A SIMPLE WAY TO PRAY – Archie Parrish (2011)

The Kindle edition of A Simple Way to Pray by Archie Parrish is a welcome complement to the growing amount of Reformed literature.

Luther spells out his approach to prayer as he approaches the Ten Commandments, Lord’s Prayer, and Apostles’ Creed: “Take care not to undertake … so much that one becomes weary in spirit … It is enough to consider one section or half a section which kindles (no word play here … Guttenberg had only recently invented moveable type!) a fire in the heart … If in the midst of such thoughts the Holy Spirit begins to preach in your heart with rich, enlightening thoughts, honor Him by letting go of this written scheme; be still and listen to Him who can do better than you can do.  Remember what He says and note it well and you will behold wondrous things in the law of God.”

A Simple Way to Pray is a much-needed work in our day of prayerlessness. I am reminded that every major move of God in church history has been fueled by prayer.  Oh that the church would spend time on her knees.  We look forward to a new reformation and revival.  We long for a church that cherishes God’s Word, refuses to compromise God’s Word and is blood-earnest about fulfilling the Great Commission to the glory of God!

Semper Reformanda!

THE BARBER WHO WANTED TO PRAY – R.C. Sproul (2011)

R.C. Sproul has a way of “bringing the cookies” to a level that anyone can reach.  Once again, he has accomplished this feat in his newest children’s book, The Barber Who Wanted to Pray.

Sproul retells the historical account of Martin Luther’s trip to the barber shop.  This was no ordinary visit. Luther was a wanted man.  Nailing the 95 theses on the castle door at Wittenberg became more than public dispute.  These nails sealed Luther’s fate – at least in the eyes of the Roman Catholic Church.

The barber who held a sharpened razor to Luther’s neck knew that in one movement, Luther would be a dead man.  The barber could retire in the lap of luxury.  But instead of cashing in his chips, the barber asked Luther a penetrating question: “Dr. Luther, can you teach me to pray?”  The German Reformer was astonished and impressed with this request.  He asked for some time to frame a response.  Within days, he was back with an answer – an answer that the people of God can all benefit from.

Luther’s response to his barber was a simple approach to prayer – all based on the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Apostles’ Creed.  He would eventually compile his answer into a valuable little book, entitled The Way to Pray. The essence of his method is to pray line by line, reflecting on the truth contained in the Ten Commandments, Lord’s Prayer, and Apostles’ Creed.

On this Reformation Sunday, let us remember the accomplishments of Luther and the Protestant Reformers.  But more importantly, let us marvel at the beauty of the gospel and the precious truth of justification by faith alone!

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1, ESV).

Semper Reformanda!

THE WORLD-TILTING GOSPEL – Dan Phillips (2011)

Some of the most helpful Christian books I have read over the years focus on the subject of biblical worldview.  Among the best include books like Total Truth and Saving Leonardo by Nancy Pearcey, Life’s Ultimate Questions and Worldviews in Conflict by Ron Nash, Building a Christian Worldview by Hoffecker Smith, The Universe Next Door by James Sire, and of course anything by Francis Shaeffer.  Add one more fine book to the list – The World-Tilting Gospel by Dan Phillips.

PART ONE: WHO ARE WE?

Phillips begins where every good worldview begins, namely – God’s good creation.  He rightly argues that “our view of ourselves as we stand before God is inextricably interwoven with our view of God.”  Calvin made the identical argument in the opening chapter of The Institutes of the Christian Religion: “But though the knowledge of God and the knowledge of ourselves are bound together by a mutual tie, due arrangement  requires that we treat of the former in the first place, and then descend to the latter.”

The author moves from creation to the Fall and unpacks the biblical doctrine of total depravity.  The essence of Adam and Eve’s disobedience is one of autonomy: “They will know on their own terms, set their own values independent of God, as liberated from God.  They will be self-ruled, they will be a law unto themselves.”  One immediately recognizes the influence of Cornelius Van Til,  an influence that should penetrate every evangelical mind.

Sin is imputed on Adam’s descendants (Rom. 5:12) which renders each person dead in sin (Eph. 2:1-3).  Phillips does a terrific job explaining radical depravity at this point.  He alerts readers to the modern-day love-affair with free will among many evangelicals.  Thus, unregenerate people are unable to come to Christ apart from the drawing ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 6:44).

PART TWO: WHAT HAS GOD DONE FOR US?

In part two, the author introduces readers to the Reformed doctrine of predestination – a crucial doctrine that is taught from Genesis to Revelation.  He builds his argument on the character of God, beginning with the holiness of God: “God’s holiness overarches and gloriously radiates through all of His attributes.” Phillips proceeds to explain God’s love and wisdom which set the stage for the biblical reality of election.

Phillips does a wonderful job explaining redemptive history in a way that is clear, compelling, and biblical.  At the heart of his discussion is the penal substitutionary atonement by blood – a doctrine that is currently under attack by some emergent leaders.  Christ is magnified and exalted in this section.  He is supreme and worthy to be praised for the work He accomplishes for His people on the cross!

