Book Blurbs: September 2023

Surprised by Suffering: The Role of Pain and Death in the Christian Life by R.C. Sproul (published by Reformation Trust Publishers, 2010). 156 pages. I have read many books like this one from a host of authors, so it is possible the content of this book may get lost in the allotment of other books. That is not to say this book wasn’t helpful or worthy of recommendation. It is both. I simply didn’t it contributing any way to my theology of suffering. However, if you like the writing of Sproul, buy this one. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity by Nancy Pearcey (published by Crossway, 2005). 511 pages. “Boredom” is the word I would use for my book-reading experience. I couldn’t finish it, even though I made it through about half of the book. Every now and then, I would figure out what the author was saying, but normally I was dazed and confused with the chapter themes. I think this book was an attempt to show Christians their worldview is better than all others, but I am was left thinking that such an important topic should be clearer and more obvious than this author delivered. BOOK RATING: 3 out of 10 stars.

How Can I Serve My Church? by Matthew Emadi (published by Crossway, 2021). 52 pages. As part of “Church Questions” series, 9Marks continues to give us biblical help in the area of ecclesiology. This short booklet will encourage the faithful servants to excel still more and motivate the idle to jump in and serve their church family. It’s not a booklet about spiritual gifts (even though they are mentioned briefly) and more a booklet about just doing something to benefit others. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

God Alone: His Unique Attributes and How Knowing Them Changes Us by Jonathan Griffiths (published by Moody Publishers, 2022). 146 pages. I don’t often read books on the attributes of God that were not worth reading. Even though many of them can be repetitive in themes and importance, studying the Personhood of God seems inexhaustible. This book is yet another resource in this endless pursuit of knowing God and His character. It’s not a book giving information on every attribute – only some incommunicable attributes (e.g., eternity, omnipotence, unchanging, independence, incomprehensible, omniscience, omnipresence, glorious). This is not a book that is too deep for any level of mature Christian. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Sharing Your Faith with Friends and Family by Michael Green (published by Baker Books, 2005). 155 pages. When I read a book on evangelism, I pray that it stokes or provokes me in some way to be more faithful in my witnessing. This book didn’t really do that. There were no truths that I disagreed with or that I believed to be unbiblical, but the author fell short of motivating us readers to be more evangelistic. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

Courageous Faith: Life Lessons from Old Testament Heroes by Ed Hindson (published by AMG Publishers, 2003). 208 pages. Not a very creative or thoughtful book. Each chapter is a biographical sketch of an O.T. character (e.g., Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson, Boaz, David, Jonathan, Daniel, Nehemiah) with a few brief points of application and discussion questions. But each sketch is just a re-telling of an event in their life. It’s not really a commentary or Bible study. It’s really the author re-telling events in his own words with very little explanation. BOOK RATING: 7 out of 10 stars.

The Storytelling God: Seeing the Glory of Jesus in His Parables by Jared C. Wilson (published by Crossway, 2014). 187 pages. I have other studies on parables that I think are better (e.g., Boice, MacArthur, Wiersbe). At times, I was a bit confused on some of this author’s conclusions and interpretations. His hermeneutics of interpreting parables could be confusing at times, and I wasn’t always convinced he found the main point of the parable. On the other hand, I didn’t discover anything heretical or grossly erroneous – just confusing at times. I would probably still use this book as a resource for studying parables, as he does source some strong quotes in church history. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

Steps Toward Heaven by J.C. Ryle (published by The Banner of Truth Trust, 2017). 169 pages. I have other studies on parables that I think are better (e.g., Boice, MacArthur, Wiersbe). This is Ryle talking about the Gospel according to Jesus before MacArthur wrote that infamous book. Ryle draws biblical questions about one’s profession of faith not matching the fruit in their life. He delineates the difference between justification and sanctification. He helps his readers understand the true nature of saving faith. I would give this book to someone I suspect might be deceived about their salvation. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Can Christianity Cure Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder? A Psychiatrist Explores the Role of Faith in Treatment by Ian Osborn (published by Brazos Press, 2008). 208 pages. Certainly, this is a counseling help filled with integration (the mixing of secular psychology and biblical counseling). When the author refers to Scripture, he is right on. When he appeals to a secular worldview of psychiatry, I am not sure how he seeks to meld these 2 worldviews together with consistency. You will learn some very fascinating truths about the potential OCD of men like John Bunyan and Martin Luther. It’s hard to argue that they wouldn’t be labeled OCD if they were alive today, and how they handled these tendencies biblically is very encouraging. I will probably seek to use the biblical counseling parts of this book more than the secular approaches. BOOK RATING: 7 out of 10 stars.

