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Come Rest with Me by Bryan R. Coupland

February 8th, 2012 No comments

Coupland, Bryan R.  Come Rest with Me: Experiencing Intimacy with Jesus Through God’s Rest.  Xulon Press, 2009.  192 pp.  Purchase at Amazon.

Introduction

Bryan Coupland and his wife, Del, are missionaries with New Tribe Missions where they currently serve as Member Care Facilitators.  I have reviewed a devotional written by Bryan Coupland entitled Growing a Wise Family.  both Bryan and his wife, Del, now live in Florida after having served many years as a missionary and a veterinarian.

Summary

Divided into thirteen quick chapters complete with study questions at the end of each, Come Rest with Me takes a look at how the believer can truly find rest in Christ.  Bryan, having traveled the path of depression and not being rested in the midst of working for the Lord writes from his own experience and, more importantly, the perspective offered by the Bible on what it means to rest.  He uses real life stories and his own failings to explain why we often fail to live the abundant life God has for us (and that is not a prosperity gospel claim, this true principle is found in John 10:10 with an already/not yet understanding).

The final two chapters offer the reader great hope in this world of trials and tribulations.  Bryan directs our attention to Christ who alone is our hope of glory.  He also discusses how we can find God’s rest in the furnace of the trials that are sure to abound in life.

Review

Perhaps the only critique of Come Rest with Me is the heavy use of the Scofield reference notes.  That is not because of the theology of Scofield per se (this is not the place to necessary discuss that), rather, it is because we can sometimes elevate study notes to the level of the word of God.  This is always a caution and one particular reason I rarely read in my daily readings from a study bible.

That being said, Coupland does a wonderful job of getting down to the issues without by-passing important concepts and texts in the Scriptures.  His thoughts are very practical and will be a great aid to those who are ragged from constantly being on the go whether it be ministry or just plain life.

Recommendation

Come Rest with Me is a nice treatise on the abiding faithfulness of God through His son, Jesus Christ during the times of chaos and life.  If you are looking to understand the importance of biblical rest in today’s culture, you would be well served to start your study (after the Bible) right here.

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Preaching & Preachers: 40th Anniversary Edition by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, edited by Kevin DeYoung

February 1st, 2012 No comments

Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn.  Preaching & Preachers: 40th Anniversary Edition.  Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011.  352 pp.  $22.99.  Purchase at Westminster for much less.

Introduction/Summary

Preaching & Preachers is undoubtedly the greatest book to be published on preaching in the last 40 years.  Martyn Lloyd-Jones lectured on this subject at Westminster Theological Seminary back in the Spring of 1969.  They have been influencing pastors ever since.

The original book was published in 1972 and has gone through numerous editions (nothing has changed in the text since 1972).  This latest edition is the 40th anniversary “deluxe” edition.

In this edition, Kevin DeYoung serves as editor.  Most importantly, the text has remained the same.  What has been added are essays from Bryan Chapell, Mark Dever, Kevin DeYoung, Ligon Duncan, Timothy Keller, and John Piper.  DeYoung also included subheadings in the chapters to help the modern reader.

Review

There is nothing that can be said about the text of Preaching and Preachers that has not already been said.  After only 40 years, it is truly a modern-day classic on the subject of preaching.  Some will agree with what the Doctor said and some will disagree.  Regardless, what you will discover is that ML-J was passionate about this one subject more than anything else he ever discussed.

The essays that are sprinkled throughout this anniversary edition are of immense help.  These essays are akin to asking some of today’s most noted preachers why and how Preaching and Preachers helped them in their ministry.

What is more, you will discover that this is not a book that will be read once and put back on the shelf.  Its impact will long-lasting and invaluable to the young man seeking to become a preacher.  As you return to it through the years (as I have in only the past 5 years), you will find yourself saying “So, that was where I arrived at that conclusion” or “That is where this idea originated.”

The essays and subheadings only add to the nature and usefulness of this invaluable resource for pastors.

Recommendation

This work is a must read for all who are set apart to be preachers of the gospel whether in a local church setting or as a missionary or evangelist.  While written to the pastor in the pulpit, its value will far exceed just the local pulpit.  This will be a foundational book, I pray, for future generations of preaching.  Preaching and Preachers is an excellent book to give to a young man considering the ministry or who was just licensed or ordained.

