Christian Book Notes

Life of John Knox, The Scottish Reformer. Edited by the committee of publication for the American Sunday School Union.  Green Forest: New Leaf Publishing Group, 2011. 144 pp. $14.99. Purchase direct from the publisher.

Introduction

This biography was originally published in 1833 by the American Sunday School Union, now American Missionary Fellowship.

Summary

This biography starts fast and ends faster. We find Knox in school where he is deeply impacted by the doctrines of the Reformation and comes to disdain Catholicism. He takes this new found theology back to Scotland and seeks to bring the Reformation to his home soil. Throughout his life, we find John Knox imprisoned, ridiculed, and continuously called before the magistrate for his religious convictions. What we see during these times is a man fully convinced of his faith and perhaps more fully convinced of the errors of Popery.

Still, we see throughout Knox’s life, a tender, kind-hearted man who loved the Lord and served his people with an affectionate devotion that is almost unheard of today. Even those who did not like Knox (and if you were against him, there was much to not like!) were unable to really hold a grudge against him unless you happened to be the queen at the time. We are fortunate to have a fairly decent account of his final days. Here we see what it looks like for a saint to enter into the presence of the Lord.

Review

I really enjoyed this biography as I have only read about John Knox in secondary material. You almost feel as though Knox is fighting for you as your read through this work. This particular biography was not as difficult to read as was Life of Washington but it certainly was penned during a completely different era of writing.

One thing I noticed that was a glaring difference, and perhaps this is due to the different style of writing some 200 years ago, than biographies from today was the bias presented throughout. The words used to describe the queen and those who were in the Roman Catholic church were negative and meant to paint an almost offensive picture. Words like ‘monstrous,’ ‘barbarous,’ and ‘horror’ set the tone for the Roman Catholic sympathizers.

Regardless, after reading Life of John Knox, you will begin to understand that the Protestant Reformation was more than just publishing tracts, books, pamphlets and preaching to reclaim the gospel. Blood was shed and men were raised up by God for such a time as this.

Recommendation

To read Life of John Knox is to gain clearer insight into the events surrounding the Reformation in Scotland. John Knox was definitely a fiery Reformer to those who were against him. To those who were “on his side,” however, he was tender-hearted and loving. We would do well to emulate Knox’s disposition when we fight for the faith–and if you are not fighting for the faith, then you need to read this work to understand why you should. I recommend this book to all.

Meloche, Renee Taft.  Illustrated by Bryan Pollard.  Heroes for Young Readers: Lottie Moon – A Generous Offering.  Seattle: YWAM Publishing, 2004.  32 pp.  $6.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Lottie Moon is perhaps most known today for the offering taken in her name during the Christmas season in the Southern Baptist Convention.  Since I am reviewing the Christian Heroes series for YWAM Publishing, I am taking a different approach to the individual reviews.  In this case, I am focusing primarily on the Heroes for Young Readers book for the Lottie Moon collection and will briefly mention the other two resources below.

Summary

At only 32 pages, Renee Taft Meloche, offers a poetic glimpse of the life and work of Lottie Moon.  The child will understand that Lottie grew up in a wealthy family in the mid-1800′s and moved to China to teach the Chinese about Jesus Christ.  They will discover some of the hardships and how she responded to evil with grace and mercy and love.  In the end, they will discover that her care for the starving is what ultimately led to her death.

Review

I usually struggle to read poetry but found Meloche’s work to be enjoyable.  She nails the mountain top overview of the life of Lottie Moon succinctly and with a flare for the dramatic.  The illustrations by Pollard are enjoyable and colorful though it was sometimes a bit difficult to discern if the picture was of Lottie or someone else.  There was also one page that the text was a bit too dark compared to the artistry but that was quickly overcome.

Additional Materials

There is also a Curriculum Guide and a Christian Heroes: Then & Now for older children written by Janet and Geoff Benge.  In the biography for the older children, you will find more dialogue and a bit more information behind the poetic work of Meloche.

The curriculum guide offers an entire unit study based on the life of Lottie Moon.  Obviously, there will be much work on the land of China in this study.  If finished, the student will have accomplished creative writing, drama, movie critiquing, essay writing, and will have shown (Lord willing!) the ability to comprehend what was read and establish certain history and geography concepts.

There is enough in the guide to engage everyone–even  for those families who have multiple children at various ages and skill levels, though I am sure that each child will not accomplish everything in this curriculum guide .

