"Power Encounters: Reclaiming Spiritual Warfare" by David Powlison

The issue of spiritual warfare has always seemed pretty straightforward to me; the enemies of God wage a continuous war against Him, turning His creatures against Him and challenging His power. We see one very vivid of the struggle relayed in Jude 9 where we read that the archangel Michael contended with Satan over the body of Moses! As far as we mortals are concerned, we sometimes witness a manifestation of this warfare in the form of demonic possession and influence.

Throughout my Christian walk, however, I have occasionally come across people who had an unhealthy (and very un-biblical) interest in what I can only term as the occult. Thinking that spiritual warfare consisted primarily of battling demonic possessions and manifestations, they go about seeking demons to rebuke, and every hardship, every coincidence, becomes a demonic attack. I hear of these people walking around their neighborhoods "claiming" a particular block for God and chastising the demonic forces they perceive as being all around them causing havoc...apparently forgetting that God is always in control and that this idea of claiming territory for God is foreign to Scripture.

Unfortunately, this foolish preoccupation detracts from the only true strategy we Christians are to employ; the proclaiming of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, calling people to repent and submit to the only true hope! This book, Power Encounters: Reclaiming Spiritual Warfare is about abandoning false notions we may harbor about spiritual warfare and embrace the biblical understanding of it. The book is not a denial of the reality of spiritual warfare, but a call to examine our practices and align them with the teachings of Scripture. I found the premise of his book clearly defined by these words found on pages 71-71:

"...the gospels narrate one long 'truth encounter' between Jesus and the moral evil that contends for or fills the human heart. The titanic moral combat occurs in the classic spiritual-warfare mode- Jesus' temptations in the desert and in the garden of Gethsemane- as the Son learned obedience through what He suffered. Throughout His ministry, Jesus rescued those in moral bondage to Satan by words of truth that claimed authority over temptation, sin, and unbelief. Inhabiting spirits are never in view. The real spiritual warfare engages moral, not situational, evil. The great physician may give medicine to bring down blood pressure- [demon possession] temporarily alleviating situational evil. But he challenges the patient to quit smoking, drinking, and gorging on junk food- moral evil. The latter is the decisive battlefield." (emphasis of last sentence, mine)

What Powlison is saying is that too many Christians are overly obsessed with this idea of casting out demons when we should be totally focused on spreading the Truth! But if you talk too some Christians, every issue involves demonic activity and we need to combat these demons. Is someone an alcoholic? Well then let's rebuke the demon of alcohol! Is someone addicted to pornography? The demon of lust is present! Can't focus on studying the Word? Obviously a demon is distracting you! What silliness! Listen, in the first two examples, the cause is our sin nature and the way to combat this is to be in the Word and to discipline ourselves to live holy lives; in the last example, hey maybe you should rest up or learn to focus! But this morbid preoccupation with demons "grafts Christian elements onto an underlying demonic and superstitious worldview, creating a hybrid perhaps acceptable to premodern minds. But the biblical Christian faith needs to stand alone; it should not be grafted onto any other worldview." (pg. 25)

Among the places where this mis-emphasis on spiritual warfare was popularized, Powlison lists Dallas Theological Seminary, which is sadly not surprising at all to me. Author Frank Peretti is, of course, one who's fiction writing has influenced many as well. In chapter 3 of the book, Powlison examines the writings of Peretti and compares them to that of Tolkien and Lewis, a chapter I found particularly enlightening not only because of this interesting discussion but because the main focus is on interacting with the scriptural text so that we reach the correct conclusion. How fiction writing and this concept relate to one another is something you'll have to read the book to find out! ;-)

Another fascinating chapter was the fourth one, where the author examines the OT, Job particularly, in order to help us understand the concept of spiritual warfare. On page 59 we find the following words: "We learn in the Old Testament that the way to deal with idolatry, astrology, mediumship, sexual immorality, anger- the besetting sins of the demonological jungle- is to repent or die. People need repentance, faith, truth, prayer and fidelity." We go on to read that "Scripture does not ignore evil, Satan, or demons. God fiercely warns against them all, commanding us to flee the abominations...[but] when the prophets speak to idolaters and those involved in the occult, they preach repentance and faith, not EMM. Naaman the Aramean was an idol worshipper who came to faith through a little girl and Elisha. Hosea simply called idolatrous Israel to turn back to God. The Ninevites- members of an occult culture- believed God and repented at the preaching of Jonah. In no case, even with gross and occult sins, was the problem defined as inhabiting spirits needing ekballistic ministry." (page 60)

I should briefly mention that EMM stands for "ekballistic form of ministry," a term Powlison has come up with to describe the practice of those who subscribe to spiritual warfare as consisting of casting out demons, praying over houses and possession for protection against demonic influence, etc... He came up with the term using the Greek word "ekballo" which means to "cast out."

Chapter 5 deals with sin and suffering and in it Powlison examines the ministry of Christ, especially as it relates to casting out demons. In it, he also takes a careful look at the difference between moral versus situational evil. In chapters 6 and 7 we read about the difference between the ministry of Jesus and what we are called to do; we also are confronted with a number of questions which Powlison answers. One very compelling argument found in chapter 7 is that nowhere are we commanded to practice EMM. Examining Mark 16:17-18, we are told how those who advocate EMM rely on this passage as one of their proof texts...but as the author points out, a more contextual explanation is that this refers specifically to the work of the apostles. He spends a number of paragraphs defending his position, and makes a very good case!

The book is a short and fascinating read (only 10 chapters); I encourage everyone to read it and contemplate what the author has written. More importantly, I exhort all readers to examine it critically and test it against the Scriptures. As the author says, everyone has a story to tell. Proponents of EMM always have their experiences to back up what they say!

"'But I experienced...' These are three of the hardest words to argue with in America today, for experience presents itself as indubitable authority...many of the 'demonic manifestations today' are produced by highly charged expectations. An atmosphere of intense expectation can produce almost anything...EMM could actually invoke demonic activity. 'Voices' in the mind are not uncommon..." (from pages 133-135)

The above quotes are a number of combined quotes in which the author discusses a variety of explanations for the perceived experiences of EMM advocates. As he maintains throughout the book, spiritual warfare must be reclaimed by Believers and correctly understood as it is taught in Scripture. Otherwise we dishonor the Truth by subscribing to superstitious nonsense. You may or may not disagree, but read the book to fully understand the message Powlison is communicating.

"The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards" by Steven J. Lawson

This little gem of a book is the second in Lawson’s “A Long Line of Godly Men” series, the first title being “The Expository Genius of John Calvin.” You can find my review of that first title here (insert link).

In this book, Lawson examines the disciplined character of Jonathan Edwards, a man who was a faithful servant of God, and also a very misunderstood figure. He is best known to the secular world as the author of that much maligned (and probably very rarely read) sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” He is, indeed, often portrayed as a dour man who rejoiced in the thought of people entering the lake of fire and suffering there for all eternity. Nothing, however, could be further from the truth. As Lawson clearly reveals here, Edwards was a man who had a passionate love for the Lord and a great desire to see souls come to Him for their salvation.

Another interesting fact about Edwards is that he is considered one of the most brilliant men produced by the United States of America, even by secular historians (insert link here). This is all the more amazing when one considers that Edwards never wrote anything other than theological writings! His chief concern throughout his life was to bring glory to God in all things.

