Book Review: "The Sacred Romance" by Brent Curtis and John Eldredge, Thomas Nelson. 1997

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach. The Sacred Romance could be categorized as a “wistful-heart devotional”. In their romantic way, the authors seek to awaken the reader’s heart to its true desire for something more. Using various metaphors, Curtis and Eldredge walk through several “acts’ of the drama of life and a true walk with God, alerting us to the “arrows” that have wounded us and the Adversary who opposes us along the way. More of a passionate devotional then a commentary or theological treatise, the authors use quotes, anecdotes and stories to restore passionless Christians to relational renewal with God.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness. In all honesty, I had a hard time connecting with The Sacred Romance. I appreciated what the authors were attempting to accomplish, to tap into the sense of “homelessness” of the human soul and turn it Godward. And I laud their emphasis on the heart as the key to the Christian life. I also appreciated the authors they quoted like Chesterton, Lewis, McGrath, Edwards, and Kreeft. But I found myself saying, “Yes, but _______said it better.” Rather than reading The Sacred Romance, I would direct the reader to the original sources. The same ground has been better covered by Chesterton (Orthodoxy), Kreeft (The Journey), McGrath (The Unknown God), or Guinness (Long Journey Home). I also found the overly romanticized prose to be flowery and vague (“We understand we must allow our desire to haunt us like Indian summer, where the last lavish banquet of golds and yellows and reds stirs our deepest joy and sadness, even as they promise us they will return in the fragrance of spring” ?!) The authors speak of “love and heroic service” but give no examples of how that is fleshed out. What is missing is the sense of Christian mission that Piper (Desiring God) and others have put forward.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book. I’m afraid I won’t be turning to The Sacred Romance very often. Again, I appreciate the attempt, but The Sacred Romance failed to captivate me. I should say, however, that an author as popular as Eldredge has certainly pushed a button in contemporary Christendom that is worth investigating.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found. p.1 “Some years into our spiritual journey, after the waves of anticipation that mark the beginning of any pilgrimage have begun to ebb into life’s middle years of service and business, a voice speaks to us in the midst of all we are doing. There is something missing in all of this, it suggests, There is something more.”

Book Review: "The Gospel for Real Life" by Jerry Bridges, Navpress Publishing Group. 2003

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

Jerry Bridges likes to keep the main thing the main thing, and to keep that main thing simple. In The Gospel for Real Life Bridges keeps his focus on communicating the theology of the gospel in laymen’s language. He explores all the power, nuances, metaphors, and application that make up the gospel of Christ. Through his 16 chapters, Bridges discusses the meaning of the cross, the history of redemptive images, and helpfully explains the theological terms associated with the atonement. Consider The Gospel for Real Life to be both a primer on the cross and a handbook of applied theology.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.
In typical Bridges style, The Gospel for Real Life is solidly written in plain language. Though some theologues might long for something weightier (like Stott’s The Cross of Christ, or Morris’s The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross), most readers will find plenty to chew on in Bridges volume. If any weakness can be found it would be that the book is not practical enough. I found myself looking for examples and illustrations of how to apply the gospel to everyday issues such as anger, lust, or relational conflicts. Still, The Gospel for Real Life remains one of the most helpful and accessible books I have come across.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.
If someone came to me wrestling with guilt, shame, acceptance, assurance, or indwelling sin, The Gospel for Real Life would be one of first sources I would turn to. Whereas some would be put off with a traditional systematic theology, Bridges’ work would come as a welcome and helpful companion. In counseling relationships, Bridges would serve to build a healthy foundation for any spiritual (and emotional) struggle. Small groups as well as one-on-one relationships would benefit from reading and discussing The Gospel for Real Life.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.
p.182 “To stay with the tug-of-war analogy, although the Spirit who dwells within us is stronger than the sinful nature, that nature continues to “dig in its heels” every step of the way. And sometimes it will pull the rope in the wrong direction.
What is it then that will keep us going in the face of this internal conflict” The answer is: the gospel. It is the assurance in the gospel that we have indeed died to the guilt of sin; that there is no condemnation for us who are in Christ Jesus; that the Lord will never count our sins against us; and that we are truly delivered from the reigning power of sin, that will motivate us and keep us going even in the midst of the tension between the Spirit and the sinful nature”

Book Review: Renewal as a Way of Life, A Guidebook for Spiritual Growth. by Richard Lovelace, Wiph and Stock Publishers, Eugene. OR. 2002