PART THREE: HOW DO WE GET IN?

Part three unpacks the doctrines of justification and regeneration.  Phillips articulates these vital doctrines in clear and unmistakable terms.  The author leans on the earth shattering exegesis of Martin Luther as he explores the doctrine of justification by faith alone: “It is a status [God] bestows on sinners.  It is a declaration that they are in good standing as far as His righteous law is concerned.”

The doctrine of regeneration is act of God’s sovereign pleasure.  The Holy Spirit alone regenerates the depraved human heart.  Monergistic regeneration is clearly taught in this work.  Phillips clearly describes the necessity of holding to the Reformed reality that regeneration precedes faith – and he does it in a winsome way.  May God spread this kind of clarity and winsomeness among the young, restless, and Reformed!

PART FOUR: HOW DO WE GET GOING?

In the final section, the author guides readers through a series of theological land mines that have  the potential to stunt Christian growth.  The so-called Free Grace movement is confronted directly and mystical approaches to the Christian life are demolished.  The popular notion of “let go and let God” is annihilated.  And the category of so-called “carnal Christian” is crushed.  Phillips is rightly concerned that these erroneous views impede spiritual growth and short-circuit the sanctification process.

Finally, Phillips concludes with a thoughtful chapter that helps summarize the main points of the book and motivate readers to embrace a worldview that is in the final reality a “world-tilting” worldview.

This author has surpassed all my expectations.  Don’t let the cheesy cover fool you!  This is a serious book with a plethora of practical implications.  Phillips writes in a popular style; a kind of style that will attract a younger audience.  But the serious nature of the book should draw a wide range of readers.  He interacts with a diverse group of Christian thinkers – a helpful way to introduce folks to the Puritans and the Reformers.

Highly recommended!

FYODER DOSTOEVSKY – Peter Leithart (2011)

Fyodor Dostoevsky has been somewhat of an enigma to me for many years.  Thankfully, Peter Leithart’s latest book that bears the name of this famous Russian author sheds light on his life and worldview.

Dostoevsky was the son of a strict Russian physician.  He graduated from the military academy and was, in the final analysis, exiled to Siberia – accused of “subversive activities” against the state.

Once released, Dostoevsky continued his brilliant writing career – but not without personal struggle and hardship.  Many of his novels bear this out – namely, his battle with gambling and interpersonal conflict.  He also struggled physically.  Epilepsy dogged him for many years.

Despite his battle with sin, Dostoevsky clung to the cross of Christ.  He was a real man with real pain.  Perhaps this is what attracts so many people to his writings.  Dostoevsky was an authentic man who was not afraid to share his struggles.

Peter Leithart should be applauded for his latest work on Dostoevsky.  It is evident that he has read and devoured Dostoevsky’s novels.  And his creative, first-person look at the writer is an inside look at this fascinating Russian man.

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

3.5 stars

The Christian Mind – Harry Blamires (1963)

My uncle Dwight gave me this book almost twenty years ago.  I’ll never forget what he said when he handed it to me: “Only real men can read this book.”  Whether it was meant to motivate or amuse, I read it with a vengeance.  This is my third time through.

Blamires thesis is clear throughout the book: “There is no longer a  Christian mind.”  An interesting proposal, given the original publishing date of 1963.  But the facts outweigh any contrary argument.  The author notes, “And we have emptied our brains of Christian vocabulary, Christian concepts, in advance, just to make sure that we should get fully into touch.  Thus we have stepped mentally into secularism.”  We live in a post-Christian era.  This much is certain.  The frightening reality is that some Christians understood this in the 1960’s.  Many Christians today simply have no comprehension of the Christian mind.

In part two, the author suggests  what the Christian mind should look like.  He delineates six marks of the Christian mind which include:

1. A supernatural orientation.

2. An awareness of evil.

3. A conception of truth

4. Accepts the notion of authority

5. Has a concern for the person

6. Has a passion to live life to the glory of God.

The Christian Mind should be celebrated for its analysis of culture and its allegiance to the Word of God.  Like Francis Schaeffer, Blamires is in touch with the barriers to Christian thinking.  While his concerns originated in 1963, they continue to reverberate almost fifty years later.

The point my Uncle was trying to make is this: Real men think Christianly.  Real men live according to truth.

“The Christian mind is the prerequisite of Christian thinking.  And Christian thinking is the prerequisite of Christian action.”

Harry Blamires

KING SOLOMON – Philip Graham Ryken (2011)

King Solomon: The Temptations of Money, Sex, and Power by Philip Graham Ryken is a candid look at the famous king who struggled with the flesh.

It is clear from the outset that the author has done his homework.  He paints historical detail onto the canvas of his exposition.  And he clearly presents the movements of Solomon’s life through the book of 1 Kings – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The most important feature of this book is how the author weaves the gospel into the story of Solomon’s life.  The author’s conclusion is a fitting end to this gospel-saturated exposition: “Praise God for Jesus Christ, the risen King, the true and righteous Solomon of our salvation!  By the power of his resurrection, we will be able to serve God to the end of our days.  And afterwards we will rise with Solomon and all the children of God, to offer our Savior an eternity of praise.”

