JOHN MACARTHUR: Servant of the Word and Flock – Iain Murray (2011)

John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock is a mind-shaping, heart-riveting biography by one of the best living biographers around, Iain Murray.  This is familiar territory for Murray.  He has written a handful of excellent biographies, most notably, The Forgotten Spurgeon and Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography.  As usual, Murray does not disappoint.

The author chronicles the life and ministry of Dr. MacArthur from his early days as a young person to the present day.  The most impressive aspect of this work is Murray’s ability to surface the key components in MacArthur’s life and ministry.  Key features include a love for Christ, family, the Word of God, the church, and training men for the work of the ministry.

The author is quick to draw the attention of the reader to important character qualities in MacArthur, namely, integrity, love for truth, graciousness, and uncompromising stance on matters that pertain to God’s Word.

The Gospel According to Jesus surfaces throughout this biography which is a testament to its influence.  Incidentally, this book has proven to be one of the most significant books I’ve ever read.  As a Bible College student, it introduced me to Reformed theology, alerted me to the dangers of traditional dispensationalism, and warned of the rampant antinomianism in the church.

Murray’s approach to MacArthur’s theological framework is impressive.  While Murray is in agreement with a majority of MacArthur’s theology, he parts ways in matters that involve eschatology.  However, instead of marginalizing MacArthur for his dispensational premillenialism, Murray graciously sets forth MacArthur’s position and challenges readers to explore different eschatological angles.  My hope is that his graciousness in this secondary area of theology serves as an example to  churchman and academicians alike.

This book is a reminder to pastors – it reminds them that faithfulness matters.  It reminds them that integrity is essential.  And it is a clear call to lead, feed, and train the people of God all to the glory of God.

4.5 stars

TULIP: The Five Points of Calvinism in the Light of Scripture – Duane Edward Spencer (1979)

TULIP, by Duane Edward Spencer surveys the historical debate between Arminians and Calvinists.  Spencer introduces readers to the five points of Arminianism that were developed by the Remonstrants in 1610 – only months after the passing of Jacob Arminius.  The five points include:

Free Will (Total Inability)

Conditional Election (Election According to Foreknowledge)

Universal Atonement (Unlimited Atonement)

Obstructable Grace (Irresistable Grace)

Falling from Grace (Loss of Salvation)

The Reformed Christians in Holland formally responded to the Remostrants and declared each plank “contrary to Scripture.”  Indeed, none of the five points of Arminianism as set forth by the Remonstrants find Scriptural support.  This council of Reformed Christians, known as the Synod of Dort offered a theological counter-punch to Arminianism.  Their response is reflected in the acronym, TULIP is also known as the five points of Calvinism (even though Calvin went to be with the Lord almost 54 years before).  The points include:

Total Depravity

Unconditional Election

Limited Atonement (Particular Redemption)

Irresistible Grace

Perseverance of the Saints

The author defends each point that was set forth at the Synod of Dort.  He defines each respective point, clears any misunderstandings, and demonstrates how each doctrine is derived from Scripture.  These points are contrasted with the corresponding point of Arminianism.

Dr. Spencer fairly represents each historic position and does a commendable job in his defense of Calvinism.  However, one point needs adjusting that concerns free will.  At one point the author insists that unregenerate people do not have free will.  However, he modifies this view when he argues that “total depravity insists that man does not have a free will in the sense that he is free to trust Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.'”

Spencer unwittingly creates confusion in the mind of readers who seek to gain a better understanding of the nature of free will.  He would  serve readers better by admitting that all unconverted people  do in fact, have free will.  Totally depraved people are free to do good or evil but they are only able to do evil because of the radical nature of their sinful condition (John 8:34).  That is to say, the unconverted are enslaved in sin and unable to come to Christ apart from God’s empowerment (John 6:44; 63-65).

