Unity: Striving Side by Side for the Gospel – Conrad Mbewe

Conrad Mbewe, Unity: Striving Side by Side for the Gospel (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 113 pp.

“Unity at all costs” is the subtle battle cry we hear in many churches these days. The not-so-subtle demand for tolerance that the world’s system demands has been adopted, to the great detriment of the church. Thankfully, not everyone is deceived by the spirit of the age. Conrad Mbewe, pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Zambia challenges Christians to strive side by side for the gospel in his book, Unity. At the heart of the book is an appeal for Christ-followers to “be wary of divisions over non-gospel issues.”

The book is arranged in two parts. Part one, The Indicatives of Christian Unity focuses on our unity, which has been accomplished by Christ and applied by the Holy Spirit. Pastor Mbewe clarifies that unity is something that God has already achieved. “Our role,” he says, “is not to become united but to remain united, not to attain but to maintain unity.” Christians are not only reconciled to God; they are reconciled to one another, a fact that is established by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Additionally, the Holy Spirit unites us to the body of Christ and indwells the people of God. As such, the Holy Spirit opens the eyes of Christians to truth, which they should unite around. Consequently, they strive to live godly lives and remain sensitive to indwelling sin. Mbewe adds:

The Holy Spirit enables us to die to this sin so that we live more for God. This is a lifelong process. We never arrive in this life. It is our responsibility to actively put to death the misdeeds of the body, but we are enabled to do so more and more by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Part two, The Imperatives of Christian Unity argues that unity is to be jealously guarded by believers and evidence in gospel pursuits. The author clarifies that “we must guard against an ecumenism that suggests that we should embrace anyone calling himself a Christian or any group calling themselves a church.” In other words, the gospel is the test of truth, which becomes the benchmark by which Christians live their lives. “Let us not sacrifice the good of the church and the glory of God on the altar of unity for pragmatic reasons,” writes Mbewe.

Several activities are encouraged, which will help foster evangelical unity, including growing in our understanding of the gospel, growing in love and concern for other believers, and faithfully meeting together with the people of God.

Unity: Striving Side by Side for the Gospel strikes a critical biblical balance that affirms the importance of unity, while rejecting a pluralistic, ecumenical mindset which is informed by the postmodern zeitgeist. Pastor Mbewe’s work should be read and digested by Christians who are committed to walking together in unity.

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. (John 17:20–21, ESV)

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

Reformed Systematic Theology: Church and Last Things, Vol. 4 – Joel Beeke and Gary Smalley

Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley, Reformed Systematic Theology: Church and Last Things, volume 4 (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 1360 pp.

Reformed Systematic Theology: Church and Last Things: Church and Last Things by Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley concludes their four volume study. Like the other three works, these authors show their allegiance to the authority of Scripture by exalting God and encouraging others to follow their example.

The section on ecclesiology focus on terminology and biblical metaphors for the church. Special attention is given to the Christ’s teaching about the church as well as attributes and marks of the church. The most helpful aspect of this section was the treatment of church membership. Many churches have neglected this topic. The corrective and biblical instruction are included in this book.

Beeke and Smalley explain the doctrine of the church’s authority and work and pay especially close attention to the sacraments. As a Reformed Baptist, I am not convinced by the arguments for paedobaptism. However, I am greatly encouraged by the humility that Dr. Beeke demonstrates when advocating for his view.

Dispensationalists will struggle with some of the content here, as the authors argue that “the church is the supernatural work of God. God’s people are the beginning of the new creation, the first installment of his promise in Isaiah 65:17-18: ‘ Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth … Behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.’” The authors conclude, “The church in the New Testament is the eschatological Israel.” I encourage dispensational thinkers to approach this volume with an open mind and a heart that is inclined to be persuaded.

The section on eschatology includes the usual categories of personal and general eschatology. The authors contest their ammillenial position in contrast to classical dispensationalism.

The section entitled, the doctrine of hope in Christ alone is worth the price of the book as the authors focus their attention on eternal judgement and eternal life with God in Christ.

