Christian Book Notes

Hall, Robert.  Edited by Nathan A. Finn.  Help to Zion’s Travellers.  Mountain Home: BorderStone Press, LLC., 2011.  266pp.  $24.95.  Purchase at Amazon.

Introduction

Robert Hall, Sr. is primarily known today because of his son, Robert Hall, Jr.  What many fail to realize is that the famous son learned to preach from the lesser known father.  What is more, the elder Hall influenced such notable men as William Carey, Andrew Fuller, and John Ryland, Sr.  In this republication of Help to Zion’s Travellers, we discover a ground breaking work in its day dealing with the issue of hyper-Calvinism.

Summary

The book is divided into three parts but with over 50 pages of forewards, prefaces, and introductions, there really are four parts.  The first section of the book offers much in the way of historical context and the impact of this particular work down through the years.  Part one is concerned with who Christ is and the love of God as found in the doctrines of election and atonement.

The second part looks toward the sinner who is commanded to repent and put his faith in Christ even though not all will do so.  Herein is the primary issue dealt with by Hall.  Can a sinner, who is not elect, be commanded to repent of his sin and turn to Christ?  Secondly, should a believer freely proclaim the gospel to everyone knowing full well that not all can or will come to salvation in Christ?

The third part moves to the more practical element of those who are believers.  In the three chapters found in part three, the reader is treated to a chapter on the sins of believers, what it means to hate the world and finally the errors of false religions.

Review

I will admit that at first I was not all that interested in reading this work.  That is nothing against the editor of this current publication.  Rather, it was based more on my own ignorance of who Robert Hall, Sr. was and the influence he had on men I admire.  I wasn’t all that concerned, either, with another treatise against hyper-Calvinism.  What I wound up reading, however, was a sweet salve to a hurting soul.  There was more information, both doctrinally and pragmatically, written into this treatise against the heresy that is hyper-Calvinism.

Furthermore, the pastoral tone that Hall wrote with was one of great love and compassion for his readers.  Reading this work led to much rejoicing in spirit as well as worship of the author of life and salvation.  Finn has done the church a great favor in editing this work for publication to get into the hands of today’s Christian.

Hall’s treatments of such subjects as the atonement and the new birth (to name a few) offers much to the believer today.  This work will help to dispel many myths (still) running rampant in the church today concerning Calvinism.  To know that this book influenced the launching of what later came to be known as the modern missionary movement helps to underscore its value for the church today.

Recommendation

While the price may seem a bit high, I firmly believe the money will be well spent.  The title, Help to Zion’s Travellers, is very appropriate in that this work will certainly provide great help to the believer on his journey to eternal life with Christ.  You will find yourself worshiping the Lord and recommending this resource to others who are struggling in their faith walk.

Comfort, Ray.  God has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life: The Myth of the Modern Message.  Bellflower: Living Water Publications, 2010.  128 pp.  $8.99.  Purchase at Amazon for much less.

Introduction

Ray Comfort has, graciously, become a very familiar name here at Christian Book Notes.  We recently hosted a “Living Waters Week” featuring a few reviews and one interview with Ray.  You can read all of those and more here. This particular work, God has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life is, in my estimation, a foundational work for the ministry of Living Waters.  All of Ray’s teachings revolve around the issue presented in this book.

Summary

The book is small at only 128 pages.  When you see that it is divided into eight chapters and has a forward and appendix along with endnotes and recommended resources, you quickly realize that this a very fast read.  Beginning in chapter one, Comfort shows that the problem with biblical evangelism versus many modern methods is that biblical evangelism does not lead to the phenomenal growth so many pastors and congregations deem as a successful ministry.  Chapter two and three further explore the sad realities of offering Jesus as a fix-all to our problems.  Chapter four is pivotal in that Comfort now shifts the reader’s attention to what needs to be explained to those in need of the gospel (and that is all of us).

The work concludes with chapters titled “making grace amazing” and “what did Jesus do?”  From chapter four through chapter eight the reader will be introduced to a proper understanding of biblical evangelism according to Christ.  The appendix is dedicated to those who evangelize using the Four Spiritual Laws of Campus Crusade.  Here, Comfort does critique the methodology while affirming the heart behind men like Dr. Bill Bright and others within the organization.

Review

First, this book has automatically moved to the top of my list insofar as book covers are concerned.  The title and the picture are so disturbing and thought provoking that for once, you can judge a book by the cover.  When you are called to follow Christ, you are called to die.  We seem to forget that in our evangelism.