The Rating Scale

• 1 star – Awful, awful book. I have already thrown it away and/or burned it. I may have not even finished reading the book.
• 2 stars – The only reason to keep this book is to refer to it as bad theology or to prop other books up on my shelf.
• 3 stars – Frustrating read, couldn’t find much that I enjoyed.
• 4 stars – Will do you more harm than good to read.
• 5 stars – I disagree with significant conclusions but also found agreement in areas of importance.
• 6 stars – Buy this book used. Readers will probably be divided on the value of its contents.
• 7 stars – Not sure if I found the book valuable or not. Need to process more.
• 8 stars – The main points of the book are good, but I don’t always understand how they are supported.
• 9 stars – Hardly noticeable complaints or flaws. A book I recommend for purchase.
• 10 stars – Tremendously helpful. A book that I will read multiple times in my life.

Book Blurbs: August 2023

A Biblical Counselor’s Approach to Marital Abuse: Roadmap to Reunification by Julie Ganschow and Bill Schlacks (published by Pure Water Press, 2008). 219 pages. “Very practical” comes to mind when I think of this book. From diagnostic questions that lead to determining the nature of abuse to packing lists for abuse victims when they need to flee the home, this book is filled with answers to almost every question you might ask regarding abuse in the home. The only criticism I could offer is that I wish it was more robust in its biblical treatment of the question of abuse as a reason for divorce. Its focus is on the goal of bringing a couple back together through repentance, but there isn’t help on the issue of occasions when repentance doesn’t occur, and the abuser won’t change. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

The Cross by Martyn Lloyd-Jones (published by Crossway, 1986). 221 pages. In typical “Doctor” (the author’s nickname) fashion, this is a lengthy exposition of 1 verse: Galatians 6:14. The primary focus of the book is to explain what it does and doesn’t mean to glory in the cross. Each chapter has Gospel-elements and encouragements. While I believe his intended audience is Christians, I can see this book being used to share with a non-Christian who might not understand the value of Jesus’ death on the cross. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Christian Ethics: An Introduction to Biblical Moral Reasoning by Wayne Grudem (published by Crossway, 2018). 1296 pages. This was my summer reading project, and it did not disappoint. To be consulted more like a textbook than a chapter book, Grudem uses the 10 Commandments as a basic structure for addressing a plethora of ethical issues. In fact, I cannot conceive of an issue in ethics that he doesn’t address in some biblical and scholarly fashion. Of particular help were his chapters on environmentalism, coveting and AI. I would not recommend reading it like I did, one chapter after the next. Instead, consider this a reference book that you can read on certain subjects as you are interested. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Saints Sufferers and Sinners: Loving Others as God Loves Us by Michael R. Emlet (published by New Growth Press, 2021). 198 pages. When you want to help someone, it is important to know if they need you help because they are living in sin, suffering because of something brought on to them from sin or the world around them or just a discipleship need. Knowing the categories of these fellow Christians will enable you to better help them. That is the aim of this book, but I struggle to follow it from one chapter to the next. I find myself saying, “Yes!” too many conclusions but not always understanding the “trains of thought” to get there. I was encouraged by the premise but disappointed and confused often. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

Wesley and Men Who Followed by Iain H. Murray (published by The Banner of Truth Trust, 2003). 272 pages. Near half of this book is about Wesley, but the rest of it is about little-known founders of Methodism. The author is at his best when he writes about Wesley, but the remaining chapters about the other men was less than compelling. They simply weren’t as colorful as Wesley. There are helpful chapters on perfectionism, the Holy Spirit, Calvinism, and his view of Scripture. My only critique is that I wish there was more about the debates and friendship between he, his brother and George Whitefield. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars

