Joyful Perseverance – Ajith Fernando

Ajith Fernando, Joyful Perseverance: Staying Fresh through the Ups and Downs of Ministry (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 161 pp.

We live in troubling times. The economy is in shambles. Crime is up. People are hurting. Compromise is commonplace. The church is no exception. Any pastor who faithfully wields the Word of God every week and faithfully persists in his ministry responsibilities is bound to face discouragement. Any Christ-follower who stands against the tide of worldliness is bound to face discouragement. Ajith Fernando’s book, Joyful Perseverance is designed to reach Christians who need strength to carry on.

The author ministers in Sri Lanka and approaches the topic of perseverance with biblical fidelity and pastoral sensitivity. He writes like a fellow pilgrim, not a lecturer. His approach is gracious and warm.

Fernando relays personal stories of discouragement and defeat in ministry and applies biblical wisdom to each encounter. The book is a simple read but avoids simplistic solutions. Instead of commending pragmatic strategies or worldly counsel, this seasoned Christian leader shares his heart and invites readers to continue their joyful pursuit of God in their respective ministries.

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

The Story of Katie Luther: The Nun Who Escaped to True Freedom

Gretchen Ronnevik, The Story of Katie Luther (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 142 pp.

I am grateful for the new series by Crossway Books, Lives of Faith and Grace. The most recent installment by Gretchen Ronnevik is The Story of Katie Luther: The Nun Who Escaped to True Freedom. This series is designed for middle grade readers which introduces them to key figures in church history.

Martin Luther’s wife, Katie was a fascinating woman. She may be one of the most interesting figures in all of church history. Ronnevik alerts young readers to all the important details of Katie’s life, including her upbringing, education, marriage to Luther, and the pain she endured after his death. The author is sensitive to share pertinent details that surround the events of the Protestant Reformation, highlighting the idolatry of Rome, and the doctrinal passion and purity of the Reformers.

I commend this little book to young readers but also recommend that adults join the journey as well. The gospel shines in these pages and glorifies the great God of the universe. I can’t think of a better way to introduce children to church history!

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

My Favorite Reads in 2024

2024 was an exceptional year for books. The following list is alphabetized by author’s last name and does not reflect my personal ranking.

  1. Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda – Megan Basham

2. Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology – Kevin DeYoung

3. To Rescue the Republic: Ulysses S. Grant, The Fragile Union, and the Crisis of 1876 – Brett Baier

4. Ruined Sinners to Reclaim: Sin and Depravity in Historical, Biblical, Theological in Pastoral Perspective – David Gibson & Jonathan Gibson, ed

5. Wimpy, Weak, and Woke: How Truth Can Save America From Utopian Destruction – John Cooper

6. A New History of Redemption: The Work of Jesus the Messiah through the Millennia – Gerald R. McDermott

7. Predestination: An Introduction – Andrew David Naselli

8. Political Gospel: Public Witness in a Politically Crazy World – Patrick Schreiner

9. The Warrior Savior: A Theology of the Work of Christ – Owen Strachan

10. Don’t Follow Your Heart: Boldly Breaking the Ten Commandments – Thaddeus Williams

The Complete Works of John Owen, Sin and Temptation, vol. 15

John Owen, The Complete Works of John Owen, Sin and Temptation, vol. 15 (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 624 pp.

God calls his people to stand guard; to be battle-ready. Abraham Kuyper helps us understand the importance of standing our ground in the fight against sin: “For when we realize that Satan is busy and at his tricks, then we are on our guard; then we seek refuge in Him who has crushed Satan’s head; then we close our hearts to the stealthy, murderous enemy.” This posture of readiness requires us to wear the full armor of God – the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation. We must wield the sword of the Spirit and pray at all times in the Spirit.

The battle rages around us. Satan tempts us, the world seduces us, and the flesh seeks to lure us in with compelling force. But the Lord, in his kindness provides a powerful safeguard in our fight against sin.

Thankfully, God has given us his Word and his Spirit to help us in our fight against sin. He has also blessed us with rich Christian books that help cultivate discipline and equip us as mature believers. John Owen is an author who is uniquely qualified to write on such a subject. Thankfully, Crossway Books is republishing and repacking the works of John Owen in attractive volumes that will educate another generation of Christians.

Volume 15 contains four important titles by John Owen, including Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers, Of Temptation: The Nature and Power of It, The Nature, Power, and Prevalence of Indwelling Sin, and A Treatise of the Dominion of Sin and Grace.

Each book in this volume deals candidly and biblically with the epic war that every Christian faces. As a Puritan, Owen showcases a depth of understanding that is unparalleled in our day. These books diagnose the problem of sin and prescribe a specific manner of fighting which may be summarized in Romans 8:13 – For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

Readers will benefit from Owen’s deep knowledge of God’s Word and will be better prepared to stand and fight. Careful students of Scripture will pay heed to Owen’s well-known warning, “Be killing sin or sin will be killing you.”