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.
After his magnum opus, Dynamics of Spiritual Life, Lovelace puts the cookies on the bottom shelf with Renewal as a Way of Life. He covers much of the same ground as his longer volume, but packages and applies his insights in a new way. He begins with a solid section tracing the Biblical theology of the Kingdom of God where he emphasizes what the normal Christian life should look like. He then turns toward the three classic enemies of the believer: the flesh, the world, and the devil. Here Lovelace shows the deceitful ways each enemy attacks. To be forewarned is to be forearmed! Lovelace then displays the messianic victory of Christ and how that empowers both individual and corporate renewal.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.
As the strength of Dynamics was its comprehensiveness, the strength of Renewal as a Way of Life is its brevity. Those who don’t want to slug through nearly 500 pages in his earlier work will find Renewal as a Way of Life very accessible. But he does not just dumb-down his early work. Renewal is substantial in and of itself and covers some new ground as well, particulary the sections on the Kingdom of God and the Messianic Victory. The weakness of Lovelace’s book are the same as his earlier work. Renewal sounds like a reflection of the concerns of the 70’s and 80’s. I felt as if I were going on a trip down memory lane! An updated edition would serve the church well.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.
Lovelace has simplified his “renewal grid”, dropping the confusing category of “desenculturation” and integrating that emphasis in the sections on the flesh, the world, and the devil. This makes his book more like to be pulled for reference from my shelf. I am still persuaded that his renewal grid serves as a fine evaluation and assesment tool for healthy church dynamics.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.
p. 181 “John Calvin, Richard Baxter and other ecumenical Protestants have rightly insisted that only a united body of Christ in each region can effectively design and carry out ministry. When English Puritans complained to Calvin about the Anglican bishops and their popish prayer book, Calvin advised them to put up with the ‘tolerable stupidities’ of the latter and not to trade the former for a Presbyterian system. He considered it more important for the English church to stay unifies that to adopt the polity he had drawn from the New testament. For only a unified church can efficiently minister in any region.”

Book Review: "Spiritual Companions: An Introduction to the Christian Classics" by Peter Toon, Baker, Grand Rapids, 1990

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.
In Spiritual Companions, Peter Toon gives a literal A to Z of classic Christian authors from the Church Fathers to contemporary voices. Beginning with Joseph Alleine’s “A Sure Guide to Heaven” and finishing with “The Way of a Pilgrim” (unknown author), Toon directs the reader to Christian literature that will feed the soul and challenge the mind. One hundred short chapters of two pages each acquaint the reader with famous names and not so familiar gems. And in each chapter he lets the reader sample the style and content of the book he is reviewing. Think of Spiritual Companions as a traveler’s guide through great spiritual literature.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.
One of Toon’s strength is his positive, even handed assessment of the classics. He is able to find helpful direction in the most obscure authors. I was also impressed by his broadmindedness. Through Toon is a traditional conservative Anglican, he can find value in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox writers. Comprehensiveness would be a strength as well. One would be hard pressed to find any glaring omissions in Spiritual Companions. If a reprint is ever in the works, I would suggest adding a list of what Toon considers as the best editions of the classics he discusses.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.
Spiritual Companions is helpful if only for the bibliographic value alone. I was introduced to several writers I was unfamiliar with and spurred to put their works on my reading list. Authors such as Thomas Brooks and William Romaine will become new friends. I was also reminded of forgotten classics that I will move to the front of my reading list. I can see myself offering Toon’s book to other bibliophiles to mine.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.
P. 151 (from Samuel Rutherford) “I know no wholesome fountain but one. I know not a thing worth the buying but heaven; and my own mind is, if comparison were made betwixt Christ and heaven, I would fell heaven with my blessing and buy Christ. O if I could raise the market for Christ, and heighten the market a pound for a penny, and cry up Christ in men’s estimation ten thousand talents more than men think of him!”

Book Review: Dynamics of Spiritual Life, An Evangelical Theology of Renewal by Richard Lovelace, Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 1979

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

Drawing from a deep background in church history, Lovelace is well qualified to trace the history of spiritual awakenings and test them against the modern world. In “Dynamics of Spiritual Life”, Lovelace first gives the reader an anatomy of spiritual awakening vis-à-vis a historical overview from early Christianity to the Jesus Movement. He then gleans patterns that emerge from Scripture and church history and constructs a helpful schematic of what spiritual awakening should include. He concludes his volume with a look into the future to suggest what issues must be addressed by the church that she might see continuous revival.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.
Lovelace’s strength is his comprehensiveness. He leaves no stone unturned in his tome, and the reader gets a marvelous history lesson along with a theology of renewal. Lovelace’s weakness is that he tries too hard to be relevant. Writing at the apex of the Jesus Movement, Lovelace’s perspectives seem dated to the 21st century ear. He acutely predicts the need for Christian social involvement and cultural engagement, but his focus is on issues relevant in 1979. The reader has to do some creative projecting to make contemporary application. But that is not such a bad thing. And, having said that, Lovelace’s applications are well needed in the church today.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.
The most helpful part of the book was the way in which Lovelace outlines the elements of renewal. He first discusses the preconditions of renewal (an awareness of the holiness of God and an awareness of the depths of sin). He then outlines the primary elements of renewal that make us a depth presentation of the Gospel (justification, sanctification, the indwelling Spirit, and authority in spiritual conflict). He then suggests secondary elements of renewal that show how the gospel works itself out in the life of the church (mission, prayer, community, disenculturation, and theological integration). Thought this may seem a bit foreboding, when Lovelace lays it out it becomes a helpful grid to evaluate current church emphasis and practice. I’ll be using it as a tool for church evaluation.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.
P.160, “If all regenerate church members in Western Christendom were to intercede daily simply for the most obvious spiritual concerns visible in their homes, their workplaces, their local churches and denominations, their nations, and the world and the total mission of the body of Christ within it, the transformation which would result would be incalculable.”