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Recovering the Real Lost Gospel by Darrell L. Bock

January 27th, 2012 No comments

Bock, Darrell L.  Recovering the Real Lost Gospel: Reclaiming the Gospel as Good News.  Nashville: Broadman and Holman, 2010.  152 pp.  $16.99. Purchase at Westminster for much less.

Introduction

Darrell L. Bock is research professor New Testament Studies as well as professor of Spiritual Development and Culture at Dallas Theological Seminary.  He has written numerous books, some of which made the New York Times Best-Sellers list and has contributed to a number of commentary series.  In this book, Dr. Bock seeks to set the record straight regarding the truth of the lost gospel message.

Summary

Divided into seven chapters, Dr. Darrell Bock takes an in depth look at the message of the Gospel that revolutionized the world.  Chapter one discusses the promise where the Gospel begins while chapter two looks at the Gospel as both a meal (Lord’s Supper) and a washing (baptism).  The third chapter, in my estimation the central chapter, discusses the centrality of the cross.

The final chapters offer conversation on how the Gospel is a gift of grace and how it is affirmed in divine action and scripture.  More importantly, chapter six details the key to accepting this free gift of grace while the last chapter offers the greater impact of the power of the cross unto salvation and what that means for our relationship with God as well as other people.

Review

I found this book to be a great read and one that while going in depth and talking about doctrines like love and atonement, it is highly accessible to the “everyday Christian.”  This is key as there has been much published in academia that fights for a recovery of the gospel but so few of those doctrinally sound and exegetically correct resources ever filter down to the common man.  Darrell Bock has accomplished just that in his writing of this resource.  By the time you finish this book, you will be well educated on the impact of the gospel in your life as well as how it should impact the lives of others through you.  Perhaps more importantly, you will find that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is one of love (and yes, judgment) that is then poured out onto others.  That kind of love is often times missing from the local church.

Recommendation

If you are a believer, then you need read this book.  Chances are, you have not fully understood the gospel (that is not to say you are not a believer!).  Dr. Bock’s work will instruct in a straight forward, and biblically-based manner of how the gospel of Jesus Christ is so radical–even more than just a one-time acceptance or message.  It is life altering and others will see it.

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In Search of the Beginning by Dean Davis

January 23rd, 2012 No comments

Davis, Dean.  In Search of the Beginning: A Seeker’s Journey to the Origin of the Universe, Life, and Man.  Enumclaw: Pleasant Word Publishing, 2010.   396 pp.  $21.99.  Purchase at Amazon for $17.15.

Introduction

Dean Davis has written another book entitled The Test that has been reviewed here.  Both of these works are in depth treatments of philosophical matters from a Christian apologetic nature.  Dean has served as a pastor, teaching elder, Sunday School director (with his wife, Linda), Christian bookstore manager, pro-life leader, and substitute school teacher. In recent years, he has worked as the Director of Come Let Us Reason, a Bible teaching ministry specializing in Worldview Studies and Apologetics. He and his wife, Linda, currently reside in Santa Rosa, California.

Summary

At near 400 pages, this work is not light reading.  It is divided into seven chapters and three appendices.  It helps that there are numerous subsections throughout.  The first chapter lays out the various interpretations of our understanding of the beginning of the universe.  Chapters two and three offer the Nauralist’s view on the Beginning.  Chapter two gives the position of naturalism from it’s own perspective while chapter three is a critique of the Naturalist view.

Chapter four looks at Pantheism (everything is God) with chapter five gets straight to the point of what Christ said and taught about the Beginning of the universe and all therein.  In looking at what Christ said and taught, Davis outlines the Biblical understanding of the beginning.  Chapter six gives the reader a real good look at the critiques of the Biblical understanding.  Chapter seven concludes the main body of the book with a discussion of what a biblical worldview of the Beginning means for you and me today.

The three appendices are also extremely helpful.  They include treatments on the unity of the Bible (very helpful), Old Testament Messianic Types (again, very helpful) and a discussion of New Testament references to Genesis 1-11 (very eye-opening).  The Bibliography will point you in a safe manner toward other resources to help further your knowledge on the essential doctrine.

Review

I have grown to really enjoy Dean’s writing style.  While he is not “the big name” in apologetics, he offers very well-researched material mixed with well-reasoned and unbiased (insofar as any of us are able to be unbiased) critiques and the like.  He cites everything with great care and detail thus keeping himself accountable to the reader as well as the scientific community (important!).

