Book Blurbs: February 2019

The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism & Gospel Assurance by Sinclair B. Ferguson (published by Crossway, 2016). 256 pages. For some reason, I had the mistaken idea that this book fits into the Christology genre of Christian non-fiction. It most certainly doesn’t, as you can tell by the subtitle. The book wisely shows the connections between the sins of legalism and antinomianism and how they can disturb our evangelism, our view of God, and the process of sanctification. And Ferguson does it through the lens of an ancient debate in the 18^th century called The Marrow Controversy. Whether you are a legalist or antinomian, you will be helped with this book. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Thy Word Is Truth by Edward J. Young (published by William B. Eerdmans, 1957). 287 pages. This book is usually on everyone’s list of “must reads” about the inerrancy, inspiration and infallibility of God’s Word. If you don’t know why those distinct features of God’s Word are important, read this book! Young is helpful is contrasting erroneous views of inspiration and critiquing why they are faulty. This scholar (he knew 26 languages) is not “too heady” for the average churchman. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

How to Read Slowly: Reading for Comprehension by James W. Sire (published by Waterbrook Press, 1978). 191 pages. This was not the book I thought it would be. I anticipated it being a book of ideas and suggestions for slowing down the pace of reading. Instead, it is a book giving tips on reading different kinds of genres (e.g., poetry, fiction, non-fiction, periodicals). It still is a book that gives the kind of help the title suggests, because we should never approach reading every kind of book the same way. We should read with the intent of discovery and that should take time for most of us. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

And So to Bed…A Biblical View of Sleep by Adrian Reynolds (published by Christian Focus, 2014). 93 pages. Not enough is said about the discipline of sleep and the potential spiritual litmus test a good night’s sleep can be. This book explores the subject of sleep biblically and what kinds of spiritual dynamics are “at play” when we have sleep well or poorly. The author is helpful in explaining how sleep is a part of our physical makeup, how it is to be a treasured grace from God, how it depicts a spiritual reality in our hearts and how to improve your sleeping habits. And, it made me look forward to my next nap! BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

How to Argue Like Jesus: Learning Persuasion from History’s Greatest Communicator by Joe Carter and John Coleman (published by Crossway, 2009). 174 pages. Jesus style of conversation and teaching is under a close microscope in this book. We learn how Jesus used similes, metaphors, emotions, parables and the like. A special highlight is Chapter 5 where Jesus style of discipleship is explained. It will be a helpful to all Christian preachers and teachers and any Christian wishing to make this communication for effective and edifying. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together In the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race by Beverly Daniel Tatum (published by Basic Books, 2007). 453 pages. If you are looking for a book written from a biblical perspective on the subject of racism, this is NOT that book. The author is a secular author, but there is still value in reading the book for Christians. If you are committed to becoming a “change agent” in your own heart and the community around you as it relates to racial and discrimination issues, this book will be helpful. You may not agree with her examples of why racism is a hot issue in our country (e.g., the election of Pres. Trump, the imprisonment of a high percentage of black people, etc.) but you will still benefit from hearing her reasoning, because our first objective in being “change agents” should be to understand one another. I read this book to understand a segment of our society that sees racism as a bigger issue than I do. The book came recommended to me by numerous people, and the author cities thousands of authors, studies and other articles – thus, this book represents a fair representation of one of the primary sides on the issue of racism in our country. After reading her book, I agree with her last paragraph where she wrote, “Is it better? My answer is: Not yet, but it could be. It’s up to us to make sure it is. I remain hopeful.” BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

Victorious Christians You Should Know by Warren Wiersbe (published by Good News Broadcasting Association). 131 pages. What do you know about Amy Carmichael? Andrew Bonar? Charles Simeon? Christmas Evans? Fanny Crosby? Frances Havergal? G. Campbell Morgan? George Whitefield? Hudson Taylor? J.C. Ryle? Jonathan Edwards? Katie Luther? Matthew Henry? Oswald Chambers? R.A. Torrey? Robert McCheyne? Samuel Chadwick? William Borden? Each of those individuals are given a chapter’s discussion from Wiersbe. And each chapter is filled with “golden nuggets” you won’t soon forget. Wiersbe’s combination of clarity and insight into each of these saints will whet your appetite for more. Often, I found myself making a list of biographies of these men and women that I want to read – to know more about them. Wiersbe is an undervalued, contemporary preaching and publishing treasure. Read this one! BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Why Johnny Can’t Preach: The Media Have Shaped the Messengers by T. David Gordon (published by P&R Publishing, 2009). 108 pages. I can’t remember why I put this book on my “most wanted list,” but I wasn’t helped much by reading it. What the author attempts to say is this: preaching is usually not what it should be, there is not enough Christ-centered preaching, and here is how you can change it. What is missing from the book is a compulsion to consider his conclusions based on Scriptural implications. Most of his arguments – while they aren’t poor observations – are based on his own experience of listening to preaching. One’s experience is no more important or valid than another’s experience. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

For the Love of Discipline: When the Gospel Meets Tantrums and Time-Outs by Sara Wallace (published by P&R Publishing, 2018). 159 pages. We are only 2 months into 2019, but I found my favorite book of the year. We will see if it lasts the other 10 months. This mother of 5 will help you understand that discipline is not something we do to our children but for them. Also, you will shown why consequences is a better term to use with your children than punishment. She will give you a plethora of “real life” examples and share from her own experience how to navigate those tricky situations that require some form of discipline. This book is now on my short list of best parenting books available! BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.