Recommendation

Given that Lottie Moon’s name is attached to one of the largest missionary collection pushes during the year (and to perhaps the largest missionary sending organization), this series on Lottie Moon is a great resource to have on your shelf.  Your younger children will appreciate the colorful pictures while your older children will appreciate the storytelling of the book for the older children.  Parents, especially those who are home schooling, will find great value in the curriculum guide even if they only use it for one or two assignments.  Even more, children’s ministers (especially those in the SBC) will find much value in introducing their children to Lottie Moon through the reading of Lottie Moon – A Generous Offering.

Peterson, Robert L. and Alexander Strauch.  Agape Leadership: Lesson in Spiritual Leadership from the Life of R.C. Chapman.  Littleton: Lewis & Roth Publishers, 1991, eleventh printing, 2008.  80 pp.  $6.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Robert C. Chapman was a friend to J. Hudson Taylor, C.H. Spurgeon, and served as a spiritual mentor George Muller.  On the cover of the book is a quote from Spurgeon calling Chapman “The saintliest man I ever knew.”  That speaks volumes in and of itself.  This little book was meant to be an introduction for the larger biography titled Robert Chapman – Apostle of Love.

Summary

There are thirteen chapters comprising this short little introduction to Robert Chapman.  Each chapter looks at a specific aspect of his life from his love for the word of God to his self-discipline and always seeking to maintain unity.  At the end of each little chapter there are thoughts for meditation comprised of mostly verses from the Bible as well as a few quotes from R.C.C.

These quotes are not meant to supersede Scripture.  Rather, they show what it looks like when one allows the Bible to be the influencing factor in life.

Review

I will be honest in that I have never heard of Robert C. Chapman until this book came across my desk from the author.  As I read this little book, I found myself shrinking into my couch.  Can a man be that holy and not be Christ?  This is not to say that Chapman was perfect, but it is to say that I (and I can only assume most everyone else reading this) have a long way to go if we are to consider ourselves to be holy.  Yes, our standard is Christ, but many of us (myself included) like to compare ourselves to others from time to time.  After reading Agape Leadership you will (probably) find yourself thinking something like “If I could be half the godly man he was…”

What comes out most clearly in this work is that godliness does not just happen.  It takes years of discipline–especially years of reading your Bible, praying, and meditating, etc.  on the things of God.  In the life of R.C. Chapman, we can legitimately see into our future as to what living a godly life will look like when we grow older.

Recommendation

In a day and age of countless heroes, there are many who go unnoticed or remain unknown.  It is usually these heroes that we must seek to emulate whenever we do seek to emulate another man.  This book, which can be read in under an hour, should be read by everyone who calls on Christ as Lord.  In so doing, you will be challenged to arrange your life in such a way that you are finding Christ to be your greatest and first love.  Pastors and church leaders, especially, need to read this book.

Benge, Janet and Geoff. Christian Heroes: Then and Now – William Carey: Obliged to Go. Seattle: YWAM Publishing, 1998. 216 pp. $8.99. Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

William Carey (1761-1834) is known to many as the father of the modern missionary movement. The Benge’s biography for YWAM’s Christian Heroes series offers a highlighted (and lowlighted) introduction to the young reader.

Summary

We find young William Carey wrestling with his dishonesty while trying to prove his worth as a young man working as an apprentice. Even at this young age, we see the hand of God in his life as he begins to wrestle with the need for the gospel to go into all the world. Quickly, Carey grows into a young man and has is infamous confrontation with John Ryland, Sr. It is in this instance, where Ryland tells Carey to sit down because if God wanted the heathen saved, He’d do something about Himself.

William quickly heeds the call to go to India himself only to find many stumbling blocks in his path. Through the course of his life as a missionary, Carey loses three wives and a number of children due to ill-health. It took 7+ years to witness the first convert. They were able to get the gospels and New Testament translated into Bengali only to witness the printing press burn to the ground. Undaunted, Carey pressed forward even when everyone thought he should pull back. In the end, because of William’s determination, the Baptist Missionary Society was born.

Review

The story of William Carey is fascinating in and of itself. I appreciated how the Benge’s showed how the political elements going on in Britain impacted the missionary work taking place in India. This is an important lesson to be learned by young Christian workers today. Also, toward the end of the work, it was fascinating how they wrote of the interaction between the younger missionaries who eventually set up the Baptist Missionary Society and the “old-grizzled” (my choice of words) missionary veterans. The lesson to be learned here is one that is even more needed today than ever.

