Christian Book Notes

Profiles in Reformed Spirituality - Venture all for God: Piety in the Writings of John Bunyan.  Edited by Roger D. Duke and Phil A. Newton.  Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2011.  196 pp.  $10.00.  Purchase at Westminster Books for less.

Introduction

I have interviewed and reviewed books by Dr. Roger Duke in the past as well as having had the pleasure of meeting him in person at a recent conference.  You can read the reviews, the interview and even a couple papers he presented here.  Phil Newton is heavily involved in the Founder’s Conference as well as the serving as the Pastor of South Woods Baptist Church.  He has written a number of helpful books of which a couple can be found here.

The Profiles in Reformed Spirituality series is personally one of my favorite series of books and Bunyan is one of those authors that has resonated with me through the years.

Summary

Divided into a life introduction followed by seven sections of sermon snippets, one could spend weeks digesting the thoughts of Bunyan from subjects such as Christ our Advocate and Him as the merciful Savior.  The third section offers much hope for the sinners while sections four through seven contain more practical (not that the gospel is not practical!!!) to living the Christian life.  In section four, the reader is exposed to what true humility looks like while section five is about Christian ethics.  The seventh section offers warnings.

I saved sections six for last because I believe it to best sum up the entire book and thus the life of John Bunyan.  Section six is aptly entitled the Gospel Applied.  Here we have the shortest of all sections in terms of only two selections, but much to chew on and guide one’s reading of the works of the great Dreamer.

Review

I enjoyed reading snippets from some of Bunyan’s lesser known works though I found the number of selections from The Jerusalem Sinner Saved to be just as appropriate.  The biographical sketch at the beginning of the book is an extremely helpful, albeit short, introduction to the life of John Bunyan.  Many know the highlights due in large part to his Pilgrim’s Progress.  Sadly, many do not know much, if anything at all, about the rest of his life, writings, and ministry.  Venture all for God will go a long way to rectify that problem.

Another helpful section in this small work is found at the end.  The two editors offer a guide to various books in print that can be purchased in order to read more of John Bunyan.

Recommendation

If you have ever read or even heard of Pilgrim’s Progress then I highly recommend that you pick up this introduction to John Bunyan and his life.  For less than $10 you can add a book to your library that you are sure to read time and again.  What is more, you will find that this book will somehow multiply the books on your shelf as you will want to begin reading more and more of John Bunyan.  You will not be sorry once you read this book.  In fact, I dare you say, the Lord would use this work to help your walk with Christ.

Carr, Simonetta.  Chosen Daughters, 16th-Century Europe. Weight of a Flame: The Passion of Olympia Morata.  Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2011.  224 pp.  $11.99.  Purchase at Westminster for $8.51.

Introduction

Simonetta Carr is most known to readers here at Christian Book Notes for her Christian Biographies for Young Readers series published through Reformation Heritage Books.  You can read reviews of that series, as well as check out our interview, here.  While the other series is an introduction to the men and women in the history of the church from various time periods, this particular book, part of the Chosen Daughters series, shows her ability to write in the historical fiction genre.

Summary

From the back of the book:

Olympia Morata (1526-1555) is a girl far ahead of her time. A quick tongue and a ready pen are her mind’s tools to record her vivid thoughts, poetry, songs, and opinions. Appointed tutor to Duchess Rene’s children, her future is bright when suddenly, evil rumors turn her world upside-down. In the midst of it all a young doctor comes courting. Will their love survive the danger waiting on the other side of the Alps?

For those like myself who did not know who Olympia Morata was, here is some more information.

Review

While the book did start a bit slow, there were a lot of people to become acquainted with, it quickly picked up speed.  To read about all that happened to this young woman during such a short life span was sobering.  Furthermore, being able to know and trust the author, Simonetta, helped lend credence to the story that she was telling.

The story was certainly gripping and the historical research was evident.  This was an enjoyable read and one that continually led me to question the strength of my own faith.  Any work, be it historical fiction or theological, that gets the reader to think on the most important matters of life is definitely worth your time.

