Book Blurbs: May 2024

None Greater: The Undomesticaed Attributes of God by Matthew Barrett(published by Baker Books, 2019). 283 pages. Lots of books on the attributes of God are available, but this one stands out to me for covering various attributes that are not commonly covered (e.g., aseity, simplicity, impassibility, omnispatience). It is also a very “quotable book,” as I found myself recording helpful remarks from the author and others like Aquinas, Anselm, and Augustine. And even though this book explains less-known attributes, the author is highly skilled in explaining and illustrating them. You can put this book in the hands of any Christian and they will be blessed and deepen their worship of their Creator. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

The War on Children: Providing Refuge for Your Children in a Hostile World by John MacArthur(published by John MacArthur Publishing Group, 2024). 223 pages. What a sobering read this was! I didn’t enjoy the reminders regarding drag queen story hour or abortion, but needed to be reminded that the Devil is coming after our children. At times, it seemed like MacArthur got a little off the main subject and focused less on the value of children and more on godly manhood and womanhood. And even though I know those topics are related, I would have preferred more discussion on how to parent children in an age where the Devil is out to destroy them. Having a godly mom or dad is out of their control but equipping them for spiritual warfare is still something we can do. BOOK RATING: 7 out of 10 stars.

Divine Providence: A Classic Work for Modern Readers by Stephen Charnock. Edited by Carolyn B. Whiting(published by P&R Publishing, 2022). 179 pages. When I read John Piper’s book Providence, I remember thinking, “There is no other book like this and never will be.” There are plenty of theologians who have material worth reading on the providence of God (e.g., Tozer, Packer, Pink, Grudem), but entire books on one attribute that are “must read’s” are fewer in number. What was I thinking? And while I still may favor Piper’s book to Charnock’s, read Charnock. It’s like an abridged version of Piper’s book (only 279 pages). Of particular encouragement is Charnock’s explanation of how this attribute of God changes and challenges the Christian life and sanctification. Often, theological textbooks can weigh heavily on the knowledge we accumulate as Christians when we read such books, but these theological texts can fall short of showing the application of God’s attributes to us. This is not one of those books. Charnock talks of how God’s providence addresses our anxieties and worries, fuels our prayers, answers questions about evil, what it means for our trials and sufferings, etc. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Strength of a Man: Encouragement for Today by David Roper(published by Discovery House Publishers. 1989). 162 pages. You won’t find in-depth looks at manhood in this book. It’s more of a devotional look at different characteristics and virtues that should be consistent with a godly man. The chapters are very brief (e.g., 2-3 pages each). BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

Principles and Practice of Preaching by Ilion T. Jones(published by Independent Press, 1958). 272 pages. This is a book about homiletics. I don’t know this author, but my Dad apparently did because I got it from his library, and it contains many of his notes of commendation. What you will find in this book are helps on the mechanics of preaching and sermon preparation. I don’t know that I learned anything from this book, but I enjoyed the reminders regarding what we should seek to accomplish in studying to preach sermons. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.