I wished they would have offered an explanatory paragraph in chapter five where Carey had his run-in with Ryland. Both men were Reformed in their eschatological doctrine; however, Ryland was the classical “hyper-Calvinist” while Carey was simply a “Calvinist.” This is an important distinction as there is still much confusion over the terminology. What an opportunity to work towards dispelling that confusion. It must be noted, though, that the goal of the book is not necessarily doctrinal and to only be an introduction for the young reader.

Regardless, this introduction to missions work ought to be read by all Christians—the young can start here while the older believer can utilize the recommended resource list in the back.

Recommendation

Once again, the Benge’s offer a wonderful addition to the work on a Christian Hero with this piece on William Carey. If your child has expressed any interest in missions work, beginning with William Carey is a must.

Seeing what he endured for the sake of the Gospel will have one of two effects: either the child will be excited and want to learn how to serve Christ more, or they will be shown a different work for Him who died for us. Either way, your child will be better for reading William Carey: Obliged to Go.

Murray, Iain H. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The Fight of Faith 1939-1981.  Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1990.  862 pp.  $39.00.  Purchase at Westminster books for $29.25.

Introduction

This is the second volume, and at 800 pages twice as long as the first, of Iain H. Murray’s biography on The Doctor.  Any biography that begins with an apology for its length is sure to be a marathon read.  Both volumes combined are a total of 1,200 plus pages and present not only a biography of one of the greatest preachers of the 20th century but also a synopsis of church history during the same period.  You can read my review of the first volume here.  Keep in mind that I am reviewing these as I am reading them for my own personal edification.

Summary

This volume comprises the majority of ML-J’s ministry at Westminster Chapel beginning with his official call to be the next pastor replacing G. Campbell Morgan.  It was interesting to note that he was not called with 100% of the vote even though his predecessor, Dr. Morgan, had originally invited him to come as his replacement.  As ML-J “got comfortable’ (my wording) in his new role as the pastor of Westminster, he continued his mid-week evangelistic preaching across Wales and England.

Before you realize it, you have joined ML-J in his confrontations with the ecumenical movement, the charismatic movement, and the establishing of ministries such as The Banner of Truth Trust and the Evangelical Library.  Furthermore, you will learn of his differences with John Stott and J.I. Packer and his work with the World Evangelical Alliance and the Inter-Varsity Conference.  His love for his family is unmatched and the letters he wrote while on holiday or traveling abroad preaching are countless and show the tender heart he possessed.

Upon his retirement from Westminster in 1968 due to health concerns, we see that he did not slow down.  In fact, without this retirement, chances are we would never have Preaching and Preachers–which was originally preached in the United States at Westminster Seminary.  It was during the final 14 years of his life is when he adapted his sermons into what we now know as his series on Romans and Ephesians.  While many more books have come out since his death in 1981, ML-J was very involved in the process and his wishes were kept by his daughter and those helping to bring his sermons into print.  I do believe the recently published Living Water–52 sermons on John 4–was the last of any new material to come from the collection of ML-J’s sermons.

Review

In a biography so expansive, there is too much to remember and even write regarding a review.  That being said, this biography has already impacted me.  I can only assume it will be one of those books I return to again in the future and say something like, “Oh! that’s where I got that from!”  A few things stood out as exemplary for me as a Christian, a pastor and a reviewer.

First, the fact that he continued praying uninterrupted while a bomb was dropped merely yards a way.  His zeal for the Lord and the worship of the Lord stands out above all else.  His love for preaching and need to help guide other pastors (young and old) is exemplary.  In a culture today where many pastors “play” at being a minister, much can be learned from ML-J.

Second, his love for books may be unmatched.  Because of ML-J, we now have the Banner of Truth Trust.  I gather from these pages that ML-J single handedly brought back the Puritans from the grave of modernity.  His love of those great divines is, in many instances, why his own pulpit ministry was successful.  He preached what the text said and did not worry about contextualization.  He believed the people did not need to hear a message that spoke to their felt needs; rather, he preached what the text said and allowed the Holy Spirit to apply it to the particular person.

Finally, his love for the God he served.  Everything he did was to that end.  His prayers, his song selections, and his sermons were centered on the glory of God.  From many accounts throughout the book, ML-J did not preach at or to the people in the congregation.  Instead, he preached to an audience of One.  Sadly, today this is done in word only.

