When Sinners Say “I Do”
At first glance of the title When Sinners Say “I Do”, It is possible that an immediate response might incur a curiosity that leads to the question: “Does this book address the hard results of a marriage covenant made between two non-believers?” This is a great assumption for that matter. Yet, in its curiosity, which is warranted with a genuine desire to see such implications answered, has failed to acknowledge the foundational principals upon which this book is built.![](http://www.reformedbrethren.com/wp-content/51hyl9xagpl_ss500_.jpg "When Sinners Say \")
With the difficulties of marriage on display throughout, several themes are intertwined through each chapter as foundational truths that pierce the heart of any marriage. As a unifying thread, sin is brought to light as the leading culprit in the fallen nature of man and the some of the harsh realities we face in relationships. Accompanying its challenges, sin is magnified as the root reality from which humanity has found its struggle with God. More over, Dave Harvey completes the story by making evident the beautiful song of redemption and restoration that marriages require. Read more
Book Review: The Great Exchange
It is so refreshing to read a book that exalts Christ on every single page and lifts the glorious doctrines of the substitutionary, vicarious, penal atonement of Christ from Scripture. It seems these days that you have to dig to the bottom shelf at the back of your local Christian bookstore to find anything worth reading.
This excellent book, The Great Exchange: My Sin for His Righteousness by Jerry Bridges & Bob Bevington, is an absolute joy to read. The forward by Sinclair Ferguson, senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church right here in my hometown of Columbia, SC is a magnificent read in itself.
Bridges & Bevington walk through the doctrine of the substitutionary death of Christ chapter by chapter by isolating it in different books of the Bible. The book opens with a great introduction and overview of the doctrine then shows how the apostles themselves summarized the substitutionary death of Christ in their writings. Following that is an excellent overview of Christ’s atoning cross-work as found in the Old Testament.
The authors then take you through a well written, theologically sound and very reformed overview of the substitutionary death found in the New Testament Scriptures as found in Romans, 1,2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1,2 Thessalonians, 1,2 Timothy, Titus, Hebrews (which is an extensive chapter), 1 Peter, 1 John and Revelation.
The writing is engaging and written at a level that both the layperson and the well-read theologian will both admire. From page to page is the exaltation of our Lord and Savior’s substitutionary death on the cross. The writers take time to exegete Scripture well and provide great historical context from each book.
I found one particular line in the book so well put considering the flood of prosperity preaching in the world today that tries so blasphemously to turn the cross into a means for material, worldly riches:
“Jesus offers no prosperity gospel. Christ is not a means to and end for the Christian - He is the end.” (Page 154)
I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to read a lot of good Christian books - many of the reformed flavor and this is one that will remain in arms reach on my bookshelf. Every Christian should read this book. Pastors today need desperately to return to the correct, Biblical understanding of the cross and books like “The Great Exchange” are a welcomed addition to the back of the Christian bookstores!
Download a pdf of the Foreward, Preface and Introduction.
Head on over to monergismbooks.com to order your copy today!
The Shack - Take Two…
I’ve already posted a while back in May on my other blog on the problems with the popular book “The Shack” that so many professing believers claim to be a wonderful book. In fact, Eugene Peterson, author of the translation weak paraphrase “The Message” claimed it was equal to the classic book, “Pilgrim’s Progress”. I’m sorry, this book comes no where near the theological beauty of “Pilgrim’s Progress”. In fact, it’s at the complete other end of the spectrum with its heretical views of the Trinity.
Dr. Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary says, “This book includes undiluted heresy.” It doesn’t get any clearer than that.
The real truth is that the endorsements of the book from popular musical artists and liberal Christians is just one more indication of the complete lack of spiritual discernment in our world and the condition of the church visible. Maybe pastors should spend more time preaching the gospel and less time endorsing junk like “The Purpose Driven Life” and “The Shack”. It’s so concerning to see the state of the majority of professing believers in America.
Tim Challies has written an update to his review of “The Shack” and it is an excellent, Biblical review. If you are a loved one has this book (and from what I hear some churches are handing this book out like they did the “Purpose Driven Drivel Life” I urge you to carefully read this excellent review.
So head on over to challies.com and check out the updated review. Tim has also provided his review in an elegant pdf format that you can send to your friends or maybe even your pastor.
What’s so Great about the Doctrines of Grace?