Recommendation

This series of books, and therefore, this particular title, is meant for a teen girl audience.  That being said, I see no reason why anyone could read this and not profit from the story.  Younger boys will realize that the heroes of the church are not always men and parents, like myself, will be challenged to consider what they are accomplishing in the raising of their children.  I recommend this work to all Christians, especially those who are teenagers.

Benge, Janet & Geoff.  Christian Heroes: Then & Now – Mary Slessor: Forward into Calabar.  Seattle: YWAM Publishing, 1999.  208 pp.  $8.99.  Purchase at Amazon for much less.

Introduction

I have reviewed a number of the Christian Heroes series by YWAM Publishing.  You can read those here.

Mary Slessor is known for her trust in the Lord as she worked for thirty-nine years amongst the tribes of Africa’s Calabar region.  In this introduction to this great missionary of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, your child will be introduced to what obedience to the calling of Christ can mean.

Summary

Divided into seventeen chapters, the young reader will be introduced to the Scottish woman with blue eyes and red hair submitted to the missionary call to serve in Africa.  The fiery personality of Mary is seen (and rightly so) as a major help in her work for the Lord though it did sometimes get her in trouble.  Her work with the children and the constant fear of lions and tigers become as much a part of the story as her work for the gospel.  Her fight for human life–which was in direct opposition to the customs of the peoples she served–rounds out the story of Mary Slessor.  Ultimately, the reader will see that her life was spent for the cause of the gospel.

Review

I greatly appreciated the candor with which Mary Slessor was presented.  She struck me as a “fire-brand” who was so committed to the Lord that she through caution into the wind so to speak.  It is that fire that seems to have been lost in many churches today and it is that fire that ought to be rekindled.  While Mary Slessor – Forward into Calabar is a children’s biography, many adults would do well to become acquainted with her life.

As with all YWAM books in the Christian Heroes series, this one also comes with a poetic work for younger children as well as a unit study designed to teach all about the region where Mary Slessor served.  The artistry of the younger children’s work will engage the imagination of your child and even help you as an adult to better describe the surroundings.  The unit study can be used for many different purposes and will also prove invaluable (if you use it) in the education of your child for the glory of the Lord.

Recommendation

If you use Tapestry of Grace (we do) you will be using this particular book.  You will not be disappointed and may, as I did, learn something new about a great saint form the past.  For those who wonder how women have served the Lord in the church through the centuries, Mary Slessor will be of great interest.  I recommend this resource to all if only as an introduction to missions work. 

Noll, Mark A. and Carolyn Nystrom.  Clouds of Witnesses: Christian Voices from Africa and Asia.  Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2011.  288 pp.  $25.00.  Purchase at Westminster Books for 35% off.

Introduction

Chances are if you are reading this, you live in what is considered the Western world.  Your view of Christianity is distinctly Western and you are more likely to think that your understanding of Christianity is most important to the whole of Christianity.  Thanks to Mark A. Noll, Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame and Carolyn Nystrom, a freelance writer from the Chicago-area, we are now confronted with a global understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit within the bride of Christ.

Summary

Divided into six regions of the world, the reader is introduced to seventeen saints of the Christian faith from the past 150 years or so who have fought the fight of faith and paid the price in this world but gained a rich crown in the life to come.  You will visit Southern Africa, West Africa, East Africa, India, Korea, and China.

Along the way, you will be confronted with the truth that the freedom of religious worship is not as pervasive as we think here in the Western world.

Review

You cannot read this work and not be moved to tears.  To see what these men and women withstood for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ will lead you to ask how strong is your faith.  Noll and Nystrom have done their homework in retelling these various histories.  For that, we are indebted to them. The list of sources at the end of each chapter keep the authors accountable and provide a launching point for which to do further study and investigation into the lives of these men and women.

Sadly, the stories may be too controversial for some but they will most assuredly quicken the heart, soul and mind for a deeper faith. While reading this historical overview, you will begin to gain a greater appreciation for the cost of following Christ.  In the end, the gauntlet is laid down and the challenge is given — Are you living your life for Christ or are you infatuated with the cares of the world?