Overall, Spencer’s work is helpful.  It is a clear introduction to the debate that has raged since the days of Augustine and Pelagius.  Readers should also be aware of some other resources that are helpful in explaining the debate:

Still Sovereign – Bruce A. Ware and Tom Schreiner

The Five Points of Calvinism – David Steele

The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination – Lorraine Boettner

Chosen by God – R.C. Sproul

Grace Unknown – R.C. Sproul

Why I Am Not An Arminian – Robert Peterson and Michale Williams

The Doctrines of Grace – James Boice and Philip Graham Ryken

The Forgotten Spurgeon – Iain Murray

The Five Points of Calvinism – Edwin Palmer

The Five Dilemmas of Calvinism – Craig Brown

At the end of the day, Spurgeon reminds us of the importance of Calvinistic theology: “The old truth that Calvin preached, that Augustine 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 … I love to proclaim those strong old doctrines nicknamed Calvinism, but which are surely revealed and verily the revealed truth of God as it is in Christ Jesus.”

THE MIGHTY WEAKNESS OF JOHN KNOX – Douglas Bond (2011)

The Mighty Weakness of John Knox is the third installment in  The Long Line of Godly Men Profiles.  Dr. Steven J. Lawson serves as the series editor and hit the ground running with his superb volumes that survey the life and theology of John Calvin and Jonathan Edwards.

Douglas Bond, no stranger to the Christian publishing world, makes a solid contribution in this most recent work.  Chapter one surveys the life and the legacy of John Knox.  The author highlights pivotal moments in the life of the Scottish Reformer that include Providential persecution, his call to preach, ministry in England and Scotland – not to mention his ministry in Geneva alongside the godly French Reformer and pastor,  John Calvin.

The author carefully explains the Reformed framework that Knox embraced.  Two theological points are of special interest, namely, the doctrine of predestination and particular redemption.  Knox not only embraced predestination and election; he made it clear that this doctrine was absolutely essential.  James McEwen beautifully highlights the doctrine that Knox held dear: “It is unnecessary to apologize for the predestinarian strain in Knox’s theology.  It was his business to expound the Biblical faith, and the Biblical faith is predestinarian from end to end.”

Additionally, Knox held to the doctrine of particular redemption.  As such, Knox denied that Christ died a hypothetical death.  Rather, his death atones for his elect:  “Election is particular,” writes Bond “and the work of Christ, of rigorous necessity, is particular.”  Bond’s approach is both commendable and encouraging as he spells out the theological presuppositions of Knox.  His graciousness is certainly worth emulating.

Finally, John Knox is rightly presented as one who was a humble servant of God who faithfully preached the gospel, trained disciples, and glorified Christ with a holy passion.  His passion for preaching and writing is explored.  And his concern for the poor is pondered.

It is helpful to see Knox as one who struggled with fear but was used in a mighty way for kingdom purposes.  Douglas Bond summarizes the weakness of Knox; weakness that was ultimately used for God’s glory. “Knox was transformed from weakness to might by God’s power.”  May we who are weak be transformed into kingdom shaking vessels whose  aim is proclaiming the message of the gospel and glorifying the great God of the universe.  May the example of John Knox embolden weak pastors to teach and preach with faithful fervor.

Semper Reformanda

4.5 stars

CHURCH PLANTER – Darren Patrick (2010)

Church Planter, by Darrin Patrick is an insightful look at one of the most important activities for Christians living in New Testament times.  The author carefully organizes his book in three broad categories: The Man, The Message, and the Mission

THE MAN

In part one, Patrick makes a strong case for men who are biblically qualified to plant and pastor New Testament churches.  This man, of course, must be a Christian.  He must be called of God.  He must meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.  He must humbly rely upon God.  He must be a uniquely skilled man.  He must have a passion to shepherd the people of God.  And he must be a determined man.  The author faithfully explains each of the above qualifications – qualifications that must be met by an aspiring church planter.

THE MESSAGE

Part two focuses on the “meat and potatoes” that church planters serve the flock; not just any kind of food.  Rather, a qualified church planter must commit himself to the biblical message of the gospel.  The essence of the message must be consistently Christ-centered, sin-exposing, and idol-shattering.  His emphasis on smashing idols is especially helpful: “The way to deal with sin and idolatry is to repent of them and believe the gospel.”  Patrick hammers the necessity of getting the message right and articulating the gospel with skill and clarity.

