Christian Book Notes

Schaff, Phillip.  The Person of Christ: The Perfection of Humanity Viewed as a Proof of His Divinity.  Hannibal: Granted Ministries, 2011.  224 pp.  $16.00.  Purchase at Granted Ministries for $10.00.

Introduction

This work published by Granted Ministries is a combination of the original 1865 edition which was published by Bible House and the last edition which was published by the American Tract Society in 1882.  This is the second edition published by Granted Ministries.

Dr. Schaff (1819-1893) was born in Switzerland and educated in Germany.  He emigrated to the United States in 1844 where he served as a professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York Seminary until his death.  During that time, he became a much respected church historian.  This work, in particular, takes a long hard look at the man, Jesus Christ, upon which the church is founded.

Summary

This work is divided into three sections.  The first section looks at the Person of Christ.  Over ten chapters, the reader will learn of the life of Jesus from His birth to his Crucifixion.  The last two chapters of the first section offer a summary of what was gleaned from Scripture as well as a look at what Christ had to say about Himself.

The second section studies false theories regarding the person of Jesus Christ.  First, the author offers a study on the denial of miracles before moving on to dealing with the hypothesis of imposture — that is, Jesus was pretending to be sinless.  The next false theory dealt with is that of self-deception.  Many might know of this as part of C.S. Lewis’ Liar, Lunatic, or Lord argument for the authority of Christ as both Lord and Savior. The final false theory dealt with is that of poetical fiction.  Here, Schaff looks specifically at two men who have attempted to promulgate this theory with different emphases.

The final section is a collection of many testimonies of unbelievers throughout the history of the church.  To our knowledge, none of the men Schaff quotes ever became a believer in Christ.  Nonetheless, they all spoke highly of Him.

Review

Written in the latter half of the 19th century, this work remains timeless in both its subject matter and usefulness for the church.  Dr. Schaff is, as usual, impeccable in his research and support for his arguments.  He also lays out such a complete and compelling argument that for one to walk away from this conversation and not believe is doing so willfully.  Even though the book was written some 150 years ago, the arguments remain accessible even if a bit weighty.  This work is certainly not beach reading but can definitely be read by anyone with a thirst to learn more about the person of Jesus Christ.

I appreciated the opening remarks for each section of the book by Granted Ministries.  These help today’s reader to better understand the implications of what is being read as well as how to apply it to every day life.

Recommendation

Again, though this is an “advanced” book (Granted Ministries has it labeled as a “level 2″ book of 3 levels) I would not hesitate to offer it to a new believer or even someone who is wanting to know more about Christ as an unbeliever.  Ultimately, faith is from God and to God through the power of the Holy Spirit and no one can argue another person into the kingdom.  That does not mean that resources outside of Scripture can be used to this end.  Dr. Philip Schaff’s work, The Person of Christ, is one such resource that can be used for this end.  It deals with one topic and one topic only — Jesus Christ.  There is no better topic for either the believer or unbeliever to study.  I recommend this work to all regardless of faith.

Godawa, Brian.  Noah Primeval – Chronicles of the Nephilim, Book One.  Los Angeles: Embedded Pictures Publishing, 2011.  396 pp.  $12.99.  Purchase at Amazon for Kindle or in print for much less.

Introduction

Brian Godawa is an award winning screenwriter in Hollywood who wrote the feature film, To End All Wars, which starred Kiefer Sutherland.  He has also adapted to film Frank Peretti’s novel, The Visitation, for Ralph Winter, X-Men and Planet of the Apes.  He has also published two books through Inter-Varsity Press: Hollywood Worldviews – Watching Films with Wisdom and Discernment and Word Pictures – Knowing God Through Story and Imagination.

A note about this series is important for the reader.  Brian states in the Preface, “While I engage in significant creative license and speculation, all of it is rooted in an affirmation of what I believe is the theological and spiritual intent of the Bible.”  Later he states emphatically he is “not writing scripture.  I am not even saying that I believe this is how the story might have actually happened.  I am simply engaging in a time-honored tradition of the ancient Hebrew culture: I am retelling a biblical story in a new way to underscore the theological truths within it.”