I greatly appreciated Murray’s willing to take ML-J to task and show where he disagreed with what ML-J did or how he responded to certain situations.  Murray certainly painted a picture of ML-J that he believed what said and did even if he was later found to be wrong.  Murray also showed the humility in ML-J when he was shown to be wrong.

Recommendation

If you are a young pastor, I highly recommend picking up both volumes of this biography.  If you are a Christian, you will find much about 20th century Christianity interesting.  The book is aptly entitled The Fight for Faith.  As a Southern Baptist, I appreciated the interaction between ML-J and Billy Graham.  If I can be half the pastor, humanly speaking, as ML-J, I will have done more than I thought possible–I am just talking about his pulpit ministry.

There is much more I have left unsaid because of space restrictions, but trust me, anyone who calls on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will benefit from reading this biography.

Benge, Janet and Geoff. Christian Heroes: Then and Now—D.L. Moody: Bringing Souls to Christ. Seattle: YWAM Publishing, 2011. 192 pp. $8.99. Purchase at Amazon.

Introduction

Continuing the fine tradition of biographies on Christian men and women from our past, the Benge’s offered us an introduction to D.L. Moody. Janet and Geoff Benge have more than 20 years’ experience as writers. It also helps that their marriage together enables them to work closely. They originally come from New Zealand though now they make their home in Orlando, FL.

Summary

The author’s hook the young reader from the opening chapter as they offer a reflection from Dwight Lyman (D.L.) Moody as he is about to step into a pulpit and preach the gospel to 18,000 people in England. Not bad for a kid growing up in Northfield, MA who was rejected for membership to a church in Boston. The second chapter, however, gets right into it. D.L.’s dad dies unexpectedly thus launching the entire Moody family into a tailspin as they fight to keep their house and health. They moved to Boston where D.L. was saved through the ministry of his Sunday School teacher.

Next, he moved to Chicago where he not only got involved with a successful Sunday School ministry, but also became heavily involved in the local Y.M.C.A. When the Civil War began, D.L. wanted to join and become a chaplain. Instead, he set up a prayer tent at Camp Douglas which began a spiritual harvest of biblical proportions.

As his ministry in Chicago grew, so, too, his ambitions to be a “soul-winner.” The last half of this biography looks at the traveling and the preaching performed by D.L. Moody. He was able to meet Charles Haddon Spurgeon, George Muller, and many other saints while trotting the globe.

Review

I am aware that there are some who disagree with Moody’s methods and the way he went about preaching. There are others that believe what Moody did for Christianity and the Gospel has been unmatched since by anyone except maybe Billy Graham. Agree or disagree with D.L. Moody, this review is based upon the work of the author’s Janet and Geoff Benge. I found the book to be an interesting read and a joy to see what the Lord did in the life of one young man who had “just enough faith.”

I appreciated the conversational tone the biography took. It was not so much a dry; here are a bunch of facts about the man, biography. Rather, Moody’s life leapt from the pages as the conversations based upon the factual events helps the reader to get into the life of one D.L. Moody.

Recommendation

While there are surely more in depth biographies on D.L. Moody, the Benge’s offer a very nice and succinct introduction for those younger adults wanting to learn more about the true heroes and not just those who hit a baseball or star in movies. Just make sure that you as a parent are familiar with the life of D.L. Moody as your children will certainly want to discuss this man of God.

D.L. Moody is a common enough name within Christian circles. He is, in many ways, the predecessor to Billy Graham insofar as evangelistic campaigns.

Bugden, Pamela D. Ever, Only, All for Thee–Frances Ridley Havergal: Glimpses of Her Life and Writings.  Hannibal: Granted Ministries Press, 2009.  176 pp.  $15.95.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Yesterday, I published the review for Valuable Selections from the Writings of Frances Ridley Havergal.  Today, I want to share the biography of the same woman.  Pamela Bugden stumbled upon FRH when Rev. Iain Murray recommended she help David Chalkley proof-read The Complete Works of Frances Ridley Havergal. There is a blog that has wonderful excerpts of her writings.  You can access that blog here–I highly recommend you do.

Pamela Bugden has worked with the Banner of Truth Trust since the 70′s.

Summary

As with any biography, this work is fairly straight-forward.  We are introduced to Frances Ridley Havergal’s (1836-1879) home life as a young child and the love that was cultivated for her father at such a young age–her mother died when she was eleven.  Three years later, she was regenerated by the work of Christ through the Holy Spirit though she thought she had been a believer all of her life. Her father died in 1870.