It is this characteristic of Edwards, a burning passion for His glory, which Lawson examines and presents to his readers, doing a wonderful job of introducing us to Edwards and explaining what made him the man he was; the man that all Christians would benefit in emulating. The way in which Lawson does this is by presenting the 70 resolutions of Jonathan Edwards and demonstrating how he sought to be faithful to them all of his life. For those of you who are unaware, Jonathan Edwards wrote a series of resolution when he was 20-21 years old. These were written, as he himself asserted, because he recognized that he was “unable to do anything without God’s help…” and he thereby “entreat[ed] him by his grace to enable [him] to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to [God’s] will, for Christ’s sake.” In this sentence you catch a glimpse of a man whose overwhelming desire was to please God above all things.

The book itself is a very short one, about 166 pages, which includes an appendix listing every one of the 70 Resolutions. It is divided into nine short chapters that examine how Edwards sought to live out the resolutions in his life, using them as reminders to be always faithful to his Lord…making his conscience captive to the Word of God!

Within the pages of this book, we meet a man very aware of his own weaknesses; a man aware of his inability to measure up to God who thereby decided only by His power could he ever hope to be pleasing to the Father. He lived, more often than not, with an awareness of his God and overwhelmed by a burning passion to please the Lord who saved him from his sin. Read this little book and fall in love with the object of his zeal, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

"The Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer" by Arthur W. Pink

Those of you who know me are well aware that Arthur Pink is one of my theological heroes, so it should come as no surprise to you that I loved this book! :-) In fact, I finished this book quite some time ago but I have been putting off the writing of it until now.

What can one really say about Pink though? He was clearly a man gifted by God and used by Him for His glory. So it is that as with every other book I've ever read of his, this book is filled from beginning to end with the keen insight for which Pink is known and loved.

As implied by the title, this particular book is divided into two segments (The Beatitudes and The Lord's Prayer). In the first part, Pink presents the Beatitudes as a picture of the process of salvation and sanctification, taking each of them and demonstrating the theme as shown in the following examples:

"To be poor in spirit is to realize that I have nothing, and can do nothing, and have need of all things. Poverty of spirit is evident in a person when he is brought into the dust before God to acknowledge his utter helplessness. It is the first experiential evidence of a Divine work of grace within the soul." pg. 16

"The mourning that is blessed is the result of a realization of God's holiness and goodness that issues in a sense of the depravity of our natures and the enormous guilt of our conduct. The mourning for which Christ promises Divine comfort is a sorrowing over our sins with a godly sorrow." pg. 18

"While humility of soul in bowing to God's way of salvation is the primary application of the third Beatitude, it must not be limited to that. Meekness...is that quality of spirit that is found in one who has been schooled to mildness by discipline and suffering and brought into sweet resignation to the will of God." pg. 27

"Hungering and thirsting expresses vehement desire , of which the soul is acutely conscious...Like the previous ones, this fourth Beatitude describes a twofold experience. It obviously refers to the initial hungering and thirsting that occurs before a sinner turns to Christ by faith. But it also refers to the continual longing that is perpetuated in the heart of every saved sinner until his dying day." pg. 33-34

As already stated, these three quotes are samples of the spiritual depth which Pink brings to his subject matter. He does the same with the second section, as you will see in the following passages:

"'Hallowed be Thy name' is the first of the petitions of Christ's pattern prayer...This petition necessarily comes first, for the glorifying of God's great name is the ultimate end of all things. All other requests must be subordinate to this one and be in pursuance of it." pg. 83

"The Father's Kingdom is, first and more generally, His universal rule, His absolute dominion over all creatures and things." pg. 92

"'Thy will be done.' this clause presents a difficulty to a few of our readers, who may ask, 'Is not God's will always done?' In one respect it is, but in another respect it is not. Scripture presents the will of God from two distinct viewpoints: His secret will and His revealed will, or His decretive and His preceptive will." pg. 100

I will leave that last quote unfinished so that my reader will have all the more reason for buying or borrowing this book! Whichever you do, do it quickly because there is a lot to be learned from the teachings of this great man of God.

"Rules for my Unborn Son" by Walker Lamond

I received this book and on the same day I finished reading it...it was THAT good! Now, this is not your typical book that you read from cover to cover (though that is exactly what I did!). As you might imagine, it is written in the form of snippets of advice by Mr. Lamond to his son. As he says in his introduction, many of these are sayings he picked up from his own father, though he has taken the liberty of modernizing them to include internet etiquette ("Never post a picture online you wouldn't feel comfortable showing your mother, your boss, and the dean of administration" from page 100). Yes, many of these are common sense...but isn't that exactly what we need to hear over and over?

In his introduction, Lamond says that boys need rules and that "somewhere along the way, rules got a bad name...[r]ules were seen as antiquated obstacles...and the game of life suddenly got a bit sloppier, more uncertain, and even a bit less fun." Which, in my humble opinion, is quite profound!

On the day I received the book, before I even read the introduction, I opened it up to the first little entry and read the following: "When in doubt, wear a tie." I knew from that moment this would be my kind of book...and it was! This is the kind of book every male should read. Not that every entry is necessarily true for everyone, but the simple idea that rules are there for a reason is something the men of our society need to understand. If only we could return to a time when men were men not because they cussed or had sex with lots of women, but because they took responsibility for their own actions and understood that sometimes we have to do what is right...even when we'd rather just do what is easy.

Do I recommend this book? Without any hesitation! This is a keeper and belongs on the bookshelves of every home!

"A Climate for Change" by Katharine Hayhoe & Andrew Farley

I don't know exactly what I expected to discover in reading this book but I came away somewhat disappointed with it. The authors, Katherine Hayhoe and Andrew Farley, begin by identifying themselves as Christians with a biblical worldview, purporting to have written a book that addresses the issue of global warming without any political agenda.

Unfortunately this is a bit misleading since throughout the book they declare the importance of educating ourselves about the dire consequences we face with global warming and how the only real solution is to institute "cap and trade" legislation and begin reducing our dependance on fossil fuels. On this latter point I wholeheartely agree, but not because of the imminent natural catastrophe supposedly facing us but because of the real danger from the Islamic nations that mostly control the majority of the earth's oil reserves. To be fair to the authors, their final two chapters do a decent job of providing simple and effective steps we can take to do our little part in being conscious of our environment. They even bring attention to God's command that we are to be stewards of the earth, and base their activism on this. I agree, but recent developments regarding the duplicity of the environmental movement make me take the research they provide with a grain of salt. Frankly, had they written this book mainly about our Christian reponsibility to the planet which God has given us dominion over, I would have been more enthused.

As it is written, however, I cannot fully recommend this book.

"If God Were Real: A Journey Into a Faith That Matters" by John Avant

isbn #978-1-4165-8779-8

I tried really hard to give this book the benefit of the doubt, but the more I read of it the more mortified I became by the content. I thought this would be a book on living holy lives and being doers as well as hearers of the Word, but unfortunately the content consisted of criticisms, complaints and whining about the state of evangelical Christianity. Not that I see anything necessarily wrong with a reasoned critique, but Mr. Avant failed to actually support any of his charges against the church with anything other than unsubstantiated stories and hearsay! What is truly sad is that this is not an attack by the typical critics (i.e., atheists), but by one who is himself a pastor and professed Christian, oh excuse me, a Christ follower!

Sadly, Mr. Avant failed to take advantage of an opportunity to address a serious failure among evangelicals to actually make disciples of the nations. I mean, the title of his book is excellent..."If God Were Real." From such a beginning I would have expected a biblical examination of how we as Christians don't live as if we truly believe what we say we believe, and more importantly, from such a title I would have expected a call to arms, a prophetic word about not walking away from the Scriptures without making the necessary changes we see in our lives (you know, the whole man in the mirror thing!).