One highlight that especially intrigued me was the disagreement between Dr. Beeke and Mr. Smalley on the matter of baptism. Dr. Beeke advocates for paedobaptism. Mr. Smalley embraces credo baptism. A very helpful appendix is included by Mr. Smalley, where he argues winsomely for his position.

What these two authors model is something to behold. Here are two godly men who agree on most areas of theology. Yet, they part ways on the matter of baptism. Their disagreement is no cause for disunity, however. They respect and love one another while holding firm to their doctrinal convictions. May God use these men to sufficiently model charity and humility in the academic and ecclesiastical arenas. And may God by greatly honored by their respective approaches.

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

Reformed Systematic Theology: Church and Last Things, volume 4 – Joel Beeke and Gary Smalley

Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley, Reformed Systematic Theology: Church and Last Things, volume 4 (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 1360 pp.

Reformed Systematic Theology: Church and Last Things: Church and Last Things by Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley concludes their four volume study. Like the other three works, these authors demonstrate their allegiance to the authority of Scripture by exalting God and encouraging others to follow their example.

The section on ecclesiology focus on terminology and biblical metaphors for the church. Special attention is given to the Christ’s teaching about the church as well as attributes and marks of the church. The most aspect of this section was the treatment of church membership. This topic has been neglected by many churches. The necessary corrective and biblical instruction are included this book.

Beeke and Smalley explain the doctrine of the church’s authority and work and pay especially close attention to the sacraments. As a Reformed Baptist, I am not convinced by the arguments for paedobaptism. However, I am greatly encouraged by the humility that Dr. Beeke demonstrates when advocating for his view.

Dispensationalists will struggle with some of the content here as the authors argue that “the church is the supernatural work of God. God’s people are the beginning of the new creation, the first installment of his promise in Isaiah 65:17-18: ‘ Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth … Behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.’” The authors conclude, “The church in the New Testament is the eschatological Israel.” I encourage dispensational thinkers to approach this volume with an open mind and a heart that is inclined to be persuaded.

The section on eschatology includes the usual categories of personal and general eschatology. The authors contest their ammillenial position in contrast to classical dispensationalism.

The section entitled, the doctrine of hope in Christ aloneis worth the price of the book as the authors focus their attention on eternal judgement and eternal life with God in Christ.

One highlight that especially intrigued me was the disagreement between Dr. Beeke and Mr. Smalley on the matter of baptism. Dr. Beeke advocates for paedobaptism. Mr. Smalley embraces credo baptism. A very helpful appendix is included by Mr. Smalley where he argues winsomely for his position.

What these two authors model is something to behold. Here are two godly men who agree on most areas of theology. Yet, they part ways on the matter of baptism. Their disagreement is no cause for disunity, however. They respect and love one another while holding firm to their doctrinal convictions. May God use these men to sufficiently model charity and humility in the academic and ecclesiastical arenas. And may God by greatly honored by their respective approaches.

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

Loving Your Adult Children – Gaye B. Clark

Gaye B. Clark, Loving Your Adult Children: The Heartache of Parenting and the Hope of the Gospel (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 163 pp.

Relationships can be complex. Sometimes the connection between a parent and an adult child can be especially challenging. Gaye Clark helps unpack some helpful solutions in her book, Loving Your Adult Children.

Credit goes out to the author for writing such a practical and thought-provoking book. Clark writes from the heart, sharing some of her own unique challenges in this area. Her authentic approach to this subject is very helpful in navigating a fruitful path forward.

Beyond the author’s authenticity, the next thing that is greatly appreciated is her gospel-centered mindset. She resists psychological tactics and turns again and again to the gospel for hope and strength in loving adult children. The fruit of the Spirit is the great theme of this book and challenges parents to submit afresh to the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

I anticipate many readers will greatly benefit from Clark’s timely work and hope that relationships will be strengthened between parents and their adult children as a result of reading this excellent book.