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

Daily Doctrine – Kevin DeYoung

Kevin DeYoung, Daily Doctrine (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 409 pp.

I have been teaching systematic theology for over thirty years. It is always a joy to see men and women of God digging deeply into his Word. Kevin DeYoung’s book, Daily Doctrine is a solid tool that Christians can explore for a basic understanding of systematic theology.

This work is different from most books that advance a systematic approach. The book is arranged according to the various branches of theology, beginning with prolegomena and the doctrine of Scripture. Within each category, the author has arranged short essays of approximately 500 words. Dr. DeYoung offers five readings per week, for a total of 52 weeks. So disciplined readers can set out to reach one chapter, five days a week over the course of the year and expect to complete the book.

DeYoung writes clearly and boldly. He minimizes theological shoptalk and communicates directly to the person in the pew. He writes from a distinctly Reformed perspective, which he acknowledges at the outset. While I personally agree with most of DeYoung’s theological convictions, I part ways with him on the question of baptism.

Overall, DeYoung’s book is solid. It should be received well by serious Bible students as well as those who are just getting started. I thank God for a godly man who holds high the authority, sufficiency, and inerrancy of God’s Word is world that has jettisoned God’s path for living.

Highly recommended

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

The Story of Martin Luther: The Monk Who Changed the Worldd – Jared Kennedy

In the sixteenth century, a figure emerged who would change western Europe and proceed to impact the rest of the world. Jered Kennedy introduces this man in his book, Martin Luther: The Monk Who Changed the World. 

Kennedy wrote a book aimed at older children and teenagers, but it contains enough information to keep church history buffs on their toes. The book features beautiful artwork throughout, engaging the mind and imagination.

The book begins with Luther’s famous encounter with God in a violent storm, where he vows to enter the priesthood. The author chronicles Luther’s time in the monastery, pilgrimage to Rome and his subsequent frustration with indulgence system and priests who have a zeal for God but not according to knowledge. He posts his well-known 95 theses on the castle door at Wittenberg on October 31, 1517, which helped propel his ideas in Europe and beyond.

Luther’s battle leads him to the Bible, where he encounters the doctrine of justification by faith alone. He stands before the highest officials of the Roman Catholic Church at Worms in 1521, where he is captured by friends of Frederick the Wise and led securely to the Wartburg Castle. He translates the Greek New Testament into the common language of the German people in less than ten months. The author leads readers on a fascinating journey from Wartburg to Luther’s death in 1546. 

The Story of Martin Luther is a gripping tale of a man who God used to advance his kingdom purposes. I commend Kennedy’s book to young and old alike.

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

When Christians Disagree – Tim Cooper

Tim Cooper, When Christians Disagree (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 167 pp.

Scripture proclaims, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1, ESV). Yet, too often, Christians are at each other’s throats and not only disobey their Lord; they miss out on the rich blessing of walking in unity. Tim Cooper’s book, When Christians Disagree explores how two titans of the faith were at odds with one another and draws out some practical lessons for us over four hundred years later.

Cooper introduces the two titans of the Christian faith, John Owen and Richard Baxter. Both Puritans, born at the beginning of the seventeenth century, these men fought vigorously about their understanding of Scripture. Even when they met face to face, their animosity was not quelled, but maximized.

While the controversy that ensued between these two men is complex, the author is quick to sum up the point of contention:

Owen worried about the Arminians: they would be aided by anyone who emphasized, as Baxter did, human response and responsibility. Baxter worried about the antinomians: they would be aided by anyone who emphasized, as Owen did, God’s eternal decrees and the exact price for sin paid by Christ on the cross. These underlying fears made it extremely difficult for each man to see in the other the many points they held in common. Rather, each one saw the other as aiding and abetting the enemy. (p. 69)

While the historical debate between Owen and Baxter proves interesting, the larger lesson for contemporary readers is how we benefit from this tragic clash of personalities in our lives and ministries. Cooper shares a bit of advice that is timely: “I was once told that there is no problem in the world that cannot be solved by humility – humility from all those involved.” This rich counsel combined with other biblical wisdom makes this book incredibly important.

Instead of casting blame on Owen and Baxter, we should learn from their sinful responses to one another and strive to be united in our interactions with others. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35, ESV)

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

Proclaiming the Word – David J. Jackman

David J. Jackman, Proclaiming the Word (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 249 pp.

The task of preaching is the most important priority for any lead pastor. As such, pastors must devote enormous amounts of time, energy, and prayer in order to feed the people of God in the way he requires. David Jackman’s book, Proclaiming the Word is an encouraging book for expositors who need an additional tool for their preaching toolbox.