Book Review: “The Discipline of Grace.” by Jerry Bridges, NavPress Publishing Group, 1992

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.
Jerry Bridges challenges the oft unstated premise of many Christians: We begin the Christian life by grace, but then it’s up to us to grow in Christ through the disciplines of discipleship. In “The Discipline of Grace”, Bridges shows the reader that the whole of the Christian life is of grace, from beginning to end. Bridges begins by laying the foundation of the gospel in our lives and then shows how the gospel infuses all the classic pursuits of Christian discipleship. He concludes his book with five chapters devoted to applying the gospel to the practical pursuits of holiness.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.
Bridges has given us a very helpful book in “The Discipline of Grace”. His writing style is very straight forward and unencumbered with either archaic or trendy language. In a workman like way, he walks us through a gospel-centered approach to discipleship. His chapter on “Preach the Gospel to Yourself” is alone worth the price of the book. Bridges approach is balanced and biblical, yet he offers new perspectives in the pursuit of holiness as well. The weakness of “Discipline by Grace” is one I have found in several authors. In his chapter entitled “Transformed into His Likeness” he urges his readers to spend time beholding the glory of Christ in the gospel, but fails to tell us exactly how to do that (or at least how he does that). Many authors rightly instruct us to spend time beholding the glory of the Lord, but if it were that easy we would be doing it already!

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.
Especially helpful were Bridges’ concluding chapters on the spiritual disciplines. But rather than addressing the classic spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, fasting, etc…, Bridges discusses the disciplines in terms of what they are meant to achieve in our lives. So he discusses topics like, “The Discipline of Commitment”, “The Discipline of Convictions”, and “The Disciple of Watching”. Thus, the classic spiritual disciplines become tools to advance the progress of Christian character and discipleship. This is helpful in keeping the classic disciplines from becoming an end in themselves.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.
p. 57, “It is not our contrition or sorrow for our sin, it is not our repentance, it is not even the passing of a certain number of hours during which we feel we are on some probation that cleanses us. It is the blood of Christ, shed for all on Calvary two thousand years ago but appropriated daily or even many times a day, that cleanses our consciences and gives us a renewed sense of peace with God.”

Book Review: “The Enemy Within” by Kris Lundgaard, Presbyterian & Reformed. 1998

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

“The Enemy Within” is essentially a journey into the sinfulness of the human heart. Lundgaard wants his readers to know the “exceeding sinfulness of sin” and to learn to hate and to do battle with the flesh. Lundgaard leans heavily on the works of puritan author John Owen. One could look at Lungaard’s book as “The Mortification of Sin for Dummies”, though that would fail to do justice to his helpful volume. Lungaaard traces the power of sin in what it is, how it works, and what it does. He then concludes with three chapters on defeating sin.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

I found “The Enemy Within” to be a very practical and helpful book. Written in 13 convenient chapters, with discussion questions following each chapter, “The Enemy Within” would be best used in a small group study where participants could probe deeper into Lungaards brief chapters. Though Lundgaard is brief, he really does a good job in channeling Owen for a contemporary audience. Lungaard’s weakness lies in trying to make his chapter titles and subject headings a bit too clever and pithy. When reviewing chapter titles like “The Haunted House”, I found myself asking, “Now what exactly did he mean by that again?” Owen, upon whom Lundgaard leans, was painstakingly straight forward in getting his point across.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

Besides whetting my appetite for reading more of John Owen, “The Enemy Within” did something truly helpful to me: I found myself truly hating the sin in my own life and realizing its depth and power. As I read through the various chapters, I was reminded at how deep the roots of sin go. Gladly, I also was driven to the cross as the only hope and remedy for sin’s grasp and power. I was pressed to a greater vigilance and watchfulness against my personal “enemy within”. I can see reading through this book with a small group and exploring the wiles of sin in our lives. His chapter on “No Idle Mind” was particularly challenging.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p. 64: You must understand this: the flesh weakens conviction against sin by separating the remedy of grace from the design of grace…, The flesh makes you forget the design (that you are saved to be holy) and think only of the remedy (if you sin you will be forgiven). It preaches half a gospel ( a twisted gospel) to us: “Go ahead and indulge – it’s already paid for.” Those who fall preay to such deception are evidently many, since the scriptures go to such lengths to condemn it (Romans 3:5-8; 6:1-4, Jude 4).

Book Review: “Personal Declension and Revival of Religion in the Soul” by Octavius Winslow, Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1841 reprinted 1978.

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

In typical (post) Puritan style, Winslow gives the overview and theme of his book in its title. Winslow challenges the reader to ask, “What is the present spiritual state of my soul before God?” He then leads the reader through some healthy self-assessment to see where declension has affected ones love, faith, prayer, and doctrine. Winslow concludes his book with spiritual encouragement as he sets before his reader the Lord as restorer and keeper of His people.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

I found “Personal Declension” to be one of the best books I’ve read on the subject of personal spiritual renewal. Winslow is both pastoral and probing as he leaves no stone of the heart unturned. Winslow emphasizes the unshakeable grace of the Lord in preserving his people, yet warns against signs of malaise of the inner life of the believer. His remedies are practical and clear. He helps one to both mourn for their sin and hope for their restoration. One could wish for more exegetical Biblical exposition, but I found Winslow to be well within the realm of historic Biblical orthodoxy.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

I hope to return to Winslow as a “physician of the soul” to help remedy my own “spiritual declension”. If Winslow were writing today, a workbook or discussion guide would be included. He suggests, at every turn, that the reader pinpoint the point(s) of spiritual departure, retrace one’s steps, and crucify the cause of declension at the cross of Christ. Personally, the chapter on “Declension in Prayer” was most helpfully convicting and will be revisited!