4 stars

A MILLION MILES IN A THOUSAND YEARS – Donald Miller (2009)

I spent part of my day off with Don Miller.  I should say that I spent part of the day reading his book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.  This is interesting because I have critiqued some of his writing.  But make no mistake.  Agree or disagree with his views, Miller can write – and he writes well.

My buddy Ron urged me to read this book, which I resisted at first.  But Ron knew how to reel me in.  “It’s an interesting book.  I think you’ll like it,” Ron said.  “And it’s about bikes!”

Miller is interested in telling a story.  And he’s very good at it.  But the more important point concerns the story in the lives of people: “I believe God wants us to create beautiful stories, and whatever it is that isn’t God wants us to create meaningless stories, teaching the people around us that life just isn’t worth living.”

While I may disagree with Miller on some points, this book has made me realize – “Hey, I like this guy.”  Maybe it is his gut level honesty.  Maybe it his love for reading and writing.  But I think it mostly comes down to his love for life and his ability to communicate real life stories in a meaningful way.

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years made me think and ponder.  It made me re-evaluate.  It forced me to ask important questions – some of which may not have answers.  But at the end of the day, Miller’s work is worth reading.  It might even motivate you to hop on a bicycle.  I think you’ll “enjoy the ride.”

4 stars

THE THEOLOGICAL BACKBONE OF WILLIAM TYNDALE (1494 – 1536)


Today  marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of William Tyndale.  This faithful man was born in 1494.  He attended Oxford, Magdalen Hall and Cambridge University.  A student and adherent of the Protestant Reformation, Tyndale engaged in numerous debates with Roman Catholics.    One leader in the Roman Catholic church mocked Tyndale: “We are better to be without God’s laws than the Pope.”  Tyndale, never one to mince words replied, “I defy the Pope and all his laws.  If God spare my life ere many years, I will cause the boy who drives the plow to know more of the Scriptures than you.”

Tyndale was a confident, bold, and fearless theologian and scholar who translated the Bible into an early form of Modern English, likely with Luther’s help in Wittenberg.  But Tyndale was arrested and imprisoned for 500 days in a kangaroo court, and ultimately convicted.  He was sent to be strangled and burn at the stake in the prison yard on October 6, 1536 – the same year that Calvin published the first edition of The Institutes of the Christian Religion.  His last words were, “Lord, open the king of England’s eyes.”

May God raise up a new generation of leaders like William Tyndale – courageous and bold; men with a theological backbone and rock solid integrity.  May God raise up  a new generation of men who say what they mean and mean what they say; men who are unashamed of the gospel; men who are utterly unwilling to compromise the truth; men who are willing to be burned at the stake for the sake of truth.

Semper Reformanda!

THE GOSPEL COMMISSION: Recovering God’s Strategy for Making Disciples – Michael Horton (2011)

Michael Horton has been on somewhat of a writing streak in recent days.  Earlier this year, he released his magnum opus, The Christian Faith, a systematic theology that ranks highly along with theologians such as Wayne Grudem and Robert Reymond.  In 2008 he embarked on an important study that included Christless Christianity and The Gospel Driven Life.  Horton completes this theological trilogy with The Gospel Commission: Recovering God’s Strategy for Making Disciples.

Horton’s work articulates the Great Commission in a compelling way that motivates followers of Christ to welcome others into God’s covenant family and challenges the presuppositions concerning the evangelistic task.  Horton wastes no time in critiquing ancient heresy and alerting readers to the  alarming contemporary trends associated with the emergent church.

The author helps recover the core elements of the Great Commission and invites readers to seriously consider the mandate before every Christ-follower.  The Gospel Commission is challenging and convicting.  It is an important reminder and calls God’s people to remain faithful to the task.

THE PRIEST WITH DIRTY CLOTHES – R.C. Sproul (2011)

On Sunday morning, I was  preparing for worship.  My ten year old son came bolting onto the platform.  He had important news to share – news that probably had something to do with a new video game or Lego set.  Nathan said with a smile on his face, “R.C. Sproul’s new book is out!”

We purchased the book and by 2:00 p.m. he had completed R.C.’s newest treasure.  My son says, “Dad, you’ve gotta read this book.  It’s really cool.” Who can argue with an eager ten-year old who is excited about a new book by R.C. Sproul?

The Priest With Dirty Clothes is story based on Zechariah 3:1-5.  The story illustrates the theological realities that emerge,  including justification by faith alone and imputation.  At the end of the day, Sproul intends to communicate rich biblical truth that make up the gospel message.  The story-telling vehicle is a creative way to drive these important truths into the hearts and minds of children.

Sproul’s book is beautifully illustrated and is appropriate for young children and pre-teens.  But the message Sproul communicates is for everyone – namely, sinners need a new set of clothes; they need a new heart.  And Christ, our great high priest is the only One qualified to grant what we need most.