Instead we get this:
"I like atheists. I've known many Christians I'd rather not spend time with, but surprisingly, I can't think of a single atheist I've known whom I didn't like...I respect conviction--even if it is the conviction to have no convictions." (from the introduction on pages 4-5)

Really? I don't know about you but I want a shepherd of the people of God to actually love the sheep. Not that all Christians are loveable, far from it. But despite our differences we as Believers are called to love one another, to see one another as brothers and sisters. The atheist? They are the ones to whom we must take the gospel, not respect their convictions which deny and slander our Lord and Savior!

Later on in chapter two of this book (which Avant titles "If God were real...We'd all Give up on Christianity"), we read of five reasons why Avant claims he's given up on Christianity...and why we should too! To be fair, it is apparent that Avant is referring to the religious system known as Christianity and not to Christianity itself...though he seems to have a problem with the term and prefers the emergent Christ "follower." No surprise here since his approach to what he considers true Christianity reeks of emergent ideology. What are his five reasons?

1) Christianity Crucifies Christians
Huh? What does this even mean? Its just words formed together with no real meaning! He is clearly making no connection to Jesus and his command for us to daily take up our cross (see Luke 9:23)! No, instead he takes the silliest examples he can find and pretends they actually represent the majority of Christianity! Speaking about what he thinks is the major problem in the evangelical church online, he says that "heresy hunters are everywhere. Personal attacks abound. Gossip is rampant. Reputations are destroyed...[W]e can slander with no shame as long as we can hide behind our screen names of sounddoctrine777 or truthmonitor888." (page 30)

What is he even talking about? Does he bother to cite examples? No! Do such things happen online from those who call themselves Christians? Sure. But isn't it also slanderous to paint all online ministries with the same brush? Are there not online discussions about actual heresy going on? The question that must be asked is "is it true?" We can't just reject all such things unequivocally!

And then, of course, he has to come out with the usual manner by which such discussions are brought to a close. Jesus said to love one another. Umm...yeah, but did He not also say if you love Him you will keep His commandments (John 14:15)? But anyhow, we come to the end of his first reason and I don't even see a connection between the reason and the content as he tries to explain it!

2) Christianity Demonizes Those God Loves
Here is what he says: "In my days at a missions agency, traveling every week to many churches across the country, I saw it over and over. Most Christians are either so sheltered within the religious shell of their churches that they don't really know any non-Christians, or they are actively working to oppose them. Or both." (page 34)

Ah there we go. Personal experience as proof. Well then he must be right, right? But wait, most of the Christians I know are working regular jobs in their towns, talking to their co-workers about Christ when they can and when they cannot they are witnessing through their lives as much as is humanly possible. Not all of them, but many of them. I don't know of any of my close Christian friends who view the lost around us as the enemy. So based on my experience is Avant wrong? Well obviously I think he is very wrong, but certainly not because of my own personal experience! And guess what? This is all that is offered in this section! Avant even shares the personal experience of a young youth pastor he heard about who ministered in Twin Falls, Idaho. He says that "Ted went to the gangs and other marginalized students in the area and invited them to parties at the church. God began to move in phenomenal ways. Attendance doubled each week. The entire youth culture of Twin Falls began to change. But listen to Lauren's [the man who wrote about this youth pastor's experience] account of what happened next. "Church members despised him for bringing these kids into their midst. During one service, Ted reported to the congregation about a major success the night before, the sort of achievement youth workers dream of: a mass of kids had flushed their entire drug stash down the toilets in the church bathroom. Instead of applauding, a parishioner shouted, 'Do you know what that can do to our plumbing?' and walked out, a line of grumbling dissenters behind him." Unfortunately this is not an aberration." (page 35)

Pardon me if my "I doubt it" radar kicks on, but this is completely laughable! I spent about half an hour looking up this youth minister online and in the 10 pages or so that I found on him, not one mention is made of this event. Obviously this does not mean the event did not happen...but to say, as Avant does, that "this is not an aberration"? I don't know what kind of churches Avant pastors, but I beg to differ! This IS an aberration and such a church should not call itself a church! And this is his second reason? Mr. Avant, surely you can do better?

3) Christianity Doesn't Take God Seriously
Ok...anytime a pastor uses Shane Claiborne as an example of someone who takes God seriously above and beyond others, I have to conclude he's bought completely into the emergent church movement! I mean, come on! Is he seriously talking of the Claiborne whose website declares that "Each of us is created for community, and in the image of community. And yet everything in the world tries to rob us of this Divine gift"? THAT Claiborne? Hmmm....zoned out already! Avant acknowledges that Claiborne is "controversial" (you think!?!?), but he says that "at least Shane is trying to take God seriously" (page 36). Ummm...ok. So what? He is sincerely wrong too! Who cares about whether someone takes God seriously in determining their spiritual life or death? Avant goes on to say in that same paragraph, talking about doctrine or living righteously, that he's "begun to wonder which is more important." What? How can you live a life pleasing to God if your doctrine is off base? How can you serve a God you do not know? What do such comments even mean? In citing the Pharisees he says that Jesus was "dismissive of their doctrine when their lives looked like 'whitewashed tombs'" Well yeah, but their lives looked like whitewashed tombs because their doctrine was incorrect!

4) Christianity Has Become Ridiculous
While I would prefer to phrase it as "many Christians have become ridiculous," I found myself almost agreeing with Avant on this point...until he himself became ridiculous! First off, however, he is indeed right that many Christians focus on silly things, arguing in favor of such ideas as homeschooling being the only true Biblical way to educate your children, or fighting over whether hymns or praise music are appropriate in worship, etc...

I even agree that we as Believers can go to extremes over books such as Harry Potter, BUT come on, to say as he does that the books are little different than the Narnia series is a bit silly. He reaches way too far in his defense of the books and his attacks on those who oppose the books. How about instead granting as much grace to his fellow Christians as he does to Rowling? Christianity ridiculous? No. Can Christians be ridiculous? Of course. Ultimately his spending so much of his energy and angst over people's treatment of poor Rowling make him as ridiuculous as he seems her to think her critics are.

5) Christianity Has Become a Monument; I'm Looking for a Movement
Well good for him, but this comments says much more about his own judgmental attitude than it does about the straw man of Christianity he opposes so much!

Okay, at this point I have only looked at about one third of the book, which is not good news because if this was supposed to be his intro it went on for way too depressingly long of a time. What, however, is his solution?

Well beginning in chapter 3 he proposes the following "three steps towards starting a Jesus Movementg that will help us fulfill the Great Commission..." (page 69) What are the three steps?
1) Face the Awful and Exciting Truth
What is this, tell me (as I shake with eager anticipation) please! "The awful truth is that the vast majority of the churches of Christianity are not going to survive." (page 69)? Ummm...what? That's it? But most of us already know that, and we know it without thinking that these are "churches of Christianity." Most of us who know Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives are well aware that most people who profess Christ are not true Believers, and that too many churches stopped being true churches a long time ago!

2) Moving Into Humility
3) The Church Must Learn to Pray Again
Gasp! These last two sound so original and revolutionary...I think Avant is on to something here! O wait, never mind. This is the same thing that most other people giving advice to the church are saying!

To be honest,the rest of the book is just as lacking in original content...the most original part of it being that someone associated with the Southern Baptist Covention can be so dismissive of those in need of a faithful and discerning shepherd. Chapter titles as shocking as "If God were real...the Church Would be Full of Addicts" and "If God Were Real...He Would Believe in Atheists" are nothing more than his attempt to paint the visible church of Christ as uncaring. His call to arms elicits from me little more than a really long yawn because by the time I made it to the latter chapter I was convinced that Avant's intent is to shock people and falsely represent the Body of our Lord.

I will stop here simply because anything more I say will not be helpful. I will simply add that I think this book will be very well received by those who already dislike Christianity and by those professing Christians who like to accuse anyone who takes their faith seriously as legalists and Pharisees. For the rest of you, don't put yourself through what I did...avoid the book! Quite frankly if you like reading critiques of the modern church there are plenty out there that actually do a good job of confronting us with our apathy and actually providing a Biblical basis for recovering our passion for Him.