He does not shy away from topics like evolution nor does he stand on a soap-box and crusade against those who adhere to these theories and philosophies.  Rather, he allows the material to speak for itself and in so doing he lets the proverbial chips fall where they will.

I do wish he would have included an index but completely understand the complexity of adding one to a work so large as this.  That being said, this work remains extremely accessible to the reader and will be one that engages all who have given thought to the beginning of the universe.

Recommendation

While there are many, many resources available on the subject of cosmology, I heartily recommend adding Dean Davis’ In Search of the Beginning to your library.  The end-notes and bibliography will help you to further your study and build your library so that you will be better equipped to handle these discussions…especially in the college classroom!

 

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Born of God by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

January 20th, 2012 No comments

Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn.  Born of God: Sermons from John, Chapter One.  Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2011.  482 pp.  $29.00.  Purchase at Westminster for much less.

Introduction

Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) is well known by many in the Reformed circles of Christianity. This is because of his love for the Puritans and his deep exegetical and expository style of preaching.  My prayer is that he would be well known throughout all of Christendom. He has much to offer today’s Christian. You can download sermons for free at OnePlace.com. I highly recommend you check out that website.

Summary

Born of God is a 32 sermon compilation of messages delivered by the late Dr. Lloyd-Jones as part of his last sermon series preached on Sunday mornings at Westminster Chapel.  He started preaching through John in 1962 but health prevented him from ever finishing.  Another lengthy treatment from the Gospel of John is found in his work entitled Living Water which I reviewed here.

In this particular work, the Doctor concentrates on two doctrines found in the first chapter of the beloved disciple’s gospel: Law and Grace and the assurance of salvation.  He began the series with the comment, “Do you know what is the matter with us?  I will tell you.  We none of us really believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!”  From there he explains what he means and shows with pinpoint accuracy how this is truly the case for most believers in Jesus Christ.

Review

With his warning shot fired, Martyn Lloyd-Jones shows how we need to better grasp the doctrines we believe and allow them to have the desired effect in and on 0ur lives.  What is better is his continuous pointing back to Christ in all that he says.

Chapter fifteen is an excellent chapter in that he lays out in plain language how we become children of God.  In my personal estimation, it is one of his more articulate evangelical sermons we have.  Chapters 21-25 are of great value in and of themselves as they explain the importance of mortifying (killing) sin within you.

After reading Born of God, you will have a far greater understanding and appreciation for the first chapter of the Gospel of John.

Recommendation

As with all of the materials by and about Dr. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, I highly recommend this compilation of sermons.  I do not hide the truth that he has been most influential on my ministry and in my walk with the Lord.  If you have never read anything by the Doctor, then start here with Born of God and be blessed.  You will also be “hooked” so to speak on the ministry of the greatest preacher of the 20th century.

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Crimilia by Meredith Leigh Burton

January 18th, 2012 3 comments

Burton, Meredith Leigh.  Crimilia.  Mustang: Tate Publishing, 2011.  196 pp.  $12.99.  Purchase at Amazon for $11.04 or less.

Introduction

Meredith is a graduate from the Tennessee School for the Blind as well as having earned her Bachelors in English and Theatre from Middle Tennessee State University.  Crimilia is her first work.  Also, she is a frequent commenter here at the website.  :)   You can read more about the book from its own website, Crimilia.
Check out this promotional video for the book:

Summary

As with most works of fiction, I have found it easiest to take the summary from the website or the back of the book so as not to give too much away of the story.

Hannah Wilkins is bitter. In addition to being teased at school about her weight, she has now been struck blind in a terrible accident, causing her to lose all sense of normalcy, and her tight-knit family. She struggles through every day, each of which only seems to get worse than the last, until one fateful morning when her bus hits a deer and the resulting jolt sends her flying into another universe.

Brandon Pringle struggles every day to fit in and function like the rest of the children at his school. Afflicted by a debilitating limp, he doesn’t seem to be useful to anyone. But when he is thrown from the school bus and lands on an unfamiliar riverbank, everything he knows about himself is completely overturned.

Tossed together in the unfamiliar and turbulent land of Crimilia, Hannah and Brandon must fight their way through the unfamiliar landscapes of jealousy, greed, temptation, and hate in order to help restore peace to a land run by a tyrant. With the help of a few friends and through the goodness of a kindly baker named Jamal, they might just succeed in freeing the citizens of Crimilia from the ruthless Queen Salak. Join author Meredith Burton for an unforgettable tale of friendship, faith, and perseverance in the land of Crimilia.

