Christian Book Notes

Calvin, John. Edited by Paul Helm. The Secret Providence of God. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2010. 128 pp. $15.99. Purchase at Westminster for $11.99.

Introduction

We all know who John Calvin (1509-1564) is. The great Reformer and, now mostly maligned, namesake to a particular set of doctrinal beliefs called Calvinism. Paul Helm is teaching fellow at Regent College and a professor at Highland Theological College in Scotland. He has written numerous books on theology in general and Calvin in particular.

The Secret Providence of God looks at an argument (actually an exchange of writings) between Calvin and Sebastian Castellio (1515-1563). Though he never claims authorship of the ‘attacks’, it is clear by the context of what Calvin writes, that it is Castellio.

Summary

The book begins with an editor’s introduction that is necessary for setting the context of the exchange between the two theologians. The editor believes that by reading these exchanges, we have a decent understanding of how John Calvin would have responded to one Jacobus Arminius.

After reading the introduction, we begin down the trail of the discussion with Castellio drawing first blood. He does so by listing fourteen articles that he feels Calvin must address. Castellio writes anonymously, thus the comment above regarding Calvin’s assumption of who was the antagonist. Upon Castellio’s charges being presented, Calvin then deftly answers point by point what he understands the Bible to say. He does so in a most convincing manner.

Review

Much like the debates taking place in Christendom today, (see Piper and Wright on the doctrine of justification) we are able to peer back in time to see how the debates of yesteryear at a most pivotal time in the history of the church played out. Helm shows Calvin to be a man of deep conviction as regards the doctrine of God’s providence in and through history.

While I would have loved to see a point-counterpoint presentation, I highly doubt one would have existed given the magnitude of the argument in which Calvin presented. In essence, I could see Job (Castellio) wanting to ask God all these questions and God simply saying Where were you…? Who are you…?

Recommendation

The Secret Providence of God is not easy reading. I would not pick this up if you have a question regarding the providence of God. Calvin’s arguments will fly over the head of most in the church today because, truth be told, most of us in the church today are not nearly as concerned with these issues as we would like to think. We would rather keep everything simple and argue from ignorance of facts more often than not. Once you become familiar with the historical truths of the debate that has raged for ages, then you should read this book.

If; however, you have been wrestling with the doctrine of God’s providence for some time, this book may be the perfect balm to heal a hurting mind. Calvin’s arguments are precise and biblical…something not often seen in today’s theological discussions or debates.

Crossway is this week’s sponsor as we are giving away 2 copies of John MacArthur’s ESV Study Bible !  You can read my post about this Bible here.

Here is how to enter for your chance to win a copy. There are two ways to win:

First, Tweet the following on Twitter: Find out how to win the John MacArthur Study Bible from @CrosswayBooks and @ChristBookNotes http://wp.me/pviKd-187

Second, offer a recommendation regarding which five books should a Christian have to start a library.

Please let others know about this opportunity.  Good Providence!

Note:  This is not a review per se.  Rather, it is more of a “y’all need to check this out” alert!

• Complete ESV Bible text
• Nearly 25,000 explanatory notes from Dr. John MacArthur
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Sample pictures from the John MacArthur ESV Study Bible.

You can download the entire book of Romans to see what the inside of this Bible really looks like.

My Take

If you already own a John MacArthur Study Bible in the NKJV or the NASB, then you have everything that the ESV has to offer.  There are some minor differences (inclusion of maps in one translation or not in another, study notes are slightly modified to represent the choice of words in each translation, etc.) but overall, if you have one, you have them all.  I have given away my NKJV and still use my NASB.  If it weren’t for the fact that I had the NASB MacArthur Study Bible, I would be all over this. Nonetheless, if you do have another MacArthur Study Bible, then you really do not need to go out and purchase the ESV translation.