"Counsel From the Cross: Connecting Broken People to the Love of Christ" by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Dennis E. Johnson

ISBN: 9781433503177

This is the first book I've read on biblical counseling and I have come away from this experience with a deep appreciation for the authors and their devotion to the Word of God as the only true remedy for people who are struggling. Their attidude is best summed up in the preface, where they write that "[w]e believe that when God the Creator provides a cure-all, it really cures all, and that when He sent His eternal Son as Redeemer, He set in motion a new creation power that will eventually eradicate both the sin-twisted self-centeredness of our hearts and the sin-infected wounds that we have inflicted on one another." (page 13)

The cure-all, of course, is the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ...and this is the thrust of the book. The book is helpful in many ways, including the examples included and the study questions at the end of each chapter. In addition to this, there are three appendices included, one of them a very helpful list of issues and the Scripture one might use when counseling people dealing with it. Ultimately, what I loved most about this book is that the authors take the issue down to its basic element of sin. Why do people commit adultery? Why do they abuse family members? Because they are sinners in need of the Gospel! And why do Believers engage in such behaviors? Because they have forgotten the gopel! Personally, I think that it is also because too many who profess Christ are not truly saved!

There are many excellent examples throughout the book of how to counsel people, but my favorite one characterizes how this book uses the Word of God as its foundation. In the chapter entitled "The Gospel and our relationships" we find the following:
"If we forget that we are sinful and flawed, it will be easy to become self-righteous and harsh with our spouses; [p]arents who forget that they are law breakers expect their children to keep the law and to make them look good; Even children can forget the gospel. If they forget that they are sinful and flawed, they are quick to judge their parents' inconsistencies and failures." (page 158-159)

I cannot recommend this book enough! I think that for the layperson like myself it can serve as a useful tool not only in relating to our brothers and sisters but in ministering to the lost. So buy this book and read it over and over. This is the book you will want close at hand for easy access, the kind that will soon need to be replaced from excessive use!

"Just Do Something" by Kevin DeYoung

ISBN #978-0-8024-5838-4

I want to start out by saying that Joshua Harris makes me mad. I'm not mad at him for anything bad but because he gives this book a great review in the foreword, almost taking the thoughts right out of my mind! ;-)

Really though, this short book (122 pages) is a quick and excellent read. I don't know that it is necessarily unique since John MacArthur has written similar thoughts in his book "God's Will Is Not Lost," but what makes this book such a great resource is that DeYoung has a talent for bringing this topic down to where even a layperson such as myself can fully understand what he is talking about. His writing is clear and concise and he has a knack for bringing humor into a very serious topic. I am sure, in fact, that even those who hold to the view he is critiquing will find the book useful.

And what view is he challenging here? The view that God's will is some mysterious thing we need to fret about. He credibly maintains that so long as you are not violating God's commands, then you are free to make decisions as you desire...to use your freedom in Christ! Again, what God commands we must do and what He forbids we must not do, but apart from this, do whatever you think is right to do!

But let me share from the introduction by Joshua Harris so that you will get an even better idea of what exactly this book is about:
"It is God's will for you to read this book. Yes, I'm talking to you. What are the odds that you would "just happen" to pick up this book and flip open to this page and start reading? Obviously it's a sign. Of all the millions of books in the world, you found this one. Wow. I have chills. Do not pass up this divinely orchestrated moment. If you miss this moment there's a good chance you will completely miss God's will for the rest of your life and spend your days in misery and regret...

If you're prone to think of God's will in the way I so threateningly described it, this book will help set you straight..."

Classic don't you think? Well I think so, and this little book is definitely a keeper, one I will no doubt consult every so often. Buy it and read it, you will not regret it!

"The Ascent of George Washington: The Hidden Political Genius of an American Icon" by John Ferling

Okay...I won't usually post book reviews on my history books, but I loved this book so much I am posting it, so please forgive me this once!


ISBN #978-1-59691-465-0

Every now and then a phrase from some movie or other captures the imagination of the general public and before you know it everyone is repeating the line over and over. "I'll be back" from The Terminator comes to mind, or "You had me at hello" from Jerry Maguire. Well I hate to use such phrases myself but this one time I have to do so and say that with this latest title, author John Ferling had me at "There were differences in the politics of eighteenth-century America and those of today, but not as many as might be thought." (1st sentence of Preface)

This captivating beginning sets the tone for the entire book and from start to finish I simply could not put this book down...indeed Mr. Ferling now owes me many hours of sleep, a debt I am happy to forgive if he promises to keep writing non fiction of this caliber. The beauty of this book is that while it is indeed a book of history (political history at that!), it reads like a modern thriller. I dare say that I absolutely would recommend this book to everyone I know, and if it was within my power, I would make it required reading for high school students.

Well with such nearly sycophantic praise one would think that Mr. Ferling was paying me for this review, but I assure my readers that this is not the case (if, however, Mr. Ferling should read this and feel the uncontrollable urge to send some cash my way, I will happily accept). No, this book is well deserving of praise without needing to resort to base bribery!

At any rate, this book brings our illustrious first president down to a human level...portraying him as the ambitious and self interested man that he was, warts and all. In no way, however, does this make him a less heroic figure. Instead it helps us to see him as the fallible human that he truly was, a man who felt like he was meant for great things (and apparently he was) and stopped at nothing to achieve this greatness. Ferling correctly points out that it was quite surpising that Washington became the man he did considering his many military blunders; at the same time this is no big surprise when we understand his political savviness and his ability to deflect criticism. This, indeed, is the theme of this book, and Ferling does a wonderful job of proving his thesis and convincing the reader not only of this truth but assisting us to retain our hero worshipping attitude towards the father of our country!

So my final thoughts are as follows: this book is well written, surpisingly respectful of its subject, and quite humorous in some places (three French generals coming to America; three major general positions available; American officers wanting one of those positions; problem solved satisfactorily for everyone when one of the French generals obligingly drowns...Ferling points out this was satisfactory for everyone except, of course, the drowned general!). I would give it three thumbs up if I could, but since I cannot do so I give it two enthusiastic thumbs up!

"Hero: Becoming the Man She Desires" by Fred Stoeker and Jasen Stoeker

ISBN #978-1-4000-7109-8

"Hero" is a book about how a man can maintain purity in his relationships with women. The book is aimed at single men and offers up the argument that a real hero cares about physical purity not only to protect the woman in his life but also to be obedient to God. The authors are correct, of course, and one thing I was happy to see was that the elder Stoeker mostly avoids making the same mistake in this book that he made in "Every Man's Battle," a book I put down early on because it included too much of what Stoeker was calling on men to avoid. There is one section on page 71 where Stoeker warns his reades of graphic content then proceeds to share some pretty explicit things one will find in certain movies. I was saddened to see this but glad that it is the only place in the book where the authors do this. Although quite frankly their message that men and teenage boys need to be open about their struggles with lust should be shared in group settings is a tad much...not that the sharing itself is wrong but that the manner in which they recommend it should be done is buying into the world's standards...the very thing they want us to avoid doing.

Among the things that bothered me about the book, as mentioned above, are the constant contradictions between the message of the book and the style in which it is delivered. For example, after pointing out how his son Jasen remained pure until marriage, never even kissing his wife until that day, he says "[m]y son was a stud." What a poor choice of a word to describe his son! In an earlier part of the book he talks about what he feels was a hereditary sin among the Stoekers with pornography and how he hoped one day his descendants would say "We don't look at pornography because our father Fred didn't look at porn..." My immediate thought regarding this sentence in a book that wants to point to God as the source of our strength when confronting sin was "what about we don't look at pornography because it grieves the Spirit?"