Review

I greatly enjoyed this work of fantasy though I did struggle at times to stay in the world of Crimilia.  The concept of bringing two children, one with a crippled leg, the other blind, into a battle (think Narnia) where they are fulfilling prophecy may not be new but it does offer a twist to the common books of fantasy.  Most of us reading these works are healthy (or healthy enough that we can envision ourselves as being a part of the story).  This is not always the case for those with various disabilities.

Meredith, with first hand knowledge of having a disability (she is blind in case you didn’t figure that out from above) offers keen insight into the frustrations as well as the way in which one does live with a body that does not work as it should.  The characters are believable and enjoyable.  I am pretty confident that anyone reading Crimilia will be able to identify with one or more of the characters.

Perhaps the greatest critique of the novel was allusion to man’s freedom incapacitating God in some manner in a couple remarks by Jamal.  In other words, man’s choice keeps God from working His will.  This is a very common misconception and one that has gained even more traction in recent history thanks to democracy.

As I said above, I did struggle to remain within the world of the book.  Meredith drew heavily from Scripture (applause!) but so much so that I found myself critiquing her use of various passages.  It was also obvious she was greatly influenced by Lewis’ Narnia series to which she states on her author page.  Again, that was me reading as a critic.  Regardless, I found the work to be enjoyable.

Recommendation

I would recommend getting a copy of this book, reading it (I did so in one night), and giving it to someone else to read – preferably an unbeliever.  Crimilia will open avenues of conversation that you might not have ever had.  I can definitely see this being a resource to give to young teens as there is a social lesson to be learned as well.

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Tempted and Tried by Russell D. Moore

January 11th, 2012 No comments

Moore, Russell D.  Tempted and Tried: Temptation and the Triumph of Christ.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2011.  208 pp.  $14.99.  Purchase at Westminster Books for much less.

Introduction

Dr. Russell Moore is the dean of the School of Theology as well as the vice president for Academic Administration at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also serves as the editor of the journal Touchstone and is a preaching pastor at Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He has also authored Crossway’s The Kingdom of Christ among other books.

He has also written the paradigm-shifting work, Adopted for Life.  You can read my review of that great work here.

Summary

This resource is divided into seven chapters.  The first chapter sets the tone for the entire work and explains why temptation matters.  The second chapter warns that we should always be aware of temptation and that if we are not, we are practically dooming ourselves.  Chapters three and four look at why we would rather be fed than fathered in the sense that we shy away from being disciplined and also why our pride (see, sin) keeps us from admitting when we need help from error.

In all cases of temptation, we fight and fight and often times we lose because we are blinded by our selfish desires.  Chapter five looks at Christ in the desert and how we, apart from the power of the Holy Spirit, would rather be exalted ourselves instead of being crucified unto Christ so that we can better fight against the devil.  The sixth chapter explains why you cannot resist temptation and why you need a Helper.  The last chapter is aptly titled (Not a) Conclusion.  Here, the reader is told why the battle must rage on indefinitely this side of eternity.

Review

It seems as though Dr. Moore continues to call the saints to the obvious though not often discussed doctrines of the church.  Tempted and Tried is a much needed resource for the church today.  There is much in the way of self-loathing and pity today as many are seeing their sin as egregious before the Lord but never really getting beyond that fact except to cry out for salvation.  Russell Moore shows us how temptation is a part of our life just as it was Christ’s.  He helps us to see that the sin is not in the temptation but in our giving in to the temptation.  He further explains to us that we cannot fight against these temptations on our own.  We need Christ more than just for an entrance to salvation.  Rather, we need the power of Christ for everyday living and for the everyday battle.

If there is one critique I have on this work it is the chapters are a bit long.  I only say that because there is so much to digest that each chapter takes a few evenings to digest!  By the time you get through one chapter, you find that you want to go back and re-read the chapter in one sitting.

Recommendation

There is much for the thirsty soul in this work.  I highly recommend to all Christians Tempted and Tried.  You will certainly be a better follower of Christ and a more effective witness of his grace and mercy in your life as you learn what it means to be tempted and tried and then Who it was that faced the same temptations and trials and never gave in.  What encouragement to come to the cross daily for your sustenance!  What encouragement to live a victorious life in the power of Christ (and that is not a charismatic phrase)!