Joy in the Sorrow: How a Thriving Church (and Its Pastor) Learned to Suffer Well by Matt Chandler and Friends (published by The Good Book Company, 2019). 235 pages. This book is a collection of stories of people who have suffered – primarily physical suffering in some way, and by physical, I am referring to biology. There are stories of young couples or individuals who have endured things like miscarriages, untimely deaths of loved ones, rare diseases, etc. The stories include their spiritual perspectives when the suffering began, and the lessons learned. The reason I didn’t give this book a higher rating is because the lessons seemed repetitive, which is not bad, but probably not going to be the kind of book that most people will identify with if they cannot find someone to relate to in the book. BOOK RATING: 7 out of 10 stars

Chosen But Free: A Balanced View of God’s Sovereignty and Free Will by Norman L. Geisler (published by Bethany House Publishers, 2010). 347 pages. If you don’t like reading an Arminian attack Calvinism on every page of book, don’t read this one. Geisler goes through TULIP repeatedly, attempting to show its weaknesses, but I believe he fails at almost every attempt. He didn’t persuade me to step away from my Calvinist-leanings. BOOK RATING: 5 out of 10 stars.

J.I. Packer: A Biography by Alister McGrath (published by Baker Books, 1997). 340 pages. This book was written 23 years before Packer died. Thus, it is not a complete autobiography. Other than this omission, the book is excellent. When you read this book, you will get a “behind the scenes” look at one of the most formative evangelicals in our day. The author is fair and shows both the positive contributions and controversies that Packer was involved in. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Book Blurbs: July 2023

No Reason to Hide: Standing for Christ in a Collapsing Culture by Erwin W. Lutzer (published by Harvest House Publishers, 2022). 303 pages. Lutzer is a modern voice of reason and godliness in an era of sinful madness. His best work has been in recent years as he sounds the alarm to the church to stand for and guard the truth. In this book, he rightfully says the church cannot afford to be silent on issues like social justice, racial issues, one-worldism, the COVID pandemic, sexual morality, progressivism, etc. The church must be courageous, and Lutzer is gifted in saying so. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

Perspectives on Our Struggle with Sin: 3 Views of Romans 7 edited by Terry L. Wilder (published by B&H Academic, 2011). 213 pages. Was Paul a Christian or non-Christian in Romans 7? Does Romans 7 describe the Christian’s struggle with sin or his relationship to sin before conversion? In this books you will get introduced to these 2 views of Romans 7 (and one another – that I don’t think makes much sense) and then see each proponent critique one another. The strongest argument is made by Grant R. Osborne, who argues for a Christian in Romans 7. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

40 Lives in 40 Days by John MacArthur (published by Thomas Nelson, 2022). 206 pages. Designed as a biographical devotional, this book will allow you to briefly study 40 characters in the Bible and answer 2-4 discussion questions about them. I recommend this book be used for a new Christian or someone now very familiar with the Bible. It needs to be someone that look at the Bible from 30,000 feet and not be too concerns about deep analysis of each character. Each chapter on each character or 4-5 pages long. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

Book Blurbs: June 2023

Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God by Tim Challies (published by Zondervan Reflective, 2022). 208 pages. In 2020, well-known blogger Tim Challies unexpectedly lost his son when he collapsed on campus at Boyce College in Louisville, KY. This book is a collection of blog posts and articles from the next 2 years as Tim lamented, prayed, cried, and rejoiced. Each chapter contains a unique flavor of godly suffering. You will learn much from the experience of this faithful Christian’s suffering. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Reformation Women: Sixteenth Century Figures Who Shaped Christianity’s Rebirth by Rebecca VanDoodewaard (published by Reformation Heritage Books, 2017). 128 pages. Ever heard of any of these women: Margarethe Blaurer, Charlotte Arbaleste, Katherine Willoughby or Olympia Morata? Me neither. These 4 women, along with 8 others, are the subject of this biographical book. Each chapter represents a different woman who contributed in some way to the Reformation movements of the 16^th century. You will be encouraged by their faithfulness, their willingness to be persecuted or martyrdom. You will be surprised to see their connects to some of the leaders of the Reformation – men like John Calvin and Martin Luther. Read this book! BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Book Blurbs: May 2023

