PERIL AND PEACE: Chronicles of the Ancient Church (Mindy and Brandon Withrow) – 2007

Mindy and Brandon Withrow came up with a great idea a few years ago – Write a series of books for children that chronicle the history of the church in readable prose that will actually prompt folks to read church history.  Their idea is paying off because people are reading these books.  And the audience is not limited to children.  Adults are devouring these books and delighting in church history!

The first volume, Peril and Peace: Chronicles of the Ancient Church introduces readers to the first six hundred years of church history.  A helpful timeline is presented at the outset to provide the overall historical context.

Each chapter begins with a short explanation of the subject at hand.  The authors proceed to write what one might call “historical fiction.”  A better description might be “church history with a sanctified imagination” to borrow a phrase from one of my Seminary professors.

Volume 1 presents key figures of the first six hundred years of church history, including the Apostle Paul, Polycarp, Justin, Athanasius, Augustine, Chrysostom and others.

Three cheers for the Withrows.   Their book is readable, enjoyable, accurate, and should prompt readers of all ages to dive in and discover the roots of historic Christianity.

THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF THE GOSPEL – Jerry Bridges (2012)

I’ve been reading Jerry Bridges since the early 80’s and I’m continually amazed at the depth and breadth of his writing and his ability to make profound truths simple to understand.  The Word of God is never diluted or compromised.  For some reason, Bridges reminds me of a modern-day John Bunyan.  He just has a way of articulating the truth of God’s Word in a winsome and compelling way.

Bridges continues his winning ways in his newest book, The Transforming Power of the Gospel.  The foundation of his approach is the holiness of God.  Building upon this sure foundation, Bridges carefully constructs a framework that accurately reflects the gospel – a gospel that truly transforms lives.

The author is quick to admit that many of his reflections are borrowed from the English Puritans and the Reformers.  And so we learn about Luther’s “great exchange” and John Owen’s treatment of the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of the believer.  In many ways, The Transforming Power of the Gospel is a re-casting of the truths that emerged out of the Protestant Reformation.

The Transforming Power of the Gospel should be read by new and seasoned believers alike.  It will introduce new believers to the fundamentals of the faith and will remind long-time Christians that the gospel is still for them.  Indeed, we all need to be “preaching the gospel to ourselves” as Bridges as famously stated.  My prayer is that Bridges’ latest work will receive a wide reading and that the church will strengthened as a result of his faithful work.

4 stars

SWITCH: HOW TO CHANGE THINGS WHEN CHANGE IS HARD – Chip Heath & Dan Heath (2010)

Leadership books are a dime a dozen these days.  But whenever a good buddy recommends a book, I’m eager to dig in.  Especially when that friend is a time-tested leader.

Switch is a book about change.  We all know how difficult it is to motivate people to change.  The Heath brothers present a basic strategy for instilling change in the life of an organization.  The principles are backed with credible research and are supported with real life examples.

The most helpful ingredient in Switch is the central truth, namely – leaders must engage both the rational and emotional sides of people in order for change to be implemented in a way that benefits an organization.

3.5 stars

THE MASCULINE MANDATE – Richard Phillips (2010)

Richard Phillips raises the bar of biblical expectation for men in his latest work, The Masculine Mandate.  He is not intimidated by the deceptive roar of the egalitarian lioness.  Nor is he distracted by worldly models of masculinity.

Of particular importance is Phillips’ rightly placed critique of John Eldredge’s book, Wild at Heart.  The sum of is argument is simple: “The basic approach to masculinity presented in Wild at Heart is almost precisely opposite from what is really taught in the Bible.”  So with biblical precision, the author not only warns readers of faulty approaches to masculinity – he prepares them to receive God’s mandate that emerges in the pages of Scripture.

The author wastes no time in setting forth the agenda of the book, namely, the Masculine Mandate: “To be spiritual men placed in real-world, God-defined relationships, as lords and servants under God, to bear God’s fruit by serving and leading.”

Phillips develops the thesis in part one.  The theological framework is developed by pointing readers to God’s intent in the garden of Eden.  Man who is made in God’s image has a special mandate.  He must obey God by “working” and “keeping” (Gen. 2:7-8).  He adds, “Here is the how of biblical masculinity, the mandate of Scripture for males.”  To work is to serve and to keep is to exert leadership.

Part two summarizes the practical application that flows from the theological foundations.  The author explores God’s design for marriage.  Strong exegetical arguments are set forth from the book of Genesis.  The original thesis is applied not only to marriage – but also informs how a God-centered man approaches work and parenting.

