CALICO JOE – John Grisham (2012)

John Grisham’s newest novel proves that he is not done writing.  Calico Joe is a departure from the typical legal thriller that readers have grown to love over the years.  This short novel tracks the inner sanctuary of a young boy whose father is a major league pitcher – and a major league loser.  This deadbeat dad mistreats his son and engages in unethical and narcissistic behavior.  He intentionally “beans” a rookie prospect and effectively ends his  career.  The book explores the interplay between selfishness and  selflessness.  It alerts readers to the power of forgiveness.  And it even entertains along the way.

4 stars

A SHOT OF FAITH TO THE HEAD – Mitch Stokes

A Shot of Faith to the Head by Mitch Stokes is a patient and well thought out response to the atheistic musings so common in our world today.  The author sets the parameters at the outset: “The purpose of this book is to take a few of the most important intellectual weapons, tactics, and strategies from recent Christian philosophy and put them in your hands.”  Stokes accomplishes his purpose in this book and proves to be quite accessible.

The book is organized into three parts – rationality, design, and absolute standards.  The conclusion is that these three notions “are brought together in an unexpected way, in  a single concept that cuts deeply across the entire discussion.”  The author argues that these concepts give rise to the notion that atheism is essentially uprooted and ultimately turns in on itself.

Readers familiar with Christian philosophy will recognize some of the arguments that emerge in the book; arguments that have been formulated by Dr. Alvin Plantinga.  His arguments are assessed and articulated in a way that piques the interest of the reader.

A Shot of Faith to the Head is not designed for the beginning reader.  I would suggest beginning students of apologetics to turn to companion books such as The Twilight of Atheism by Alistair McGrath, The End of Reason by Ravi Zacharias, and Atheism Remix by Al Mohler.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program.

3 stars

A GOSPEL PRIMER – Milton Vincent (2008)

A Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent is a straightforward book that describes the essence of the gospel.  The author argues that the gospel must be rehearsed on a consistent basis.  Indeed, we must preach the gospel to ourselves every day. “Preaching the gospel to myself is a great way to keep God’s amazing love before my eyes, so that I might experience its power to produce in me a passionate love for Him in return.”  Resting in the reality of the gospel yields fruit to the glory of God.

The author moves from doctrinal propositions concerning the gospel to a “gospel narrative” that poetically unpacks the principles of the gospel.

Vincent shares his personal testimony that many believers can identify with.  Early in his Christian walk, he sought to merit favor in God’s eyes, i.e. “maintain his justified status” before God. He came to the realization that justification can never be earned.  “This favored standing with God has nothing to do with my performance,” he writes, “but only with the performance of Jesus!”

A Gospel Primer is a powerful portrait of biblical truth.  Believers of all stripes will be moved, challenged, and convicted by this terrific book.  Highly recommended.

4 stars

REFORMATION: YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW – Carl R. Trueman

A number of months ago, I read Republocrat by Carl R. Trueman.  Frankly, the book angered me.  I didn’t like anything about it.  So I rolled the dice (which is never a good idea for a Calvinist) with this reprinted book by Trueman, Reformation: Yesterday, Today and Tommorrow.  I was pleasantly surprised and commend it to readers interested in the Protestant Reformation.

Trueman proposes the following definition of the Reformation: “[It is] a move to place God as he has revealed himself in Christ at the center of the church’s life and thought.”  The author continues to develop this line of thought by pressing the God-centeredness of the Reformation.  “The gospel,” argues Trueman, “is the story of what God has done for sinners in Christ; it is not first and foremost the experience of God by any particular individual.”

This emphasis alone makes the book worth reading.  Too much of evangelical thought is wrapped up in narcissistic approach to the Christian life.  Trueman’s admonition is a corrective in light of recent trends that favor contemplative spirituality that are in the final analysis, rooted in selfishness, subjectivism, and emergent “spirituality.”

Trueman enters the historical arena and contrasts Luther’s theology of the cross with the prevailing view of the day, the “theology of glory.”  Luther defines the two approaches in article 21, drawn from his famous 95 thesis: “A theologian of glory calls evil good and good evil.  A theologian of the cross calls the thing what it actually is.”