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

Ruined Sinners to Reclaim – David & Jonathan Gibson, ed.

David Gibson & Jonathan Gibson, Ed., Ruined Sinners to Reclaim (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 998 pp.

In 2013, Crossway Books published From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective edited by David Gibson and Jonathan Gibson. This formidable work was widely received and eventually became the first in a series of books entitled The Doctrines of Grace Series.

The second book in the series, also edited by David Gibson and Jonathan Gibson, addressed the matter of sin. Ruined Sinners to Reclaim: Sin and Depravity in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective a theological tour de force. The subtitle accurately describes the essence of the book. Like the previous volume, this book includes contributions from Bible scholars and pastors, all of whom embrace the Reformed faith. As such, there is no wiggle room for compromise. No stone is left unturned here. Readers are confronted with the tragic nature of the fall and the historical, biblical, theologically and pastoral implications.

The rubber meets the road when the preacher stands in the pulpit. Will he proclaim the unadulterated gospel, which includes a robust teaching on the radical corruption of mankind? Al Mohler provides a much-needed perspective on this important matter:

One immediate realization that must come to the preacher is that there is no mediating position between the rejection of the concept of sin and its biblical affirmation. A little bit of the doctrine of sin will do no one any good. Recovery will be found – and salvation of sinners can come—only when the word is rightly preached and when sin is powerfully demonstrated in its biblical fullness—and its biblical horror.

I commend this book and look forward to the forthcoming volumes in The Doctrines of Grace series.

Soli Deo gloria!

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

The Justice & Goodness of God: A Biblical case for the Final Judgment – Thomas R. Schreiner

Thomas R. Schreiner, The Justice & Goodness of God: A Biblical case for the Final Judgment (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 145 pp.

Justice is a hot topic in our world. Distinguishing between that which is just and unjust touches at the core of humanity. Of even greater importance, however is the justice of God. Thomas Schreiner addresses this matter in his book, The Justice & Goodness of God: A Biblical Case for the Final Judgment.

The book is written for Christians, acccording to Dr. Schreiner, “to remind us that judgment is fundamental to the message we proclaim so that we will not be ashamed of or neglect speaking about judgment.” Schreiner’s encouragement is greatly needed in this hour as many people either neglect the topic of justice or ignore it altogether.

The foundation of this work leans on the unshakable foundation of God’s holiness. The author reminds readers that the reason God judges sin is owing to his majestic holiness.

The hideous nature of sin is addressed early in the book and calls to mind its “uncleanness, defilement, and impurity.” According to Schreiner, “Sin is a kind of insanity —— a form of self-destruction where we turn against what fulfills and satisfies us.” In the final analysis, sin leads us away from God and places us under his holy justice.

The book presents a wide-angle view of God’s justice from three important vantage points – judgment in the Gospels and Acts, judgment in the epistles, and judgment in the book of Revelation.

The author summarizes his argument by showing the practical importance of God’s justice. This sobering reality leads us to the critical step of fearing God and striving to live in a way that glorifies the greatness of his worth.

While every sinner deserves God’s justice, we can praise him, for he grants grace and forgiveness through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. “The justice of God,” writes Schreiner, “is satisfied in the atoning sacrifice of his Son.”

I trust that many will read and benefit from the wisdom in The Justice & Goodness of God. May Christians rest in God’s grace and may unbelievers turn from their sin and trust in a good God who promises to set each person free who banks on the gospel.

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

Expositional Leadership: Shepherding God’s People From the Pulpit – R. Scott Pace & Jim Shaddix

R. Scott Pace & Jim Shaddix, Expositional Leadership: Shepherding God’s People From the Pulpit (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 148 pp.

Shepherding the people of God is a multi-faceted task. Pastors are called upon to lead, feed, love, and protect the people of God. R. Scott Pace and Jim Shahddix understand this weighty responsibility and have set forth a remarkable book that will encourage elders to carry out their God-given task.

