WHAT IS THE GOSPEL? – Greg Gilbert (2010)

I coached high school tennis in the late 80’s.  One of my most vivid memories is my team’s disdain for fundamentals.  The first day of practice I told my players to “drop their rackets.”  Shocked and perplexed, they wondered what we could possibly accomplish without a tennis racket.  “The first week of practice, we will focus on fundamentals, footwork, teamwork, and conditioning,” I said. The groans were deafening!

I am convinced that fundamentals are key in any sport.  Fundamentals are critical in the business world.  And fundamentals are essential when considering biblical Christianity.

It seems to be fashionable in the church these days to not only neglect fundamentals but to arrogantly dismiss them.  I hear it all the time as people bemoan the ancient creeds and confessions.  I hear it when people react negatively to theological terminology.  And this reaction to the fundamentals of biblical Christianity has led to a steady erosion of the gospel.

For these reasons, Greg Gilbert’s What is the Gospel? is a vital book.  It is a return to the fundamentals, a return to the gospel message.  This is not a social gospel, a health and wealth gospel, or a gospel that promises mere “fire insurance.”  This is the gospel that makes demands: “Take up your cross and follow me” (Luke 9:24). This is the gospel that makes  an astonishing claim: Jesus came to rescue sinners from hell (John 3:36).  Gilbert unpacks the gospel message by rehearsing the fourfold scheme popularized by Mark Dever: God, man, Christ, response.

The gospel begins with God.  This God is the creator.  He is holy and righteous and commands people to glorify him. 

Man is a sinner and is separated from God apart from grace.  He is dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1-3) and is in desperate need of salvation.

Christ who is fully God and man came to rescue sinners from hell by standing in their place on the cross as a substitute, bearing the wrath of God, reconciling his people to God, and redeeming them from the slave market of sin.

Sinners must respond to the gospel.  They must repent and believe (which are two sides of the same coin).  Gilbert writes, “Repentance is not just an optional plug-in to the Christian life.  It is absolutely crucial to it, marking out those who have been saved by God from those who have not.”

What is the Gospel? is a very basic book.  But it is also a very important book.  We live in a world where few understand the core message of the gospel message.  Gilbert’s book cuts through the fog of health and wealth “gospel”, the non-lordship “gospel,” and the cultural transformation “gospel.”

Utilize this little book in discipleship for new believers and membership classes.  Give copies to unbelieving friends.  And re-read this great book and become refreshed by the reality of the gospel!

4.5 stars

A NEW KIND OF CHRISTIANITY – Brian McLaren (2010)

Brian McLaren comes out fighting in his newest book, A New Kind of Christianity.  Indeed, his savvy style and fancy footwork would make Rocky Balboa proud!  I suspect that McLaren, however, would not be comfortable with the fighting metaphor.  “Dialogue,” “conversation,” and “exchange” would be more appropriate for this emergent leader.  So step out of the “ring” and into the safe confines of a comfortable cafe and enjoy a chai tea latte as we dialogue, converse, and  respond to A New Kind of Christianity.

First, I appreciate McLaren’s willingness to receive criticism.  He is crystal clear about this.  He is very open about the controversial proposals that he sets forth.  He expects response and for this we should be grateful.

Second, McLaren’s quest for a new kind of Christianity is commendable as far as it goes:  “So our quest calls us first and foremost to nurture a robust spiritual life – not only a deep commitment to serve God, but also a deep desire to know and love God …”  His goal may appear admirable enough on the surface; however the means he utilizes in order to achieve the ends are deeply troubling.  This short review seeks to surface some of the more troubling aspects of McLaren’s work.

