Reformed Theology – Jonathan Master

Jonathan Master, Reformed Theology (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2023), 108 pp.

Reformed Theology by Jonathan Master is a short and readable overview that guides people through the basics of this historical theological position. Masters summarizes Reformed theology by pointing readers to the so-called five points of Calvinism, which emerged at the Synod of Dort in 1618-1619. These five succinct doctrinal pillars were direct responses to the Arminians of the day. Reformed theology is also undergirded by the five solas of the Reformation – grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone, Scripture alone, and to God alone be the glory.

Master helpfully summarizes Reformed theology by pointing to three key articles. Reformed theology 1) affirms the five solas and all their implications, 2) recognizes the centrality of the covenant in God’s saving purposes, and 3) is expressed in a historic and public confession of faith.

Reformed theology also rightly makes much of the sovereignty of God. The author adds:

Creation shows that God alone is in charge; he alone has the right to demand obedience and allegiance. God’s promise of salvation demonstrates that God is in charge of the future as well as the present and past. He can promise that something will take place, and the fulfillment of that promise is guaranteed.

The covenants of Scripture are explored which “provide the skeleton or structure for what God reveals about himself and for how he redeems his people.” The book surveys the biblical covenants and concludes with the New Covenant which grants spiritual life to the people of God and gives them the ability to obey him and worship him as Scripture demands. Masters concludes:

Understanding the covenantal structure of the Bible is vital to understanding the nature of Reformed theology. Because Reformed theology is centered on the Scriptures, the way in which the Bible reveals God’s salvation must inform how we understand and proclaim it today. When we look carefully at the covenants as they unfold in Scripture, we not only see Jesus Christ more clearly but also see the breadth of God’s salvation to all nations and the glories of a salvation that is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone – all to the glory of the triune God.

Finally, the blessings of Reformed theology is explored. This chapter is a fitting conclusion as the author reveals several practical blessings that are part and parcel of the Reformed approach to understanding Scripture. Reformed Theology by Jonathan Master is a clear summary of the Reformed faith that should grace every pastor’s shelf. Pastors should in turn recommend this powerful little book to inquiry minds and those who need a primer on the basics of Reformed theology.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

Friendship with God – Mike McKinley

Mike McKinley, Friendship with God (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2023), 168 pp.

The seventeenth-century theologian, John Owen wrote with biblical precision and melted the hearts of his readers. Owen’s deep understanding of God’s Word challenged and encouraged each person who was willing to take up the glorious task of reading his work. Almost four hundred years later, Owen’s work is unmatched but is left unread by many contemporary Christians. Admittedly, Owen can be wordy and his arguments are difficult for people to comprehend. Pastor Mike McKinley understands the importance of John Owen’s contribution. But he also acknowledges the difficult challenge that Owen presents.

It is in this spirit that Pastor McKinley presents Friendship with God: A Path to Deeper Fellowship with the Father, Son, and the Spirit. His work seeks to unpack and explain John Owen’s seminal book, Communion with God in a way that is understandable without sacrificing any theological precision.

The book is comprised of four parts that focus on communion with the Triune God, communion with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each part drills down into the depths of Owen’s theology. The author masterfully explains Owen’s heart and encourages readers to draw near in friendship to the sovereign God of the universe.

McKinley’s exposition of John Owen’s Communion with God is a thoughtful and careful exposition. It reminds readers about the depth of God’s love for his people and helps them dig deeper into the theological treasures that are so easily passed over in our day.

I heartily recommend Friendship with God and trust that many will be encouraged in their own walks with God. I trust that many will also be prompted to read John Owen for themselves!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

Resilient Faith – Lewis and Sarah Allen

Lewis & Sarah Allen, Resilient Faith (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2023), 228 pp.

Resilient Faith: Learning to Rely on Jesus in the Struggles of Life by Lewis & Sarah Allen addresses the highs and lows of the Christian journey. The authors acknowledge that the Christian life can be exhausting. But at the same time, it is also exhilarating.

The aim of the book (as the title suggests) is to encourage followers of Christ to live resilient Christian lives; lives that are focused on the person and work of Jesus. Pastor and Mrs. Allen write, “What’s needed more than anything else is resilience, the ability to weather the storm and keep going.”