While there have been a number of books penned recently dealing with the shallow depth of much evangelism today, I cannot recall one that has so well explained the problem while also offering a solid, biblical solution without being divisive among conservatives.  There has been much written about losing children to the world as they grow older or the dwindling numbers found in most congregations or churches that are just no longer vibrant.  I believe Ray Comfort has thrown an atomic bomb in the midst of all church goers as to why it appears that people are no longer interested in the faith.  The reality is, our churches are dying because so many “members” are unconverted.

Comfort shows from Scripture why so many methods are bankrupt of true conversions (though God does bless even the poorest evangelism as I am a testimony to).  He also shows, from the lips of Jesus Christ, the manner in which He proclaimed the Kingdom.  Why not seek to be more like Christ in our evangelism?  That is not to say that it is the only method of evangelism.  What one cannot say is that it is not biblical even if it does not bring in a record number of converts.

Recommendation

Be careful reading this book.  You may discover and begin to question your own faith.  That is a good thing as assurance is not guaranteed though is promised to those who fight the fight of faith.  Ray Comfort’s book, God Has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life needs to be must reading for all believers.  To that end, you can get one single copy of God has a Wonderful Plan for Your Life for free.  You can also order the books in bulk for $1 each.  I highly recommend doing one or both.  This is a book you will give away over and over.  I promise.

Comfort, Ray.  Hitler, God, and the Bible. Washington, D.C.:  WND Books, 2012.  174 pp.  $25.95.  Purchase at Amazon for much less.

Introduction

Ray Comfort is quickly becoming a regular here at Christian Book Notes and I for one am grateful for that.  His ministry, Living Waters, has been a major influence on my life and ministry and I pray that if you have never checked it out, you will do so immediately.  As for this particular resource, Comfort seeks to dispel many myths concerning Adolf Hitler as well as draw a comparison with Hitler’s evil and the current evils we are facing today.

This book is the first in a proposed series of “concise and hopefully insightful exposes on the intersection of icons and faith” (p. vi).

Summary

Divided into two parts with seven chapters, Ray Comfort lays the foundation for what would become Hitler’s political ideology.  Chapter one offers a history of Hitler before entering politics while chapter two touches on how and when Hitler got into politics.  Chapters three and four explain the rise of Nazi-ism and how a nation was carried away by smooth rhetoric and massive propaganda.

The second part looks specifically at the religions elements of Hitler’s Nazi-ism.  Chapter five attempts to explain how Hitler ultimately became the most dangerous anti-Semite ever.  In chapter six, Comfort answers the question “Was Hitler a Christian?” and does so with biblical authority.  The last chapter looks, quite frankly, at the problem of evil.

Review

I honestly learned a lot from reading this work.  I am admittedly not a war buff or anything like that, but I thought I knew a few things about Hitler.  Turns out, I was dead wrong.  I knew very little as the information relayed in Hitler, God, and the Bible quickly showed me.  Often in America we look to Abraham Lincoln who failed numerous times only to later succeed and become President of the United States.  Hitler also failed numerous times only to later become the ruler of Germany.

Furthermore, an extremely frightening parallel was noticed to me (and I do not say this lightly).  While Comfort ultimately did tie the Holocaust in Nazi Germany to the Holocaust in the United States (see, abortion), something else I realized is that much of the political rhetoric that Hitler used can be heard over our airwaves today.  So, too, many of the “open doors” provided by the liberal “Christian” churches to spread the doctrine of Nazi-ism Germany during WWII is strikingly similar to what can be heard today.  I will leave the reader to draw his or her own conclusions.

Ultimately, this work was well-researched and documented.  It proved to be a very enlightening read and revealed much information about someone I thought I knew a little bit about.  Here is a quote that stood out to me as I was reading, “[Hitler] never felt responsible, only entitled–a theme that would have devastating repercussions in the Nazi regime.”  How often has this generation (my generation) been called the “Entitlement generation”?  Let us be careful that we do not see history repeat itself.

Finally, it should be noted that it was this book that was the genesis of the 180 the Movie movement that is turning heads and changing minds today.

Recommendation

While the actual price ($25.95) may be a bit steep, you can get the Kindle version for $7.96.  If you are going to do any study on Hitler at all, then you need to pick up a copy of Hitler, God, and the Bible to understand, from a biblical perspective, what took place.  This book will make a great resource for school curriculum’s when discussing World War II.  Any student of history will enjoy it as well.  Suffice it to say that his goal of being “concise and insightful” was met.  I highly recommend this resource to all.