The author begins by alerting readers to the need for a fresh set of questions and likens his pursuit to Luther’s 95 theses which caused a firestorm in the 16th century and implies a revived firestorm in the 21st century.  McLaren’s 96th thesis is as follows: “It’s time for a new quest, launched by new questions, a quest across denominations around the world, a quest for new ways to believe and new ways to live and serve faithfully in the way of Jesus, a quest for a new kind of Christian faith.”  McLaren’s so-called 96th thesis sets the stage for ten questions to follow which compromise the main content of the book. They include:

1. The Narrative Question: What is the overarching story line of the Bible?

2. The Authority Question: How should the Bible be understood?

3. The God Question: Is God violent?

4. The Jesus Question: Who is Jesus and why is he so important?

5. The Gospel Question: What is the gospel?

6. The Church Question: What do we do about the church?

7. The Sex Question: Can we find a way to address human sexuality without fighting about it?

8. The Future Question: Can we find a better way of viewing the future?

9. The Pluralism Question: How should followers of Jesus relate to people of other religions?

10. What-Do-We-Do-Now Question: How can we translate our quest into action?

McLaren makes it clear that his assertions are merely responses, not answers.  But it becomes painfully clear throughout the book that his assertions are in fact answers, especially in his denial of the Fall, original sin, and the biblical description of hell and eternal torments.  Most important is coming to this understanding: McLaren’s answers (pardon me, his responses) are rooted in his refutation of the traditional biblical plot-line.

The author challenges and condemns this plot-line, namely, the way of reading redemptive history in the following categories: “Eden, the Fall, Condemnation, Salvation, Heaven/Hell.”  In this context, he writes, “We might question conventional theories of atonement or the nature and population of hell or whether concepts like original sin or total depravity need to be modified” (p. 35).  He maintains the traditional overarching storyline in the Bible is the narrative that Plato taught and was the social and political narrative of the Roman Empire, what McLaren refers to as “the Greco-Roman narrative.”  McLaren argues that we must “exit the Greco-Roman narrative – quietly and courageously walk out the door and leave its six straight lines behind …” (p. 45).

McLaren is concerned with matters of authority, and rightly so in a culture where God’s Word has been replaced with human autonomy.  However, his approach is less than desirable and places readers on the slippery slope of compromise.  He rejects the notion of reading the Bible as a “Constitution.”  Instead of timeless principles, the author sees the Bible as an “inspired portable library.”  Instead of “brick and mortar to construct a building of certainty,” the author sees “hammers and chisels in the form of stories and questions.”  Instead of propositional truth, the author views Scripture as an “event or discovery” an “encounter that occurs to readers when they engage with the text in faith.”  Instead of “revelation is” the author sees “revelation happening to us.”  And instead of viewing the Bible as authoritative and placing the reader “under” the text, the author sees the reader standing “in” the text.

A more lengthy review is necessary in order to respond to McLaren’s beliefs in an open future, his views on the person and work of Jesus, hell, homosexuality, pluralism, and his repudiation of the traditional Reformed understanding of the sovereignty of God, the doctrine of election, and the biblical reality that God ordains everything that comes to pass.

A New Kind of Christianity offers nothing short of a radical reformulation of the historic Christian worldview that results in a marginalized, compromised, watered-down caricature of biblical Christianity.  What emerges may appear “new” at first glance, but has more to do with a neo-orthodox approach to Scripture.  Indeed, a new emergent liberalism is alive and well.  One recalls Barth’s repudiation of propositional revelation and immediately recognizes the similarities of this “old” belief system.

Thoughtful Christians must return to the “ring” where men like Gresham Machen, Carl Henry, and Francis Schaeffer fought long and hard to maintain high standards of biblical fidelity and orthodoxy in the 20th century.  These men were firm in their resolve to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3, ESV).  How can serious-minded Christ-followers do any less?  How can faithful Christ-followers discard the biblical plot-line that emerges in redemptive history, namely, Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration?

Brian McLaren and his version of what he describes as “new Christianity” may appear to be more comfortable in the cafe than the boxing ring.  Let the reader decide.

JONATHAN EDWARDS AND THE GLORY OF GOD

“God communicates himself to the understanding of the creature, in giving him the knowledge of his glory; and to the will of the creature, in giving him holiness, consisting primarily in the love of God: and in giving the creature happiness, chiefly consisting in joy in God.  These are the sum of that emanation of divine fullness called in Scripture, the glory of God.”

– Jonathan Edwards, The End For Which God Created the World (Carlisle: Banner of Truth Trust, p. 119)

THE CROSS OF CHRIST – John Stott (1986)

The Cross of Christ by John Stott has emerged over the years as one of the most important books that pertains to the redemptive work of our Savior. Stott’s work is a comprehensive look at the cross and its ramifications for the New Testament believer.   Without the cross there would undoubtedly be no reason to evangelize for we would have no message to proclaim.