I share these two quotes because they are essential to the reading and enjoyment of this novel and consequently the review of this book.

Summary

Since this is a retelling of a beloved Biblical story, the summary is quite simple.  Noah has been charged by Elohim to build a box in order to save he and his family from certain doom when Elohim judges the world because of sin.  The artistic license really comes in as Brian imagines what the world must have been like in the days of Noah.

From the back of the book

Noah Primeval is a speculative retelling of the beloved story of Noah for a new generation. In an ancient world submerged in darkness, fallen angels rule as gods, and breed giants and monsters. Mankind is enslaved to evil. Noah, a tribal leader, has been prophesied to bring an end to the rule of these “gods” and save humanity from coming destruction. But Noah’s wife and son are captives of these dark forces. To rise against this supernatural evil and rescue his family Noah will need an equally supernatural army. But why has God told him to build a huge box out of gopher wood?

Review

First, let me be clear, there was a ton of artistic license about the story surrounding the Biblical account of Noah and the ark.  That being said, Brian stays absolutely true to the story we find in the Bible.  Furthermore, I think he helps to break through certain wrong assumptions regarding Noah and the actual building of the ark.  All Noah is told is how to build the ark not that he alone must build it.  I for one, realized that I had assumed he built it by himself.  Brian helped me to see that that may not have been the case.

Also, he offered a good visual to what may have happened to Noah’s friends and extended family when the flood waters came.  Again, this all artistic license, but there is nothing wrong or heretical with what Brian wrote.

The story in and of itself is well told and extremely visual.  While the reader may not necessarily agree with the angles in which Godawa writes, they will certainly find the retelling of this story mind-blowing and, quite honestly, believable.  Furthermore, Brian offers some 100 pages of appendices chronicling his research and why he wrote from the perspective he did.  Again, this is helpful to the reader but not necessary.  What it does show is that Brian is working from a point of view in which he seeks to bring honor and glory to God through his artistic rendition of this Biblical account.  Keep in mind that the author’s goal was to “retell a  a biblical story in a new way to underscore the theological truths within it.”  Brian succeeds wonderfully and does so to the glory of God.

Recommendation

This is the first volume of many.  I do have the next three and will be reviewing those as well.  I must say that I started reading a bit skeptical as to the ability to stay true to the story in Scripture while adding to it numerous other facets.  I recommend this book to the one who is looking for a fun read that will leave you worshiping the Lord and wanting more.  You will enjoy this book.

Kail, Lisa.  Without Words: The Story of a Mission to the Roma People.  Mountain Home: BorderStone Press, LLC, 2012.  88 pp.  $7.99.  Purchase at Amazon.

Introduction

Lisa has been married for 28 years to Kevin, her high school sweetheart.  They have two daughters and one son-in-law.  They attend First Baptist Church in Humboldt, TN where they are supported and nurtured in a way that only a loving church body could.  Lisa began a ministry to the Roma in 2001 and has watched as the Lord blossomed her activity in the country through numerous short term mission trips which she leads.  In 2010 she was blessed to be able to stay for a full 8 weeks bridging the gap between mission trips and now also serves as a full time volunteer to Roma Ministries as an administrative assistant.

Summary

In essence, Without Words, chronicles Lisa’s work to the Roma people in the country of Romania.  The Roma people are often called gypsies and are more often negatively stereotyped as being thieves and beggars.  Lisa shares how the Lord began to burden her heart for these men and women who were considered as outcast from society yet in dire need of the gospel (as we all are).  After all, Paul said it best in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Review

It is difficult to review a personal work such as Without Words.  Ultimately, you are criticizing one’s personal reflections and perspective on what is happening in their own life and the lives of those being ministered to.  What you will get in this short but powerful little book is a heart wrenching story of a people in need of the gospel and a heart warming story of the Lord sending workers into the field to bring about a bountiful harvest.  Lisa writes with an openness that is needed today.  It is abundantly clear to the reader that Lisa is not writing this story in so much as the Lord is writing it through her.  The conclusion of each chapter is a “personal challenge” that will open the reader’s eyes to the need of the gospel to go forth as well as our need to be humble and open to the calling the Lord may place on our lives.