Resilience Faith is comprised of nine parts, each focusing on the Christian journey. Each part contains short chapters that lead readers to bank their hope and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and his saving benefits on the cross. The writing is clear and basic and is directed at new and seasoned believers alike. However, new Christians will most likely benefit the most from the material. Each chapter concludes with penetrating questions that urge readers to apply what they’ve learned. A prayer is offered to help readers focus their attention on God and the saving benefits of his Son.

Resilient Faith accomplishes what it sets out to do. Many people will no doubt be greatly encouraged as their faith is challenged and stimulated by this thought-provoking book.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

A Praying Church – Paul E. Miller

Paul E. Miller, A Praying Church: Becoming a People of Hope in a Discouraging World (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2023), 279 pp.

Ask any Christian if they are satisfied with their prayer life. Ask any pastor if he is satisfied with the emphasis on prayer in the church he pastors. Most responses will be discouraging. Hence the need for Paul Miller’s book, A Praying Church.

Miller builds on his earlier work, A Praying Life by urging pastors and their congregants to commit to a rigorous practice of prayer. The author begins by making the case for praying together. He proceeds to explain the functions of a New Testament church and reveals how the Spirit of God reshapes a praying community. Finally, Miller gives practical suggestions for cultivating a church that is saturated by prayer.

At one point, the author commends the popular video series, The Chosen, a move that does not fit with the general tenor of the book. The lack of discernment is concerning but does not distract from the major arguments in the book.

In the end, Miller succeeds in motivating Christians to return to a passionate pursuit of prayer. He writes, “We don’t learn the Spirit abstractly, separate from the person of Jesus. The Spirit of Jesus loves hidden places where he isn’t turned into a show. He loves to work in broken people, people who realize that they can’t do life on their own.”

May churches gather in prayer, in the power of the Spirit, so that our great God will be known and cherished around the world.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

The Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church – Michael J. Kruger

Michael J. Kruger, The Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2022), 164 pp.

Spiritual abuse is one of the last topics that people want to discuss in the church. But it is imperative that this problem is explored and addressed. Better yet, the problem of spiritual abuse in the church needs to be rooted out once and for all. Michael J. Kruger tackles this challenge in his book, Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church. 

Dr. Kruger documents several cases of spiritual abuse including men such as Ravi Zacharias, James McDonald, Bill Hybels, and Mark Driscoll. These examples are indicative of the kind of spiritual abuse that plagues the church. One of the problems that surfaces is that churches place a high priority on the competency of leaders, while neglecting the character qualities that Scripture commends and commands. This oversight tends to attract narcissistic pastors, which only perpetuates the problem. 

The author defines spiritual abuse in clear and unambiguous terms:

Spiritual abuse is when a spiritual leader – such as a pastor, elder, or head of a Christian organization – wields his position of spiritual authority in such a way that he manipulates, domineers, bullies, and intimidates those under him as a means of maintaining his own power and control, even if he is convinced he is seeking biblical and kingdom-related goals.

The symptoms of spiritual abuse, according to Kruger, include various signs such as cruelty, threatening behavior, defensiveness, and being hyper-critical. Perhaps the most dominant quality of a spiritual abuser is manipulation. 

Kruger surveys the long history of spiritual abuse in both the Old and New Testament, helping readers understand that his problem goes back to the Fall of man. It is a problem and sin, nonetheless, that needs to be addressed and uprooted. 

The Bully Pulpit does not claim to have all the answers. But it does address the vexing problem in a straightforward and biblical way. Dr. Kruger describes the problem and offers helpful prescriptions for dealing with spiritual abuse and preventing it. He writes boldly and graciously, confronting sin and consoling those who have been sinned against. In short, The Bully Pulpit strikes a biblical balance that is much-needed in our day. May the church rise up and confront every spiritual abuser and may victims move down a path of wholeness and healing as they cling to the cross of Christ and his gospel.

Evangelical Pharisees – Michael Reeves (2023)

Michael Reeves, Evangelical Pharisees: The Gospel as the Cure for the Church’s Hypocrisy (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2023), 112 pp.