The author divides his book into four parts.  Part one, approaching the cross argues that the centrality of the cross originated in the mind of Jesus.  What dominated the mind of Jesus was not the living, but the giving of his life.  Stott discusses the reasons why Christ had to die on the cross.  Ultimately, Christ was not killed.  Rather, he died, giving himself up voluntarily to do his Father’s will.  Moreover, Stott adds, “Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us (leading us to faith and worship), we have to see it as something done by us (leading us to repentance).”  The author concludes part one by way of application and notes that the cross enforces three truths: 1) Our sin must be extremely horrible, 2) God’s love must be wonderful beyond comprehension, and 3) Christ’s salvation must be a free gift.

Part two details the heart of the cross.  Here Stott covers the seriousness of sin and the necessity of forgiveness.  He contrasts the holiness and wrath of God and holds that a balanced understanding of the gravity of sin and the majesty of God will help one understand the cross in significant ways.  The author also spends a great deal of time discussing the necessity of the substitutionary atonement.  He illustrates this great biblical truth by detailing the events of the Passover and its implications in New Testament days.

Part three, the achievement of the cross reveals the rich New Testament truths of propitiation, redemption, justification and reconciliation.  Each word highlights a different aspect of human need and all four indicate that the saving initiative was taken by God alone in his sovereign love.  Further, all four images teach that God’s saving work was achieved through the shedding of blood, namely, through the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ.

Part four is entitled living under the cross and draws practical conclusions from the first four deeply theological parts.  The author concludes that the cross makes possible a new relationship with God, what he calls the “community of celebration.”  He writes, “The whole of the Christian community should be conceived of as festival in which with love, joy and boldness we celebrate what God has done for us through Christ.”  He makes it clear that the cross should motivate disciples of Jesus to offer spiritual sacrifices on a daily basis.  Finally, Stott maintains that the cross necessarily leads to self-understanding, self-giving and a love for our enemies.

The Cross of Christ is an unbelievable book.  John Stott is a rare breed that combines the mind of a scholar with a heart of a pastor.  His insight is rich and meaningful.  His writing is precise, biblical and is always right on target.  He brilliantly diagnoses the sin problem and discusses the cure found in the power of the cross.  The section contrasting God’s love and holiness is a true masterpiece.  Finally the implications for evangelism are bold and challenging.  Stott maintains, “Either we preach that human beings are rebels against God, under his just judgment and (if left to themselves) lost, and that Christ crucified who bore their sin and curse is the only available Savior.  Or we emphasize human potential and human ability, with Christ brought in only to boost them, and with no necessity for the cross except to exhibit God’s love and so inspire us to great endeavor.”  The majority report seems to embrace the latter approach to the great shame and chagrin of the church.

4.5 stars

THE LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE – James Kouzes and Barry Posner (2007 Revised)

The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner assists people in furthering their abilities to lead others in order to get extraordinary things done.  Every person has the capacity to develop the necessary skills and character qualities to reach a level of measurable leadership effectiveness.  Leadership is defined at the outset as “the art of mobilizing others to want to struggle for shared aspirations.”

The central thesis of the book is that leaders are at their best when they participate at a heart level in five key areas.  Each chapter deals with these areas on a philosophical level and proceed to give practical suggestions on how to implement these principles.  Further, embedded in the five fundamental practices of effective leadership are behaviors that serve as the basis for learning to lead.  The authors call these the Ten Commitments.  These five fundamental areas of effective leaders as well as the Ten Commitments are spelled out below.

First, leaders are at their best when they challenge the process.  Kouzes and Posner suggest that effective leaders constantly challenge the status quo.  They are never satisfied and consistently monitor progress; they push for excellence.  Leaders are change agents who do not change merely for the sake of change but for the purpose of propelling the organization into the future.  “So leaders must challenge the process precisely because any system will unconsciously conspire to maintain the status quo and prevent change” write Kouzes and Posner.

Second, leaders are at their best when they inspire a shared vision.  Vision is defined as “an ideal and unique image of the future.”  The two Commitments that help leaders accomplish the above are envisioning an uplifting and ennobling future and enlisting others in a common vision by appealing to their values, interests, hopes and dreams.