A few days ago I was meeting with brother Tim to spend our weekly “theology talk” time together on Wednesday evenings and I was joyfully showing him a new book I was reading. He commented that I must have some bottomless resource for book collections. :-) I must say that after the Lord regenerated me one of the many things that drastically changed in my life is my love for reading His Word and solid books written by Godly people that glorify God in the face of Christ Jesus. (Before the Lord saved me I hated to read!)
“What’s So Great About the Doctrines of Grace” by Richard Phillips is just one of those magnificent books. At only 97 pages is a quick read but full of Reformed goodness. Phillips is no stranger to good writing. Sitting on my bookshelf in my study is another book by Phillips entitled, “Jesus the Evangelist” and is also an excellent read studying the methods Jesus used in evangelism.
Richard Phillips is senior minister at Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC and hold his theological degree from Westminster. Not only is it wonderful to have someone writing such a great book who resides not one our from me, another excellent Reformed minister here in Columbia, Dr. Sinclair Ferguson (First Pres. in Columbia, SC) eagerly endorsed this book…
Richard Phillips has an unbounded love for the doctrines of grace and writes about them with an enviable simplicity and clarity… Here in persuasive exposition of Biblical teaching that captures the thrill of knowing a sovereign God.”
The main drive behind “What’s So Great About the Doctrines of Grace” is a breakdown of the five points of Reformed Theology or the Reformed doctrines of grace known as TULIP (Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited (or Particular) Atonement, Irresistible Grace and Perseverance of the Saints). Granted, I have read my fair share of books on Calvinism. Phillips has a wonderful way of writing that captivates the reader through non-technical theological terms but also going deep enough to truly appreciate the facets of these doctrines. (And yes, he rightly defends and accurately describes what he calls the “black sheep of the TULIP family” … the ‘L’.)
This book is an excellent read for anyone who wants to know more about the tenants of Reformed Theology. It’s written for those who know little about the Reformed doctrine of grace as well as the seasoned Calvinist. In addition, it’s also a great book for those in the Arminian viewpoint to see clear, Biblical explanations for each of the points of the Reformed doctrines of grace.
I normally have a few “I wish they would have covered this or that” when reading a book carefully. This is one of the few books I have read that I would say fully covers all the bases and puts all the focus on the glory and sovereignty of God in the face of Christ Jesus through the regenerating and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. This book, along with Sproul’s “What is Reformed Theology” are a must have and a must read!
Head on over to Monergism Books and order your copy today!
What Are We Known For?
I am currently reading Do Hard Things by Alex And Brett Harris, two teens from Portland, OR. Through their website The Rebelution, these brothers have begun challenging the teens of our society to do reject the low expectations that society places on them and to do more for the Lord. I am finding the book a pleasure to read in it clear call to teens by teens to be live a life set apart and exceptional for God.
Not only do I find the book one that I will highly recommend to my students, but I am also finding things that I need to consider as well. The following excerpt made gave me pause:
Bre, a high-school senior from Indiana, experienced low expectations firsthand. She, along with other young people, had participated in some community service projects and afterward gave a report to her church. Following the service, she overheard a man saying, “Aren’t you glad these kids aren’t out smoking pot or drinking?”
“That comment just broke my heart,” Bre wrote to us, “because there truly is a level of mediocrity that has infiltrated nut just our culture, but our churches as well.” Being consdered a good teen only requires that we don’t do bad stuff like taking drugs, drinking, and partying. But is it enough to be known for the negative things we don’t do, or should we also be known for the positive things that we do?
I wonder if this message isn’t one that we should all hear, not just teens. How many of us are satisfied with being more righteous than his neighbor or co-worker? How many of us cover ourselves with the self-righteous cloak of the sins that we don’t commit? Are we satisfied with being “shadow-Christians,” who like a shadow are defined by the absence of something and yet have no actual substance? Or do we desire something more - to be known for our love and desire for God and a passion for His Word?
How do we glorify God?
I live right down the street from this amazing used books store that is a treasure chest of books for any theologian. Upon checking out, the owner also included a freebee titled How Do We Glorify God?, by John D. Hannah. This little book is a part of a Series about the Basics of the Reformed Faith.