Recommendation

While not exactly a book calling us all to missions (though it is that), Without Words is an exhilarating look at what the Lord of the harvest is doing in and through missionaries  in a particular part of the world; specifically, Romania.  I recommend this short but powerful little book to anyone with a heart for the gospel and a heart to reach a particular people group.  I can see this small resource raising awareness of a need and being used of the Lord to draw others into the work that He has begun.  What a joy and a privilege to serve our Lord.  Lisa makes it very clear that that is all she is doing.  Read and enjoy.

Young, Edward J. My Servants the Prophets. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing, 1952. 236 pp. $22.00. Purchase at Westminster for less.

Introduction

Dr. Edward J. Young (1907-1968) served as Professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA from 1936 until his death. In his day, he was arguably the greatest of the conservative Old Testament scholars defending the Scriptures as the Word of God.

In My Servant the Prophets, Dr. Young embraces his high view of Scripture and argues quite effectively for the office of the prophet in the Old Testament. He wrote and published six different works all centered on the Old Testament. He is perhaps best known for his three volume commentary on the Book of Isaiah.

Summary

Divided into nine chapters with a conclusion and appendix, Dr. Young first establishes the prophetic office as being of divine origins. In this introductory chapter, Young takes to task those who espouse higher criticism and shows, using Scripture, how Moses must have been the first prophet used by God to establish the office of the prophet. The second chapter looks at Moses as the prototype of the prophets. More importantly, he argues that Moses was the forerunner of the “prophet to come” in Jesus Christ.

Chapter three looks at the terminology, in the original Hebrew language, of the prophets. This is not the words used by the prophet; rather, they are the titles used in Scripture for the prophet like ‘seer’ and ‘prophet.’ The fourth and fifth chapters build a bridge to the role of the prophet in the modern day church. Four looks at the prophet’s function in a theocracy. Five offers a look into the schools of the prophets.

Lost in all of the conversation about the Old Testament (note: before Christ) is how the prophet should function for the Christian church today. Young deals with this exact issue in chapter six. His argument is not so much that the pastor acts as a prophet of sorts. Instead, Young takes to task those in the charismatic movement who claim to have “received a word from God” therefore claiming that the canon of Scripture is, in fact, not closed.

Chapter seven continues the attack, on one hand, against the “prophets” of the modern-day church while also arguing against the veracity and authenticity of other so-called prophets of other nations during biblical times. The eighth chapter looks at whether or not the prophets were writers. Hint: yes, they were because their messages, from God, were meant to be remembered and heeded.

The final chapter, and perhaps the most important, looks at the reality that the prophets actually received divine revelation from God. This revelation was meant to be heard, followed, and remembered for ages to come; hence, the usefulness of chapter eight. The conclusion and the appendix finish this work by looking at once again the Bible’s view of itself as well as the prophecies found in extra-biblical sources.

Review

My Servants the Prophets has much to offer the reader from a positive standpoint and very little negative. I will look at first the positives of this resource and second, the more critical evaluation though I fear the positives will outweigh the negative!

The absolute greatest aspect of My Servants the Prophets, as with all of Dr. Young’s writings, is his extremely high view of Scripture. He never argues from anything but Scripture except to show how faulty the arguments are when imported into the Bible. In essence, he allows the Bible to argue for itself and gives the Holy Spirit the benefit of the doubt.

Furthermore, his exegesis shows clearly how the meaning of the text cannot be interpreted in any other manner without violating the text itself. Young pounds home his arguments for the authority of the prophets from the texts themselves using word studies and what I would consider to be a proper criticism of the texts.

