one and the same!  Therefore, when we experience joy in the birth of a child, the accomplishment of a loved one, or simply stand amazed at a beautiful sunset, we should give thanks and glory to God and realize as Piper argues, that “the exhibition of God’s glory and the deepest joy of human souls are one thing.”

WE MUST REFLECT THE GLORY OF GOD

So how do we live to the glory of God?  We recognize the glory of God (which is an act of the mind) and we rejoice in the glory of God (which is an act of the heart).  But we also must reflect the glory of God.  Here we find that reflecting the glory of God is an act of the will.  This is where “the rubber meets the road.”  Somewhere along the way, we grew accustomed to making a distinction between the sacred and the secular.  One prominent individual articulated this split when he told a group of college students, “When matters of public policy are debated, no religions should have a seat at the table.”  Taking this advice to heart is tantamount to cosmic treason.

So let us go public with the glory of God.  Our call is to reflect the glory of God in the classroom and in the boardroom.  God is calling lawyers to reflect the glory of God in the courtroom.  He’s calling dentists to reflect the glory of God in the dental office.  God is calling parents to raise their children to the glory of God.  God is calling coaches to coach for the glory of God.  He’s calling baseball players to swing to the glory of God.  He’s calling basketball players to shoot for the glory of God and football players to hit to the glory of God.

May Christians everywhere renew their commitment to recognizing the glory of God, rejoicing in the glory of God, and reflecting the glory of God.  May we live soli Deo gloria – to the glory of God alone!

WHAT IS THE TRINITY? R.C. Sproul (2011)

R.C. Sproul has an uncanny ability to make complex truths come alive.  He continues to share his gift with the church in book number 10 in the Crucial Questions Series.

What is the Trinity? Sproul covers “acres” of theological ground in 63 pages.  His explanation for the Trinity is rooted in a discussion of monotheism: “The idea that there is one God was firmly established in the religion of Israel from the earliest pages of the Old Testament.”  While the doctrine of the Trinity it not explicitly taught in the Old Testament, the strong teaching of monotheism is a crucial starting point.

Sproul continues by demonstrating how Scripture reveals the Trinity in the New Testament.  The Father is distinguished from the Son and the Son is distinguished from the Holy Spirit.  Yet we learned that he member of the Trinity is God.  And when the Bible affirms the deity of the Father, Son, and Spirit, the Trinitarian formulation becomes clear.

The author provides a helpful section that concerns the Christological controversies of the 4th, 5th, 19th, and 20th centuries.  The heresies and the key proponents are articulated and roundly refuted.

The author, in what may be the most helpful chapter of the book vividly distinguishes between “essence” and “person.”  God is one in essence yet reveals himself in three persons, Father, Son, and Spirit: “The distinctions within the Godhead are, if you will, sub-distinctions within the essence of God.  He is one essence, three subsistencies.”  Sproul demonstrates how the doctrine of the Trinity is not only biblical but never violates the laws of logic.  This is where Dr. Sproul is at his best: explaining theological truth and bolstering biblical reality with good philosophical foundations.

This work is short but packs a powerful punch.  What is the Trinity? is an introductory resource that Christians need to read.

RUDY: MY STORY – Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger (2012)

I’ll never forget the first time I saw the movie, Rudy in 1993.  It stands among my favorite sports movies alongside Hoosiers, Miracle, The Rookie, and Rocky.

Rudy: My Story by Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger is the real life story behind the film.  Ruettiger tells the tale that a two-hour movie could never tell.  He includes the heartbreaking stories of teachers who belittled him and businessmen who betrayed him.  Most important, the author chronicles the details that led him to the final twenty-seven second on the famed field in South Bend, Illinois.

The book is filled with inspiring stories and will undoubtedly lead many readers to new heights and the achievement of new goals.   As one might expect, Ruettiger’s work is loaded with antidotes that motivate and encourage.  But an unexpected twist occurs nears the end of this book.  The author is candid about his failures which occurs many years after his success on the football field.  The surprise ending is actually the most important part of the book.  Ruettiger not only spurs readers to achieve their dreams; he encourages them to persevere even in the face of failure.

It has been well over thirty years since Rudy sacked the quarterback in the final seconds of his senior year.  But readers who listen carefully, can hear the roar of the crowd, “Ru-dy, Ru-dy, Ru-dy!”