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

P. 54” “A decay of love to the saints of God, is a strong evidence of a decay of love to God himself. If we love God with a sincere and deepening affection, we must love his image wherever we find it. It is true, the picture may be but an imperfect copy, the outline may be but faintly drawn; there may be shades we cannot approve of; yet, recognizing in the work the hand of the Spirit, and in the outline some resemblance to Him whom our souls admire and love, we must feel a drawing out of our holiest affections towards the object; we shall not pause before the surrender is made, to inquire to what section of the church of Christ he belongs, what name he bears, or what the color of his uniform; but, discovering the man of God, the meek and lowly follower of Jesus, our heart and our hand are freely offered.”

Book Review: “Foolishness to the Greeks – The Gospel and Western Culture” By Lesslie Newbigin, Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI, 1986, 150pp

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

Former missionary to India and cultural observer Lesslie Newbigin probes the question of what would involve a genuinely missionary encounter between the Gospel and "modern western culture". In other words, Newbigin is concerned with the "re-evangelism" of post-Christian western modernity. In "Foolishness to the Greeks", Newbigin analyzes the development of modern culture and then asks what role the Word has in contemporary culture. He then dialogues with science and politics before concluding with a call to the church.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

Newbigin's scholarship is apparent on every page. He interacts with both the scientific community and political/economic thought with equal aplomb. His strength lies in his piercing analysis. I have not read a better overview of modern culture, the loss of a sense of purpose and how we got here than in his chapter on "Profile of a Culture". However, his strength as an observer exposes his weakness in offering plausible alternatives. He chastises the lack of purpose and absolutes in western culture, but his reluctance to embrace a full view of the authority of scripture leaves him on shaky ground as well (p.59). To his credit, Newbigin challenges the church not to try to commandeer the culture and reestablish a politicized Christendom. Nor should we try to recreate a pre-Constantinian innocence (p.103). As if we could do either! Simply let the church be the church.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

Newbigin addresses issues so broad that application on the local level is a challenge. I feel I have a better grasp on the roots of secularization of my own culture, but putting that into "parish practice" is another story. His threefold model of communicating the gospel, though, forms a helpful paradigm for evangelism: 1) Make sure you communicate in a language the culture understands; 2) even so, the gospel by nature will contradict the culture, 3) so remember that radical conversion can only be a supernatural work of God. Therefore, be culturally sensitive, but radically gospel-centered and leave the results up to the Lord.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p. 124, "The church is the bearer to all the nations of a gospel that announces the kingdom, the reign, and the sovereignty of God. It calls men and women to repent of their false loyalty to other powers, to become believers in the one true sovereignty, and so to become corporately a sign, instrument, and foretaste of that sovereignty of the one true and living God over all nature, all nations, and all human lives. It is not meant to call men and women out of the world into a safe religious enclave but to call them out in order to send them back as agents of God's kingship."

Book Review: “Salvation Belongs to the Lord: An Introduction to Systematic Theology” By John M. Frame, P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg, NJ, 2006, 332 pp.

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

John Frame puts the cookies on the bottom shelf in this warmly written, yet scholarly informed introduction. Systematic Theology can be scary just to pronounce, so Frame takes the reader by the hand and skillfully guides him through the gamut of theological issues from who God is to how we should live before Him. He comes from a Reformed Theology perspective and usually lands within party lines, but is even handed and congenial with positions with which he disagrees. He approaches his material as an academician with the heart of a pastor.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

In "Salvation Belongs to the Lord" Frame not only gives us an introduction to systematic theology, he gives us an introduction to John Frame. And whereas one can easily get lost in his more technical works, here he makes sure he doesn't lose anyone. His tri-perspectival approach is unique and eventually compelling. He explains the Normative, Situational, and Existential perspectives clearly and then points out "triads" that he sees that fit with these categories. And Frame sees these triads everywhere! Many will see a weakness here, in that his approach might become a procrustean bed where all truth must come in sets of three. Yet he has the humility and humor to call himself out for this (p.73)!

Because of the broadness of his subject matter, I found myself often wanting more from Frame, but that is the limitation of an introduction. Thankfully Frame's body of work is voluminous enough to drown in, so digging deeper should not be a problem. And his bibliographic references provide many more avenues of investigation.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

Though some may think a practical systematic theology to be an oxymoron, that is far from the case here. Frames discussion of the doctrine of Adoption was particularly insightful in helping one to live before God as a son (or daughter) rather than just a servant. I plan to pass this section along to those struggling in their relationship with the Lord. And in spite of the seeming abstractness of his tri-perspectival approach, I found myself thinking more and more in those categories and appreciating not only it's pedagological value, but also the balance and completeness such a framework brings to church ministry. That will have to be fleshed out! And his section on the nature and task of the church has confirmed and renewed by vision for local church ministry.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p.80 "Reformed theologians generally have been averse to talking about inner subjectivity, about feelings and inner thought processes. But I think Reformed theology needs to give more attention to the subjective side of theology… It isn't just feelings …but it takes account of feelings, for thoughts and feelings influence one another all the time."