More importantly, in arguing for the authenticity of the Bible, he shows how bankrupt the ideas of higher criticism and liberal theology cannot and do not hold a candle to a right understanding of the inerrancy and authority of the Scriptures as the Word of God.

A second positive in this work is the far reaching effects a right understanding of Scripture has on one’s view of the church today. In chapter where Dr. Young discusses prophets and the church, one can readily see that by giving the Bible the authority it deserves, the office of prophet was concluded with the life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. He, Jesus, was the prophet Moses promised the Israelites.

Yet another positive is the chapter on false and true prophets. This is even more necessary today, 60+ years after it was first penned, as there are many now claiming to have received new revelation from God. Young equips his readers to be able to combat this claim effectively with Scripture.

Unfortunately, there is not much to be critical of in this work. For the sake of this review, however, I will attempt to take to task the chapter on the prophet and the church. First, I had hoped he would discuss the understanding of prophet today as that of a pastor in a local congregation. As I recall, he never even discussed this interpretation. This is not to say that it is not true nor is it to say that this was not a conversation taking place in his day. I do believe, however, that it was not (as it is not now) a controversy needing to be addressed.

I do believe, however, it is important that we understand that the office of the prophet is no longer an office to be held today. Instead, the understanding of the pastor as prophet today is a more nuanced understanding of the prophet. Basically, this view states that the pastor is, in essence, the mouthpiece for proclaiming the Word of God “to the masses” so to speak. At the very least, to a local congregation. It must be stated, however, that this is to be done faithfully to the text of Scripture being preached.

The second criticism, and this is simply because of the intended audience, is that this work may not be accessible to the lay leader or the typical Christian sitting in a pew. There is much in the way of technical information offered that will certainly require further study by the reader if one is not familiar with the theological language. Regardless, this book is worth persevering through to glean all you can.

Recommendation

As for works regarding the Old Testament, one would be hard pressed to find a more authoritative author that Edward J. Young. Concerning the prophets, I have personally not read a better work. While many may find Young to be dry and hard to read, they would do themselves a disservice by not persevering through this work. From start to finish, the reader will be treated to an extremely high view of Scripture upon which his entire argument stands or falls. Needless to say, Dr. Young’s arguments stand.

Betts, T.J.. Amos: An Ordinary Man With an Extraordinary Message. Scotland: Christian Focus Publishing, 2011. 208 pp. $15.99. Purchase at Westminster for less.

Introduction

Dr. Betts serves as the Assistant Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, School of Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He has pastored for more than fifteen years. He has also written Ezekiel the Priest: A Custodian of Tora in addition to contributing articles to The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology, the Biblical Illustrator, The Challenge of the great Commission, and The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Furthermore, he writes with heart-felt conviction and from personal experience of a gracious and merciful God.

Summary

Divided into fourteen chapters with a conclusion over 208 pages, Dr. Betts treats the nine chapter book of Amos with precision. The first chapter lays the foundation for better understanding that Amos was not the man we would have chosen for the job, but then again, God does not look upon man as we do! We are also shown that the mission in which Amos was given was not the choice mission.

After this introductory chapter, Dr. Betts delves right into the heart of the book. He spends a chapter on the judgment of Israel’s neighbors as well as a chapter showing the wrong way in which we respond to God’s grace. Continuing through the book of Amos, the reader is treated to an understanding that being granted responsibilities is a privilege that should never be underestimated.

The fourth chapter of Amos, the fifth in the book, looks at our self-centeredness while chapter six exhorts us to seek after God. As Betts moves through the center portion of Amos, he explains how confidence can become a god and complacency can kill. All of this points to the necessity of trusting in God and witnessing His judgment and mercy while the prophet intercedes. The final few chapters conclude with the justice of God in passing judgment and finally, that the Lord always keeps His promises.