The author maintains the theology of the cross forms a pattern for the church.  One might consider the theology of the cross as an unshakeable foundation for ministry.  But Trueman goes further: “The theology of the cross is not a cerebral thing; it profoundly affects our Christian experience and existence, making demands upon our whole lives and turning theology into something which controls not just our thoughts, but the very way in which we experience the world around and taste the blessing and fellowship of God himself.”  Indeed, the theology of the cross is an absolutely vital for ministry and living the Christian life.

Trueman applies his principles directly to the church and Christian life.  First, we must first demonstrate the reality of the cross.  “The brokenness of the created order engendered by sin is laid bare in the life and work of Christ.”  Second, we must live out the full meaning of the cross.

Finally, the author stresses the importance of biblical authority and the serious nature of expository preaching:  “The first place, then, in which church reformation starts is the pulpit.”  The sermon must take first place in worship and men must be trained to carry out this God-ordained task.  Trueman rightly argues the need for pastors to have a working grasp of biblical languages, redemptive history, and systematic theology – a needed corrective in a culture that decries theological education.

Trueman’s work is a delight to read.  My hope is that this reprinted edition receives the credit it deserves.  Grounded in the great truths of the Protestant Reformation, this work inspires, educates, and corrects mistakes the some evangelicals are currently making.  Oh, that we may return to our Reformation roots.  To do any less, would be tantamount to compromise.  And may Christ’s church be semper reformanda, always reforming, all to the glory of God!

THE DONKEY WHO CARRIED A KING – R.C. Sproul (2012)

The Donkey Who Carried a King by R.C. Sproul is a short children’s book loaded with great art and a brief story that helps illustrate some important theological principles.  Sproul tells the story of a donkey who carried Jesus (which points to the Triumphal Entry).  The donkey, who struggles with his lot in life, saw Jesus carry one of the beams of the cross and witnessed the persecution he endured.  Ultimately, the story drives home the message of substitutionary atonement and sacrificial love. Several questions are included at the end of the book; questions that are designed to help parents guide their children down the right theological path – a path that leads to eternal life.

R.C. has done it again.  In a few short pages, he has captured some crucial theological realities – pictures included!  Children can thank one of the most important theologians of our generation.  “Thanks Dr. Sproul for bringing the cookies to the bottom shelf!”

THE GOSPEL FOCUS OF CHARLES SPURGEON – Steven J. Lawson (2012)

Steven J. Lawson’s latest installment in the Long Line of Godly Men Series is a breathtaking look at the life and legacy of the Prince of Preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon. 

The Gospel Focus of Charles Spurgeon begins by surveying the short but memorable life of one of the most effective preachers of all time.  Lawson provides a clear summary of Spurgeon’s birth, conversion, entry into pastoral ministry, and some of the controversial waters he was forced to navigate.

The author describes the theological “rebar” that helped shape this unique British pastor.  Most notably, Spurgeon was a five point Calvinist.  He famously said, “It is no novelty, then, that I am preaching no new doctrine.   I love to proclaim these strong old doctrines, that are called by the nickname Calvinism, but which are surely and verily the revealed truth of God as it is in Christ Jesus.”  Instead of hiding his theological presuppositions (like many evangelicals today), Spurgeon revealed them clearly, bravely, and decisively.  Doctrine mattered to this man – and doctrine helped drive his ministry; a ministry that would flourish in nineteenth century England.

But Spurgeon was not only a committed Calvinist; he was also convinced of the authority of Scripture.  Indeed, his strong belief in the authoritative Word of God was the central thrust of his pastoral ministry.  Lawson adds, “Spurgeon was thoroughly convinced that in every page of Scripture is found the absolute truth of God.  When the Bible speaks, Spurgeon believed, God speaks.”  His confidence in Scripture was manifest in his preaching ministry; a ministry that has touched and continues to influence literally millions of lives.