Book Review: “Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road” Timothy J. Keller, P&R Publishing, Phillipsburg, NJ, 1997, 236 pp.

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

"Ministries of Mercy" is Biblical, theological, and practical exposition on the need and practice of helping those in need. The book in divided into two sections, one on principles and one on practice. Keller lays out the biblical case for mercy ministries in part one and then offers practical guidelines about getting involved in part two. Keller addresses the need for involvement in acts of practical mercy to the needy on various levels (individual, family, church, community) as well as giving attention to pitfalls to avoid. He supplements his material with some helpful "best practices" from model churches and ministries.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

The crucial area of mercy ministry is poorly addressed in contemporary Christian literature. Keller's book fills that vacuum nicely. If you had only one comprehensive guide to caring service from a Christian perspective, "Ministries of Mercy" would serve you well. Keller leaves few stones unturned in addressing these issues, yet without ever becoming bogged down with minutia. In one of the strongest sections of his book, Keller persuasively argues that acts of mercy are a test of the genuineness of our faith and therefore not optional for the Christian. "Ministries of Mercy" is a clear challenge for the church to become more sacrificially engaged in the needs of its community, yet Keller never sounds shrill in his admonitions. And he always is careful to center his thoughts on the gospel of grace. If there is a weakness, it is in the broadness of his vision. Those seeking to begin diaconal (servant) ministries in a local church might become overwhelmed at the thought of addressing systemic injustice, but Keller urges us to start small and build up.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

The application of "Ministries of Mercy" is immediate. In particular I will recommend that this book become a catalyst for forming a more sustained diaconal ministry in our church. Keller offers the biblical foundation and practical tools to look at our community and begin to serve the needs intangible ways. Also, I plan to use his section on "Understanding Every-Member Ministry" (p.156-157) to inform, motivate, and equip our church membership.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p.61, "A merely religious person, who believes God will favor him because of his morality and respectability, will ordinarily have contempt for the outcast. 'I worked hard to get where I am, and so can anyone else!' That is the language of the moralist's heart. 'I am only where I am by the sheer and unmerited mercy of God. I am completely equal with all other people.' That is the language of the Christian's heart. A sensitive social conscience and a life poured out in deeds of mercy to the needy is the inevitable sign of a person who has grasped the doctrine of God's grace."

Book Review: “The Reign of Grace”, by Scotty Smith, Howard Publishing, West Monroe LA, 2003, 303 pp.

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

Author/Pastor Scotty Smith takes up where he left off in "Objects of His Affections". "Reign of Grace" might be called "Further Adventures of…" or "What I learned in the Meantime". Reign of Grace both compliments and, yes, corrects Smith's musings in "Objects". Wondering that he may have inadvertently communicated a "cheap grace" at the expense of discipleship, Smith challenges his readers to live under the reign of grace under the lordship of Christ. Smith uses the book of Malachi as a guide to outline ways we cheapen grace and ways we can live freer, healthier lives as Christ conquers all areas of our lives. The goal is loving God well.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

"Reign of Grace" is a solid work with much to commend it. Smith's style will still appeal to those looking for a "spiritual memoir" type book. Yet in addition to this, after each main chapter, Smith provides a "Further Up and Further In" section. These sections are less biographical and more theological and expositional, thus providing a strong undergirding for his more personal reflection. This makes for a more satisfying reading experience for all types of readers. Smith is also a clever wordsmith and his imagery is memorable ("Greasy Grace", "Southern Grace", "Mirage Grace"). However, sometimes his pregnant prose can be a bit distracting! (Note to publisher – if you want more men to read his books, lose the girly fonts and design!)

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

I can see immediate value in "Reign of Grace". The sections on marriage and sexuality are helpful for marriage enrichment. His discussion on divine discipline and spiritual idolatry will put the battles of the Christian life in perspective. And his reflections on worship and generosity will well equip any church on those issues. Because Smith's style is so accessible, I can see using this book in counseling settings and group studies. Those who recoil at "warm and fuzzy" Christian psychology will like to "further up and further in" sections. And those who begin to nod at the first whiff of theology will warm to the biographic sections and his rich illustrations.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p.162 "Crucifying our sinful nature involves identifying the things we desire more than we desire God and his glory (our particular idols), as well as identifying the substances we are depending upon to empower the worship of our idols. Then we must take pitiless and decisive action. For God's grace teaches us to say "No!" to all forms of ungodliness and idolatry and "Yes!" to filling our hearts with the beauty and bounty of Jesus."

