Book Blurbs: June 2022

What Is Biblical Wisdom? by R.C. Sproul (published by Reformation Trust, 2020). 52 pages. This is a book – albeit brief – explanation of biblical wisdom and would be very helpful for someone wanting to understand wisdom literature in the Scriptures. In fact, several of the chapters are devoted to interpreting books like Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

Humbled: Welcoming the Uncomfortable Work of God by David Mathis (published by B&H Publishing, 2021). 116 pages. There are better books on humility (Wayne Mack and C.J. Mahaney’s books come to mind). You won’t find anything you disagree with in this book, but the book just isn’t as memorable as others I have read on the same subject. He attempts to answer the question, “How do I humble myself?” and I am not convinced he gave a clear answer. Normally, I find this author to be very compelling. BOOK RATING: 7 out of 10 stars.

Loving Your Community: Proven Practices for Community-Based Outreach Ministry by Stephen Viars (published by Baker Books, 2020). 231 pages. The premise of this book is this – “say yes unless you have to no.” That is put within the framework of a church reaching out to its community by taking initiative to meet his needs and to respond to needs presented to her. The book is filled with ideas for outreach programs, counseling, community centers, etc. The ideas presented by Viars and Faith Church may seem unreasonable given the size of most churches in the world, but God can take a church, with its qualified leadership and give a church a mission field in its community if the church is willing to step into that field. This book encouraged that kind of ministry. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Forerunners of the Faith: 13 Lessons to Understand and Appreciate the Basics of Church History by Nathan Busenitz (published by Moody Publishers, 2020). 131 pages. If you are familiar with the Fundamentals of the Faith (FOF) material, this church history study will look familiar. It is structured like FOF but gives a survey of church history instead of a systematic theology. Those craving a thorough knowledge of church history will be disappointed. Think of this as a “cliff notes” version of church history. It is not abnormal for only 1-2 pages to be given to any important individual or person. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

A Guide to Expository Ministry edited by Dan Dumas (published by SBTS Press, 2012). 103 pages. Very encouraging read! Various authors (Dan Dumas, Al Mohler, Russell Moore, Donald Whitney, Robert Plummer, James Hamilton) contribute articles on very practical issues regarding preaching and listening to sermons. The book is divided into 2 sections: “for the preacher” and “for the hearer.” This would be a sweet gift for a congregation to encourage them in their role as sermon-listeners, because it includes many practical ways to be engaged during preaching and how to best prepare and react to what they have heard. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Church as Culture of Care: Finding Hope in Biblical Community by T. Dale Johnson Jr. (published by New Growth Press Press, 2012). 167 pages. This is a must read for biblical counselors or aspiring biblical counselors. What this book does is show the relationship between discipleship and counseling. The author helps us see that a church committed to caring (or shepherding) one another will be counseling. Counseling is not limited to the professionals or licensed. Every Christian is competent to counsel and this book will instill confidence for such an endeavor. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.