Book Blurbs: January 2022

Light and Heat: The Puritan View of the Pulpit by R. Bruce Bickel (published by Soli Deo Gloria in 1999). 188 pages. The aim of this book – I think – was to contrast Puritan preaching with modern-day preaching, which the author claims is heavily influenced by Charles Finney, who was an American Presbyterian preacher during the Second Great Awakening. Truthfully, the author seems to be “on to something”, because Puritan preaching was Gospel-centered in encouraging ways, but it was still difficult to follow the author’s line of reasoning. The many quotes from Puritan were often too “wordy” for the average Christian reader, and, in my opinion, the aim of the book might have been lost in the lack of readable material. BOOK RATING: 7 out of 10 stars.

On Being a Leader for God by Warren W. Wiersbe (published by Baker Books, 2011). 140 pages. Most of what I have read from Wiersbe is gold. I wasn’t as excited about this book as others from him. It didn’t seem to flow well from one chapter to the next, and some chapters lacked a clear purpose. Most books on leadership are helpful; I am not sure this one will be. BOOK RATING: 6 out of 10 stars.

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer (published by Downers Grove, 1961). 126 pages. I read this book in the pre-book-blurbs days of my blog; so, I have never blurbed about it. This is the only book you need to buy on this subject. It’s the most recommended book on this biblical tension. Packer even extends his writing to the issue of praying in light of God’s sovereignty. It’s brief enough to read in a few days or less; it is biblical enough to convict. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

John Knox: Fearless Faith by Steve Lawson (published by Christian Focus, 2014). 123 pages. I usually can’t wait to get my hands on a new biography, but this one fell short of my expectations. Normally, Lawson’s short biographies “whet my appetite” for reading about the individual further. This one didn’t. It almost seemed like a book that might have been rushed to print. The chapters were too disjointed and the quotes from Knox were not as compelling as they needed to be. BOOK RATING: 7 out of 10 stars.

Do You Believe? by Paul Tripp (published by Crossway, 2021). 478 pages. Recently, I created a video post about this book, and my thoughts about it’s usefulness. I encourage you to watch it here. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack Obama (published by Vintage, 2008). 464 pages. I am a few Presidential terms late in reading this book There are significant differences that I have with this former President in politics, but he seems like a sincere person who desires to help America – not hurt it. His love for family and sense of humor make him an inviting individual to listen to. This book is a summary of his policies, ranging from religion to education to foreign policy, and the like. Obama is a thoughtful, engaging person – even if you don’t agree with his conclusions. BOOK RATING: 5 out of 10 stars.

Conscience: What It Is, How to Train It, and Loving Those Who Differ by Andrew David Naselli and J.D. Crowley (published by Crossway, 2016). 157 pages. I will not be surprised if this is my “Book of the Year” at the end of 2022. It’s the kind of book that I would give to my congregation. Of particular help are the sections that work through how to calibrate your own conscience and relate to others with different convictions. As the authors navigate through Romans 14-15, you will be convicted, helped and encouraged. I highly recommend every Christian read this book on the conscience; it may be the only one you need to read on this subject. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Who Is an Evangelical? The History of a Movement in Crisis by Thomas S. Kidd (published by Yale University Press, 2019). 191 pages. Not since Iain Murray’s Evangelicalism Divided have I read a book helping depict the evolution of the term “evangelical.” These are confusing times for defining that term, and this book explains why. With an emphasis on the racial divide within this movement, the author clearly explains why the term has not been as widely accepted as some might hope. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

10 Power Principles for Christian Service by Warren W. and David W. Wiersbe (published by Baker Books, 2010). 141 pages. If you have read a book by Wiersbe, you know what you are going to get: simplicity, accessibility, and insightfulness. This book is about the humble nature of serving the church and the mindset of God’s glory that should motivate us to serve. I wasn’t always sure how each chapter flowed to the next, but there are plenty of anecdotes and quotes from saints in church history to keep you engaged. BOOK RATING: 7 out of 10 stars.

Robert Chapman: A Biography by Robert L. Peterson (published by Loizeaux, 1995). 210 pages. What a humble man this was. He reminds me of J.C. Ryle and Jerry Bridges. There are almost no pictures of him, because he didn’t want fanfare, and yet Spurgeon called him “the saintliest man” he knew. He is a pastor worth being shepherded by; he is a Christian worth exemplifying. And this book will give you a template for both. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.