The Masculine Mandate is a breath of fresh air.   The biblical “oxygen” that the Richard Phillips offers is the cure to the polluted air of egalitarianism that is plaguing the church.  It offers strong encouragement for Christian men who are serious about obeying God, loving their families, serving their churches and making a difference in their world.

4 stars

 

EXCELLENCE: The Character of God and the Pursuit of Scholarly Virtue – Andreas J. Kostenberger

I have been reading a lot of Andreas Kostenberger lately.  I am very impressed by his heart for God and precise scholarship.  His latest work, Excellence: The Character of God and the Portrait of Scholarly Virtue is a fine addition to his growing body of Christian writing.

Kostenberger begins by laying the foundation for excellence by appealing to the character of God.  Indeed, “the character of God is the grounds of all human excellence.”  He continues, “Excellence starts and ends with God and is first and foremost a hallmark and attribute of God.  Without God as our starting point and continual frame of reference, our discussion of excellence would be hopelessly inadequate.”

The author builds his case for pursuing excellence by pointing readers to God’s Word which demands excellence (2 Pet. 1:3).  The imperative is clearly rooted in God’s glory and excellence and motivates believers to do everything  with God’s glory in mind (1 Cor. 10:31).  He rightly argues, “Mediocrity and sloppy scholarship never glorify God.  Christians must strive for excellence – including, and especially, in pursuing their scholarly calling.”  Effective Christian ministry is the result of pursuing excellence.

The aim of the book is to “identify, describe, and encourage those virtues that are essential to fulfilling a specific call to glorify God by pursuing excellence in Christian scholarship.”  Kostenberger achieves his goal as the book unfolds.  The remaining sections deal with vocational excellence, moral excellence, and relationship excellence.

No stone is unturned in this superb work.  Excellence should be required reading for every Christian student entering the University or Seminary.  It strikes the necessary balance and clearly outlines the kind of personal godliness and scholarship that is mandated in Scripture.  Excellence is a much needed tonic in an age characterized by slopping thinking and shoddy work habits.  It is sure to make a difference in the life of anyone who has the courage to read it.

5 stars

The Reason For God: Unbelief in an Age of Skepticism – Tim Keller (2008)

Some have compared Tim Keller to C.S. Lewis.  Other believe he is the C.S. Lewis for our generation.  One thing is for certain though – Keller’s book, The Reason for God is a terrific read.  I read Keller’s apologetic treatise when it first hit the shelves in 2008.  The second read was even better!

The title of the book is revealing.  The author aims at the heart at mind of the skeptic.  And he’s good at it.  He has a way of peeling off layer upon layer of unbelief.  His strategy is simple.  First, seven typical arguments are presented which appear to militate against the historic Christian faith:

1. There Can’t Be Just One True Religion

2. How Could a Good God Allow Suffering?

3.Christianity is a Straitjacket

4. The Church is Responsible for So Much Injustice

5. How Can a Loving God Send People to Hell?

6. Science Has Disproved Christianity

7. You Can’t Take the Bible Literally

Careful reader immediately notice that Dr. Keller gently unravels each of these arguments.  And this is what makes The Reason for God  such a compelling read.  Honestly, Keller’s arguments against skepticism are quite devastating.  But his approach is gracious and humble.  His knows how to interact with skepticism in a winsome way – without compromise, all the while instructing Christians to do the same.

Part two contains the heart of the book.  The author presents seven reasons for faith:

1. The Clues of God

2. The Knowledge of God

3. The Problem of Sin

4. Religion and the Gospel

5. The (True) Story of the Cross

6. The Reality of the Resurrection

7. The Dance of God

These reasons are soaked in Scripture and come face to face with real life.  Keller argues that there are sufficient reasons for believing Christianity – what he calls “critical rationality.”  Again, he reasons gently.  His arguments are convincing and compelling.  But he refuses to steamroll the unbeliever.

Keller is quick to criticize religion and prop up grace: “Religion operates on the principle ‘I obey – therefore I am accepted by God.’  But the operating principle of the gospel is ‘I am accepted by God through what Christ has done – therefore I obey.”  He continues, “It is only grace that frees us from the slavery of self that lurks even in the middle of morality and religion.  Grace is only a threat to the illusion that we are free, autonomous selves, living life as we choose.”  Herein lies the biggest strength of Keller’s work – the emphasis on grace and the gospel.  While the arguments are most helpful, his emphasis on the saving redemptive work of God in Christ make the book a must read for skeptics and believers alike.