Book Review: "The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society", by Lesslie Newbigin

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

Missionary/theologian Lesslie Newbigin offers the reader a critique of pluralism, the dominant worldview of our time. As one who has roots in both western cultural as a citizen of England and eastern culture as a missionary to India, Newbigin is in a unique postion to share his perspectives. Newbigin lays out the issues and then, through both historical, philosophical, and cultural analysis, he points out the weaknesses in a pluralistic worldview. He concludes by affirming the positive ways the church can respond while remaining faithful to the Gospel.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

Newbigin is a thoughtful and insightful communicator. His style is not overly academic, though those unfamiliar with the issues will get bogged down at times. His strengths are seen as he disarms seemingly powerful arguments with simple observations: "In spite of the enthusiasm of many educational experts for encouraging their pupils to have and open mind and to make their own decisions about truth, a teacher who asks her class whether Paris is the capital of France or Belgium will not appreciate the child who tells him that he has an open mind on the matter" (p7). He points out the arrogance in the pluralists claim that there is no absolute, which they seem to know absolutely.

However, at times Newbigin wants to have his cake and eat it too. He argues for the exclusivity of Christ, and yet is agnostic on the subject of universal salvation (ch. 13). He wants to affirm truth revealed in the Bible, yet denies it's absolute authority (ch.8). Finally, his interpretation of Romans 9:22 is simply forced.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

I found the most relevant material in his chapters on "The Congregation as Hermeneutic of the Gospel", where he argues for the centrality of the living witness of the church. As the gospel is incarnated in the lives of those who believe it and live by it, there will the watching world will see most clearly the credibility of our message. He takes time to flesh out what such a congregation should look like in worship, in truth, in ministry to their community, and being equipped as priests in the working world. For pastors this means spiritual formation as a community must become a priority. Entertaining and informative "messages" are no substitute to becoming the people of God. He then calls for church leaders to set the pace in equipping the church to become a missionary congregation.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p. 22 "Merely wandering around in a clueless twilight is not seeking. The relativism which is not willing to speak about truth but only about "what is true for me' is an evasion of the serious business of living. It is the mark of a tragic loss of nerve in our contemporary culture. It is a preliminary symptom of death

Beating the Prosperity Trap

"Howl and Wail!", "Your riches will eat your flesh like fire!", "You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter!" Whew! James lays down some of the strongest rebukes in the Bible against the oppressive rich. And though He is taking up the prophetic mantle on behalf of his poor brothers who are being oppressed, we in the affluent west need to hear his words ourselves.

Remember, God never condemns money. Rather hard work and providing for oneself and family is commended. But wealth and prosperity has a way of twisting our souls in upon themselves and skewing our perspective. Like Gollum in "The Lord of the Rings", wealth becomes "My Precious" and we cling to it until it consumes us.

What is the proper perspective on wealth? The Bible gives us some key insights in 1 Timothy 6:6-8, 17-19:

⁶ Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, ⁷ for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

¹⁷ As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. ¹⁸ They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, ¹⁹ thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Here's the way it works:

1. Contentment, not acquisition, is the goal! (v.6)
   
2. Money is for meeting our basic needs, (v.7)
   
3. It's okay (even commanded!) to enjoy the good gifts God gives us! (v.17)
   
4. God gives excess wealth so that we can be generous to those in need. (v.18)
   

While we're listing points, here are some probing applications of generosity from Tim Keller's excellent book "Ministries of Mercy"

• We must give so that we may feel the burden of the needy ourselves.

• Keep only what wealth we need for our calling and ministry opportunities.

• We must not be generous in such a way that we or our families become liabilities to others (1 Tim 5:8).

So – here's the bottom line: work hard, give harder, and live in joyful contentment of God's good gifts!

The well wisher of your soul's happiness,

Pastor Tom

Book Review: "Objects of His Affection", by Scotty Smith, 2001, Howard Publishing Co, West Monroe, LA, 260pp

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

In "Objects of His Affections", Scotty Smith takes the reader along on his spiritual journey as he comes to grips with the impact of his mother's early death on his life (when Scotty was 11 years old). Part spiritual memoir, part meditation on the book of Zephaniah, "Objects" is an invitation to experience intimacy with God by reflecting on His affections toward his people. Smith intersperses vignettes from his life with teaching and application from the scriptures.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

Smith is a gifted writer with a warm, inviting style. He carefully walks the line between transparency and vulnerability, without straying into maudlin sentimentality or emotional exhibitionism. A challenge for a book like this is to communicate the affections of God in a day when Christians tend to make much of God to the degree we feel He makes much of us. Smith affirms on the one hand that, "While the gospel of God's grace is for us, it is not about us" (p.129), while also affirming that Jesus is, "...the one who would rather die than live without us" (p.193) on the other hand. I appreciate His emphasis to rediscover the God who has deep, intimate affections toward His people, But I question whether, "..the deepest thirst and most acute hunger of the soul is to be delighted in by God" (p.70). Having said that, his sections on "idolatry" and "obstacles to intimacy" were probing and insightful.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

The greatest point of application of "Objects of His Desire" is to come to grips with whatever is keeping you from experiencing the deep affections of God. False thoughts of God as a distant and dispassionate deity tend to afflict those with a cerebrally oriented Reformed bent (after all, the Westminster Confession tells us thet God is "without passions"). Smith challenges to come to grips with the affections God has for his beloved bride. A church that "feels" the affections of God for sinful, undeserving people will warmly share those affections with one another and will ultimately overflow in a compelling evangel for their community.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p. 37 - "God the Father has always loved and delighted in God the Son - and vice versa. Jesus has never been anything other than the Father's pleasure and deepest delight. And it is only because of what he has done for us that we dare speak of ourselves as objects of God's affection and subjects of his great delight. The same love, delight, and pleasures that God the Father has for God the Son, he has for all of those who are in Christ - no exceptions."