If, however, you are looking for an excellent study Bible that is not the ESV Study Bible, then I think you have found the perfect study Bible.  With the crisp font setting and the striking blue colors throughout, the John MacArthur ESV Study Bible is very appealing to the eye.  You know the quality of the notes already and the quality translation that comprises the text of the ESV Bible makes this bible climb right to the top of your wish list.

I was asked earlier this week what five books I would recommend to a Christian who wants to get serious about starting a library for his or her own edification. I started to answer only to realize that I had no idea what five books I would recommend for starting a library. So, I am asking you to help me as I continue to mull this over. Which 5 books (the Bible being assumed and therefore I need 5 more!) would you recommend to begin someone’s library.

What I am wanting:

I am thinking of books for a “seasoned” believer first and foremost though I am thinking I can come up with a separate list for the new believer as well.

I am thinking of books that transcend secondary doctrinal differences though many of these doctrines are of the utmost importance. Therefore, I am thinking of books that apply to any Christian in any denomination.

So, here is what I am asking: Please give me 1-5 books that you believe every Christian must own or you believe to be necessary to start a library. Also, a 1 or 2 sentence offering your reason as to why this book should make the list would be very helpful.

If you offer a book with a valid reason as to why it should be included, I will enter your name into this Winsday’s drawing. (Trust me, it will be worth it!) If you have already answered this on Facebook, I will include your name in the drawing.  Also, feel free to discuss this amongst yourselves below in the comment field.  I will ultimately run a series of posts of the five books that I would recommend and, Lord willing, I will be able to do a giveaway featuring those five books!

Nehring, Scott. You Are What You See: Watching Movies Through a Christian Lens. RightLine Publishing, 2010. 287 pp. $27.95. Purchase at Amazon for $20.12.

Introduction

First, I must confess that I am not a movie watcher. Unless my children (all younger than 6) are watching a movie, I am very unlikely to sit down and watch a movie. I would honestly, and perhaps obviously, rather read a good book. With that being said, I was intrigued by the statement on the back of the book that “Movies impact your life every day, even if you never watch one.” I mean, I know this, but had never really thought of it in the context of worldview development as much as Scott Nehring does.

For those of you who have never heard of Scott Nehring (like me), allow me to introduce him to you. He is a movie reviewer at Good News Film Reviews. His reviews have been syndicated in USA Today, Reuters, FoxNews, and The Chicago Sun-Times. Scott’s passion is to bring the Christian back to the Arts; specifically, the art of movies. He argues that by leaving and ignoring the Arts, Christians have become ill-prepared to be critical in a edifying manner thus portraying biblical Christianity in a negative light to the world. (Honestly, the world is going to hate us anyway–see John 15:18-25–we really do not need to add to their hatred by our own ignorance!)

Summary

Scott has divided You Are What You See into three fairly extensive sections. The first section looks at our culture’s standards of indecency. Here he tracks the corrosion of moral values specifically in movies and what it has done to us as people. He argues that movies are intentional in charting the direction in which the culture moves. Further, he looks at how God has been mocked and Christ crucified has been maligned in order to make a dime. This section concludes with a look at how we allow celebrities from Hollywood to become the gods our children worship and how we have allowed the ratings system to determine what is acceptable rather than using our own judgment based upon Scripture.

The second part looks at the details of a film. In this valuable section, Scott offers the basic plots to practically every genre of movie that has been written. By the end of this section, the reader will be prepared to be an active movie watcher using tools of biblical discernment in order to better understand the war that is being waged in your heart and mind through the television or movie screen.

The final part offers the tools to be a discerning watcher of movies. Perhaps the most helpful chapter in this section is chapter twenty-six where Scott offers tips on how to discern the purpose, truth, and content behind what is going on on the screen. He challenges the movie watcher to temper what he or she watches but whenever you do watch something to do so in a manner that honors Christ.