4.5 stars

STEP UP – Dennis Rainey (2011)

Stepping Up: A Call to Courageous Manhood by Dennis Rainey encourages men of all ages to fulfill their God-given role.  They must as 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, “Act like men.”

Rainey’s challenge to men is presented in five movements:

The First Step: Boyhood

The Second Step: Adolescence

The Third Step: Manhood

The Fourth Step: Mentor

The Fifth Step: Patriarch

Each section includes strong biblical rationale and real life stories which serve to motivate men to live with Christ-centered resolve.  Stepping Up is a breath of fresh air.  So many books devoted to men are in the final analysis, man-centered.  But real men are God-centered and their lives reflect the glory of a great and awesome God.  Rainey’s timely advice is sure to encourage men to step up and make a difference in God’s kingdom.

4 stars

DON’T WASTE YOUR SPORTS – C.J. Mahaney (2011)

“Don’t Waste Your Sports” by C.J. Mahaney is a book worth reading.  In fact, every Christian athlete should read this book.

Mahaney applies 1 Corinthians 10:31 to the athletic area – “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”  With the biblical imperative firmly implanted in our hearts and minds, Mahaney calls readers to either a) “examine our hearts and lives for the presence of idolatry,” or b) “devote ourselves to the glory of God in all of life, including sports.”

So Mahaney urges athletes to run, pass, kick, and cycle to the glory of God: “Every play, every inning, every race becomes an opportunity to draw attention to God.”  The essence of this act is worship.  The author adds, “[Worship] is something we do in all of life, including our sports.”  So we draw attention to the greatness of God – not personal greatness.

Mahaney suggests several way to play to the glory of God:

  • We play to the glory of God by thanking him for his good gifts.
  • We play to the glory of God by demonstrating humility on the field.

Don’t Waste Your Sports in the final analysis is more about the gospel than sports: “The cross of Christ not only makes possible forgiveness of sin, but also provides power to overcome sin.”  This bedrock truth encourages Christ-centered behavior on and off the field.  It encourages athletes to do everything to the glory of God.

Don’t Waste Your Sports is a powerful antidote in a world that is dominated by proud athletes who drink from the polluted stream of self-glorification.  It should be required reading for Christian coaches and athletes.  It is a book that parents should read with their children.  Perhaps the next generation of athletes will stand together with men like Tim Tebow and do all things to the glory of God.

FINDING FAITHFUL ELDERS AND DEACONS – Thabiti Anyabwile (2012)

A few years ago, I heard Thabiti Anyabwile preach at Together for the Gospel in Louisville.  I remember being impressed with his pastoral heart, theologically precise mind, and his feet that were obviously set on obeying and glorifying God.  His newest book confirms my first impressions at T4G.

Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons reads like cliff notes for men who either aspire to serve, or are currently serve in either office.  And “cliff notes” is not a criticism; rather it is written in the most positive vein.  This does not suggest watered-down content or “weak tea.”  Rather, it affirms the qualifications and responsibilities that emerge in Scripture for faithful elders and deacons.  It reminds me of Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch – but tends to be less technical.  While Anyabwile’s treatment is theologically and exegetically accurate, it veers away from some of the more technical language and arguments that appear in Strauch.

The book is arranged in three parts.  Part one and part two survey deacon and elder qualifications – in short how to find faithful leaders for the household of God.  Part three summarizes the job description of pastors:

  • Elders Refute Error
  • Elders Avoid Myths and Train for Godliness
  • Elders Hope in God
  • Elders Command
  • Elders Let No One Despise Their Youth
  • Elders Set an Example
  • Elders Teach
  • Elders Grow
  • Elders Watch Their Life
  • Elders Watch Their Doctrine

Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons is a welcome and needed reminder for churches who are set on living, leading, and shepherding to the glory of God.  This is an important book and deserves to be read.  Highly recommended!

4 stars

THE CHRISTIAN IN COMPLETE ARMOR: Volume 2 – William Gurnall (1655)

Many works on spiritual warfare these days are laden with extraordinary tales that tug at the heart and manipulate the will.  Some of these works offer very little biblical help.  William Gurnall’s The Christian in Complete Armor towers above most of what passes for spiritual warfare literature.

Originally published in 1655, Gurnall offers the typical insight we expect from the Puritans. In volume two, this Puritan divine guides readers through the armor that Paul describes in Ephesians 6.

His exposition begins and ends with Scripture.  He leaves no stone unturned as he examines and explains the armor.  His exposition reminds the reader of a pastor on a quest for buried treasure.  He digs as deep as his shovel will take him.  And readers are rewarded with valuable insight; insight that may be immediately applied to the Christian life.

4 stars