With Romans 11:36 as its central focus. I found that this book was very helpful in narrowing a basic understanding of what any reformed theologian finds to be dear. With a clear cutting tone. The author holds nothing back about the current status of the church and the need for a “radical perspective”
Many churches have fallen prey to cultural assimilation. They have degenerated into self-serving enterprises whose primary celebration is to exalt God as giver and to validate a message of cultural narcissism and personal advantages. Such churches have accommodated themselves to things that are not eternal. Genuine worship is not like that. It realizes the worth of God and our dependence on him. It is not a celebration of a favored socioeconomic status within a decadent capitalistic state.
Offering several key thoughts about why the church has lost it’s God-Centeredness. Hannah offers the stark contrast of what it means to be God-Centered, placing a spot light on the five solas: Scripture alone, Christ alone, Grace alone, Faith alone and Glory to God alone. This again is an affirmation of Romans 11:36 “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” After laying this foundation Hannah offers a few answers to the radical reformed questions such as: What is the chief end of man? What is the chief end of God?
The very nature of God’s being, that is, he alone, is the cause of his creative activities. it might be explained this way: God values himself above all else, and because he does, he is himself the end of creation. When the world is consumed in the final judgment and time no longer exists, the ultimate end of God’s handiwork will be known. It will be evident then that God is the final end of all his activities.
One of the most amazing things he points out is how the chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. (Does John Piper ring a bell?) To live out life in such a way that indicates our love for the father. “True virtue is rooted in an inward perception of the holiness and beauty of God… Only a Christian can have true virtue because only a Christian can delight in God for who he is alone.” This means that all the “good” done in society apart from God is not rooted in him it is grounded in “self-love and the desire to enjoy pleasant circumstances.”
Moreover Hannah forms His thoughts around one question each day. “Will you (God) grant me the privilege of glorifying you today?” His focus isn’t; What are my duties today? His desire and focus is glorifying God through the vehicle of his tasks at hand. Rather than focusing on the tasks themselves. God desires “that he would see himself in me each day.” Hannah points out. To have a radical, God-centered perspective in a self-centered, self-loving culture is to live forth and shine forth Him for who He is and not as a mere giver of pleasing circumstances.
How marvelous a transformation this requires in the lives of believers and how marvelous is the creator who will see to its end. To God alone be all the glory!
The Shack - A Healthy Read?
“The Shack” by William P. Young is a popular book - a top seller on Amazon.com and unfortunately a book that many young evangelicals are racing to often with support within the Evangelical church. We seem to see a lack of Biblical discernment within the church - often from leadership. Just like Rob Bell, Young’s book attracts the young crowd and just because “everyone is reading it” does not make it a Biblically sound book. “The Shack” has some serious theological problems that include promoting a false view of the Trinity and a heretical concept called modalism.
As I scour the reviews of this book I am amazed at the diverse support for it. There are the so called “heresy-hunters” that most on the liberal front consider “armed and dangerous” with solid doctrine and then there are those on the other end who say, “it’s just a book”.
Some have even be so bold as to compare this book with Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” for its symbolic imagery. I must disagree with this comparison as the teachings (whether intentional or not) are clearly wrong. William Young’s intentions are probably very noble in his book but that does not excuse the clear theological error the book illuminates. Today’s youth (especially in the evangelical church) are starving for truth and since the church visible seems to refuse to give them solid truth they will turn to popular books like this.
Of all the Christian book reviewers out there I must say Tim Challies always gives a solid, Biblical approach to his reviews. His review of “The Shack” is long and detailed and clearly covers the problems in this book.
Tim Challie’s in his excellent review of this book writes
Overall, I had to conclude that Young has an inadequate and often-unbiblical understanding of the Trinity. While granting that the Trinity is a very difficult topic to understand and one that we cannot know fully, there are several indications that he often blurs the distinct persons of the Trinity along with their roles and their unique attributes. Combined with his novel but unsupported conjectures, this is a serious concern.
If anything, the popularity of this book inside the church shows a constant lack of discernment and the lack of knowledge of core Biblical theology. It is so sad that we do not read our Bibles enough nor do American churches focus on good doctrine so as to equip their flocks to properly discern heresy when they see or read it.
Challies continues:
Because of the sheer volume of error and because of the importance of the doctrines reinvented by the author, I would encourage Christians, and especially young Christians, to decline this invitation to meet with God in The Shack. It is not worth reading for the story and certainly not worth reading for the theology.
Please take a moment to read Tim Challie’s full review of “The Shack”.