Recommendation

Thanks to ministries like the Voice of the Martyrs much has been done to bring about awareness of persecution in the church.  Sadly, our Western mind wants to fight (rightly) for the rights of those being persecuted.  Clouds of Witnesses offers a different perspective and shows the joy one has in dying, peacefully, as a martyr for the gospel.  To all who believe on the name of Christ, read this book and be blessed.  Read this book and be challenged.

White, Michael, L.  A Time for Everything: The Kevin Zimmerman Story.  Mobile: Parson Place Press.  112 pp.  $12.95.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Michael L. White has been a pastor for over 25 years and has served in the U.S. Army and the Alabama National Guard for 27 years as a chaplain assistant and a chaplain.  he has written another work entitled Digital Evangelism: You Can Do It.  A Time for Everything is a biographical work regarding the life of Kevin Zimmerman.

Summary

Divided into seven chapters, A Time for Everything is a fast-paced, action-packed biography in the life of an everyday American.  Based off Ecclesiastes 3, the reader is introduced to the Kevin Zimmerman during various times in his life that all come together to tell the story of how the Lord has worked in his life.  What drives the story is two different, though similar, miracles in Zimmerman’s life.  Along the way, you will be privy to the decisions a young Kevin Zimmerman made that led to the miraculous events in his life.

Review

The book can be read in one sitting or in an evening.  The story, however, will remain with you for a long time.  Kevin’s story could very well be your own story.  It is a story of poor decisions as a young man and God’s ability to take our mistakes and turn them into a blessing that glorifies His name and works for our good (see Romans 8:28). I was impressed with White’s ability to tell Kevin’s story as he moved from one miracle, back in time to the reasons that miracle was able to take place and then to the next miracle.  All of which points the reader to something more miraculous and magnificent — salvation in Christ.

There is one word of caution, however.  Kevin attributes much of his spiritual growth to T.D. Jakes.  A word needs to be said regarding some of Jakes’ doctrine.  His denial of the Triune God (the Trinity) is what should give us most pause.  He falls more into a Oneness Pentecostal framework than a simple Pentecostal denomination because of this.  There still remains, however, much good about what Jakes does.  I merely mention this as  means to exhort all readers to be Bereans and never take anyone’s word (especially mine!) at face value.  Always search the Scriptures.

Regardless, the message is sound and the story credible.  A Time for Everything will get you to think about what the Lord is doing in your own life and to give Him all the glory.

Recommendation

Because there is nothing said of doctrines outside of the pure gospel message that Christ died for our sins and we must repent and trust in Him to be saved, I can recommend this book to everyone.  I found the message to be genuine and the heart behind the writing of the work to be one of concern about the spiritual well-being of others.  Read this book and be blessed.  What is perhaps the selling point is that Kevin Zimmerman is not a household name.  Chances are, neither are you and that makes this biography worth reading.  It also needs to be mentioned that a portion of all proceeds from the sale of this book go to help various charitable organizations working with our military veterans.  As a veteran myself, this is a very noble cause and one I can fully support.

Life of John Newton.  Edited by the committee of publication for the American Sunday School Union.  Green Forest: New Leaf Publishing Group, 2011. 144 pp. $14.99. Purchase from Amazon for less.

Introduction

This biography was originally published in 1831 by the American Sunday School Union, now American Missionary Fellowship.  That is only 24 years after his death.  New Leaf Press has put together a wonderful video introducing this book.  Actually, New Leaf Press has produced a number of videos that are worth checking out.

Summary

This biography of John Newton can easily be split in two halves.  The first half of the book is the life of John Newton before Christ.  In this half of the book, the reader will learn just how reprobate young John Newton was.  He literally sought ways to blaspheme God and to get into trouble.  He did not care about anyone else unless they could do something to make his own situation better.  He nearly died numerous times though that did not do much to sober his thinking about the path he was choosing for himself in life.

The second half of his life, however, is a stark contrast to the first.  Upon being saved, Newton’s world was radically changed though he did not end his dealings with slavery.  That, too, would change as he later struggled to rectify his theology with his practice.  In the end, we see a John Newton deaf, blind and unable to really move striving to share the gospel with anyone who would give him the opportunity.