Another thing that disappointed me about the book is the poor use of Scripture. In one chapter the elder Stoeked quotes 2 Chronicles 16:9 and then says we should stand up so God can see us as He searches to and fro. I'm like, "what?!?" This is certainly not what that passage teaches and while it may be nitpicking, I believe that when Christians use Scripture to communicate a point they should not misuse the Word of God. Use it by all means, but do so appropriately!

As negative as this review is so far, I cannot deny that there are some good things the book brings up. The Church certainly needs a call to purity...and we men especially need to take this very seriously, for as Stoeker says, "if you're not her hero, you'll be her nightmare." True. We as men bear a huge reponsibility in how we interact with women...and we should not make excuses for ourselves either (oh she was dressing indecently!). Let us be men!

Ultimately, however, I cannot truly recommend this book. I'm sure the Stoeker name assures it will be hugely popular, but if you want something better written, then go to Joshua Harris' "I Kissed Dating Goodbye." Quite frankly, to all you men out there...how about opening up the Bible and leading a life of obedience?

"Spurgeon: Heir of the Puritans" by Ernest W. Bacon

ISBN not available.


Charles Haddon Spurgeon is one of those men whom I look forward to meeting when I pass on. If the great teachers of the faith will still be permitted to teach (and why would they not?) in heaven, then it is at his feet that I will sit for a few thousand years. He is a titan of the faith that we would do well to emulate. Mr. Ernest W. Bacon, now present with the Lord for over 15 years, has done his fellow Christians a grand favor in providing his wonderful biography...one that will help us to know Spurgeon better and to appreciate the ministry that the Lord gifted him with. Bacon is a sympathetic Spurgeon biographer, one who obviously loved the man of whom he wrote and who did his best to present the Christian warrior in as favorable a light as possible. This is not to say that the biography is diminished because of it...far from it. Spurgeon had and has enough detractors that this biography is a breath of fresh air, one that gives Spurgeon the benefit of the doubt and this helps us to meet the man on the terms which he himself might have wanted.

This wonderful little biography (only 177 pages) focuses not on the day to day details of Spurgeon's life, but on his theological views and the works which he did. Sprinkled liberally throughout the text are passages from Spurgeon's sermons, which help the reader to get into the mind of this wonderful man. Another thing I enjoyed about this biography is how Mr. Bacon focuses on primary sources to show us what the contemporaries of Spurgeon thought about him...both those in the secular world and those from within the body. Bacon also spends a whole chapter discussing the down-grade controversy and how it came about as well as what prompted Spurgeon to take such a strong stance that led him to resign from his denomination and that put him at odds with so many. This controversy in which he bravely fought for the Truth, we now know needed to be opposed. Indeed, John MacArthur has said in "Ashamed of the Gospel" that modern day England today suffers from the failure of so many evengelicals to align themselves with Spurgeon. The spiritual barrenness that is England is a direct result of the embrace of heresy back in the day of Spurgeon. What a lesson this is for us who now face the same type of challenge to biblical truths!

Ultimately, as Bacon tells us, Spurgeon's life was devoted wholly to his Lord. His entire ministry was dedicated to the championing of the name of Jesus and a desire to point the lost to Him and see them come alive through His grace. When the Metropolitan Tabernacle was opened, Spurgeon said during his first sermon that he hoped within its walls only Christ would be preeminent. This sole focus on Christ was his passion and it was for this cause that he gave his life and risked everything. What a man! What a saint! In one sermon, Spurgeon said, "Remember, sinner, it is not your hold of Christ thast saves you- it is Christ; it is not your joy in Christ that saves you- it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, thought that is the instrument- it is Christ's blood and merits; therefore, look not to your hope, but to Christ the source of hope; look not to your faith, but to Christ, the author and finisher of yhour faith; and if you do that, ten thousand devils cannot throw you down."

The life of Charles Haddon Spurgeon was a life dedicated to his Lord and Master. A life that loved Christ so much it was his joy to focus himself entirely upon that object of his love. And those that loved him realized this. A Dr. A.T. Pierson gave the eulogy at Spurgeon's funeral...these were his words:

"Beloved President, Faithful Pastor, Prince of Preachers, Brother Beloved, Dear Spurgeon- we bid thee not "farewell," but only for a little while "Good-night." You shall rise soon at the first dawn of the Resurrection- day of the redeemed. Yet is the good-night not ours to bid but yours; it is we who linger in the darkness; thou art in God's holy light. Our night shall soon be passed and with it all our weeping. Then with yours, our songs shall greet the morning of the day that knows no cloud nor close; for there is not night there.

Hard worker in the field! thy toil is ended. Straight has been the furrow thou has ploughed. No looking back has marred thy course. Harvests have followed thy patient sowing, and heaven is already rich with your ingathered sheaves, and shall still be enriched through the years yet lying in eternity.

Champion of God! your battle, long and nobly fought is over; your sword which clung to your hand, has dropped at last; a palm branch takes its place. No longer does the helmet press your brow, often weary by its surging thoughts of battle; a victor's wreath from the great Commander's hand has already proved your full reward.

Here, for a little while, shall rest thy precious dust. Then shall thy Well-Beloved come; and at His voice thou shalt spring from thy couch of earth, fashioned like unto His body, into glory. Then spirit, sould and body shall magnify the Lord's redemption. Until then, beloved, sleep. We praise God for thee, and by the blood of the everlasting covenant, hope and expect to praise God with thee. Amen."

O that my life would merit even a small portion of such words!

Please, read this book and know the man who is even now lovingly called The Prince of Preachers.

God bless!

"How Should I Live In This World?" by R.C. Sproul

No ISBN available

This work is actually a short 104 page booklet written by R.C. Sproul. As such, I had high hopes for this booklet and I was not disappointed. In it, Sprould tackles the issue of ethics and morality as it relates to being a Christian. Towards the end of the booklet he tackles the issues of abortion, warfare, the death penalty and others.

As usual, Sproul does an excellent job of taking us to the Word of God to address the issues that we encounter. What I really like, however, is that he does not subscribe to the cop-out I hear too often that if the Bible is silent on an issue then we can just follow our conscience. This is not to say that I don't think there are issues upon which we must do our best to follow what we feel is right, but on most issues this is not the case. As Sproul says, "God has not given us specific instructions for each and every possible ethical issue we face, but neither are we left to grope in the dark and to make our decisions on the basis of mere opinion." No indeed.

In any discussion of how we should live, of course, we come across the extremes of legalism and antinomianism. Trust me, I know. Anytime you talk about what the Bible says about how we should live our lives, you will have at least one person who accuses you of being legalistic. It does not matter how clear the passage is, this person will declare that you are forcing your views on someone, completely ignoring the actual definition of what legalism is! Sprould defines legalism as "concerned simply with external conformity and is blind to internal motivation." I would add that legalism is when you add to what the Bible says and require something of them the Bible does not require.

Anyhow, whenever someone accuses you of legalism, rest assured it is usually the antinomian in the group (unless, of course, you actually ARE being legalistic!).

Overall, the booklet is well worth the read, and you can probably finish it in an afternoon. It took me a little bit longer than that to read it but that was only because I overloaded myself with three other books at the same time! Don't make this mistake and you should be able to read it quickly! ;-)

"The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture" by Scott Klusendorf

ISBN 978-1-4335-0320-7

Have you ever had a conversation with a fellow Believer and the topic of abortion comes up? Have you then been shocked by their assertion that while they personally believe that abortion is wrong, they dare not question someone else’s choice to have an abortion?