The third essential quality of leadership is enabling others to act.  The central idea is to promote cooperative goals, seek integrative solutions and build trusting relationships.  It follows then, that the two Commitments that enhance this quality is fostering collaboration by promoting cooperative goals and building trust. as well as strengthening people by empowering them.

The fourth plank in the book is modeling the way.  DWYSYWD is an essential step in this process: “Do What You Say You Will Do.”  Three ideas saturate this section.  They include, 1) Clarify personal values and beliefs and those of others, 2) Unify constituents around shared values and 3) Pay attention constantly to how self and others are living the values.  The two Commitments that drive this important aspect of the leadership challenge include setting the example by behaving in ways that are consistent with shared values and achieving small wins that promote consistent progress which builds commitment.

Fifth, effective leaders encourage the heart of constituents.  These leaders make a practice of building self-confidence through high expectations, connect performance and rewards and carry a positive attitude through the day.  The last two Commitments that enhance this process include recognizing individual contributions and regularly celebrating team accomplishments.

The final chapter crystallizes the content of the book by reviewing the central propositions and by proposing  practical application.  While the first twelve chapters make for excellent reading, chapter thirteen is worth the price of  the  book.  Kouzes and Posner present a matrix that serve to help leaders grow in their abilities.  The matrix suggests that leaders grow in three significant ways:  First, they grow through  a process of trial and error.  They experience hardships, job experience and job assignments that help them develop as leaders.   Here they learn new skill sets in the school of hard knocks.  Second, they grow educationally.  Effective leaders engage in formal training and education to enhance their leadership abilities.  It is recommended that leaders spend a minimum of fifty hours annually on personal and professional development.  Third, they grow by observation.  They develop key relationships and learn from personal mentors.  They also learn by observing bad examples, i.e. other people in the organization that exhibit poor behavior, a lack of integrity, etc.

The Leadership Challenge is a tremendous book.  Every pastor pursuing  kingdom purposes should read this book.  While the material is written from a secular perspective, many of the principles are transferable to the local church context.  The book is highly readable, practical and encouraging.  The broad research base that is utilized in the book add to its credibility.

I plan on visiting The Leadership Challenge again and again.  I anticipate utilizing the principles in ministry and sharing them with other leaders and pastors.  My ministry will only be stronger by studying this book!

4.5 stars

JONATHAN EDWARDS, EVANGELIST – John Gerstner (1960)

Jonathan Edwards, Evangelist unlike many of the other books that entertain the subject of evangelism, is not a “how-to” book.  It describes Edward’s mindset toward evangelism, his theological presuppositions, and inner battles.

Dr. John Gerstner painstakingly poured over dozens of Edward’s sermons and writings.  The result has yielded an extremely readable rendition of Jonathan Edwards and his unique approach to doing the work of an evangelist.

Gerstner discusses Edwards’ view on the divine initiative, namely the first step in man’s salvation is taken by God.  “There is a ‘divine initiative’ not only in regeneration, but long before that when the dead and sleeping soul is first disturbed . . . And this divine initiative, or this first divine call, which must always begin the process that may issue in salvation, is the Word of God.”  So Scripture is at the forefront of Edward’s evangelistic scheme.  Further, one must recognize that the invitation of God is universal and genuine (Matt. 11:28; 22:14).  Men are therefore responsible to respond to the gospel call.  He clearly distinguishes himself from the dreaded hyper-Calvinist.

Next, Gerstner seeks to justify the so-called “scare theology” of Jonathan Edwards.  Indeed this Puritanical genius sought to paint vivid pictures of hell that would prompt sinful men to seek the Savior.  One well-known line, “It would be just and righteous with God eternally to reject and destroy you” surely got the attention of the eighteenth century audience.  However, an additional point must be clarified.  Edwards never sought to merely scare people into heaven.  Rather, he taught that one must have a deep affection for Christ.  Gerstner rightly portrays the teaching of Edwards: “True faith in Christ is not a mere desperate or nominal acceptance of him, as a ticket out of hell, but a genuine affectionate trust in him for the very loveliness and excellency of his being.”