Part 1: Basic Principles

The first part explores eight principles that help ground preachers in the Word of God. The author focus on a range of topics from relevancy, the case for expository preaching, challenges, preparation tips, and perseverance in the pulpit. Each chapter is short and to the point and is sure to elevate the commitment of preaching God’s Word. The insight is deeply biblical, constantly drawing readers back to the sacred text, bolstering their confidence and beckoning them to faithfully wield the sword of truth.

Part 2: Developing Skills

Part two what one would expect in a preaching book. Jackman helps preachers refine their preaching skills by issuing cautions and setting forth basic guidelines for biblical homiletics. Like the first part, the counsel is rooted in Scripture. The author draws on years of personal preaching experience and shares a wealth of knowledge with his readers.

Part 3: Rightly Handling the Word of Truth

The concluding section explores basic hermeneutics that alert preachers to the importance of sound interpretation. Continuity and discontinuity is discussed along with the importance of maintaining a redemptive historical approach to Scripture, with Christ at the center of God’s purposes.

Proclaiming the Word: Principles & Practices For Expository Preaching is a worthy book that should be devoured by every expositor. It is a welcome addition to the growing number of resources committed to developing expository preachers.

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

Three Days in Moscow: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of the Soviet Empire

reaMay 31, 2018, is the thirtieth anniversary of President Reagan’s speech at Moscow State University. On that day, our 40th president stood before a packed house of enthusiastic students who listened to a message of freedom and hope. Lurking behind Reagan was a mural of the Russian revolution and the bust of Vladimir Lenin. When press secretary Marlin Fitzwater was asked about this strange pairing, he replied, “If anybody would ever appreciate Lenin having to spend an hour and a half looking at the backside of Ronald Reagan, it would be the president.”

Three Days in Moscow: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of the Soviet Empire by Bret Baier celebrates the life and legacy of President Ronald Reagan. Baier provides an inside look at the Reagan administration and the events leading up to his monumental speech at the Moscow State University.

President Reagan inspired hope in each of the participants that day:

Standing here before a mural of your revolution, I want to talk about a very different revolution that is taking place right now, quietly sweeping the globe without bloodshed or conflict. Its effects are peaceful, but they will fundamentally alter our world, shatter old assumptions, and reshape our lives.

We do not know what the conclusion will be of this journey, but we’re hopeful that the promise of reform will be fulfilled. In this Moscow spring, this May 1988, we may be allowed that hope: that freedom, like the fresh green sapling planted over Tolstoy’s grave, will blossom forth at last in the rich fertile soil of your people and culture. We may be allowed to hope that the marvelous sound of a new openness will keep rising through, ringing through, leading to a new world of reconciliation, friendship, and peace.

Baier comments, “He was a messenger of hope, seducing them with their own longings, which he knew they had. How could they resist the poignant cry of their countryman?”

One cannot help but recall that President Barack Obama uttered similar words, namely, to “fundamentally transform America.” But the vision Obama was after had more to do with big government, higher taxes, escalated regulation, and minimized religious freedom. Reagan demanded the opposite, and he understood that the Soviet people yearned for this kind of freedom.

At the end of the speech, the audience gave Reagan a standing ovation. Baier reports, “Reagan later quipped that while they were cheering, he’d glanced behind him and seen Lenin weeping.”

Three Days in Moscow: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of the Soviet Empire is a stirring historical tale of freedom that chronicles the ascent of Ronald Reagan to the highest office in the land. Brett Baier accurately and passionately recounts the details of his presidency and the leadership gifts he shared with the American people and the world.

The Long Road Home – Sarah Walton

Sarah Walton, The Long Road Home (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024)

Jesus loved children. He loved telling stories. And he especially enjoyed teaching his disciples parables. I’m convinced the master storyteller also loves children’s books. This thought occurred to me for the first time while reading Sarah Walton’s new book, The Long Road Home.

The Long Road Home combines the best of Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress and Jesus parable of the prodigal son. The story is recast in a contemporary way for children in the current milieu. Two children named Goodness and Wander are promised an inheritance from their father. Wander grows impatient and demands his inheritance. Like the son in Jesus’ parable, Wander squanders his wealth as he travels to faraway places like the town of Perfection, the city of Prosperity, and the Village of Desperation.

Wander eventually comes to the end of himself, realizing that wealth never satisfies. He returns home and is received by his loving father. A celebration ensues, which enrages his brother, Goodness. The father’s never-ending love is at the center of the story as he expresses his heart to his prideful son, Goodness: “Son, you are loved not because of what you have or haven’t done for me, but because you’re my child. All that I have has always been yours.”

Jerry Bridges said, “Our worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.” This powerful truth runs through Walton’s beautifully illustrated books (thanks to Christina Yang). Parents are given a golden opportunity to talk about the wonders of the gospel as they walk their children through this beautiful little book. I urge moms and dads to read and re-read The Long Road Home and use it as a springboard for gospel opportunities with their children.

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