Review

Amos offers the reader an in-depth study of what is classified as a “minor prophet” which is really a misnomer given the importance of their role in Israel during a time of upheaval. While the positive does outweigh the negative, I believe both can go either way depending on one’s perspective. For the purpose of this review, I will offer the perspective of a pastor, a lay teacher, and an interested Christian wanting to know more about a particular book of the Bible.

The positive of Amos is found in its readability and accessibility. Dr. Betts masterfully weaves through difficult passages of an ancient text and explains to the reader how something written thousands of years ago to a people group that no longer exists as they once did (though they still exist today!) still applies to the reader of today. As a pastor, reading Betts’ work will challenge your exegesis and hermeneutic ability to relate this work to a modern audience in sermon form.

Most lay leaders (think Sunday School teachers) tend to shy away from the “minor prophets” because of their seeming irrelevancy to the modern Christian as well as the simple truth that many fear the unknown. Let’s be honest, many of the “minor prophets” are unknown today! The truth is, Betts offers the lay leader a wonderful introduction to a book that is often left untouched in study. Just having this work alongside the text will greatly enable the lay leader to instruct his or her class in the importance of reading and applying Amos.

Concerning the Christian who just wants to know more about the book of Amos and not necessarily teach it, again, the readability and accessibility of this resource is a breath of fresh air. Much of what is offered this particular reader is so watered down that nothing can be gleaned that would be beneficial to the soul. Betts never wavers from an inerrant, authoritative understanding of the Bible as he guides the reader on a journey using excellent illustrations and personal experiences that every child of God can relate to.

The critical in this particular work will actually depend on your perspective. Please allow me to qualify this section of the review: I believe this particular commentary series was written with the “everyday Christian” in mind as opposed to the scholar and pastor though they can be aided in their study as well.

From the pastor’s (scholar) perspective, this book is lacking in the area of technical conversation. Granted having too much of the technical will greatly reduce the readability and accessibility of the work, there still needs to be enough of the technical to warrant serious consideration for the thorough study that is required when preparing a sermon or teaching series. Yes, there are some footnotes that could lead to deeper study, but, for the most part, Dr. Betts does not delve into textual variations or original languages as much as say the New International Commentary on the Old Testament would. Again, this is more an issue of audience and perspective.

From a lay leader’s perspective, the same argument could be made though often times, the Sunday School teacher would rather not go into all that detail. Still, the teacher may learn quite a bit more than bargained for and wind up deciding that this wrestling with the original languages and the exegetical choices to be made do indeed have a major impact on the lesson plan and what the Holy Spirit is teaching in a particular passage.

Concerning the “average Christian” interested in studying more about the book, not having the more technical conversations may be detrimental to the growth of the believer. If, for example, somewhere down the line, this believer never knew there were such things as textual variations, they may be blind-sided by the “more educated” Jehovah’s Witness or Mormon which could ultimately be detrimental to their faith. Regardless, there is just enough of wrestling with the exegesis that the average reader will implicitly understand that there is more than meets the eye to just a simple reading of Scripture if one wants to study the Word of God in greater depth.

Recommendation

Depending on your needs, Amos may or may not be a resource you need. Nonetheless, Dr. Betts has written an excellent commentary that deals with an ancient text in a way that shows “how relevant it is” for the believer today. Because of his ability to deal with the subject manner in such a way that this resource can effectively be used by the pastor, the lay leader, and the “average Christian,” I highly recommend adding this resource to your library. If the rest of the commentary series has achieved the excellent standards presented by Dr. T.J. Betts in Amos: An Ordinary Man With an Extraordinary Message, then this series will prove invaluable to any who wants to study the Word of God.

Dr. Otto, Robert.  Rise Up! For Dads Who Want to Lead Boldly.  Boca Raton: Eternal Matters, 2011.  224 pp.  $14.99.  Purchase at his website.

Introduction

Robert Otto is passionate about encouraging men to be the spiritual leaders their families need. He knows from experience how powerful role models are as men learn to lead. Robert graduated from the United States Military Academy. He is an Airborne Ranger and served as an Infantry Officer in the Army. He draws on this wealth of leadership experience in his speaking and writing.