Evangelicals can be accused of many things. But of the most offensive things to be accused of is being a Pharisee. These ancient “high-brow theologians” knew their Bibles and worked hard at being religious, yet Jesus called them, “white-washed tombs.”

Evangelical Pharisees: The Gospel as a Cure of the Church’s Hypocrisy by Michael Reeves tackles this subject in a straightforward and biblical fashion. The author remarks, “Pharisaism, after all, is the sort of heartless formal religion that marks the first subtle step in the spiritual decline of a church before it ever flies into outright hypocrisy.”

Reeves argues that the Pharisee’s primary problem was with the gospel: “The Pharisees were as they were and acted as they did because they denied the gospel … Their character was a manifestation of their theology.”

The critical theological mistakes of the Pharisees lay in three areas: 1) Their approach to Scripture, 2) Their understanding of salvation, and 3) Their disregard of regeneration. The core of the book focuses on these three areas, namely – revelation, redemption, and regeneration.

Anyone familiar with Michael Reeves will attest that his treatment of a given topic is always fair, thought-provoking, and most importantly – biblical. After exploring the three theological mistakes of the Pharisees, he summarizes his central argument:

In the gospel we receive the revelation of the Father, the redemption of the Son, and the regeneration of the Spirit. Through the gospel shines the light of the knowledge of the glory of a speaking God, a merciful and gracious God, a God who is love and who therefore looks more on the heart than the appearance. The gospel brings us to enjoy him.

I’ve never known a Christian who didn’t bristle at the thought of being labeled as a Pharisee. However, Reeve’s book shines the spotlight on sinful hearts and reveals that lurking beneath is the spirit of the ancient Pharisees. Evangelical Pharisees is the proper response to the problem that plagues us all. May we return to the heart of the gospel, which is the cure for our hypocrisy.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

Shame: How America’s Past Sins Have Polarized Our Country – Shelby Steele

Shelby Steele’s book, Shame: How America’s Past Sins Have Polarized Our Country is a stunning portrayal of America and the shift from Thomas Jefferson’s version of liberalism, which included free speech, equality, and freedom to the version of liberalism that emerged in the ’60s. Steele summarizes:

This new liberalism does not pursue the actual uplift of minorities and the poor. It pursues dispensation from America’s past sins for whites – the imprimatur of innocence. Minorities and the poor, seduced by all the promises scattered like rose petals in their path, are thus manipulated into bestowing that imprimatur.

This new liberalism which has essentially held America captive since the days of the Johnson administration has only grown and been perpetuated by President Obama and Biden. Steele adds, “It befriends them, promises them all manner of programs and policies. It makes a show of being deferential toward their woundedness, of bowing before their past victimization as before an irrefutable moral authority.” In short, new liberalism lies to minorities, short-circuits their path to productivity and success, and curtails their liberty.

Steele’s explanation of the scourage of so-called new liberalism continues: “Liberalism in the twenty-first century is, for the most part, a moral manipulation that exaggerates inequality and unfairness in American life in order to justify overreaching public policies and programs.” The author’s excursion into the slough of progressivism helps readers understand why so many people are held captive by this pernicious ideology. It reveals the underbelly of one of the most destructive forces in America, which falls under the banner of the Democratic Party.

Shame is more descriptive than prescriptive, which in no way detracts from the effectiveness of the book. Steele’s penetrating insight and analysis of the lie of new liberalism (i.e. progressivism, neo-Marxism) is a welcome addition to the growing number of critiques and will help set the trajectory for a more stable future.

The Day of Trouble – Joy Tomlinson

Joey Tomlinson, The Day of Trouble: Depression, Scripture, and the God Who is Near (West Lorne: Joshua Press, 2022), 136 pp.

Like a boa constrictor, depression slowly squeezes hope from its victims. Some people struggle in the shadows; others seek help from a counselor, pastor, or physician. Joey Tomlinson’s new book, The Day of Trouble, addresses the topic of depression with biblical clarity and pastoral sensitivity.

Tomlinson acknowledges that depression may stem from personal sin. But he also confesses that some depression is biological in nature. No matter the case, his aim is to offer hope in Christ for anyone who battles in this area. The author approaches the topic of depression holistically and affirms that images-bearers of God and composed of soul and body. This crucial observation helps guide the discussion throughout the book and avoid errors that plague the church.