“The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God”, John M. Frame Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing, 1987, 437 pp.

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

"The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God" is a seminary level treatment of Christian theological epistemology. Frame seeks to demonstrate how one gains true knowledge of God, the world, and one's self, under the Lordship of our covenant God. He addresses the objects, the justification, and the methods of knowledge. Frame comes from a studied Reformed perspective.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

Frame's strengths lie in his comprehensiveness. At over 400 pages, DKG leaves few stones unturned. Of course, this has its downside in that one can easily "lose the forest for the trees". I found myself needing to come up for air a few times. I also found his tri-perspectival framework very helpful. At first the idea seemed a bit contrived and forced, but as I considered it further and saw how he fleshed it out, I became more comfortable with the idea. Utilizing a normative, situational, and existential approach allows Frame to find helpful insights from scripture, reason, and experience. This allows one to appreciate varied perspectives without demonizing those with whom we disagree.

I will have to think more about his assertion that Scripture is the ultimate presupposition. I understand the primacy and authority of Scripture, but it seems that there might be certain logical presuppositions that are hardwired into our humanity, without which we cannot make sense of anything, including Scripture. In the mere act of reading a coherent sentence we apply certain logical presuppositions (non-contradiction, causal connectedness, etc…). And we also need a coherent hermeneutic so that we may understand what we read as well. These, it seems, we bring to the inspired, authoritative text. But this is not my area of expertise, so I will have to think through these issues.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

As an encyclopedic treatment of epistemology, DKG will serve as a serious reference tool as I wrestle with the issues of epistemology. His section on Logic is a textbook in itself! I plan to apply his tri-perspectival approach to various areas of pastoral ministry (counseling, leadership development), biblical understanding, and cultural assessment.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p. 45 "For a Christian, the content of Scripture must serve as his ultimate presupposition. Our beliefs about Scripture may be corrected by other beliefs about scripture, but relative to the body of extra-scriptural information we possess, those beliefs are presuppostional in character. This doctrine is merely the outworking of the lordship of God in the area of human thought.

Book Review: “The Last Addiction: Own Your Desire, Live Beyond Recovery, Find Lasting Freedom”Sharon Hersh. Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook Press, 2008, 240 p.

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

"The Last Addiction" is part "self-help" book and part spiritual memoir. Sharon Hirsh is honest, brutally honest, about her own struggles with addiction as she seeks to offer hope to those also struggling. She offers no easy answers as she weaves insights through the many narratives of addicts she has known. In fact, "self-help" is the very thing she warns against. The last addiction turns out to be an addiction to our own will, our own self, our own ability, our own pursuit of control. As it turns out, addictions are only faced through the gift of getting caught, the gift of surrender, and the acceptance of God even in the midst of addiction.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

One must be careful with a book like this, even in its strengths. Her stories of people with addictions are so powerful and compelling that it might leave the impression that to be truly human one must have struggled in the throes of addiction themselves. In proving to us that we are not gods, addiction is truly a great gift. I appreciated her courageous stance on the power of the gospel. And I think I understand what she means by "[God] desperately hungers for intimacy" and "God as desperate savior". But I am also wary of an approach that makes us feel loved because God makes much of us. Does God show love for us my making much of us or, at great cost to himself, giving us the ability of making much of him?

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

Hirsh challenged me to live more honestly in community with others. She states. "The value of community for those struggling with addiction cannot be overstated. When we see others like us, taking steps toward a new way of living, we begin to believe in redemption – for people like us"

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p.14 "'Their land is full of idols' (Isaiah 2:8). After all, that is what addiction really is – it is worship. No matter how sophisticated or crude, any given addiction is a person, place, substance, activity, or ideology that becomes central to a human being's mind, body, soul, and spirit. Whether it is alcohol or religious activity, addiction is at work when something or someone begins to affect the style and nature of all aspects of a person's life and interacts with all his or her activities. The etymology of the word gives us insight into its idolatrous nature. Addiction is from the Latin word addictus, which means 'to surrender to the gods.'"

Book Review: “To Be Told: Know Your Story, Shape Your Future” by Dan B. Allender. Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook Press, 2005, 227 p.