Review

Instead of reviewing the content of this book (seriously, how can you “review” the life of John Newton?), I would like to share something from the “Advertisement” from the original publishing of the book in 1831. They write,

The object of this compilation is, to give the principal events of the life of Newton, in a more regular series than they have yet been presented to the public; and to put it in such a form as will render it easy to be obtained, and acceptable to youthful readers.  If this be attained, its object will be accomplished. (emphasis mine)

I share this in order to humble you as was I when reading this work.  All of the “Life of” Attic Book reprints from the ASSU are of this sort.  All of the “Life of” Attic Book reprints from the ASSU are difficult to read.  This is not because of anything with ASSU or Attic Books.  Rather, this is because we are nowhere near as educated as those who graduated grade school in the early 1800′s!

I honestly have not been able to put my finger on it other than the writing style then is so different than now.  Still, it is not like they are writing using Elizabethan English though I have found reading that to be a bit easier than these “Life of” books.

Recommendation

What I appreciated most about Life of John Newton was that it was compiled from primary source material and was done so only 24 years after Newton’s death.  In other words, there were still eyewitnesses to John Newton that would be able to refute anything that was written.  While I did struggle with the style of writing (I honestly think anyone would), I found it to be more than worth my while to persevere through to the end.  Reading Life of John Newton will offer much insight into the depth of John Newton’s most famous song, Amazing Grace.  If you are a Christian, you ought to read this biography.  You will not regret it.

Rozema, John.  The Stories I Never Told You: A Memoir.  Enumclaw: WinePress Publishing, 2010.  302 pp.  $19.99.  Purchase at Amazon (and on Kindle) for less.

Introduction/Summary

John Rozema grew up in the Netherlands where he developed a love for the United States.  John moved to the USA in 1962.  He served in the military during the Vietnam War and now lives in Virginia with his wife.

The Stories I Never Told You is an autobiography (actually, a memoir) of John Rozema.  You see him in his youth as he deals with an abusive father and how his love for the United States was fostered through issues of Life magazine.  He winds up a soldier serving in the Vietnam War and his unbelievable (seriously, can anyone actually believe God would save them!) salvation experience.

Review

As you read this memoir, you will find yourself saying”yes” and “I’ve been there” and “Praise the Lord!”  There will be so many pages in which you will relate to the life of John that you will sometimes wonder if he is not writing your life story.  John does a marvelous job of stripping away the veneer that we all too often use to cover our personal problems.  By the time you finish reading this book, you will feel as though you have known John all of his life.

In a very real way, his story tells itself and will be an encouragement to all who reads it.  At the very least (as with my own book), John has a wonderful record of what God has done in his life and how He has worked everything in John’s life to lead him to the cross as a broken sinner in need of a savior.  From 1977 until the present day John shares how his life has not been perfect, but God has been faithful.

Recommendation

If you every wonder if you are in this alone, then pick up a copy of Stories I Never Told You and quickly learn that you are not alone!  This book is recommended to anyone who wants to read about the “little-known” Christian whom God has used in a mighty way even if it does not make national headlines.  You will not regret reading this book.

Tomlinson, Mack.  The Life of Leonard Ravenhill: In Light of Eternity.  Conway: Free Grace Press, 2011.  602 pp.  $36.95.  Purchase for Amazon Kindle for $22.00 or in print form from Amazon.

Introduction

Mack Tomlinson is pastor at Providence Chapel in Denton, Texas.  Quite a few of Leonard Ravenhill’s sermons can be heard at SermonAudio.com.

Summary

Tomlinson actually writes both a biography and an overview of Ravenhill’s theology in one book.  At over 600 pages, the reader quickly realizes that this biography is  full of information aimed at introducing one of the greatest 20th century preachers to a new generation.

As a biography, all of the pertinent information is present, birth, conversion, early influences in ministry, impact on the lives of others, etc.  As an introduction to the man and his theology, there is much to be gleaned even though his theology is “hard to pin down at times and difficult to summarize” (349).  The five appendices offer a look at some excerpts from a few of Ravenhill’s sermons as well as more than a few choice quotes under the heading “Ravenhill Fiery Arrows.”  Also included in the appendices are some of Ravenhill’s poetry and the books he recommended as well as his own resources available.

