Book Blurbs: September 2021

Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund (published by Crossway in 2020). 224 pages. This book won many awards in 2020, and I am not sure why. It wasn’t a book that had main points I disagreed on or unbiblical ideas, as some suggest. I just believe there are better books on suffering and grief than this one. The book attempts to make Jesus more relatable to the sufferer, as One who has suffered. It is a book showing the heart of Jesus for the one in need of relief. I found the book to be generally helpful and will find occasion to give it away to someone looking to find comfort in the Great Shepherd. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

The Heart of Addiction: A Biblical Perspective by Mark E. Shaw (published by Focus in 2008). 255 pages. Addiction is idolatry. That is the premise of this book, and the author rightly identifies sin for what it is by calling our habitual sinful choices acts of idolatry. The book is extremely practical, including many suggestions for homework for counselors and counselees. You won’t need another book on helping someone with an addiction from a biblical counseling perspective. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Missing Gospel of Modern Christianity: Know, Believe, and Share the True Message of Salvation by Trey Talley (published by Kindle in 2019). 296 pages. It’s refreshing to read a book that claims to present the Gospel and, then, actually explains the Biblical Gospel. This is that book. In addition to clarifying the saving truths of the Gospel, there are helpful critiques on popular, and yet, unbiblical evangelistic practices (e.g., asking Jesus into your heart, making a decision for Christ, the sinner’s prayer). If you read this book, you will be delighted to read a clear explanation of the Gospel and thankful for the equipping to be a better evangelist. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Death of Porn: Men of Integrity Building a World of Nobility by Ray Ortlund (published by Crossway in 2021). 134 pages. This book is structured like a father writing a series of letters to his son about the dangers of pornography. Contained in each letter is counsel for battling the temptation to view and be sexually stimulated by pornography. Honestly, if you are looking for a resource on battling this kind of temptation and overcoming it, there are better books that are more thorough (e.g., Heath Lambert’s Finally Free). Of particular help are the early chapters where the author rightfully reminds his readers that women are made in the image of God and pornography is a practical denial of her beauty, a sinful means of objectifying her, and a rejection of her image-bearing responsibility that God has given her. That part of the book was helpful; the rest – not my favorite. BOOK RATING: 7 out of 10 stars.

Reviving New England: The Key to Revitalizing Post-Christian America by Nate Pickowicz (published by Entreating Favor in 2017). 126 pages. While the burden of this book is for revival in New England, the principles taught by the author for encouraging a revival could be applied anywhere. Historically, New England was the birthplace to the First and Second Great Awakenings, but now it is a spiritual wasteland. The author of this book shows how a spiritual recovery of past movements can be re-launched. You can sense the burden and passion this author has for “his people.” As I read this book, I found myself praying often that God would do such a work in America. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

Comforting the Bereaved by Warren W. Wiersbe and David W. Wiersbe (published by Moody in 1985). 150 pages. How timely this book has been for me, since I lost my Dad a little over a month ago. Instead of finding myself being equipped as a pastor for helping others in grief, I found myself being comforted instead. Wiersbe covers topics such as planning for funerals, words of comfort, words to avoid, and other subjects (e.g., suicide, child death, etc.). Much of the book is very practical and it is very accessible to anyone who wants to grow in their comforting of others. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.