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

"To Be Told" is Dan Allender's plea to see God as the author of our life who writes each person's story to reveal his divine story. We are urged not to see our lives as random scenes but as the unfolding of God's narrative. As we begin to understand our life story we then join God as a coauthor. Finally as we share our stories with others and listen to theirs, we understand our role in God's greater story. Allendar presses these points home with personal reflections and real life narratives.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

Allender is a solid writer with a flair for the extravagant ("and [God] roars in anger with us and calls us to take up his sword to wage war against that which broke our heart." p.172) and the mystical ("As hunger swirls and the early storm of fasting begins to brew, we have an opportunity to sit in and with our body." p.189). This makes "To Be Told" a compelling read. But at times the melodrama wears a bit thin and one wonders if we are not bordering on self-absorption. Allender is strongest in the early sections of "To Be Told" where the reader is encouraged to stop and think about how the stories of his life have shaped him and fitted him for the future God has for him. Yet I often thought of Chesterton's dictum, "Angels fly because they take themselves lightly". We are happiest when we are most self-forgetful.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

I found Allender's emphasis on telling our stories to be compelling. We reveal who we truly are by the stories of our lives. I was challenged to draw the stories out of those around me so that our relationships would go deeper than just surface conversation. And I am looking forward to "listening to what moves me" more deeply. His distinction of the ideal self, the ought self, and the real self deserves fuller explanation. And his distinction of Theme and Mission was thought provoking. But that is one of the book's weaknesses. Allender challenges us to write and discover our stories, but I kept asking "How"? Some practical examples or samples of other's work would have been helpful here.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p. 22 "The ending of my story is how I lived my life toward an aim, a finish that is worth both dying for and living for. If I live my life for me alone, then my story is as dull as my self-absorption, even if I have survived untold adventures. But if I live my life for Someone more important than myself and I have sacrificed, noble risked, been humbled, learned, grown, and given, then my life is heads toward a glorious ending."

Book Review: “False Intimacy: Understanding the Struggle of Sexual Addiction” Harry Schaumburg. Colorado: NavPress, 1997, 247 p.

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

In this book, Harry Schaumburg presents a comprehensive study of sexual addictions and the road to freedom. As the title suggests, "False Intimacy" sees the power of sexual addictions as offering a false intimacy that each of us crave. For Schaumburg, true freedom lies in developing true intimacy with God and with others. Relational pain will then no longer drive the addict to false expressions of sexuality. "False Intimacy" offers the reader an examination of sexual addictions, their behaviors and their causes. Schaumburg then offers hope to affected by addiction, including spouses and the church.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

"False Intimacy" is perhaps the most complete book on the subject I have read so far. Schaumburg integrates insights from psychology and behavioral studies with a rich theology of intimacy with God. He does not shy away from calling the addict to true repentance form the "idols of the heart". But such repentance is not complete without a look to internal and external factors that led to the sexual addiction, including personal history and interior motivations.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

Schaumburg offers many practical ways to help the person struggling with addictions. I found the section on reviewing one's personal history - breaking your history into segments and asking yourself probing questions about each segment – to be a powerful tool to uncover the roots of such addictions. And because sexual addictions go beyond the person struggling, the sections on helping the spouse of a sexual addict were hands-on helpful and sensitively written. But the section on the church as a healing community was my favorite and the questions for self-examination (p.209) will find their way into our small group discussions!

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p.211 "Loving those who are sexually addicted in the power of God's love entails a process of offering them what is not deserved so they might be restored to our Lord, to others, and to us. Properly understood, love is the greatest gift each of us can offer. When love is given to those held captive by the sins of sexually addiction and spiritual adultery, it reaches out with God's power to astound sinners. It destroys the power of sin over their lives. It contradicts al the false intimacy within sexually addiction and calls forth sinners to express true love because the have been loved so deeply"

Book Review “The Healing Path: How the Hurts in Your Past Can Lead You to a More Abundant Life”Dan B. Allender. Colorado Springs, CO: WaterBrook Press, 1999, 259 p.

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.

Through case study stories, first person reflections, and philosophic musings, Dan Allendar seeks to guide the reader to a place where he can see the hand of God in the hard places of life. "The Healing Path" is shaped around the Biblical triad of Faith, Hope and Love. Betrayal, powerlessness, and ambivalence lead to the loss of these virtues. The allure of redemption, however, is that God can use my past to awaken these virtues again. Allendar concludes with a section on how to bring the healing path into relationships and into the Christian community.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.

The "Healing Path" could have been called "The Honesty Path" for much of Dr. Allendars prescription lies in facing boldly the past pain in your life. I must admit I had a hard time wrapping my mind around this book. I found the use of evocative metaphors ("Who are we? We are the rivulets from many high-mountain springs that merge into a fuller stream rushing down the tumult of a rushing river"?) did not evoke anything in me. I need something more concrete. I kept looking for rubber-meets-the-road practical guidance. And though he shared some very powerful stories from past clients (and finally, one from his own life), I found it hard to relate to his heart-wrenching house hunting trauma!

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.

Allendar was at his most helpful when uncovering the idols of the heart that lie behind many of our struggles. And when I was about to write the book off, he hit me with his chapter of "Inviting Others to Live". In that chapter, Allendar shares a story of an airplane conversation with an electrical engineer that was full of pathos and nerve. If I could learn to courageously probe and interact like that, I would be a better pastor and a better friend. I was challenged to "enter into the stories of others in a way that invites them to embrace the hunger of their heart (dignity) and their flight from God (depravity)".

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.

p. 20 "Each day we either live for God or for other Gods. In each moment of hardship we fear God or man. When we choose to worship gods and fear men our lives will suffer an emptiness and turmoil that is not much different that trying to fill our bellies with dirt. At first we may feel full. But in short order our violation of God's plan will lead to torment"