Perhaps the most helpful section of the book is Dr. Lawson’s discussion of Spurgeon’s commitment to the doctrines of grace.   The author carefully describes the five pillars that emerge in Spurgeon’s theological infrastructure:

1. Total Depravity

2. Unconditional Election

3. Definite Atonement

4. Irresistable Grace

5. Preserving Grace

Spurgeon notes, “The old truth that Calvin preached, that Augustine preached, that Paul preached, is the truth that I must preach today, or else be false to my conscience and my God.  I cannot shape the truth, I know of no such thing as paring off the rough edges of a doctrine.  John Knox’s gospel is my gospel; that which thundered through Scotland must thunder through England again.”  And this gospel did in fact thunder throughout England.  This same gospel must be preached from pulpits in America!

Dr. Lawson rightly portrays Spurgeon as a pastor who was deeply committed to evangelism.  He carefully forged a path between the grievous errors of Arminianism and hyper-Calvinism and paid a steep price for his convictions.  But the primary take-away is his love for the gospel and his heart for sinners.

The Gospel Focus of Charles Spurgeon is a much-needed antidote in a church that downplays theology and especially has a nasty habit of misrepresenting historic Reformed theology.  It reminds pastors of the need for courage and conviction.  It reminds pastors to stand for the truth no matter what the cost.  It is a rebuke to the tepid theology that is being promoted in many American pulpits.  Here is a book that pastors need to read and digest.  It is time to open the Book and preach with the passion and fervor of Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

5 stars

A CROSS-SHAPED GOSPEL – Bryan Loritts (2011)

I am grateful for an resurgence in gospel-centered books that have been published lately from the likes of Greg Gilbert, Kevin DeYoung, and C.J. Mahaney.  Bryan Loritt’s adds fuel to the gospel blaze in his new work, A Cross-Shaped Gospel.

The thesis: “We need a two-part gospel – a holistic gospel, a gospel that loves both the Father and His Son, the Redeemer Jesus, and at the same time declares that love as it seeks the souls of the lost.”  The author maintains, we must be sure to balance the vertical beam of the cross by calling sinners to be reconciled with a holy God through the work of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  But we must also emphasis the horizontal beam of the cross by reaching out in our communities and engaging people where they live.

The author stresses the need for diversity in the church – but never at the expense of the gospel.  He adds, “Biblical community has always celebrated diversity, but because of the centrality of the gospel, diversity does not become a rallying cry … Race never becomes the focal point in Christocentric community; Jesus does.”  So again, the author strikes the proper balance.

A Cross-Shaped Gospel is both refreshing and challenging.  It steers clear from guilt motivation and lures readers toward gospel-centered obedience.  One only hopes this work will receive a wide reading in the days to come.  The church will grow stronger and communities will be transformed because the followers of Christ incarnated the gospel.

4 stars

THE JOY OF CALVINISM – Greg Forster (2012)

The title of Greg Forster’s book will prompt one of two responses: People will mutter inappropriate words under their breath or they will rejoice in the truthfulness on the cover.

The Joy of Calvinism is meant to be a buffer to the traditional arguments that have ransacked Calvinistic theology for decades.  And Forster accomplishes his task with a great deal of skill.

The thesis: “Real Calvinism is about joy.”  But the author essentially argues that Calvinism has been poorly explained and even misrepresented – especially in the twentieth century.  An example is the acrostic, TULIP which he rightly notes is not a formulation of the famous Synod of Dort (1618-1619).  Rather, it is more of an expression that was popularized by Lorraine Boettner in his book, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination.  While Forster’s argument is a bit overstated, it carries a certain amount of weight.  He suggests a new formulation as outlined below:

State of man before salvation: wholly defiled

Work of the Father in salvation: unconditional choice

Work of the Son in salvation: personal salvation

Work of the Spirit in salvation: supernatural transformation

State of man after salvation: in faith, perseverance

The book responds well to the classic arguments that emerge from  Arminian and Roman Catholic perspectives.  Forster’s writing is humble, thought-provoking, challenging, and affirms historic Calvinistic theology with warm-hearted enthusiasm.  It is a welcome addition to a growing number of books that eagerly promote Calvinism – what Spurgeon called, “a nickname for biblical Christianity.”

4 stars

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