Well Scott Klusendorf begins his book by introducing just this dialogue between two Christians…and the inability of the firmly pro-life Believer to respond adequately to the other. And just as the subtitle proclaims, this is the main thrust of this excellent book: to equip Believers not only to engage the culture but the confused and even false converts among us who still look at abortion as one of many options in family planning.

I myself have had many experiences in discussing this topic at work, where the majority are not Christians and among those who do profess Christ the majority even of them believe abortion is a constitutional right so sacrosanct we dare not tamper with it. Klusendorf, through this very valuable book, does indeed provide the rest of us with the information we need to combat this error.

One of the things I like most about this book is that the main theme keeps coming back to whether the baby in the womb is human or not…a question many (but not all) of those who are pro-abortion try to avoid. As Klusendorf insists, if the baby in the womb is not human, why do so many abortion rights supporters insist we need to focus on educating people on proper birth control so that we have less abortions rather than making the procedure illegal? If it is just tissue devoid of human value then who cares? Chapter 3 of his book focuses on the inherent value of humans…read it!

Throughout his book, Klusendorf combats many of the common arguments that the pro-abortionists use, including the most silly one of asserting that the Bible is silent on the issue of abortion and, even more foolishly, that the Bible condones abortion! As he responds in his book, this begs the question once again of whether the baby is human or not, because the Bible happens to frown upon the act of murder, and if the baby in the womb is human then guess what? That’s right…abortion is the act of murdering the baby! As for the Bible condoning abortion, such a misunderstanding of Scripture is common among those who use it for their own ends without actually believing it to be the Word of God!

Since this is a review I will share only one quote from the book and this from chapter 13 of the book, where Klusendorf takes on the argument that abortion should be permitted in the case of rape. He relates how he is commonly asked whether women who are impregnated during rape should be “forced” to carry the baby of their attacker to term. He says that the abortion crusader uses this particular argument only to score points:

“…He appeals to the hard case of rape, but his appeal is flawed because it is not entirely truthful.
Here’s why: The abortion-choice position he defends is not that abortion should be legal only when a woman is raped but that abortion is a fundamental right she can exercise for any reason she wants during all nine months of pregnancy. Instead of defending this position with facts and arguments, he disguises it with an emotional appeal to rape. But this will not make his case. The argument from rape, if successful at all, would only justify abortion in cases of sexual assault, not for any reason the woman deems fit. In fact, arguing for abortion-on-demand from the hard case of rape is like trying to argue for the elimination of all traffic laws because a person might have to break one rushing a loved one to the hospital. Proving an exception does not prove a rule.
To expose his smoke screen, I ask a question: “Okay, I’m going to grant for the sake of discussion that we keep abortion legal in case of rape. Will you join me in supporting legal restrictions on abortions done for socioeconomic reasons that, as studies on your side of the issue show, make up the overwhelming percentage of abortions?”
The answer is almost always no, to which I reply, “Then why did you bring up rape except to mislead us into thinking that you support abortion only in the hard cases?” (page 175)

Ultimately the response to the issue of rape takes us back to whether the child is human or not…because if the baby is human then why would we say it is ok to kill him or her because s/he reminds us of a painful event? Would it be okay to murder a 1 yr old child for the same reason? See how it all takes us back to the humanity of the child and what being human means?

Once again, this book is very valuable…and it keeps its promise! I say this because it truly serves as an excellent resource for equipping Believers to engage the culture and stand firmly against the murder of so many children. Interestingly enough, just this morning I read about a homeless woman in New Mexico who killed her 3 yr old child and buried him in a playground. Her reason for murdering her child is that “she did not want him to grow up with no one caring about him the same way that she had grown up…” (Read the whole story HERE)

As for the response from the authorities, an officer said that “[f]or a mother to kill her own child is unfathomable. Most people can't even imagine how you could even think about doing something like that.”

Interesting isn’t it? Kill your child in the womb and you are legally protected…kill him or her outside the womb and people are shocked.

So get your hands on this book…buy it or borrow it, but you have to read it because it will truly provide you with the information you need to defend your pro-life convictions. Hopefully it will also lead you to be more proactive in ending this wholesale slaughter of our children.

God bless!

"Album of the Damned: Snapshots From The Third Reich" by Paul Garson

ISBN #9780897335767

I read this book about 2 weeks ago but I just came across it at work again and thought I'd post a quick review while I'm on break.

As you can tell from the title, the book is made up mostly of pictures with some text. These pictures were taken by everyday Germans; soldiers, Nazi party members, housewives, children, etc...

It is this aspect that makes the pictures so powerful because it shows everyday people doing everyday things. Normal people like you and I. But then you think about what some of these people did...and the author provides details that are haunting when compared with the idyllic represtation of the photos. Like the middle aged men in uniform smiling at the camera. Could be our neighbors, our family members. They seem like the kind of people you'd like to know. Then you realize the uniforms they are wearing are those of the police battalions assigned to the cleansing of Jews and other undesirables from Poland and other conquered territories. These smiling happy men killed other men, women, and children because they felt it was the right thing; it was necessary.

Take a look at the book...sometimes the author can get a tad melodramatic (for example in a picture of a pre-war matronly woman photographed before some trees he points out the shadows cast and comments that they bring to mind the shadow of war looming!); overall, however, it is quite an experience.

"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them"
- Romans 1:28-32

"Heaven Misplaced: Christ's Kingdom on Earth" by Douglas Wilson

ISBN #9781591280514

I have been meaning to do this review for some time but I was unsure of how to go about it since while I disagreed with the premise of the book and the theological conclusions...it was very well written and the author came across in a very loving manner. As an alumni of the University of Idaho, I am familiar with Mr. Wilson though I do not know him personally, so it was a genuine pleasure to read the book and find out in more detail what he believes regarding this issue.

But what is the verdict? Well I can certainly not recommend it in the sense that I was overcome by his logic and his arguments, but I CAN say that those who already believe in Wilson's type of eschatology will love this book. As a premillenialist however, I was unconvinced by the arguments. If, on the other hand, you believe that Christians will "conquer" the planet and prepare it for the return of Christ, then you will like it. :)

If there is one criticism I would offer in regards to the interaction of the author with the premillenial view, it is that he seems to deride it as a pessimistic view whose supporters view this world as "God's Vietnam," which is simply not true and nothing more than a caricature of the position. He refers to his position as "historical optimism" and that post millenialists actually believe the Great Commission will be "successfully completed." Well, I know that I don't hold to his eschatology and yet I too believe the Great Commission WILL be successfully completed too! :)

I guess this is not the best book review ever...I can't really interact as much with any points or this would be a very long review, and to be honest I simply feel that while the book is aimed at convincing people that the author's view is correct, it does not achieve that desire. Anyone who has studied the Word for any sufficient length of time has probably arrived at their view through careful study. I confess I am biased, but all I can say is that such careful study will not lead to the position of the book. If it converts anyone, it will be someone either new to the faith or a professing Christian for whom study of the Word is not all that important and is quick to be convinced by any argument. I do want to be quick to point out that while I think Mr. Wilson is wrong, I do not consider him guilty of any damning heresy. A Christian can be saved and yet hold to his erroneous view! :)

So there you go. Read the book to find out what others believe or to be further assured of your own convictions if you already hold to the view it advocates. For myself, I am glad to have it as a reference source, but that is all.

"Deadline" by Randy Alcorn

isbn #1-57673-316-5

Randy Alcorn is one of my favorite Christian novelists and this is the book that first exposed me to his writings. The book deals primarily with one Jake Woods, a liberal newspaper columnist in Portland whose life is turned upside down by a tragic car crash that takes the lives of his two best friends, Doc and Finney.