It’s time the church was more discerning in what they hear, read and see. There are those out there that will intentionally try and lead people down the wrong path and there are those that unintentionally do. I personally believe that “The Shack” falls into the latter group. But regardless of the intent, bad doctrine is bad doctrine and when it comes to essential doctrinal teachings there is no middle ground.
John McArthur on Human Depravity
With the amount of ear-tickling content to which believers today are exposed, it is refreshing to listen to the Word being preached well and with no apology. For this reason, I would commend to you a recent mp3 recording provided through Monergism.com of John McArthur speaking at the Together For The Gospel 2008 conference on the doctrine of absolute inability.
To many, the idea of listening to a 50 minute talk on how we are not only unable to do anything to please God but also unwilling to do so would seem a depressing, masochistic endeavor, but nothing could be further from the truth. To have our condition so clearly and biblically laid before you helps drive home once again the awesome love the Father has shown us in Christ and how our justification and sanctification are all of God and none of us. It helps focus our attention on salvation being a God-initiated act and spotlights the rampant error in many of our efforts to evangelize those around us through formulaic methods like repeated prayers. It also spurs us to pray for the lost and praise God for having moved in our lives to give us the faith to believe. McArthur points out that while this is not a popular doctrine, it is a wholly Christian doctrine and one that has been under-fire since the time of Augustine as men have sought to maintain their own inherent goodness.
Take some time and give this a listen - you will be glad you did.
The Emergent Problems of Rob Bell
Adam posted a great article on a book review concerning the typical demographic in America that runs like wildfire to the teaches of the emergent church. One of Rob Bell’s popular books, “Velvet Elvis” is nothing more than a theological mess and frankly should not be labeled Christian. Pastor Ken Silva, over at Apprising Ministries, has an excellent post entitled, “Rob Bell Makes Me Angry: A Pastoral Response to Velvet Elvis.”
Following along the lines of the book Adam reviewed, albeit probably a little more polemic (which in my opinion is needed), Silva gives an excellent response to Bell’s book “Velvet Elvis”. For example,
Rob Bell makes me mad because he downplays the vital role of conversion. In a horrible overreaction against professing Christians wrongly not being compassionate, Bell says “the most powerful things happen when the church surrenders its desire to convert people…” (p. 167). He then proceeds to establish a supporting argument that would surely set well with most anyone who is either ignorant of or ignoring what Jesus says in John 3—unless someone is converted, they will not see the light of day in the kingdom! Bell’s tactic is entirely unacceptable and irresponsible, but dare I say, fits with his mimicking the likes of the quintessential theological liberal Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878-1969).
So, head on over to Apprising Ministry’s web site and read the full post. (And as Dr. Phillips recommends… if you own a copy of Velvet Elvis it’s a great idea to toss it in your trash can!)
Still Emerging?
At the conclusion of Chapel last week our President mentioned a book written by two guys who are not emergent and should be. Honestly, the emergent conversation has been the last thing on my mind, so I figured I’d get back in the game.
While I waited for a flight to the east coast I thought I would be able to catch a few chapters of this book, Why we’re not Emergent: By Two Guys Who Should be. The book’s cover is just as I would expect any smart marketing team would put together for an emergent title. Grungy graphics with an appeal for any “hip” 20 something, apple computing ministry leader. (yes, I’m a 20 something with a mac) As I cracked open the book, I found a very intriguing and honest introduction. Two guys who have every reason to be in the throws of the emergent movement (the look and age). Yet they are both reformed in their theology. One being a journalist and the other being a seminary grad and pastor.
I appreciate the two writers and their differences, both their insight and writing style. Kevin Deyoung, a pastor at University Reformed Church at East Lansing, Michigan offers a more theological and scholarly engagement while Ted Kluck, author and journalist offers an honest, conversational and cavalier observation. The two together make for a read that really kept my attention and turning the page. With insight into several of the current leaders many would point to as contributors of the emergent “conversation”, the book offers a critical look at key works by the key players and attempts to “nail the Jell-O to the wall”.
If you’re looking for an emergent bashing or shooting range. This might not be your book. Though many of the teachings of the movement are false as the authors point out. The book deals with the topic honestly and with a certain kind of care that seeks to critique “Christians as Christians”. Check it out if you’re into the emergent movement. I’m sure you’ll appreciate their contribution to the conversation.
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