A Book Worthy of Commendation

Several features make The Day of Trouble a noteworthy book. First, the counsel that Tomlinson offers is deeply biblical. Scriptural meditation is at the heart of the book. As Tomlinson notes, “Meditation is a critical balm for us on the journey of struggle with depression.”

Second, the author draws heavily on the Puritans. These godly stalwarts of the faith are cited frequently and offer a deep well of biblical wisdom that helps bolster the effectiveness of the book.

Next, the book is realistic and encouraging. It never shies away from the horror of depression. But at the same time, it offers gospel-rooted hope that reminds sinners that Christ loves them and will deliver them in their time of need.

Finally, the author reminds readers that depression is temporary. Tomlinson writes, “As we struggle this side of eternity, it is essential for us to remember that a world in which Christ rose from the dead cannot stay the same. It is impossible; therefore, we must hope. And that hope should change our perspective on everything. Just as Christ resurrected in this world, so will we one day.” The book ends on a triumphant note which is centered on the reality of the new heavens and earth, where Jesus will one day make all things new. 

I recommend The Day of Trouble without reservation and trust that the Lord will use it in a mighty way to bring hope, healing, and health to many people.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Come, Lord Jesus – John Piper

John Piper, Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Second Coming of Christ (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2023), 304 pp.

The second coming of Christ is a critical theme that emerges in the New Testament. Tragically, the blessed hope is often eclipsed by love for things of the world. John Piper sets out to challenge this problem in his new book, Come Lord Jesus. The book’s goal is to help readers love the second coming of Jesus Christ. Piper stands with Paul the apostle who wrote:

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8)

The book is arranged in three parts:

Part 1: Reasons to Love Christ’s Appearing

Part one is the heart of the book and the most helpful part of the book. The author sets forth twelve reasons why followers of Christ should love his appearing. Each reason is grounded in God’s Word and loaded with encouragement.

Part 2: The Time of His Appearing

The second part of the book is the most controversial as Piper presents the rationale for the post-tribulational return of Christ. I urge pre-tribulational proponents to carefully weigh the arguments that the author proposes.

Part 3: How Then Shall We Live?

Finally, the book focuses on practical concerns that relate to the second coming of Christ. Readers are urged to be alert, patient, and gentle, plug into the local church, and pray for the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

A Commendation

As usual, John Piper “delivers the goods.” Come, Lord Jesus is a thoughtful book, packed with biblical wisdom and encouragement. Dr. Piper skillfully navigates through the eschatological fog and points the way forward by focusing on the glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ. I commend Come, Lord Jesus without reservation and trust that God will use it to strengthen his people as they wait for the glorious return of his Son!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

Spineless: Restoring Courage and Conviction to the People of God

Don’t miss this special sale on the Kindle version of Spineless – only $2.99!

Spineless: Restoring Courage and Conviction to the People of God addresses the insipid kind of “Christianity” that has subtly slipped into the church. It carefully diagnoses the decline of Christian courage and traces its tragic demise. The book sets forth a carefully crafted plan for recovering lost ground in our generation. And it presents biblical strategies for restoring our spiritual muscle and sets a course for moving forward with bold courage and conviction in a world that is hostile to the historic Christian faith.

Endorsements

“Every generation of church history demonstrates that the people of God must exercise courage and conviction in order to pass on the truth to the next. In our own generation, we have seen countless men and women capitulate God’s truth in exchange for cultural relevancy. Spineless is the manifesto we so desperately need. Thoroughly biblical, David Steele has served the church well by setting courage and conviction as the necessary virtues that will ensure that believers never surrender the high ground of God’s truth in Christ.”

  • DR. DUSTIN BENGE, Provost and Professor of Church History, Union School of Theology, Bridgend, Wales

“Spineless is a call for courageous and convictional Christianity in the midst of an evangelicalism that is often more prone to capitulation than to fearless proclamation Author David Steele, identifies the problems afflicting both the church and the world but he is not content to simply “curse the darkness”; he shines the light back to the path of courageous Christianity. The need is great. The stakes are high. The time is now to stand up for truth and to stand confidently on God’s inerrant Word. Steele skillfully utilizes history, theology, and worldview scholarship as he illustrates the biblical call to courage. This book is biblical, timely, and needed. You will learn, grow, and be challenged to a life of courageous faithfulness. I recommend this excellently written work.”

