Book Blurbs: March 2021

The Peacemaking Pastor: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Church Conflict by Alfred Poirier (published by Baker Books in 2006). 316 pages. While I prefer Ken Sande’s book on peacemaking better (The Peacemaker), this is a must read for church leaders. You will find it to be more of a book on meditating and arbitrating conflicts among your church members, but there are some significant sections in the book on why the Gospel’s power making resolving church conflict possible and the importance of grounding your peacemaking in the character of God, who is a Peacemaker and whose Son is our Mediator. I highly recommend church leaders read this book to be equipped to better maintain the unity of the body. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Murder of Jesus by John MacArthur (published by Word Publishing in 2000). 250 pages. This is an exposition of the events in Jesus life from the Upper Room until His death on the cross. Most of MacArthur’s books are sermons preached and transformed into “book form,” which is what this book is. It is a book that harmonizes the Gospel’s accounts of the passion of Jesus. There seems to be special emphasis on the sovereignty of God in salvation and the Son’s willingness to follow the plan of the Father. It is a book any Christian can read and benefit from. It may not “tug on you emotions” like other book about the suffering of Christ will, but it will certainly educate the mind about these troubling events. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

Heaven, How I Got Here: The Story of the Thief on the Cross by Colin S. Smith (published by Christian Focus in 2005). 93 pages. Think of this book as brief historical fiction. It is the story of how the thief on the cross came to be saved and is written from his perspective of hanging on the cross next to Jesus. Since Jesus died before this thief, this thief would have heard all the last statements made by Christ. And it is this author’s imagination that concludes the thief “got saved” as a result of seeing how Christ faced His own suffering. It’s a fun book to read and would be a good resource to give a non-believer who would benefit from thinking about the mercy of God to anyone who believes in Him. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

Easter: The Greatest News by Paul Williams (published by 10 Publishing in 2021). 71 pages. I read this book in order to decide if it would be a helpful resource to hand out to visitors at our Easter service at my home church. So, I was looking for a clear Gospel presentation and an explanation for why the resurrection matters. I wouldn’t say either of those subjects were very clear, but they certainly were not errant or shallow either. The book is written by an English minister; so, some of the illustrations and vocabulary might “be lost” on a western Christian. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

Pastors and Their Critics: A Guide to Coping with Criticism in the Ministry by Joel R. Beeke and Nick Thompson (published by P&R Publishing in 2020). 177 pages. When I bought this book, I thought, “Finally! A book that understands my plight!” And then, as I started reading the book, I realized this book wasn’t about me as much as it was about others and loving others who criticize you and learning to be loving in your own criticisms. And that is more what I needed. Learn how to be gracious, find the truth in every criticism, and see it all under the sovereignty of God. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

Help! I’m Married to My Pastor by Jani Ortlund (published by Crossway in 2021). 119 pages. I bought this book after hearing the author do an interview on The Gospel Coalition podcast. I am encouraged by her wisdom and wit. She has a sweet way of being both an encouragement to her reader and also equipping pastor’s wives for the unique challenges of being in ministry. Each chapter ends with a brief paragraph to encourage pastors to engage in conversation on a particular topic with their wife to better understand and serve her. Any church leader and spouse would benefit from this book. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Can We Trust the Gospels? by Mark D. Roberts (published by Crossway in 2007). 202 pages. It is encouraging to find books that take complicated questions and explain them in simple terms. That is this book. Often, textual criticism can only be understood well in academia, but this book is an exception to that rule. This book takes a simple question about the reliability of the Gospels and shows us how they can and should be trusted. You will read chapters on their historicity, archaeological evidence, canonization, eye witness accounts, and extra-biblical resources. And as you read these chapters, you will not get “lost in the woods.” BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Counsel for Couples: A Biblical and Practical Guide for Marriage Counseling by Jonathan D. Holmes (published by Zondervan in 2019). 282 pages. What a gem this book is! It should be required reading for all aspiring counselors and pastors. When you read this book, you will be equipped to counsel the unforgiving, the adulterous, the porn user, the abuser, the bad communicator, the immature parent, the couple who had a miscarriage or infant loss, the infertile, the sexually need, and in-laws. Each chapter contains notes from a biblical counselor, case studies, recommend resources for further reading and then teaching the approaches of how to navigate through a host of marital conflicts. I cannot recommend this book enough for people interesting in soul care. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Two Cities, Two Loves: Christian Responsibility in a Crumbling Culture by James Montgomery Boice (published by InterVarsity Press in 1996). 279 pages. Kind of wish I read this book in 2020 during the COVID-19 shutdown. The book is a helpful resource for Christians in navigating the challenging subject of submitting to government and obeying God The book begins with a look at early civilization(s) and law and how God designed society to function. And then, the author addresses specific topics (e.g., elections, taxes, leadership, church and state) by giving a biblical worldview to each. Boice is a trustworthy theologian, and this book will inspire you to be salt and light – to be in the world, but not of the world. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.