You can read more about Dr. Otto and his passion for discipling men at his website, Rise Up Dad!

Summary

Drawing heavily from his military training, Dr. Otto calls men to action to defend their wives and children in the most important war we will ever face.  The book flows from introducing the necessity to lead the family in spiritual matters to the practical side of what it really looks like here in the real world.

Review

Dr. Otto’s call to arms is still a much needed exhortation (and in some cases rebuke) in the church today.  If the men of the church are not leading their families, then how do we ever expect to take a stand for Christ?  So many Christian families are failing because the husband/father is not leading as he should.  The continued analogy of being an Army Ranger (Special Forces) is extraordinarily appropriate as they, the Army Rangers, are set apart from the rest of the military, so, too, are dads set apart as the leaders in their home.  Unfortunately, most fathers/husbands are all too willing to allow someone else to lead.

Perhaps the best element of this work, aside from the biblical support that the author uses to drive home his points, is the real world experiences he shares.  Family Worship can be daunting and he makes that very clear.  He also shows how sometimes just pushing through will make all the difference in the world.  His experience of reading through Song of Solomon with his young children is priceless.

Recommendation

Dr. Otto has written a wonderful work that will resonate with many men.  We all want to be the hero, so here is your chance.  Rise Up, Men!  Be the man you think you are and lead your children on the adventure of a lifetime.  I highly recommend this resource to all Christian families.

Gibson, Greg.  Reformational Manhood: Creating a Culture of Gospel-Centered Warriors.  Mountain Home: BorderStone Press, LLC., 2012.  132 pp.  $12.95.  Purchase at Amazon.

Introduction

Greg is a the Student Ministry and Missions Pastor at Foothills Church in Maryville, TN.  He is married with one daughter.  You can read more of his thoughts at his blog, Kingdom First and at The Veritas Network.

Summary

Divided into 10 chapters over 132 pages, each chapter offers a quick though challenging look at how men today, especially in the church, need to…well…man up.  Chapter one lays a foundation for “why men should not paint their toenails” while chapter two is a call to live a life of courage.  The third chapter, ties the rest of the book together in that it delineates what and why we are to be men of courage — the gospel.

Fourth, Greg looks at marriage and how that is a man’s most important mission while the rest of the book offers learning tips on how to be a leader, a provider, and a warrior.  The final few chapters offer decision making tips and, ultimately, the call to look to Christ, the only perfect man.

Review

In the introduction, Greg asks, “Why another book on biblical manhood?” In short, his answer is, because most are technical and full of deep theological jargon which a pastor or teacher or student must wade through and the simplify in order to get the information back to the students, class or congregation.  Greg wrote Reformational Manhood to offer a practical guide for implementing personal reformation in your own life as a man.

Truly, much of what he has written in this work comes from a few other influential works in this discussion.  Regardless, Greg writes on the subject like few others have in that anyone can pick this book up and be challenged by deep (and technical) truths found in Scripture without having to attain an M.Div. to do so.  Through reading this work, you will be challenged in areas of life that you were not necessarily aware of.  Granted, not everyone will agree with everything Greg states, but that will not be because of a misunderstanding of Scripture on Greg’s part.  For he handles the Scriptures with great care and submits even his own preconceived notions to the Word of God.

Recommendation

There is a movement afoot in the church today.  Men are becoming men and pastors are leading the way.  If you are looking for a practical book that is a summation of theological courses and conferences in a small yet concise and challenging manner, then Reformational Manhood is a resource you need.  If you know a young man who is looking to marry, this would be a great book to give him.  For any college & careers teachers/pastors out there, the young men in your group would do well to read, discuss and implement the principles in this resource.  I recommend it to all men (and women wanting to know  how to challenge their husbands) wanting to be more godly men.