THE MISSION

After exploring personal qualifications and theological boundaries in the first two sections, the author moves to the philosophical arena, which describes the mission of the church planter.  He argues that pastors must demonstrate compassion.  They must contextualize the message for the culture they are trying to penetrate.  And he makes it clear that the gospel must be delivered in a way that communicates hope to hurting people who are enslaved to sin.

Darren Patrick has written a book that is helpful and practical.  But most important, his work is biblical.  Emergent types on the prowl for pragmatic methodology and downplaying theology should look elsewhere.  Church Planter is a solid effort and should make a huge splash, especially among young, Reformed evangelicals.

4 stars

LOVE AND RESPECT – Emerson Eggerichs (2004)

Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs is a refreshing and practical book on marriage.

Part One: The Crazy Cycle

In part one, the author overviews what he has coined, “the crazy cycle” which represents the vicious cycle that dominates so many marriages.

Crazy Cycle 101:

The husband does not love his wife as Scripture demands – The wife reacts with disrespect – the husband reacts in an unloving manner, ad infinitum, ad nauseum.  The intention of the author is to demonstrate the effectiveness of unconditional love and unconditional respect.

Eggerichs spends a great deal of time developing the crazy cycle.  He presents the perspective of the husband and wife respectively and spells out the pros and cons of their behavior.  He clearly delineates the need of every man and woman, namely, husbands need respect and wives need love.  He adds, “When sorting out how to slow down that Crazy Cycle, it helps to remember that men are commanded to love because they don’t love naturally, and on the other side, women are commanded to respect because they don’t respect naturally.”

The key principle of part one is as follows: “His love motivates her respect; her respect motivates his love.”  This leads to demise of the crazy cycle.

Part Two: The Energizing Cycle

In part two, the author presents two models for husbands and wives respectively.  Husbands are challenged to “spell love to their wives” by utilizing the acrostic, c-o-u-p-l-e:

Closeness – Openness – Understanding – Peacemaking – Loyalty – Esteem.

Wives are challenged to “spell respect to their husbands by utilizing the acrostic, c-h-a-i-r-s:

Conquest – Hierarchy – Authority – Insight – Relationship – Sexuality.

The author describes each element in details and provides good biblical support for his points.

Part Three: The Rewarded Cycle

Part three encourages husbands to love their wives regardless of her respect; wives are encouraged to respect their husbands regardless of their love.  The author provide numerous examples in the form of letters and personal testimony about couples who have broken our of the crazy cycle and moved to the rewarded cycle.   They have chosen to break free from patterns of selfishness and move toward one another in love – to the glory of God.

Love and Respect is an immensely practical work that has and will continue to bear much fruit.  This work will provide encouragement to couples who struggle to heed the biblical imperatives.

THE LOST ART OF LOYALTY: LEARNING ABOUT LIFE ABOVE THE RIM

Ohio Governor John Kasich made a stunning announcement on June 13, only hours after the Dallas Maverick’s whipped the Miami Heat and claimed their first NBA title.  Kasich proclaimed, “Now, Therefore, I, John R. Kasich, Governor of the State of Ohio, do hereby name the Dallas Mavericks organization, friends, family and fans as honorary Ohioans, with all privileges and honors therein, for the day of June 14, 2011.”

Kasich, never one to mince words, was apparently communicating a message to LeBron James, former star of the Cleveland Cavaliers who jumped ship and fled to Miami in order to claim an NBA title.

The Kasich resolution placed a clear stake in the ground: “NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Dirk Nowitzki chose to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks in the summer of 2010, forgoing free agency and keeping his talents in Dallas, thus remaining loyal to the team, city and fans for whom he played his entire career …”

It is true that professional athletes are traded every day, often to the bitter chagrin of the player on the block.  However, too often, players sell out for their own glory.  The net result:  Cities that feels disenfranchised and thousands of little kids who feel let down.

It is also true that professional athletes are businessmen who have the right to earn what the market will bear.  But at what expense and whose expense?  And should the all-mighty dollar ever dislodge loyalty?