Review

I was impressed by the extensiveness in which Scott discussed movies and having a Christian worldview. There is a lot to read and even more to digest–especially if you are not an avid movie watcher. I appreciated the forthright language he used throughout the book. For example, he has a chapter entitled, Freedom from choice means the freedom to be an idiot. That is such a true statement, but in the PC world we live in, too many are afraid to state the facts. Scott does not shy away from the truth and for that, I commend him.

Reading You Are What You See was a stretch for me as I have never given that much thought to what I watch except on television. This is not because I lack the ability to discern; rather, it is due to the fact that I am not a movie watcher and therefore I just don’t think about it.

Recommendation

I do find it somewhat humorous that I am reviewing a book by a movie reviewer exhorting the reader to be more discerning about what they watch! With that being said, if you do watch movies, do yourself a favor and read You Are What You See. It will cause you to re-think what you place before your eyes on television or in the theaters.

If you are a youth pastor or even a college & careers pastor, you should really read this book. It will provide some excellent talking points with the youth and those you minister to as regards what they watch. Given Scott’s discernment and Christian worldview, Good News Film Reviews has become a resource I will return to again and again when deciding what to watch and what not to watch. I recommend you use this resource as well.

Lloyd-Jones, Martyn.  The Kingdom of God.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2010.  224 pp.  $14.99.  Purchase at Westminster for $10.04.

Introduction

I have reviewed many books by Martyn Lloyd-Jones and have been blessed to interview his grandson, Jonathan, as well.

This particular book, The Kingdom of God, was from a set of sermons preached by the Doctor in 1963.

Summary

Compiled from twelve different sermons, the Doctor allows the Bible to speak on the topic of what the kingdom of God really is.  He expertly divides the Word of Truth to show us how Jesus proclaimed the coming and arrival of the kingdom as well as our first priority as believers is to seek the kingdom.

In most of his messages, he adds one detail to our understanding of God’s kingdom and drives that point home.  After reading the book, you will know that you cannot attain the kingdom though an outward show of faith but that it takes an inward regeneration by the Spirit.  You will know that the kingdom has come in power and will prevail through that power.  You will find that you must be born again to enter the kingdom.  You will also find that while the kingdom is so close, it remains far away and cannot be moved.

Review

It is hard to critique one of your personal heroes in the faith, and I confess, that I could really find nothing to critique Lloyd-Jones on in this book.  I did like that his grandson made mention of the Profumo scandal and how these sermons showed Dr. Lloyd-Jones’ graciousness in dealing with it at a time when everyone in his country wanted to see the man judged and hanged for his crime.

While there may be some doctrinal differences between you and Lloyd-Jones, you will find that his exegetical prowess will help to educate you in your understanding of what the Kingdom of God really is and what it looks like as found in the Bible.

Recommendation

As will all Martyn Lloyd-Jones books, I do recommend The Kingdom of God to everyone.  In reading this book, you may find that much of what you thought you knew about the kingdom is not biblical.  That will not be the case will all, though it is always great to sit at the feet of one of the greatest preachers of all time and learn about what the Bible says on a particular topic.

Dever, Mark. What Does God Want from us Anyway? A Quick Overview of the Whole Bible. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2010. 128 pp. $12.99. Purchase at Westminster Books for $8.44.

Introduction

We have seen a plethora of books published by the men at IX Marks Ministries in the last year. I have reviewed many of them here at Christian Book Notes and have found each one to be extremely helpful to the local church. What Does God Want from us Anyway? is no different. Though it is not explicitly one of the 9 marks of a healthy church, that characterizes the ministry, it is an essential understanding of what they are all about because, quite simply, IX Marks is all about striving toward a biblical understanding of how the local church should operate.

Summary

The introduction sums up the book best: this is a big picture of the Bible’s message. Dever has divided this short little book into three parts. The first part looks at the message of the entire Bible. Here, we see the promises of God both made and kept.