Oppenheim, Matt.  Why Worship God? (When He hasn’t been so nice to me).  Germantown: Cosmic Publishing, 2011.  192 pp.  $15.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Matt Oppenheim is an insurance salesman, family man, and all around regular guy.  He and his family attends Hope Presbyterian Church in Cordova, TN.  This book attempts to explain to the unchurched why they should even consider worshiping God given all the junk in the world today.

Summary

Divided into 14 chapters over 190 some pages,  Oppenheim offers short, succinct nuggets to be digested.  The first chapter asks why does the world suck so bad? After offering his understanding, he moves to the change necessary in one’s life and the power of the Holy Spirit that comes with that change.  He takes a quick look at a world without God and then shows the exchange that was made in God’s gift to mankind.  After looking at some of these various gifts given to us, he offers a brief chapter on death with a final chapter that aptly sums up the work: God’s Plan was Bigger than Mine though the actual final chapter is called “The Finale.”

Review

When reviewing a work, one must always consider the audience for which the work is written.  In this case, Matt has written to the unbelievers.  With that as the basis for this review, I want to commend him for writing in an appealing manner that will engage the audience he is seeking.  Many of his life stories and examples help to bring the points he is making to rest in the hearts and minds of the readers.  His style is open and honest and invites a conversation.  For that, Matt has succeeded extremely well.

There are, however, a few areas of theology I would like to address somewhat critically since this work is meant to be an introduction to the faith so to speak.  While I could address the age-old discussion of free will, I will choose not to do so in here other than to say that Oppenheim leans heavily on man’s ability to choose God.  What I would rather like to address is a few contradictions that I perceived throughout the book.  Again, this may be splitting hairs, to some, but to the one who is wanting to investigate the Christian faith, these may be issues that will need to be dealt with.

First, Oppenheim leads the reader to believe that those in the OT were saved differently than those after Christ lived, died, resurrected, and ascended to heaven.  On page 105, he writes that “Jesus changed the rules” as regards salvation.  No, truth be told, the key was always faith in the Messiah.  Jesus Christ gave us the name and the person to whom the Messiah was but did not change the manner of salvation from Old to New Testament.

This is a problem because it takes a step onto that slippery slope of salvation by any other means than the proclamation of the Gospel.  It can also lead to a belief of salvation for Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, etc., “as long as they believe the god that has been revealed to them.”  This negates the necessity of the gospel and, consequently, negates the need for Jesus Christ.

On page 28, Matt states that the Bible, after the Fall, “is about God trying to reconcile with man.”  Unfortunately, the phrasing may be the culprit here, but the reality is the Bible is how God has offered His reconciliation to man and how man, specifically in the Old Testament, has rejected His reconciliation.  The problem with the phrasing is that now the Bible has become a very man-centered work when it is all about God and His glory in redeeming whomever He pleases.

While there are a few more criticisms, I do not want to “go off” on this work.  Matt has definitely written a resource that can be used of God to enable many gospel conversations to take place.

Recommendation

I can recommend this resource to be used by a discerning Christian who has read it and wants to use it as a means of initiating deeper discussion on why we should worship God.  Ultimately, we must never “hope to share the gospel someday” with a friend.  Rather, we must proclaim the gospel at all times.  For those who do use this resource, especially in church planting endeavors, must be prepared to answer questions that may come up about the Bible or about what the author states.

Barnes, Tom.  Atonement Matters – A Call to Declare the Biblical View of the Atonement.  England: Evangelical Press, 2008.  342 pp.  $17.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

I have reviewed Every Word Counts by Tom Barnes in the past and found his work to be well written and enjoyable to read.  Tom is the senior pastor at the Evangelical Free Church of Minden, Nebraska.

Summary

Divided into four parts, Dr. Barnes first offers a biblical view of the atonement (that is, he believes in a particular atonement).  In defending this view, he spends some 90 pages exploring various theories and beliefs of the extent of the atonement while showing from Scripture why his view is, in fact, most accurate.