Reformation Commentary on Scripture – Old Testament XII – Ezekiel, Daniel.  Edited by Carl L. Beckwith.  General Editor, Timothy George.  Downers Grove:  IVP Academic, 2012.  $50.00.  Purchase for much less at Amazon.

Introduction

This volume on Ezekiel and Daniel in the Reformation Commentary on Scripture series is the second of a proposed twenty-eight volume commentary.  The “commentators” are adapted from the sermons and writings of 16th century preachers, scholars, and reformers.

The editors seek to introduce readers to the depth and richness of the minds of the Reformation era.  The four goals are, 1) enrichment of contemporary biblical interpretation through exposure to Reformation-era biblical exegesis, 2) a renewal of contemporary preaching and 3) a renewal of biblical interpretation through exposure to Reformation-era exegesis, and finally 4) a deeper understanding of the Reformation itself.

Summary

In essence, this is a commentary on the Books of Ezekiel and Daniel found in the Old Testament as understood in the 16th century. From the back of the book, we find which Reformers “contributed” to this volume.

This volume collects the comments of the monumental figures like Luther, Calvin and Melancthon, alongside many lesser known and read thinkers, such as Heinrich Bullinger, Hans Denck, Giovanni Diodati, Johann Gerhard, John Mayer, Matthew Mead, Johann Oecolampadius, Jakob Raupius, Johann Wigand and Andrew Willet. Several beloved English Puritans are included as well: Richard Baxter, John Bunyan, Thomas Manton and John Owen.

The work is like any other commentary in that it follows the basic pericopes of the books while offering the voices of the Reformers independent of one another. I.e., they are not having a “discussion” so to speak.

Review

I would first caution against purchasing this series for the sole purpose of Scripture study and sermon preparation.  Instead, the value of this series, in my estimation, is going to be found in the fourth goal of the editors: that the modern reader will attain a deeper understanding of the Reformation itself.  Just because their thoughts are older and perhaps deeper than much of ours today, does not set them apart as infallible.  We must always search the Scriptures and allow the Bible to interpret itself first.

That being said, I do believe that having the thoughts of some great men who disagreed during the time of the Reformation…arguably, the most important event since the inception of the church in the first century…is invaluable.  It is nice to have the various thoughts side by side and to see where they not only disagreed but also to see where they agreed.  What is more, it is interesting to read how far they took some of their thoughts in reaction to the Catholic Church as well.

Oddly enough, this commentary can be read cover to cover or as a resource.  Either way, the reader will be enlightened and challenged to further plumb the depths of God’s Word.

Recommendation

At $50 per book, yes, you can get them cheaper at Amazon, the price may be a bit steep for some.  If, however, you enjoy church history and want to peer behind the curtain of some of the formative minds of Protestantism as the movement was taking place, then this series will be an excellent one-stop shop for all your needs.  I do recommend it though I caution that not everyone will want to get this set.  I also caution against taking the thoughts of these men and letting them be the end all explanation to the Scriptures today.  There are quite a few places where you will disagree and that is alright.

Bilkes, Gerald M.  Glory Veiled and Unveiled: A Hear-Searching Look at Christ’s Parables.  Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2012.  180 pp.  $12.00.  Purchase at Westminster for less.

Introduction

Gerald Bilkes is Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids.  I also discovered a sermon he preached entitled Lifting High the Cross.

Summary

When you read the following on the first page of the introduction, you know you are in for a soul-searching read,

Many today are content to read the Bible in a way in which the Word of God is subject to them, rather than reading so they are subject to the Word.  They study the Bible – so they think – but the Bible does not study them.

Bilkes organizes his book into four sections for each parable considered.  The first section looks at how Christ uses the scenery of the parable to peel back the layers of the heart.  This section is the scenery.  In the second section, the Substance, Gerald offers the main message of the parable.

The third section, the Savior, looks at what is being revealed about Christ.  The final section to each parable discussed is the Searchlight where we see how the parable searches the hearts and lives of the reader exposing the sin in order that the believer may grow in knowledge of Christ. There are a twenty-two parables considered.

Review

While it took a few times reading the introduction to really ingest what Dr. Bilkes was saying about experiential reading of Scripture, I quickly  discovered that this is something I have been doing all along.  In essence, the argument has gone, since higher criticism, that we should approach the Bible as though we dictate what it is teaching to us.  Instead, since it is the inspired Word of God, we ought to allow it to perform the necessary surgeries on our hearts and minds.

While not all readers will completely agree with the author’s assessments of the various parables, they will certainly have some food for thought.  After reading what amounts to twenty-two sermonettes, the reader will scarcely approach the Scriptures the same.  Instead of “telling” the Bible what you want it to say, you will see how the Bible is meant to aid you in your sanctification.