Parts two and three break down the message of the whole Bible into the theme of promises made and kept in the Old and New Testaments. Obviously, I hope, part two is dealing with the promises made throughout the Old Testament. Dever shows God’s passion for His holiness and the promise of hope that He will make a way for His people to be holy because He is holy.

The third part, then, is the message of the New Testament in that God kept His promises set forth in the Old. This section shows that Christ is the promise kept and the only person able to bridge the eternal gap between an unholy people and a holy God.

Review

Dever nails it! I love the recent trend to return to a biblical theology and the language of the promises made and kept show God to be the faithful God He claims to be in His word. Much like Crossway’s The Big Picture Bible, Dever shows how the entire Bible points to one Person and one claim–God is holy, we are not and in order to be with Him for eternity we are to put our faith in Christ.

Also, throughout the book, Dever uses the language of particularity. This is not unnoticed and is really one of the more important “words” used in the book. In using “particular,” Dever shows explicitly that God is a particular God and that He has ordained the means by which man can approach Him. Not the other way around as many think is the case.

Recommendation

For those who struggle to see the Bible as a unified collection of 66 books, this is the book for you! Mark Dever simplifies what can easily be a difficult topic for some as he strives to show the Person with whom we should all seek to serve and why we should seek to serve him. It is an age old story that has been lost in many churches today. Thankfully, Dever is showing us the lens by which we should read the scriptures. This book makes an excellent resource for the new believer who asks “What is the Bible about?”

This week’s Winsday giveaway is sponsored by the Banner of Truth Trust. I have reviewed most of the Pocket Puritans series here at Christian Book Notes and have been blessed by every single one I have read. I eagerly anticipate each new edition to the series as they are always a sweet balm to the hurting soul.

To win these four books, simply fill out the contact form below. Good providence!

Calvin, John.  A Guide to Christian Living.  Edinburgh:  The Banner of Truth Trust, 2009.  152 pp.  $16.00.  Purchase at Westminster for $11.20.

Introduction

Extracted from Calvin’s larger, Institutes, Banner of Truth has offered a gift edition of the last chapter entitled, ” On the Christian Life.”  While written in the 1500′s, Calvin’s thoughts very much apply to us today.

Summary

Calvin lays the foundation for Christian living according to Scripture in the first chapter.  From there it gets rough…if you are not a believer!  The second chapter looks at the importance of denying the self if one really wants to live the Christian life.

Chapter three instructs the reader to live under the cross.  This chapter alone is worth the price of the book.  Finally, we see in the last two chapters the glory that awaits us in the life to come juxtaposed with the blessings that are to be found in this present life.

Review

As I stated above, this book is very much a profitable book to read today.  There is nothing controversial about this book insofar as Calvin is known for controversial doctrines.  Rather, this book is simply an exhortation to the Christian to live a life worthy of your salvation and calling.

Recommendation

This “gift book” makes a perfect…ahem…gift for the new believer.  It also makes an excellent gift to the “seasoned” Christian.  The chapter on the glory of the life to come will be a pleasant and sweet balm to the soul of any believer.  Purchase copies to give to your family and friends.  If you are on staff at a church, I would highly recommend giving a copy away to those who call upon the name of the Lord for salvation.

Author Martin Murphy, over at his blog, Rational Christian Thoughts, wrote a post this past Saturday about a 19th century preacher speaking of the decline in the church and culture in his day. Read the few choice quotes Martin has shared and leave a comment with your thoughts. Here is the first paragraph of Martin’s post:

Dr. James Henley Thornwell served the Lord from 1835 to 1862. His life and ministry manifested a desire to know God and a passion to serve Him through the ministry of the church. I read the Life and Letters of James Henley Thornwell years ago and recently reviewed it to refresh my memory. Reading his letters makes me wonder; was yesterday, today? Thornwell’s discernment and insight should have awakened the church leaders during his life time. I’ll share a few quotes from Thornwell’s letters that were written over 150 years ago.

Read the quotes and the rest of the article here.