The second section looks at what he calls a theologically sound view, i.e., the view theologians call penal substitutionary atonement.  Once again, he delves into the Scriptures to make his case for this historical view.  The third section looks at the objections offered for a more general atonement and how the church has predominantly held to a definite view of atonement throughout her history.

The final section is an apologetic on how holding to this view will inevitably strengthen and grow the church.  Here he offers six ways the church will be strengthened.  Some of which are in her understanding of salvation, God’s love, evangelism, and missions.

Review

Obviously, this work will be controversial with many.  The charge of Calvinism will be screamed by those who disagree.  Sadly, those who cannot get beyond the rhetoric will be missing out on a well written and well reasoned treatise on a most important doctrine of the church.  Ultimately, Pastor Barnes allows the Bible to interpret itself which is the first rule of understanding Scripture.  He allows the plain passages on the subject help the reader to understand the more difficult passages.  He also approaches the texts as part of the inerrant Word of God in which there are no contradictions.

For those who will read this book, they will find that there argument is not with the author, but with the Bible itself.  In the end, they will also realize how holding to the view expressed by the author will, in fact, strengthen both the Christian and the church.  This is of extreme importance as there are too many who think (erroneously) that a limited view of the atonement hinders evangelism and missions (I was this guy once!).

Recommendation

For those who are serious about studying the matter and extent of the atonement, I can think of few other books that offer as clear and concise a defense of the limited view that also does not bring to the table the heated rhetoric known and used by so many.  This work should be read by all Christians.  The views ought to be wrestled with as they do find their source in the infallible and inerrant Word of God.

Padelford, Walton.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Business Ethics.  Mountain Home: BorderStone Press, LLC., 2011.  244 pp.  $14.95.  Purchase at Amazon.

Introduction

Dr. Padelford earned his Ph.D. in economics from Louisiana State University in 1975.  He has taught economics and business ethics at Union University in Jackson, TN since 1980.

Summary

With 10 chapters over 240+ pages, Dr. Padelford offers insight into one of the great Christian minds of the World War II era specifically from the business perspective.  Chapter one offers a brief biography of the man while chapter two looks at Bonhoeffer’s understanding of Christian ethics – the framework for the current book.  Chapter three begins the discussion on business ethics in particular with chapter four delving into a bit of philosophy.

The fifth chapter looks at business as a mandate from God while chapter six offers an apologetic on the concept of commerce and God’s glory found therein.  The seventh chapter strives to rescue the Christian from the success syndrome so epidemic in the business world while chapters 8-10 look at business as both a practice and discipleship maker.

Review

Dr. Padelford set out to write this work for three reasons: first, to present a distinctively Christian perspective on the subject of business ethics.  Second, to introduce Christians today to the man Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and finally, to offer an apologetic for being a disciple-maker while in the business world.  In short, his mission was greatly accomplished.

To the first reason, this book is thoroughly Christian in perspective and offers many valid biblical points for how to run a business with a genuine Christian ethic…and trust that the Lord will bless such efforts.  The second reason was to introduce the reader to the works of Bonhoeffer and with as many footnotes and quotes as he sprinkled throughout the work, the reader can’t help but want to read more of and about Bonhoeffer.

Finally, the apologetic for making disciples in the business world is worth the price of the book as a whole.  The principles laid down in this work are practical and theologically sound.  The principles will be of use in the workplace and done in a manner that will not cause the “PC-police” to arrest you or have you fired.  Let’s be honest, if we want to be heard in the work place (most often) as a Christian, we must abide by the rules of the world otherwise we lose not only a hearing, but our jobs as well.  We must be stewards of both and Padelford offers insight for that to be possible.

Recommendation

If you are going into the “business world” this book will prove to be indispensable to you.  Most Christians must work “in the world” by default since we all live in the world and most are not called to vocational ministry.  If your workplace provides us with the ability to share the gospel and to be a disciple maker, and most do if approached properly, then Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Business Ethics will be a much used and studied book in your life.  I recommend this work to all Christians who are working in a “business” and to all pastors to have to be able to offer to your congregation.