Review

A biography is a difficult review.  You find yourself wanting to critique the subject of the biography which is oftentimes an easy task.  I refuse to do such a thing.  To critique a man of God who disagrees with your own personal secondary and tertiary theological convictions does more harm than good.  Instead of critiquing the man, it is always best to see how the Lord used him (or her) during his lifetime and, in many cases, after.  Tomlinson does a superb job of showing what made Ravenhill tick and how the Lord used him to advance his kingdom through his preaching and teaching.

What is more, the personal accounts of Ravenhill’s preaching help to remove some of the legendary rumors and bring everything into a focus of reality.  Ravenhill’s prayer life is one we would all do well to emulate, and in my estimation is only rivaled by that of George Muller.  Finally, Tomlinson’s writing style coupled with the magnitude of Ravenhill’s life, makes this biography a quick, enjoyable, and humbling read.

Recommendation

There are numerous biographies that ought to be read.  In Light of Eternity, The Life of Leonard Ravenhill is now among them.  For those who have been influenced by Paul Washer in the last ten years or so will want to read about the man that Washer greatly admired.  You will be moved to prayer and worship as you read of how the Lord used Ravenhill.

Carr, Simonetta. Athanasius. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2011. 66 pp. $18.00. Purchase at Westminster for $13.50.

Introduction

Simonetta Carr is no stranger to the readers of Christian Book Notes. She is the author of the Christian Biographies for Young Readers Series that is doing amazing things to bring the glorious history of the church to life for a new and much younger generation. You can read past reviews on the other three books in the series –John Calvin, Augustine, and John Owen.   She has also been interviewed here. You can become a fan of Christian Biographies for Young Readers on Facebook, too.  This particular volume in the series looks at the life of Athanasius.

Summary

Divided into five chapters, the young (an old) reader is introduced to a young Athanasius who is called to lead the Christian church during a difficult season.  You will quickly discover that God called Athanasius during a special time in which he became one of the greater defenders of orthodox faith.  Twice Athanasius was forced into exile and hid in the deserts for much of his life.  In the end, the young reader will learn that the early church fought many battles to maintain a proper understanding of who Christ is.  In this case, the doctrine of the Trinity was defended.

Included in the back of the book is a timeline offering the highlights of the life of Athanasius as well as a “Did you know?” section that gives some finer points and information that was alluded to in the body of the book.  The author concludes with the Nicene Creed.

Review

As usual, the story is well told and is engaging for the children.  The colorful pictures and paintings help the kids to visualize the realness of what took place in the life of Athanasius.  Matt Abraxas is the artist behind paintings.

Most impressive is Simonetta’s way in which she tackles the sometimes difficult life of Athanasius.  He was a fierce defender of orthodoxy, but was also what I would call a firebrand.  Regardless, the author does a wonderful job of showing why he was so beloved then and now.

Recommendation

While each book in the Christian Biographies for Young Readers can stand alone, Simonetta Carr is painting a beautiful mural of the history of the Christian church.  I echo Michael Haykin’s sentiments when he wrote, “I am fast becoming a real fan of Simonetta’s writing.”  The only change I would make is that I am already a huge fan.

I highly recommend Athanasius as well as the other books in this series to parents who are wanting to introduce true heroes to their children.

Murray, Ian H.  Lloyd-Jones, Messenger of Grace.  Edinburgh:  The Banner of Truth Trust, 2008.  267 pp.  $28.00

Note: I have republished this review as it 1)draws attention to one of my personal heroes and 2)gives me a chance to get caught up on a few things. This review was originally published in July 2008.

Iain Murray is perhaps best known for his biographies on men like Jonathan Edwards, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and John Murray.  However, he has written quite extensively in other areas of church history including Revival and Revivalism and The Puritan Hope.  In all, Ian Murray has written 20+ books for Banner of Truth Trust which he co-founded in 1957.