Expositional Leadership is designed to shepherd church members with authority and integrity. The book is arranged in six chapters, each of which is centered around the pulpit. The themes include:

  1. Scriptural Leadership
  2. Spiritual Leadership
  3. Strategic Leadership
  4. Servant Leadership
  5. Situational Leadership
  6. Sensible Leadership

Each theme includes biblical encouragement and admonition for pastors that intend to fulfill the goal of expositional leadership. The term is defined as follows:

Expositonal leadership is the pastoral process of shepherding God’s people through the faithful exposition of his word to conform them to the image of his Son by the power of the Spirit.

My hope is that pastors make good use of the principles in this timely book. May expositional leadership help shape the next generation of Christ-followers!

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

Predestination: An Introduction – Andrew David Nasseli

Andrew David Nasseli, Predestination: An Introduction (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 240 pp.

The Bible says that God chose some people in eternity past (Eph. 1:3-4; 1 Tim. 1:9; 1 Pet. 1:1-2). Many Scriptures build a strong case for the doctrine of predestination. Yet many people struggle with the important doctrine. In his book Predestination: An Introduction,Andrew David Naselli helps establish the biblical framework and guide readers through the maze of verses that point to this doctrine.

Part one answers the question, “What does the Bible teach about election?” The author carefully unpacks the doctrine of election by focusing on various themes, including foreknowledge, free will, and the goal of election, to name a few. Ten chapters build progressively to show how this doctrine emerges in the Word of God.

Part two focuses on the vessels of wrath and answers the question, “What does the Bible teach about reprobation?” This may be one of the most hotly contest doctrines among Christians. Yet, Nasselli does a formidable job in explaining reprobation in a way that is both biblical and compelling.

Predestination: An Introduction is accessible for the layperson but will prove valuable for those pastors and theologians alike. The author writes with charity without compromising any biblical reality along the way. I commend this excellent work and trust that many doubters will be convinced about the importance of this God-glorifying doctrine.

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

The Pastor as Leader – John Currie

John Currie, The Pastor as Leader (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 220 pp.

Pastoral ministry is a grind. Ask any pastor and he will tell you about long weeks, challenging scenarios, critical congregants, and a plethora of problems that occur on a regular basis. Pastors are often lulled into succumbing to the tyranny of the urgent. As a result, the most important things slide into oblivion. John Currie addresses the unnecessary disconnect between preaching and leadership in pastoral ministry in his book, The Pastor as Leader.

In part one, the author sets forth principles that help establish the groundwork for a strong pastoral ministry. He argues, “Pastoral leadership is the process where, for the glory of God, a man of God, appointed by the Son of God and empowered by the Spirit of God, proclaims the word of God so that the people of God are equipped to move forward into the purposes of God together.” Currie focuses on the pastor’s mission, leadership, being empowered by the Holy Spirit, and showing Christ-like character.

In part two, Currie sets his sights on the practices of God-centered pastors. He explores the importance of prayer, leadership, communicating biblical vision, and biblical strategy.

Since pastors live with an unhealthy disconnect between preaching and leadership, some choose one over the other. The ones who neglect leadership miss out on shepherding opportunities and jettison one of the critical aspects of the ministry. But the ones who neglect leadership fail to take preaching seriously and leave the flock malnourished. The Pastor as Leader helps establish the biblical priorities in a way that both encouraging and motivating. Pastors will be wise to pay close attention to the wealth of information in this timely book.

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

HERE I STAND

On this date, in 1521, Martin Luther made his bold stand at the Diet of Worms. Prior to entering the city, Luther remarked, “Unless I am held by force, or Caesar revokes his invitation, I will enter Worms under the banner of Christ against the gates of hell.” The Roman Catholic Church pleaded for him to repent. Luther responded, This shall be my recantation at Worms: “Previously, I said the pope is the vicar of Christ. I recant. Now I say the pope is the adversary of Christ and the apostle of the Devil.” 

The story unfolds in my book, Bold Reformer: Celebrating the God-Centered Convictions of Martin Luther.