  • DR. RAY RHODES, JR., Author of Yours, Till Heaven: The Untold Love Story of Charles and Susie Spurgeon and Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon.

“This is a timely call from Pastor Steele to avoid, in a time of great opposition to the Christian faith, the sin Christians fall into of passivity and cowardice. It is a helpful reminder of the importance of staying rooted in Scripture and being helped by the example of heroes of the faith, like the OT prophets, the apostles, the Reformers, the Huguenots, and the Puritans. Also being instructed by theologians like Luther, Calvin, Bavinck, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, J.I. Packer, C. S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer and Al Mohler in his book, The Gathering Storm. Specifically, strong Christians must settle the matter of worldviews, and be aware of the stark contrast between biblical Christianity and false religious and philosophical systems of our day, knowing that only the Christian worldview is sufficient.”

  • DR. PETER JONES, Director, TruthXchange; author of The Other Worldview, Escondido, CA

“My comrade in ministry has hit another home run with this book. One of the most detrimental quotes attributed to Francis of Assisi so many Christians have latched onto is the saying, “Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.” Dr. Steele balances this ancient pragmatism with the facts that those who have most, and will most transform society are those who know the Word, are convinced and convicted of its authority and truth, and apply it daily in their thoughts, hearts, actions and proclamation of the gospel. Never more than today do we need men and women of conviction that know their Bibles and proclaim and live its message boldly with grace and truth. Thanks again, Dr. Steele for such a motivational manifesto to be theologically and theocentrically courageous in our time by speaking and proclaiming the gospel clearly and loudly.”

  • DR. DAVID P. CRAIG, Lead Pastor, Valley Baptist Church, San Rafael, CA

“In his latest book, Spineless: Restoring Courage and Conviction to the People of God, David Steele takes readers by the hand and guides them as only a pastor-theologian par excellence can into the rich soil of biblical-theological convictions that will help shape their lives. In our day, we need Christians who are unafraid of the truth and unashamed to stand upon God’s Word. David, in this work not only gives the correct diagnosis, but the remedy to the ills of why many Christians lack a backbone by steadying our gaze upon the biblical text and the person and work of Jesus Christ. By doing so, he helps his readers discover from the Bible and Church History how men and women of God have stood upon the truth of God’s Word with courage and conviction. Wherever you are at in your walk with the Lord and whatever station you have in the church reading, Spineless will help you grow and be shaped by the Word of God, for a life lived under the gaze of God, for the glory of God.”

  • DAVE JENKINS, Executive Director, Servants of Grace Ministries, Executive Editor, Theology for Life Magazine, Host, Equipping You in Grace, Teacher, Servants of Grace and Warrior of Grace Podcasts

“Drawing from the rich legacy of bold and courageous men of church history, and chock-full of sound biblical teaching, Spineless is a must-read for all Christians who desire to boldly live with courage and conviction in an age of timidity and rampant compromise.”

  • JEREMY PICKENS, Senior Pastor, Good Shepherd Church, Ferndale, WA

“I not only highly recommend this book to you, but just as importantly, its author. Dr. David Steele doesn’t just write words well, he lives them out. His character is worthy of emulating and his writings should be read and reflected on. We need more men like Pastor Steele, men of Gospel grit, who confront our age’s spinelessness with courage and boldness.”

  • BRYAN PICHURA, Senior Pastor, Mount Olivet Church, Huron, SD

“The negative effects of pride and domineering church leadership have been well documented, but not enough has been said and written about the perils of cowardice and passivity. Drawing from Scripture, church history, and personal life experience, Dr. David Steele pens a well-researched book for Christians to get serious about being men and women of courage. The amount of relevant church history references in this book is stunning. It’s the kind of book that will be particularly suitable for young Christians.”

  • DAVID QAOUD, Associate Pastor, Blogger, Bethesda Evangelical Church, St. Louis, MO gospelrelevance.com