Every Christian a Counselor by Nicholas Ellen (published by Expository Counseling Center, 2010). 156 pages. This book is published in a workbook size, but it is not a workbook, and I am not sure why it was designed that way. This is another form of Jay Adams’ Competent to Counsel. It strives to show the relationships between biblical counseling and discipleship, while also providing very helpful resources (e.g., case report forms, confidentiality agreements, ministry philosophies) for churches that are just launching a counseling ministry in their church. Aspiring counselors will be given subjects to consider and seasoned counselors will be given issues to debrief. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Unforgettable Spurgeon: Reflections on His Life and Writings by Eric Hayden (published by Emerald House Group, 1997). 239 pages. If you are looking for storytelling about Spurgeon’s life, look elsewhere. This book is more of a series of thoughts and views that Spurgeon had on a variety of issues. It is a very enjoyable read that includes takes on some obscure topics (e.g., self-addressed stamped envelopes). BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice by Thaddeus J. Williams (published by Zondervan Academic, 2020). 261 pages. It seems like Christians go to one of 2 extremes when it comes to discussions about social justice: either you are a “woke Christian” or don’t care about justice at all. This author finds and expresses a biblical, middle ground, asking the right penetrating questions that lead us to question our biases and give a biblical framework for thinking about justice in our county. Reading this book was a “breath of fresh air” on a volatile subject. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

Warrior Preachers: A Spiritual Call to Arms in an Age of Militant Belief by David A. Harrell (published by Shepherds Fire Media, 2023). 232 pages. With a growing apostasy in our world, the need for faithful preaching of God’s Word is increasing. And God has enabled and equipped men to preach His Word to a culture in need of truth. He is calling others to “take up arms” for His cause. This book will remind you – as a Christian leader – why we must always be engaged in the spiritual warfare for truth. Interwoven through the chapters is testimony from Christian Green Berets and the lessons to be learned about fighting for truth are illustrated by their actual experiences. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

The 15 Descriptions of Love: Applied to All Christian Leaders & Teachers by Alexander Strauch (published by Lewis and Roth Publishers, 2018). 77 pages. This is an exposition of I Corinthians 13. What you will find is faithful biblical exposition, accessible, lexical word studies and practical applications – particularly for church leaders. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

What He Must Be If He Wants to Marry My Daughter by Voddie Baucham Jr. (published by Crossway, 2009). 213 pages. This book was like a long letter from a Dad to his children about his expectations about what they should look for in a spouse. It’s not a book only for Dad’s with daughters. Almost everything Voddie talks about in this book would apply to Mom’s and Dad’s with sons and/or daughters. Voddie gives a good explanation of O.T. courtship and the benefits of that method of drawing young people together and I share his concerns about modern dating, even though I would not forbid it of my own children, as I think it can still be fruitful if parents are involved in some way. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

William Carey S. Pearce Carey (published by The Wakeman Trust, 1993). 413 pages. Not as engaging as I would like it to be. Considered the “father of modern missions” this missionary faithfully served in SE Asia and helped translated the Bible into a variety of languages. By reading this book, you will learn about his uncertain journey to the mission field, the struggles on the mission field of being distant from his family and the struggles to translate the Bible. BOOK RATING: 7 out of 10 stars.

Counseling and the Human Predicament: A Study of Sin, Guilt, and Forgiveness edited by Leroy Aden and David G. Benner (published by Baker Book House, 1989). 215 pages. This book will show you the folly of trying to merge secular psychology with biblical counseling. They are competing worldviews that are not meant to synergize. I only made it a few chapters into this book before giving up on it being any help at all. If you want to read it, check it out from a library and don’t buy it…even used. And, you can’t borrow it from me, because I threw mine away. BOOK RATING: 1 out of 10 stars.