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. 

ERASING HELL – Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle

The biblical doctrine of eternal punishment is part of the warp and woof of historic Christianity.  Prominent theologians from Augustine to Calvin and Wesley have boldly taught this doctrine.  Luther remarked, “The fiery oven is ignited merely by the unbearable appearance of God and endures eternally.  For the Day of Judgment will not last for a moment only but will stand throughout eternity and will thereafter never come to an end. Constantly the damned will be judged, constantly they will suffer pain, and constantly they will be a fiery oven, that is, they will be tortured within by supreme distress and tribulation.”  Despite the widespread support for this crucial doctrine, several writers in recent years have either discounted the doctrine of hell or denied it outright.

After the release of Rob Bell’s Love Wins (see my review), there was a huge chasm between Bell’s work and people in the pew.  The net result is a large audience who either affirmed or were sympathetic to Bell’s compromised position.  Thankfully, Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle stepped up to the plate and not only offered a response to Bell; they also affirmed the biblical doctrine of eternal conscious punishment.

Chan and Sprinkle serve up an impressive number of arguments that bolster the case for hell and provide a rational, biblical defense of this important doctrine.  While Erasing Hell is written with the laymen in mind, it is not simplistic.  Nor is it compromised in any way.  The authors do not claim to have all this answers, which may appeal to younger readers more inclined to postmodern literature.  Rather, they merely spell out the basics of the biblical doctrine.

4 stars

JOHN KNOX AND THE REFORMATION – Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Iain Murray

Buried deep in the catacombs of church history lie heroes that deserved to be revived from time to time.  John Knox stands among several men who faithfully raised the banner of the gospel and defended the truths of the Protestant Reformation.  Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Iain Murray guide readers through the life and legacy of the great reformer, John Knox.

Chapter one is an overview of the Protestant Reformation with an emphasis on the Scottish Reformation.  A few themes that are developed include the sovereignty of God over all things, the substitutionary atonement of Christ, and justification by faith alone.  Lloyd-Jones reminds readers that “John Knox and other men risked their lives, day after day” in order to promote the aforementioned realities. The author also stresses the reformers were men of prayer and men who we faithful in the pulpit.  “Such a man was John Knox, ” writes Lloyd-Jones, “with the fire of God in his bones and in his belly!  He preached as they all preached, with fire and power, alarming sermons, convicting sermons, humbling sermons, converting sermons, and in the face of Scotland was changed …”

Chapter two is Lloyd-Jones attempt to credit John Knox as the founder of Puritanism.  The author points to several noteworthy qualities in the Scottish reformer – ability, energy, shrewdness, wisdom, originality, and courage.  But his preaching stands out: “His great characteristic as a preacher was vehemency.  Great preachers are generally vehement; and we should all be vehement.  This is not the result of nature only; it arises from the feeling of the power of the gospel.  Vehemence is, of course, characterized by power; and John Knox was a most powerful preacher, with the result that he was a most influential preacher.”  Lloyd-Jones continues, “When the Lords and others were alarmed, and frightened, and all ready to give in, Knox would go up into a pulpit and preach a sermon; and the entire situation was transformed.  One man ‘more influential than the blustering of five hundred trumpets in our ears.'”  The reader is left to determine whether or not Lloyd-Jones is successful in defending his thesis.

Iain Murray concludes with biographical overview of John Knox.  Several themes emerge including the fervent prayer life of Knox and his commitment to Reformed theology.  Murray, like Lloyd-Jones emphasizes the preaching ministry of Knox: “His authority came from the conviction that preaching is God’s work, the message is his word, and he was sure the Holy Spirit would honor it.  This was the certainty which possessed him.”  Indeed, such a certainty should possess every preacher of God’s Word.

John Knox and the Reformation is a powerful look at a potent preacher.  It is an important reminder of the need for courage in the face of adversity and faithfulness in a faithless generation.  John Knox stands as an inspiration for Christ-followers and is an exemplar for pastors who make it their aim to faithfully feed, lead, and protect the flock of God.