Where are the athletes like Cal Ripken, Jr. who played his heart out for twenty-one years with the Orioles?  Or what about a class act like Edgar Martinez who quietly and faithfully endured eighteen years with the Mariners (and many of those years were losing years)?  Where are the heroes like Steve Largent who played fourteen years with the Seahawks or Bart Starr who gave sixteen years of his life with the Packers?  And where are the players who stick it out with one team like Bill Russell and Larry Bird who both played thirteen years for the Celtics?

Some probably think that Governor Kasich took a cheap shot at LeBron James.  My own view is that the good governor simply wanted to make a point about the importance of loyalty – or lack of loyalty.  Perhaps the greater lesson is Nowitzki’s decision to remain loyal to his original team, the Dallas Mavericks. Nowitzki will never have a drawer full of rings like some NBA stars.  But he can proudly wear at least one championship ring – and he didn’t have to sell out to earn the right to wear it.

My late grandfather used to warn young pastors, “Never sell your soul for a mess of pottage.”  That lesson wears well in the ministry.  And it works just as well on the basketball court.

HISTORICAL THEOLOGY: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine – Gregg Allison (2011)

I waited for Gregg Allison’s, Historical Theology for over a year.  After carefully devouring over 700 pages, Allison’s work does not disappoint.

Historical Theology is patterned after Wayne Grudem’s, Systematic Theology and follows a topical-chronological framework that makes studying historical theology a real delight.  For those familiar with historical theology, a discipline that is often presented in a dull and dreary manner, Allison’s work is a gift that will be utilized and appreciated by many Bible students and pastors.

Historical Theology is arranged in seven sections:

Part 1: The Doctrine of the Word of God

Part 2: The Doctrine of God

Part 3: The Doctrine of Humanity

Part 4: The Doctrines of Christ and the Holy Spirit

Part 5: The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption

Part 6: The Doctrine of the Church

Part 7: The Doctrine of the Future

Each section follows a predictable pattern that moves readers through the respective doctrinal developments that begin with the early church and proceed to  the middle ages, the Reformation, and the modern period.

The author presents historical developments in a fair and gracious manner.  He alerts readers to matters that pertain to heretical proclivities as well as orthodox dogma.

Historical Theology will no doubt serve as the standard textbook in Bible College and Seminaries for many years to come.

5 stars

PREACHING FOR GOD’S GLORY – Alistair Begg (2001)

Originally published in 1999, Alister Begg’s Preaching for God’s Glory is a welcome reminder that points to the necessity of expository preaching.

Begg argues that preaching should by definition be expository, “Bible-based, Christ-focused, marked by doctrinal clarity, a sense of gravity, and convincing argument.”  He clearly chronicles  the tragic demise of this kind of biblical preaching which is of no advantage to God’s people.

Begg discusses the reason for the departure of expository preaching from so many pulpits.  He is convinced that there is a loss of confidence in the Bible.  He adds, “The expositor is not a poet moving his listeners by cadence and imagery, nor is he an author reader from a manuscript.  He is a herald speaking by the strength and authority of heaven.”

The tragic failure to preach expository sermons has resulted in confusion and malnutrition.  “The tragic medicine,” writes Begg “for this disease is the preaching and teaching ministry that God has established to bring his people to maturity.

Begg explores the nature of expository preaching.  Preachers must begin with the text, stand between two worlds, and show how a given text is relevant in the twenty-first century.

Finally, Begg discusses the benefits of expository preaching.

1. It gives glory to God alone.

2. It makes the preacher study God’s Word.

3. It helps the congregation.

4. It demands treatment of the entire Bible.

5. It provides a balanced diet.

6. It eliminates Saturday night fever (or last-minute preparation).

Preaching for God’s Glory is a worthy addition to a small list of worthwhile books on the preaching task.  Begg does not pretend to offer a  comprehensive look at preaching.  It is, however, a reaffirmation of the importance of expository preaching that must not go unheeded.  Indeed, all pastors must embrace the mandate to preach for God’s glory.

4 stars.

THE CHRISTIAN FAITH: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way – Michael Horton (2011)

Good books on systematic theology are rare commodities these days.  Wayne Grudem published his phenomenal book, Systematic Theology in 1994.  Robert Reymond followed Grudem in 1998 with A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith.  Since those seminal works were published there has been a virtual void.