Recommendation

I really enjoyed this work and found it to be of great benefit to my soul.  It is so easy to read the Parables of Christ and move on quickly as though they were good moral stories or even camp fire tales.  With the publication of Glory Veiled and Unveiled, I believe that that will no longer be the case.  Read and enjoy.

Ryken, Philip Graham.  King Solomon – The Temptations of Money, Sex, and Power.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2011.  256 pp.  $16.99.  Purchase at Westminster Books for less.

Introduction

Dr. Philip Ryken currently serves as president of Wheaton College.  Before that, he was senior minister at the Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.  He has authored a number of books and is also a co-editor of one of my favorite commentary series, The Reformed Commentary Series.

Summary

This work is divided into thirteen chapters and includes a study guide.  In essence, it is a biblical look at the life of Solomon, the most wise of all men in the Bible.  Dr. Ryken follows the rise and fall of the son of David as he begins with a heart for God and is led astray by a life that looks to find joy in other areas of life.  Most importantly in the areas of sex, money, and power.

Every chapter points the reader to the failure of man to keep covenant with God.  Every chapter points to the One who was able to keep covenant with God.  Each chapter will lead you to a deeper understanding of your need for Christ.

Review

It seems as though money, sex, and power are always the main culprits behind most crime (yes, the argument can be rightfully made for pride) and this work by Dr. Ryken clearly shows that this is not a new phenomena.  On these pages, the reader will discover the necessity of trusting day by day (sometimes hour by hour) in the mercies of Christ.

While Solomon is known as the wisest man in the Bible, he did ultimately fail.  Reading King Solomon will help you to see 1) where he failed, 2) when the failure began, and 3) the means by which we can overcome failure in life.  It has been said that the best defense is a great offense.  In this case, the saying rings all the more true.  If you are aware of your lifestyle and choices, from a biblical perspective, you will be better equipped to avoid the dangerous pitfalls that accompany most everything we do in life.

Recommendation

This work will serve two purposes in your life and for that reason, I recommend it to all.  First, it will show you that there is truly nothing new under the sun (Ecc. 1:9) and that there is no temptation that is not common to man (1 Cor 10:13).  It will also equip you to deal with these inevitable sins.  For those reasons, pick up this book and be equipped.

Walker, Jeremy.  The Brokenhearted Evangelist.  Grand Rapids:  Reformation Heritage Books, 2012.  160 pp.  $15.00.  Purchase at Reformation Heritage Books for $11.00.

Introduction

Readers may remember Jeremy Walker as the co-author of A Portrait of Paul: Identifying a True Minister of Christ. He is also the pastor of Maidenbower Baptist Church in Crawley, England.  You can read more of his work at his website, The Wanderer.

Summary

Divided into five chapters, Pastor Walker asks hard hitting questions and then answers them with the grace of a seasoned believer who has spent much time at the foot of the cross in confession and repentance.  The entire book discusses evangelism and is an exposition of Psalm 51 in light of our need to obey the Lord.

The first question is “Am I Willing?”  Jeremy shows that evangelism is our obligation even when we do not feel like it.  Second, we are introduced (or reacquainted) to the equipment we need for effective evangelism in answering the question “Am I Effective?”

The next explain our appointed means of evangelism as well as the target of our efforts.  “Am I Committed?” and “Am I Focused?” are the two questions that drive home the heart of the book.  The final question asks, “Am I Fruitful?”  Here Walker dispels the myth of decisionism and explains that as long as you are faithful to the message you are being fruitful.

Review

First, I must say that I am aggravated that I read this in iBooks!  I could not write or underline or interact as I would with a print book.  This book will make you think.  It will cause you to weep over the lost.  It will get your blood pumping to see that you are not failing in your biblical mandate and will lead you to repentance for the times you have failed.

Walker’s book is saturated in Scripture and, with his text being Ps. 51, offers a different perspective on a very popular text. It would have been a quick read except for all the times I had to stop and worship and repent and praise the Lord.  I also found that while reading this work, I was more in tune to the opportunities presented in my daily life to share the gospel – and I honestly thought I was doing fairly well in this area!

Recommendation

Pastor Walker’s hard hitting questions coupled with his graceful understanding and exhortation makes The Brokenhearted Evangelist a must read for all believers.  If you cannot recall the last time you shared the gospel with someone, then you need to pick up a copy and read it…twice.  The first time you read it you will do so with a broken heart.  The second time you read it, will be with a new set of eyes that will allow you to see how to apply the principles of this work in your life.

