Book Blurbs: March 2022

Abortion: A Rational Look at an Emotional Issue by R.C. Sproul (published by Reformation Trust in 2010). 233 pages. A book on ethics from R.C. Sproul isn’t a usual place I would go for help on the topic of abortion, but this book was tremendously helpful. Focusing more on the arguments for life than opposed to pro-choice, Sproul weaves through key Scriptures that demonstrate when life begins. And Sproul makes a helpful distinction that the issue of abortion begins with someone’s definition of murder. If you can agree on a definition of murder, then most people will rightfully reject abortion. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work by Timothy Keller (published by Riverhead Books in 2012). 304 pages. This isn’t so much a book about a Christian work ethic; it is more of a book about the philosophy of why God gave us work and why can redeem it as Christians for His kingdom. His main point is that we work for the benefits of others and not for ourselves or to establish a certain identity. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

Ronald Reagan: An American Life by Ronald Reagan (published by Threshold Editions in 1990). 748 pages. I love reading the memoirs of Presidents, which is what this is. As Reagan tells the story of how he became governor of California and President of the United States, I was struck by his wit and attention to detail. Of particular interest was his disappointment in himself in how he handled the Iron-Contra and how steadfast he was in helping lead the U.S.S.R. get rid of communism. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church by Paul David Tripp (published by Crossway in 2020). 231 pages. Maybe not the principles for leadership that you would come up with on your own, but insightful, convicting and biblical they are: achievement, Gospel, limits, balance, character, war, servants, candor, identity, restoration, longevity, and presence. Tripp weaves biblical examples and his own ministerial experience through these 12 principles. The book would be a helpful resource for any church leadership team to read and discuss together. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

Eric Liddell: Pure Gold by David McCasland (published by Discovery House in 2001). 333 pages. This book is about the “Chariots of Fire” guy. More of this book is devoted to his mission work in China than his running career. The movie seems to portray Liddell accurately, according to this book. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Bible Convictions of John Wycliffe by Steven J. Lawson (published by Ligonier Ministries in 2021). 212 pages. This is an ode to the translator of the English Bible. Like Luther, Wycliffe brought the Bible to the people’s language in England, and us English speakers are indebted to his sacrifice. He was constantly on the run from the British government who didn’t want Christianity to be brought to the people in their own written language. Read this book and learn about translation work, his theology, and his preaching philosophy. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

Why I Love the Apostle Paul: 30 Reasons by John Piper (published by Crossway in 2019). 204 pages. “Thoughtful” is the word I would use to describe this book. Piper does an excellent job “getting you in the sandals” of Paul. This is not a book that summarizes Paul’s theology as much as it shows you his motivations and affections for Christian and a Christocentric worldview. You won’t learn facts about Paul, but you will discover – or rediscover – the heart of Paul. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free by F.F. Bruce (published by William B. Eerdmans in 1997). 510 pages. I first read this book in seminary – about 24 years ago. And since I have slept since then, it seemed like I had never read this book. A bit academic at times, this book is very helpful to the reader looking for a profile of the life of Paul with a look at biblical evidence and extra-biblical resources. It’s hard to imagine any biographical info or history being left out of such a lengthy book. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.