The book revolves around the challenge of the two worldviews represented by these two men and the battle for Jake's ultimate destiny. Doc, the successful popular doctor with no need or time for God, and Finney, the Christian businessmann whose entire life was devoted to serving God. When Jake discovers that the accident that took their lives and left him injured was not quite the accident he thought it was, he launches into a personal investigation wherein he discovers exactly who his friends truly were. With the help of such memorable characters as Clarence Abernathy (a fellow columnist at the newspaper) and Ollie Chandler (a police detective), Jake puts all the pieces together. Far more importantly than the crime, however, Jake comes face to face with himself...with the man he has become. As he compares himself to his two friends he begins to question everything that he has believed, and he begins to see how his actions have affected everyone around him, from his daughter to his ex-wife, to his coworkers.

Ultimately, the book is a very satisfying read. Alcorn's depictions of heaven are beautiful. If you are familiar with his non-fiction book "Heaven," you should know that it was from writing this novel and its sequel that Alcorn was inspired to write it. In the novel, Finney dies and is taken to heaven, where he meets His Savior and all the saints that have gone before him. As Jake deals with his life on earth, Finney prays for him and roots for him from heaven. Doc, however, dies and finds himself NOT in heaven. While Alcorn's depictions of heaven are wonderful, his depiction of hell is terrifying. Alcorn does not seem to believe in a literal hell of undying fire, but there is nothing in his version of hell that minimizes the truth that it is not a place where anyone wants to find him or herself!

So pick up a copy of this book and read it. A quick aside here...in the newer versions, it is a bit misleading that they refer to this book as the first in the "Ollie Chandler" series. Ollie Chandler is certainly an important character, but to refer to this book as the first in an "Ollie Chandler" series is to suggest he is the main character...and he is not. His is a support role in this book, as it is in the second book, where Clarence Abernathy is the main character. Ollie Chandler does not become the main character until the third book. Still, don't let that affect whether you read this book or not. Read it and you'll find yourself wanting to read the next two. And by the time you read the third one you'll certainly have become a fan of Ollie Chandler! I certainly hope that Alcorn writes more books revolving around this character!

"The Cross: The Pulpit of God's Love" by Iain H Murray

isbn #978-0-85151-974-6

This is going to be one of my shortest reviews for two reasons: 1) It was a small booklet (a total of 40 pages), and 2) it left me with no clear understanding of the author's intent in writing.

First off, while the book was edifying in many ways, I was left with a dissatisfaction overall.  The author never made clear exactly who held the position that he was addressing, was it hyper-calvinists?  I'm still not sure.  To be fair, Murray does a wonderful job of presenting the fact that we are to preach the Gospel to all men without any distinction.  But where I came away confused is in his embracing of this idea AND the idea that in presenting this Gospel we are to assure all men that Jesus died for all men.  Now I know that Murray is no emergent...on the contrary he is a sound Reformed man.  He is certainly no Arminian.  But still, while I agreed with him on many issues, I disagreed with him on others.  Mainly, I guess, it was a matter of semantics...and maybe I need to read the booklet a couple more times.  All I know is that two men I highly respect love this booklet (in fact I received this from one of them).  So I must simply say that I am not satisfied with Murray's conclusions in this booklet.  I am sorry, dear reader, that I am being so vague, but I am struggling here because I cannot say anything truly negative about the booklet, and certainly it is very valuable...but, again, I was unable to follow the logic employed by Murray here.  This could be entirely my own failing, of course.  I am sufficiently aware of my own deficiencies to acknowledge this, so if anyone reading this has any thoughts to enlighten me with I would surely welcome them.  

For now, I would say this would be a good read if you have no other theological work to get through...but it is a secondary work as far as the value of the contents.  This is my opinion and you can take it or leave it of course!  ;-)

God bless!

"Preaching for God's Glory" by Alistair Begg

ISBN #978-158134-123-2

Preaching is something I've always wondered about...wondered in the sense that I ask myself whether this is something I feel called to do. I know that I love teaching the Word, and every day when I read the Bible I ask myself how I could present what I've read to somebody else. I've never yet been able to provide myself with an answer to this important question though. Until now.

After reading reading this little booklet by Alistair Begg, (there are only 47 pages) I have discovered that while I love the Word of God, it is the teaching aspect I love most of all. I do not, however, have the temperament to be a true under-shepherd for the people of God. More on this later.

In this very helpful book, aimed at those in the ministry, Begg makes a strong case for expository preaching being the most biblical manner for pastors to teach their flocks. And by expository he does not necessarily mean that week after week one should teach verse by verse through books of the Bible. In fact, he says that “[t]eaching the Bible in this way should not mean a lack of variety. In fact, the variety inherent in the Bible itself should be present in our preaching. Expository preaching need not be limited to exhaustive and exhausting studies through books of the Bible. Ninety percent of what I do is careful study of particular Bible books, but we can also do character studies or a series on the parables in Luke or on key Christian doctrines and tackle each of them in an expository form. For example, in preaching on the matter of temptation we can expound the first half of James 1 rather than pulling together material from all over the Bible. We serve our people best when we make clear that we are committed to teaching the Bible by teaching the Bible!”

This practice he refers to of pulling verses from all over Scripture in order to fit the message of the preacher is something that particularly annoys me personally. It is the message of our God that I want to hear, and I will hear it best when the Word is put in its context! When preachers use the method of “cherry picking” it is too often because they themselves have a message they want to impart rather than because of wanting to present what it was they learned through their careful study of the Word.

There are benefits too, in preaching the Word in an expository manner. In chapter four, Begg mentions the following:

1. It Gives Glory to God Alone: Expository preaching gives glory to God, which ought to be the ultimate end of all we do.

2. It Makes the Preacher Study God's Word: Expository preaching demands that the preacher himself become a student of the Word of God.

3. It Helps the Congregation: Expository preaching enables the congregation to learn the Bible in the most obvious and natural way.

4. It Demands Treatment of the Entire Bible: Expository preaching prevents the preacher from avoiding difficult passages or from dwelling on his favorite texts.

5. It Provides a Balanced Diet: Expository preaching assures the congregation of enjoying a balanced diet of God's Word.

6. It Eliminates Saturday Night Fever: Expository preaching liberates the preacher from the pressure of last-minute preparation on Saturday night.

One of the things I appreciated about that very last point was that Begg pointed out how liberating it can be for a preacher to always know what he will be preaching..and preaching in an expository manner insures that the preacher never lacks material! I remember how at a church I used to attend, the preacher and his staff would go on a yearly retreat where they would plan out the series for the coming year. Why they needed a whole week of camping to determine this is beyond me, but I suspect a weekend (if that!) would have been sufficient if expository preaching had been the norm rather than the exception!

Begg's booklet also points out the types of preachers that too often arise when a preacher does not practice expository preaching, including the cheerleader, the psychologist, and the entertainer. He discuses these and others briefly...and unless you are so privileged as to attend a church where the pastor is commited to expository preaching, you will too readily recognize your own preacher on this list!

Although written for those in the ministry, I highly recommend this book to everyone! After all, us laypeople are called to be students of the Word also, and to study it carefully we should approach it with all of the reverence it deserves.

So how do I know I am not called to the ministry? Simply because in teaching the Word of God I already have my ministry. I may not be currently teaching in a Sunday school class, but I am privileged to teach to my kids and their friends once a month during our sword-tag events. I also have started teaching my younger son through the Psalms as often as possible in the evenings, and by the grace of God I am able to teach through my interaction with co-workers and through my blog. Pastors, however, have a more distinct calling than teaching...though that is it's most important function in my mind. In addition to their teaching, pastors must also minister to a myriad of other spiritual needs among the flock. They must be gentle as needed and stern when required to be. Above all, and I may be wrong here, they have to walk gently and be somewhat political. I know myself too well to think that I could do all of these things! Whether right or wrong, I see things pretty much in black and white. So I conclude that I am not called to the ministry in this sense, but I still must fulfill my own calling as best as I can...as should we all!