Smalley, Dr. Gary and Norma.  4 Days to a Forever Marriage: Choosing Love or Anger.  Green Forest: New Leaf Press, 2011.  112 pp.  $16.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Dr. Gary and Norma Smalley have been married for 40+ years.  He is founder of Smalley Ministries in which he and his wife and children speak and write on marriages from Christian perspective.

Summary

In essence, this book is a four day challenge to a married couple who is struggling to be happily married.  Day one looks at loving words and actions.  Day two discusses communication and resolving anger.  Days thee and four look at affection and intimacy and trials and treasures.

There are 25 pages or so of extra material that will help your marriage in pretty much whatever season or situation you will find.  Interspersed throughout the book are “tweetables”–quotes you could use on Twitter to remind you and others what you are learning.  Also included are reflection points and questions to consider.  The questions are divided into questions for the husband and questions for the wife.

Finally, it must be noted that this book is not a how-to, necessarily.  Instead, it was written as a conversation between Gary and Norma (sort of like if you were attending one of their conferences).  You will see the short comings and strengths of each person from the others perspective.

Review

I need to be upfront and honest.  I was very critical of this book as I was reading it.  While I do find some value to it, I found it to be a bit more psychological than what I would have preferred.  I realize that this is an ongoing debate within the Christian church, but I think there was definitely some room for improvement.

Perhaps my biggest critique was the focus on the spouses felt needs rather than the heart issue underlying those needs.  If what me mostly focus on is one another’s felt needs, we will  never be able to please our spouse. Those felt needs will continue to escalate until or unless the heart issues are taken care of.

The gospel seemed to me to be assumed until the end of the 4-day challenge.  I would have liked to have seen that throughout the entire challenge.  The truth is, apart from Christ, our marriages are doomed…happy and satisfying marriages in a true sense, anyway.

Not all was negative, however.  I did find there to be some very practical and informative nuggets of truth.  I would ask my wife some questions about what was said in the book and she would most often confirm what was said.  I found Smalley’s 4 decades of marriage and years of experience as a marriage counselor to be of more value as a whole than the book.  That being said, it was those two factors (a long marriage and ministry) that led, in my estimation to the writing of this book.

Recommendation

I can honestly recommend this book to mature Christian couples who are struggling in their marriage.  Sometimes the pragmatic side of the equation is all that is needed.  If you take Smalley up on this challenge, I would be careful to search your heart diligently as you seek to have that lasting and happy marriage.

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.

Cummings, Dr. Chloe.  What Would Jesus Do About Domestic Violence and Abuse Toward Christian Women?  Booklocker.com, Inc., 2011.  256 pp.  $17.99.  Purchase from Amazon for less.

Introduction

Dr. Chloe Cummings is the founder of Back to the Bible Counseling Center in Essex, Maryland after being a victim in an abusive Christian relationship herself for years.  Her ministry is dedicated to applying the sovereignty of God and His word, the Bible, in meeting the needs of believers in a most trying and sometimes dangerous situation.  You can read more at wwjdaboutdomesticviolence.com.

Summary

Divided into seventeen chapters in five parts over 210 pages of text, this work seeks to bring to light the dark secret of domestic abuse taking place inside many so-called Christian homes.  Part one exposes this awful secret and part two begins to lay the foundation of why we need to become more aware of domestic violence and abuse in the local church.  Parts three and four separate the church’s response to the victim (part three) and the abuser (part four).  Part five offers testimony and biblical foundation for the church to be engaged in this particular area.

Generously sprinkled throughout the book are scriptural references and case studies showing the Bible to be true and applicable today.

You can watch this 3 minute video to learn more.

Review

While at times seeming a bit more psychological than I would prefer, Dr. Cummings has written, I fear, a much needed work today.  Her experience as a victim enabled her to write with wisdom and knowledge on this extremely tough subject.

Her chapters are thought provoking and will equip the reader to know and recognize when abuse is taking place.  Chapter fourteen on grace to the abuser is extremely helpful and, quite honestly, can be difficult to read because, let’s be honest, we struggle to show grace to those we think are undeserving.

Her church-centric mindset is also a great exhortation to the local body of believers to strive to be an impact in the community…something many churches can no longer claim.

Recommendation

Sadly, this book is needed today.  If you are in leadership in your local congregation, I highly recommend you educate yourself on this issue.  While I am sure there are other quality books on the subject, I would have no problem recommending that you begin right here with this work by Dr. Chloe Cummings.