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this book is Jonathan Edwards view on seeking, which Gerstner calls the “keystone” of Edwards.  The New England preacher’s view on seeking was much different than the so-called seeker sensitive approach.  The modern-day approach wrongly assumes that men truly seek God.  Jonathan Edwards view is as follows: “When men have been convicted by the Spirit of God, and are not hardened, nor neutral, nor holding back at one point or another, they are true seekers.  They are those who are determined to find the God who has stirred them up to seek him.”  For Edwards, men are able to seek though they are not able to believe apart from grace.  “The Calvinistic doctrine of inability refers not to men’s inability to seek, but their inability to believe and/or to do any good.”  It is interesting to note that directions for seeking salvation are found in almost every sermon Edwards ever preached.

Gerstner discusses further elements of Jonathan Edwards such as preaching the gospel to children, back-sliding and assurance of salvation, all subjects that are beyond the scope of this review.

Many positive features permeate this helpful book.  First, it is helpful to see the biblical Calvinism of Jonathan Edwards set in motion.  Too many wrongly assume that Calvinism is all about abstract theology that results in an apathetic attitude toward the lost (Indeed some Calvinists wrongly carry this attitude, which clearly needs adjusting!)  However, these critics do not really grasp the doctrines of grace for as Edwards teaches us in this work, a thorough grasp of these precious doctrines results in a love for the lost and a passion to preach Christ crucified.  Second and equally helpful is Edwards view on soteriology that views God as the ultimate initiator of salvation.  He alone draws the sinner to himself (John 6:44).  However as Edwards points out, man is still a responsible agent and is responsible to believe.  Further, Edwards discusses the fact that regeneration precedes faith.  This truth, in dispute among many evangelicals needs to be rediscovered as we contemplate the evangelistic endeavor.  Finally, this work gives modern-day evangelists a framework and a biblical system to carry out the evangelistic task.  It is a breath of fresh air in a culture that is immersed with Pelagian thought.

This book is a helpful addition to anyone who strives to evangelize lost people and understand the mind of America’s greatest theologian.  It will certainly strengthen Calvinistic pastors  and challenge pastors who fall in the Arminian camp.  The biggest way this book will help me in the ministry can be state in one word: passion. The unbridled passion of Jonathan Edwards can be felt in almost every sentence he writes.  He stirs my heart for evangelism and motivates me to obey the command of Christ.

4.5 stars

BASIC CHRISTIANITY – John Stott (1958)

A friend recently asked, “What book should new Christians read?”  I immediately referred him to Basic Christianity by John Stott.  First published in 1958, Stott’s work has sold over 2.5 million copies and was named “Book of the Century” by Christianity Today.

The book begins by focusing the attention of the reader on the divine initiative.  It is God who has taken the initiative in creation, revelation, and salvation.  The basic framework of the book is linked to these two realities: God has spoken (revelation) and God has acted in Christ (salvation).

The author proceeds to clearly and thoughtfully describe Christ’s person, man’s need, Christ’s work, and the necessity of man’s response.  He provides a basic overview of critical doctrines such as justification by faith alone, sanctification, the work of the Holy Spirit, the necessity of repentance, and indispensable principles of the Christian life.

Stott repudiates the modern-day notion that a sinner has the option of believing in Christ but refusing to submit to his lordship: “The astonishing idea  is current in some circles today that we can enjoy the benefits of Christ’s salvation without accepting the challenge of his sovereign lordship … To make Christ Lord is to bring every department of our public and private lives under his control.”

The label, “Book of the Century” may be a bit overstated.  But it is indeed, an important book.  Basic Christianity is not only essential reading for new believers; it is a vital tool in the hands of mature believers as well.

4.5 stars

SUFFERING AND THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD – John Piper and Justin Taylor, Ed (2006)

The only one who has taught me more about the sovereignty of God than John Piper is Jonathan Edwards.  Dr. Piper does not disappoint in this edited work.  The chapters are compiled in a series of transcripts from the 2005 Desiring God Conference, Suffering and the Sovereignty of God.  This review serves as a summary of some noteworthy chapters.