Please, my brethren, read this book. It will only take you a couple of days if not one day...and you'll be blessed by it and come to appreciate your pastors if they practice expository preaching. If they don't, then you will be able to exhort them to do so! Good luck with that. :)

God Bless!

"The Life of Arthur W Pink" by Iain H. Murray

isbn #0-85151-883-4

I have long been an admirer of the works of AW Pink and after reading this biography on him I have become an admirer of the man himself. The biography itself was exceptionally written, as one would expect from any work by Mr. Iain H. Murray. What I like most about the biography, however, is the fact that while Murray has written very respecftully of his subject, he cannot be said to have written overly admiringly of Pink. On the contrary, he has painted a complete picture of the man, warts and all. In areas where Murray felt the need to point out possible mistakes that he felt Pink made regarding decisions in ministry, he still presented all the facts of the situation, allowing the reader to come to his or her own conclusions.

I have always felt that we as Believers should spend some time reading biographies of godly men and women, that we might be encouraged in our own walk and grow in our appreciation for the saints of God that came before us. The life of this particular man is one I maintain should be studied by the saints...and this specific biography is the one to begin with. I highly recommend it.
Having said this, I would like to share some of what I read, just to provide you with the necessary inducements! :)

The first thing, the best thing, is the narrative of Pink's conversion. It is a beautiful account, and all such accounts should fill the people of God with thankfulness over the mighty Sovereign work of salvation. We should always rejoice when a soul is redeemed! Here, then, is the account:

"He was now twenty-two years of age, and ...deeply involved in the occult..." Murray goes on to say that "[h]is father always waited up until his son returned from meetings late in the evening and to Arthur's annoyance often accompanied his 'Good-night' with some brief but telling word of Scripture. ONe such evening, in the year 1908, as Pink hurriedly passed his father and dashed upstairs to his room, the text which he received was, 'There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death' (Prov. 14:12). As he shut the bedroom door...the text remained with him and so disturbed his concentration that work was impossible." Murray next goes on to quote from some very good friends of Pink: "He, A.W.P., told us that he could no longer reject the God of the Bible and began to cry unto the Lord in prayer, convicted by the Holy Spirit and his power to bring a soul to see his lost condition and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. His early training [from his parents] taught him about our Lord, but now, like Paul of old, was the appointment with a Holy Sovereign God. For almost three days he did not leave his room to join the family, but his father and mother prayed, and in late afternoon on the third day A.W.P. made his appearance and his father said, 'Praise God, my son has been delivered.'" (from page 10-11)

Two things on this passage: 1) What a testimony to the love of parents! His father never gave up praying for his son, despite the fact that at this time Pink was involved in spiritualism. What a reminder for those of who have children to remain faithful to the teaching of our children. And when the teaching is done with and they have entered adulthood, if thay have not come to faith, then we must pray for their salvation regularly. Only the Calvinist has the full assurance that God can answer such a prayer, for the Arminian must of necessity believe that all God can do is plead with the sinner. 2) This passage also provides a cautionary note for those who have attacked AW Pink for his strong beliefs. I know of some who refuse to refer to him as a brother in Christ, and who post hateful videos against this saint on YouTube. Why? Because he was a Calvinst and not ashamed of it. O what a divisive thing is this Calvinism...its very existence infuriates those who love their free will more than the holy God of the Bible! If after reading this narrative of Pink's conversion, and knowing about the stalwart life he lead in the service of Christ, one can still deny that he was a true servant of the Most High...then there are serious heart issues with that person!

As I've already mentioned, Murray is a very fair biographer with no axe to grind. Although he opposes many of Pink's doctrinal conclusions (though he is quick to suggest many of these were due to Pink's early misunderstandings) and his final almost hermitical existence, he praises his subject where he feels it is merited. Ultimately, he concludes with this passage, in which he begins with a letter received by Pink:

"Your own history is very staggering," a friend once wrote to him. "It is most mysterious that your mouth should be closed as to a public oral ministry." Now, half a century later, we may see alittle more of its meaning and give thanks to God. The present write [Murray] can do no better than concur with the opinion that Dr. Belcher gave at the conclusion of his biography of our subject:

He feels he is not worthy to tie the shoe strings of a man such as Arthur W. Pink. That was not the conviction of this writer when he began his long study of Pink, though even then he had a respect for him. That is the conviction of the writer now as he has got to know the man and his heartbeat through his many writings."

I can now certainly add myself to this conviction. The man I knew as an author of worthy writings I have come to love as a brother in Christ...no, as a superior in the faith. To think that God has periodically given us men such as Pink is a measure of His love for the church.

Ultimately, the best I can say as to the power of Murray as a biographer is that he managed to bring to life the man he wrote about. When I came to the last days of Arthur W. Pink, just yesterday morning, I cannot deny that I shed tears. I actually felt as if a dear loved one had passed on. Throughout the day, as I thought over this peculiar response on my part, I realized that it was because Pink came alive for me in this biography. Though I knew he had passed on to be with the Lord in the year 1952, still I had followed the path of his life from his younger days, and so when the moment came I felt such a loss. I have now added his name to the list of men I plan to spend some time chatting with when I reach heaven myself!

"The Expository Genius of John Calvin" by Steven J. Lawson

isbn# 978-156769085-9

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I was given this book for Christmas by my sister in law. It is a short book of about 139 pages if you include the appendixes (sp?), and it is intended to be the first book in a new series of profiles titled "A Long Line of Godly Men." Among the men to be featured in future volumes you will find Martin Luther, George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, and Charles Spurgeon. A truly impressive list if you ask me! Whether Mr. Lawson will author all of them I do not know but I suspect he will not.

Well, if I wanted to make this a very short review I would simply say, "WOW! Great book, go out and buy it now!." I do, however, wish to say just a tad more, and so I will. :)

Despite the title, this book is not intended primarily for pastors or future pastors. I do not think so anyhow. Truth be told, I feel the book is aimed at someone like myself...the layperson. I feel this way because as I read the book it seemed to me that it stood as a challenge and a warning for us to seek out pastors who are zealous for the preaching of the Word. To seek out men who love the Word and who will joyously teach through it verse by verse. Isn't it sad that so few do this?

In this book Lawson does a wonderful job of showing how devoted Calvin was to the Word. He paints for his reader a picture of a man whose highest ambition was to faithfully exposit the Word of God. Beginning in chapter two, Lawson discusses Calvins: view of the pulpit, his preparation for preaching, his ability to make practical applications, and especially his high view of God. There is one part I really like, where Lawson says that Calvin did not feel he needed to make the Scriptures relevant...they ARE relevant! Amen to that!

I cannot emphasize enough how much I feel every Believer should read this book. I will end with this quote from Calvin, cited on page 50 of the book in a chapter entitled "Zeal for God's Glory."

"The majesty of God is...indissolubly connected with the public preaching of His truth...If His Word is not allowed to have authority, it is the same as though its despisers attempted to thrust God from heaven."

Indeed it is. If, like me, you admire John Calvin, you will come away with a deeper appreciation for this giant of the faith. If you are one of those misinformed ones who for ill conceived reasons has a low opionion of Calvin, then you will learn to respect and admire his zeal for the glory of God. As Lawson concludes, "May it be in this day that expositors in every place preach for the glory of God alone."

Incidentally, I have just started reading "The Life of Arthur W Pink" by Iain H. Murray and all I can say is I can't wait to read some more! :)

God bless!