Book Blurbs: August 2022

Let the Men Be Men: God’s Design for Manhood and Marriage by Chris Mueller (published by 316 Publishing, 2022). 202 pages. What a helpful resource this can be for small groups of men! I know because I read through this with a small group of men. The book narrows in on the paradigm of discipleship from Titus 2 along with a chapter on what Paul meant when he said “act like men” from I Corinthians 16:13. It is practical; it is challenging. Each chapter ends with discussion questions designed to provoke conversation in a small group Bible study. I highly recommend this be used as a tool for male discipleship. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

7 More Men and the Secrets of Their Greatness by Eric Metaxas (published by Zondervan Books, 2020). 247 pages. Eric Metaxas is my favorite modern biographer. He never seems to disappoint. This follow-up to his previous book on 7 men (published in 2016) continues here with 7 more men. Each chapter is a sketch of a significant figure in church history. The men you will read about are as follows: Martin Luther, George Whitefield, George Washington Carver (my favorite chapter), General William Booth, Sergeant Alvin York, Alexander Solzhenitsyn, and Billy Graham. You will not be disappointed when reading this book, as I am sure it will whet your appetite to read a full biography of each and every one of these men. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Old Testament Commentary Survey by Tremper Longman III (published by Baker Academic, 2007). 157 pages. I did not read this book “cover to cover” because it is more of a reference book. The author gives helpful summaries on single volume commentaries in the O.T., commentary sets of the O.T., and single volume commentaries on O.T. books. I wanted to simply survey the contents of the book to see if it would be helpful to me in the selection of O.T. resource for O.T. exposition, and the answer to my question is “yes!” BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Remember Death: The Surprising Path to Living Hope by Matthew McCullough (published by Crossway, 2018). 191 pages. Everyone will die…unless Jesus returns. Death is inevitable and we are wise to possess a “death awareness,” as the author proposes. In this book, you will encounter subjects such as preparing for your own death, the inevitability of your death, the views of death in our culture, why the Christian should revere but not fear death, and the hope of eternal life. Get this book in the hands of those who are near their own death, but don’t neglect encouraging someone young to read it as well. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

Scripture and Counseling: God’s Word for Life in a Broken World edited by Bob Kellemen (published by Zondervan, 2014). 480 pages. I continue to benefit from the writings and compiling of Bob Kellemen. Even though I don’t always follow his logic, he is doing an excellent job showing the accessibility of counseling to the local church, and this book is yet another example of that. In this book, you will read about the sufficiency of Scripture, psychology, the relevancy of the Bible, competing counseling methodologies, small group ministry, communication, and using various genres in counseling. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

Kingdom Race Theology: God’s Answer to Our Racial Crisis by Tony Evans (published by Moody Publishing, 2022). 128 pages. For a thorough review of this book, see the post here. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

Andrew Fuller: Holy Faith, Worthy Gospel, World Mission by John Piper (published by Crossway, 2016). 57 pages. Normally, I love these short bios that Piper writes. This was probably my least favorite. It was light on the backstories and anecdotes and confusing when it came to his fight against Sandemanianism. I am still confused on what that teaching is all about. BOOK RATING: 7 out of 10 stars.

Take Heart: Christian Courage in the Age of Unbelief by Matt Chandler, with Matt Roark (published by The Village Church Resources, 2018). 119 pages. This is a book about Christian courage. Not a book about worldly courage but biblical courage. The author claims this is a great age to be a Christian and the opportunity to show courage in the midst of pagan unbelief is an opportunity to lead people into the kingdom of God. He is not wrong. What the book lacks is a more thorough definition and description of courage. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography by Iain H. Murray (published by Banner of Truth Trust, 1987). 503 pages. Some will find this book a little on the dry side. Murray’s historical writing style is not for everyone, but it is certainly thorough. You won’t be lacking after a read of this important American Christian. I would have likely to read a little more about Edwards’ choice to own slaves, even though it is not a subject skipped by this author. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.