4 stars

CAN I BE SURE I’M SAVED? – R.C. Sproul (2010)

One of the most pressing and urgent questions that pastors receive is the title of R.C. Sproul’s book, “Can I Be Sure I’m Saved?” – No. 7 in his Crucial Questions Series.   But Sproul is quick to reassure readers that we can in fact know that we are in a state of grace.  Not only that, “we can have full assurance that we still will be in a state of grace at the time of of death.”  While the book is short (only 72 pages), it is packed with God-honoring Reformed theology that is sure to encourage anyone who struggles with doubt and assurance.

The author identifies some popular faulty conceptions of salvation at the outset.  These views, which encourage a false sense of assurance include universalism (see Rob Bell’s, Love Wins), sacerdotalism (see the dominant teaching in the Roman Catholic Church), and legalism.

Sproul  encourages readers to seek assurance and to “work out their salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12).    He argues that developing an accurate view of election is an important step to shoring up one’s assurance.  Various views are presented but the author spends the most time on the Reformed view – the view that is consistent with Scripture.

The final chapter examines the doctrine of regeneration – a watershed doctrine for anyone wrestling with assurance.  False views of regeneration are presented and contrasted with the teaching of God’s Word.

A highly recommended resource for anyone struggling with doubt and for pastors who need a good resource to encourage the flock.

LEADING FROM THE SANDBOX – T.J. Addington (2010)

Leading from the Sandbox by T.J. Addington is a practical book that explores leadership principles for pastors and church leaders.  Addington’s concern is the formation of high-impact teams.

The sandbox metaphor is designed as a tool that communicates what truly matters in a church or organization.  The author presents four “sides” of the sandbox, namely – mission, guiding principles, central ministry focus, and preferred culture.

Practical issues are discussed such as goal setting, mentoring/coaching, and the implementation of meaningful meetings.  Leading from the Sandbox is a helpful and practical guide that should encourage leadership that makes a difference in God’s kingdom.

3.5 stars

THE CHURCH: THE GOSPEL MADE VISIBLE – Mark Dever (2012)

Over the years, I’ve grown weary reading books that relate to ecclesiology.  Recent works that focus on the church are either driven by pragmatic presuppositions, man-centered principles, or church growth techniques that compromise the essence of the gospel, not to mention the mission of the church.  Mark Dever’s newest book, The Church: The Gospel Made Visible is a totally different kind of book.  He steers clear from the usual drivel that saturates many books devoted to ecclesiology.  Indeed, the church is should be thankful for such a work.

Part One: What Does the Bible Say?

The first section focuses on the nuts and bolts of the church.  Dever leaves no stone unturned.  The nature of the church is explored, membership is reviewed, polity is discussed, church discipline is covered, among other things.  Each section is rooted in the biblical text.  The writing is clear and compelling.  The reader walks away from the first part with a clear understanding on what Scripture says concerning the church.

Part Two: What Has the Church Believed?

Part two explains the classical distinctions between the visible and invisible church and the local and universal church.  The author includes a helpful discussion on the rise of denominations.

Also included is an illuminating discussion on the history of ordinances.  A wide variety of traditions are surveyed.  And the various positions are presented for the Lord’s Supper as well as baptism.

Part Three: How Does it All Fit Together?

The final section discusses the marks of the church, namely – the faithful preaching of God’s Word and the faithful administration of the two ordinances.  Dever includes a helpful section on church membership.  He writes, “Churches that submerge difference of age, race, status, background, or employment give witness to the power of the gospel.”

One of the most helpful chapters is devoted to developing a biblical leadership model.  Dever’s holds to an elder led/congregationally affirmed leadership structure.  He adds, “The most coherent way to understand the New Testament’s presentation of local church polity is to recognize the role of both individual leaders and the congregation as a whole.”  He does not minimize the role of the congregation.  Dever writes, “The congregation is not in competition with the elders.  The congregation’s authority is more like an emergency brake than a steering wheel.  The congregation more normally recognizes than creates, responds rather than initiates, confirms rather than proposes.”

In the final analysis, “a right ecclesiology matters for the church’s leadership, membership, structure, culture, and even character.  Ultimately, a right ecclesiology touches on God’s glory itself … Therefore, getting the doctrine of the church right becomes a benefit to the people, as the truth about God and his world is more correctly known, taught, and modeled.”

The Church: The Gospel Made Visible should receive a wide readership and will be a tremendous tool in the hands of faithful pastors and shepherds!

4.5 stars