Since she is most known for her writings–poetry and prose–as well as her music, Pamela spends time discussing how these writings came into being.  We see how FRH’s private prayer closet was the fuel behind her writings.  She was very ill and suffered immensely due to her numerous illnesses.  These, as is shown in the biography, also drove FRH to the cross over and over.  Those times of meditation are evidenced by the Christ-centered meditations penned by her hand.

Review

It seems to me that the Lord is most pleased to use those who suffer much in their earthly lives to bless the rest of us.  Whether it is Charles Spurgeon (gout) or the Apostle Paul (not sure what he had, but he referenced it a couple times, Gal. 4:13 and 1 Cor. 2:3), we see over and over throughout Christian history the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Lk. 16) lived out.  These two works have introduced me to one of those saints that I have regrettably only met in the last month.

Recommendation

Pamela Bugden has merely whet the appetite for reading the works of Frances Ridley Havergal.  Ever, only, All for Thee is a humbling biography.  We all too often believe we suffer for the gospel or that we have it tough, but when you read a biography that deals with a life such as Havergal’s, you immediately realize you are blessed.  If you have not been introduced to this young lady from the 19th century, then you need to read these books.  If Charles Spurgeon says, “She seems to have penetrated to the very heart of God who is a consuming fire, and rests absolutely in His love. She could never have written as she has except for an extraordinary intimacy with God,” then perhaps we ought to read about her life and discover why.

Havergal, Frances Ridley.  Valuable Selections from the Writings of Frances Ridley Havergal.  Hannibal: Granted Ministries Press, 2009.  96 pp.  $3.95.  Purchase from Granted Ministries for $2.00.

Introduction

Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879) lived in England and was much admired by one Charles Haddon Spurgeon.  While her formal education ended when she was 17 years old, she continued to grow in her knowledge of the Bible and the “things of God” throughout the rest of her life.

Summary

The selections are divided into four parts.  The first part looks at her poetry and comprises most of the 96 page book.  The second part looks at excerpts from her letters while the third part offers a selection of prose pieces.  Here, the reader gets perhaps a clear glimpse of Frances’ thought life.  The final section looks at the music written by Frances.

I am including a poem from the book here in the summary to offer a taste of her God-centered writings.

Trust and Distrust–p.31

Distrust thyself, but trust His grace;
It is enough for thee!
In every trial thou shalt trace
Its all-sufficiency.

Distrust thyself, but trust His strength;
In Him thou shalt be strong:
His weakest ones may learn at length
A daily triumph-song.

Distrust thyself, but trust His love;
Rest in its changeless glow:
And life or death shall only prove
Its everlasting flow.

Distrust thyself, but trust alone
In Him, for all–for ever!
And joyously they heart shall own
That Jesus faileth never.

Review

First, I must confess that I am not one to read poetry nor am I capable of really critiquing music, but I do know solid, biblical content when I see it.  These selections will lead the reader to praise and exaltation of Christ.  The quality of the words to the poems are rarely found today.  The music, while somewhat familiar to me after reading the lyrics, remind me that singing can and should be a means to worship–not just something we do in the shower or when driving.

I appreciated the brevity of the selections as this is an introduction.  By the time I read through the 96 pages, I felt as though I had experienced God’s majesty through the pen of Frances.  My meditations were enlivened by having her perspective impressed upon my mind and heart.

Recommendation

If you have never heard of Frances Ridley Havergal (as was the case with me), then you need to purchase this book and drink from the fountain with which Frances dwelt.  Her poetry will speak to you in a way that few authors do today.  For only $2.00 from Granted Ministries, you will have new, and relevant, devotional material for some time.  I felt like a heel for not having heard of her before reading this book and look forward to reading more of her works in the future.

Benge, Janet and Geoff.  Adoniram Judson – Bound for Burma.  Seattle: YWAM Publishing, 2000.  240 pp.  $8.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

The story of Adoniram Judson is one that quickly and easily catches the attention of young and old alike.  This particular edition is part of a series of books published by YWAM publishing and is written for older children.

Summary

As I have shared before in another review on a biography of Adoniram Judson, there is much to be learned about what the Lord has done.  We learn that Judson wanted nothing to do with Christianity during his college days, but when his best friend died (unknowingly to Adoniram at the time), everything changed in his mind.  He then wanted to share the same gospel message he had come to believe in with all his heart to those who had never heard the gospel.  We understand how he was the father of Baptist Missionaries.