Of special interest to this particular volume is the fact that Ian H. Murray served with Martyn Lloyd-Jones for a season.  Because of this, Murray knows the rather private Lloyd-Jones unlike most people save Mrs. Lloyd-Jones and maybe a few others.  In this book, Messenger of Grace, we learn more of the “insider” knowledge Ian Murray possesses of the modern-day Puritan.

Summary of Messenger of Grace

This book is not like a biography in that it does not follow a chronological order of Martyn Lloyd-Jones’ (ML-J from here on) life.  Rather, the author takes a more thematic approach to the ministry of ML-J.  The book itself is separated into two parts.  The first part deals more with an apologetic and description of various facets of his ministry.  Part two has a pretty neat twist on it that lends to a quick synopsis of a few major “events” in ML-J’s ministry.

Part one consists of the legacy of ML-J and how some unfair tags were placed on the man because of the choice of what was published and what was not.  For example, many claim that ML-J was not evangelistic because of his Romans and Ephesians series that have been published.  Murray argues, and shows, that ML-J was probably more evangelistic in his speaking than expositional even though every sermon was expositional.  Murray says as much on page 231, “Through fifty years, he preached more evangelistic sermons than those of any other kind.”  ML-J rarely preached through a book, except in the case of Ephesians, but would rather preach through passages as directed by the Holy Spirit.

We are treated to a chapter on how ML-J prepared his sermons and how he went about constructing his message.  The amazing component of this process was that while it was a routine for him, he never allowed himself to become reliant upon this.  Chapter five, in my opinion, is worth the price of the book for those 10 pages.  There is also a valuable chapter where Murray compares Spurgeon and ML-J.  Interestingly, ML-J was not a great reader of Spurgeon even though he was a great admirer of the Prince of Preacher.

A couple other chapters in part one deal with key controversies that ML-J found himself involved with during his life.  Ecumenism was one of those controversies and Murray attempts, I believe he does an adequate job, of defending ML-J’s actions which included a split with J.I. Packer that saw their involvement together in the Puritan Conference come to an end.

Part two begins with the actual letter ML-J sent to Packer that resulted in the end of the Puritan Conference.  This letter is valuable in and of itself because much has been written against ML-J due to this letter.  This is the first time the letter has been made public.

Chapter ten is nothing but 19 pages of quotes in different doctrinal areas.  It will definitely be a resource for many young ministers who like to look for quotes from past saints.  Chapter eleven is a listing of many (it is not exhaustive) of ML-J’s sermons.  Chapter twelve is an exhaustive synopsis of all of the sermons that comprise the eight-volume series on Ephesians.  Finally, Murray concludes with a short review on the book Is the Reformation Over that was not favorable to ML-J.

Critique of Messenger of Grace

The first thing I will discuss I only discuss because it is quite humorous in my mind.  In the preface, on page xiii, Murray writes on the last line of the page, “…heard and I am thankful it can now be heard by so many more for…”  As I turned the page to xiv I read the same exact line.  I was reading the preface late at night and merely wanted to get past the preface before I fell asleep.  I bet I flipped back and forth three or four times before I realized the same line had been printed twice!  What made it even funnier to me is the last sentence in the preface where Murray says, “I am indebted to my wife for her close and necessary attention to the text at the proof stage” (xiv).  I know full well that she had nothing to do with this oversight, but since I was so tired, and I have a strange sense of humor in the first place, I found myself laughing out loud at the mistake in that context.

Anything else that is under the heading of critique is positive in nature.  For example, Murray’s personal anecdotes that are mixed in throughout this book are priceless.  He offers insight into this man that few can.  It is abundantly clear that this book was necessary to “clear the air” on a few issues because ML-J still speaks to us today.  There is a new generation just now learning about this man and the ministry God gave him.  I believe every young minister should learn from this man as though he was a contemporary of Edwards, Whitefield, or Spurgeon.

Conclusion

I have struggled with how to recommend this book.  I am not sure if it would serve best to read before you read the biography (a must read) or if you should read the biography first and then fill in the gaps with this book.  There is also the simultaneous problem of where should you read Preachers and Preaching (again, a must read)?  The one thing that is absolutely true is that this book is a must own and read.  Even if you only read chapters five and ten, you will be blessed beyond measure.

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