But Michael Horton appears anxious to fill the void with his latest work, The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims On the Way.  A recent tweet by Al Mohler reads, “Working my way through Michael Horton’s systematic theology.  It’s weight and significant.”

Reviewing Horton’s work is like trying to describe the beauty of the Grand Canyon in a few short paragraphs.  Impossible!  Generally, the book is organized and readable.  One immediately recognizes the difference in structure.  Instead of traditional categories one normally finds in systematic theology, Horton offers six broad headings:

1. Knowing God: The Presuppositions of Theology

2. God Who Lives

3. God Who Creates

4. God Who Rescues

5. God Who Reigns in Grace

6. God Who Reigns in Glory

The work is saturated in Scripture and engages with competing worldviews and philosophies.  While some are critical of Horton’s choice to interact with pagan philosophy, his decision adds to the overall value and usefulness of the book.  Engaging on a philosophical level helps readers better establish a strong and coherent Christian worldview.  In my mind, Horton reaches his zenith in Chapter 15 with a mind-numbing and soul titillating discussion on substitutionary atonement.

One significant critique worth noting that comes as a real surprise.  Horton argues, “Jesus Christ, sinless in himself, becomes the greatest sinner who ever lived …” (p. 621).  Much to the contrary, Scripture teaches that God made Christ to “be sin” (2 Cor. 5:21).  Additionally, Scripture teaches that Christ has been tempted in every respect as we are “yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15).  God’s Word never declares that Christ becomes a “sinner.”  One wonders if a typo has occurred here!

Dispensational thinkers will disagree with Horton at points.  Overall, though, Horton’s work is a real winner and will be utilized in the Seminary classroom and pastoral study for years to come.

4 stars

SIGNS OF GODLINESS – Jonathan Edwards (1730)

Jonathan Edwards’ short essay entitled, Signs of Godliness, sets forth a clear thesis that appears at the end of the work: “The grand secret of being real, thorough Christians lies in these two things: in cleaving to Christ as our only portion, so as therein to renounce the world; and in trusting in Christ as our only Savior, in a renunciation of our own righteousness.”

The Puritan divine supports his thesis by pointing to numerous signs of godliness which include:

  • Bringing forth fruit and keeping Christ’s commandments – what Edwards refers to as “universal obedience.”
  • Persevering through temptations and difficulties.
  • Mortifying the flesh.
  • Denying ourselves for Christ.
  • Bridling the tongue.
  • Believing the difficult, the spiritual and abasing doctrines of Christianity.
  • Hungering and thirsting after spiritual good.
  • Having the spirit of Christ.
  • A meek and forgiving spirit.
  • Love and charity which is “the primary fruit of the Spirit.”
  • Loving other Christians.
  • Believing and being heartily convinced that Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
  • Being faithful to God in our own sphere and particular calling.
  • Walking in newness of life and bringing forth the fruits of righteousness.
  • Trusting in God – “Scarcely anything is more frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as the distinguishing character of a godly man than trusting in God.”
  • Choosing and resting in God and Christ and spiritual and eternal good as our portion.
  • Fearing God.
  • A changed heart, which involves turning from sin and turning to God.
  • Humility, a broken and contrite heart, being poor in spirit, sensible of our own vileness and unworthiness, self-abasement before God, disclaiming all worthiness and glory, mourning for sin.
  • Seeing and knowing God and Christ and understanding divine things.
  • Spiritual knowledge.
  • Relishing, savoring and delighting in the Word of God.
  • A disposition to praise God.
  • A delighting and rejoicing in God.

Edwards props up each of these “signs of godliness”  with a host of Scriptures, intending to convince readers of their importance.  His work is a devastating critique of the free grace movement (almost 300 years before its inception) and any theological system that supports a non-lordship approach to Scripture.  One wonders how any antinomian would respond to Edwards’ clear and biblical assertions.

Signs of Godliness beckons Christians to live in a way that is consistent with their calling.  Christ-followers must be a people of humility, gentleness, patience, and love” (Eph. 4:1-3).