More Resources

There are two other books published by YWAM that are part of a “unity study” on Adoniram Judson.  The first is entitled “Adoniram Judson: A Grand Purpose.”  This little hardback book is designed for young readers.  It is fully illustrated and written as poetry making the book memorable and sing-songy.  My children, one who read it and the others who listened, enjoyed this little book.  It afforded yet another opportunity to share the gospel with them.

A third resource is the Unit Study Curriculum Guide.  This curriculum offers lessons on social studies and Bible memorization as well as the obvious chapter discussion questions.  The unit study can be used for children of all ages though the parent or teacher will need to discern what the child’s capability is.  Included in the back of the book is a recommended resources list that is beyond helpful.  There is a gold mine of materials–many of which I personally did not exist.

Review

To see my children get excited about missions work is awesome as a Christian father.  To see my children take a specific interest in Adoniram Judson can be directly attributed to these resources.  For the younger children, I appreciated the poetic style of writing.  For the older children, I enjoyed the appropriate depth in which their edition took them.  As a parent, I enjoyed the curriculum guide as it was very easy to follow along and offered excellent pointers in teaching the children about the life of Adoniram Judson through various disciplines.

Recommendation

While many parents look for these books for their respective home school curriculum’s, I would recommend them to youth pastors and children’s ministers as well.  Parents who just want to teach their children about Adoniram Judson, this is an excellent place to begin.

Murray, Iain H. D.M. Lloyd-Jones: The First Forty Years 1899-1939. Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1982.  394 pp.  $36.00.  Purchase at Westminster for $25.20.

Introduction

Most readers here at Christian Book Notes will know that I am big fan of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.  One of the first books I ever reviewed was the new, at the time, biography by Iain H. Murray on the Doctor entitled Messenger of Grace.  I have also been extremely blessed to interview one of his grandchildren, Jonathan Catherwood.  I began reading this particular book as part of my “enjoyment reading” in which I had no intentions of writing a review.  I am planning on reading through everything that Dr. Lloyd-Jones has published.  Most of it is available here.

Summary

In essence, Murray takes the reader from birth to the call to become a minister at Westminster Chapel in London, England.  You will read about ML-J’s conversion experience–not unlike many who thought they were saved only to be shown that they truly were not.  You will learn of his time studying medicine–which is how he became affectionately known as the Doctor.  You will meet a young Bethan Lloyd-Jones who really wanted nothing to do with him…at first. Finally, you will see him wrestle with his call to the pastoral ministry.  Even though he fled from the public eye, the fact that he left medicine to become a pastor was an event that caught the eye of most in both Wales and London, England.

As you read about his first charge as a lay-preacher in Aberavon, Sandfields, you will see that he quickly became a much sought after itinerant evangelistic preacher. He would preach all over Wales in both Welsh and English sometimes in the same sermon.  You will discover early influences in his preaching ministry and pastoral convictions.  You will conclude with his believing his time at Aberavon was coming to an end even though he wanted to remain.  Sadly, for him at the time, he found that the Lord was calling him to London, England.  The volume pretty much ends with Lloyd-Jones accepting the call to join G. Campbell Morgan in the pulpit at Westminster on the same day that England entered into World War II.

Review

There is much to be learned from the life of ML-J.  Most do not get beyond his sermons available at OnePlace.com.  There were many interesting aspects that formed the ministry of young ML-J that lead to his later convictions of the way the ministry ought to be handled.  Perhaps for me, as a pastor, was the way in which he sought to exegete Scripture.  In essence, he did what I was taught in class despite never having any seminary “training.”  In that aspect, he and C.H. Spurgeon were one in the same.  His preaching of our sin and how horrible that is to God would be an excellent starting place for the church at large today.  His thoughts on revival–which he experienced some of while at Abravom–rival those of Jonathan Edwards.

Recommendation

As I stated above, I had no intentions of writing a review on this book.  While reading it, however, I felt that people need to know more about ML-J.  Young pastors today would do well to read volume one of Murray’s two-volume biography as they will see how a man of God goes about his work as a pastor.  For those who are not in the ministry, reading this biography will shed much light on pastors and theologians today like John Piper and Alister Begg as well as teachers like Don Whitney and Michael Haykin.  This is a fairly long, albeit, easy read and definitely one I would recommend you persevering through even though volume two is looming!