Piper’s opening chapter unfolds ten aspects of God’s sovereignty over suffering and Satan’s role in it.  He points the reader to the eternal and infinite God; a God who stands in sharp contrast to the finite and contingent creature.  The insight that Piper offers in this chapter are simply breathtaking.

Dr. Mark Talbot pens one of the most helpful and beneficial chapters on compatibalism to date.  The doctrine affirms that God ordains everything that comes to pass and also affirms that agents make free, responsible choices.  God never does evil, but he does in fact ordain or decree evil.  Talbot’s explanations are philosophically and theologically satisfying and are expressed with warm pastoral concern.  Pretty good work for a philosophy professor!  Dr. Talbot’s chapter is worth the price of the book.

Steve Saint poignantly describes the murder of his father, Nate Saint and shares his personal pain as a child and the events that God used to soften his heart and make him usable vessel in God’s kingdom.

There are so many rich nuggets in this volume.  Read it and be prepared for the difficult days ahead. Suffering and the Sovereignty of God is a welcome addition to students taking the Veritas course, Mending the Achilles Heel: A Biblical Response to the Problem of Evil.

4.5 stars

THE REASON FOR SUFFERING

“The ultimate reason that suffering exists in the universe is so that Christ might display the greatness of the glory of the grace of God by suffering in himself to overcome our suffering.  The suffering of the utterly innocent and infinitely holy Son of God in the place of utterly undeserving sinners to bring us to everlasting joy is the greatest display of the glory of God’s grace that ever was, or ever could be.”

– John Piper, Suffering and the Sovereignty of God (Crossway Books, 2006), p. 82

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS – Thomas Watson (1692)

Jonathan Edwards has always been and will always be my favorite Puritan pastor and theologian.  But Thomas Watson comes in as a close second.  Though he did not pump out the material that Edwards produced, his work is always readable, inspiring, poetic, biblical and God-centered to the core. The Ten Commandments is no exception.  Thomas Watson’s prose is typically Puritan in style.  He masterfully mines a given passage and thoughtfully applies God’s truth to the reader.

After a lengthy introduction, the author digs deeply into the ten commandments.  Each commandment is served up, much like a five course meal.  Each exposition is filled with insight and pithy commentary.  For instance, Watson contrasts the first and second commandments: “In the first commandment worshipping a false god is forbidden; in this (namely, the second commandment), worshipping the true God in a false manner.”  “God is to be adored in the heart, not painted to the eye.”  Watson draws the reader toward true worship and warns of false, idolatrous worship:  “Take heed of all occasions of idolatry, for idolatry is devil-worship.”

Clearly, Thomas Watson was a student of John Calvin and was well aware of his famous dictum: “The heart is an idol-factory.”  No doubt Watson was grieved by the rampant idolatry that was being churned out of the Roman Catholic Church.  But he was also grieved with his own propensity toward idolatry.  So he writes with zeal.  He writes with passion.  And he spurs readers toward the glory of God and prompts them to worship him alone!

Watson, though writing to a 17th century audience, speaks directly to the heart of America as he unfolds the meaning behind the third commandment: “[God] is not to be spoken of but with a holy awe upon our hearts.  To bring his name in at every turn, when we are not thinking of him, to say, ‘O God!’ or ‘O Christ!’ is to take God’s name in vain.  How many are guilty here … It is a wonder that fire does not come out from the Lord to consume them, as it did Nadab and Abihu.”

Watson clearly articulates the utter inability for sinful men to  keep the moral law.  Indeed, “though man has lost his power of obeying, God has not lost his right in commanding.”  Watson indirectly confronts the heretic, Pelagius who believed that all men have the ability to carry out God’s commands.  His view concerning freewill is clear: “The will is not only full of weakness, but obstinacy …The will hangs forth a flag of defiance against God.”

The author is quick to point sinners to the cross of Christ: “Though a Christian cannot, in his own person, perform all God’s commandments; yet Christ, as his Surety, and in his stead, has fulfilled the law for him: and God accepts of Christ’s obedience, which is perfect, to satisfy for that obedience which is imperfect.”  Here is where Watson shines brightly.  He constantly emphasizes the lost condition and utter hopelessness of sinners apart from grace.  And he consistently stresses the life, death, and resurrection of Christ on behalf of God’s elect.

Soli Deo Gloria!

4 stars