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Give Them Grace by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson

December 23rd, 2011 No comments

Fitzpatrick, Elyse and Jessica Thompson.  Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2011.  208 pp.  $14.99.  Purchase at Westminster for $8.43.

Introduction

Elyse Fitzpatrick is an excellent writer and editor.  I have reviewed two of her previous works, both published by Crossway Books, and have thoroughly enjoyed them.  This book is a bit different in that it is a parenting resource that was co-written with her daughter, Jessica.

Summary

Divided into two parts with ten chapters, and three appendices, Elyse offers her readers a humbled, hindsight, handbook on parenting and pointing your children toward the grace of God found in the cross of Calvary.  In part one, she gives us the theological foundations of grace.  Within these four chapters, we are treated to biblical examples and reasons of for showing grace in our parenting.

In part two, the reader is implored to find the evidences of grace in daily living.  This section is comprised of six chapters and begins with a chapter on physical discipline.  In each chapter, the authors exhort the reader to continue parenting in light of the cross and to point out the grace in your child’s every day life from behavior to mercies to even the food on the table.  By the end of this section, if you have read it and wrestled with the Scriptural principles, you may find yourself viewing your neighborhood as a mission field if you do not already.

The three appendices drive further home the point of the gospel as being central to parenting.

Review

While I really enjoy reading various parenting books, I have found the latest round of books from the likes of Tedd and Paul Tripp, CJ Mahaney, etc. to be extremely helpful.  Add Elyse Fitzpatrick and her daughter to that list. What I enjoyed the most about this particular resource is the humbled hindsight offered by Elyse.  She openly admits to not getting it right all the time though she tried.

As a parent, we all understand the difficulty in maintaining our witness to our children when disciplining them.  Elyse takes on the roll of that godly Christian mom that wants to be an asset and train up the younger women (and yes, men since men will also read this resource) to be better than she was as a parent.  At the very least, be a bit more consistent.

I do wish in the chapter on discipline, they would have a been a bit less non-committal on the issue of spanking but they are adamant that spanking, if done properly, is biblical and that parents must come to their own (biblically-informed) conclusions on this matter.

Audio Review

I also was able to listen to this book from christianaudio.  I found the quality of the audio to be exceptional.  Tavia Gilbert narrated the book with great care and seemingly as a parent herself looking back on her own  years as a mother.  her emotions run the gamut along with Elyse’s writing from sorrow to joy and even singing with a beautiful voice that made me stop and listen to it again.

The only negative to the audio was once again the formatting of the files as they appear on my mp3 player.  This has always been my biggest critique of christianaudio.

Recommendation

As a father of five children ages seven and under (as of the writing of this review), I found Elyse’s exhortations, confessions, and gospel-centered message to be refreshing and encouraging.  There are days when you do not feel like you are doing a great job of parenting (and some days this is true) but Elyse and her daughter, Jessica, point the readers to the same cross that, as parents, we should be pointing our children.  I highly recommend this resource to all parents who call on the name of Christ as Lord and Savior.

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Redeeming Singleness by Barry Danylak

December 19th, 2011 No comments

Danylak, Barry.  Redeeming Singleness: How the Storyline of Scripture Affirms the Single Life.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2010.  256 pp.  $16.99.  Purchase at Westminster Books for $11.38.

Introduction

Barry is a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge.  He has a passion for ministry to single adults and teaches and speaks on the subject of biblical singleness regularly.  Singleness in the Bible and in the church today is often looked at either with disdain (God must not have favor on you if you have yet to find a spouse) or with ignorance of what the Bible says about the gift of singleness.  That is about to change on both fronts.

Summary

Divided into six chapters, Danylak offers what amounts to a biblical theology of singleness making a distinction between the Old and New Testament understandings of singleness and the importance of both testaments as regards our complete understanding of this doctrine.  Chapter one begins, naturally, in the beginning and looks at procreation as the blessing to the world it truly is.  Chapter two continues the look at marriage for covenant nation of Israel and how it was important to the ultimate “child.”  Chapter three offers the fulcrum on which the doctrine of singleness rests.  That is, the failure of the nation of Israel leading to the blessing brought to the world.

Chapter four explains the implications of marriage, and more germane to this book, the implications for singleness.  The fifth chapter studies the teachings of Christ on singleness and family while chapter six concludes this book with a discussion on the words of Paul found in 1 Corinthians 7.

Review

Admittedly, I did not know much about the doctrine of singleness other than it is a gift from God that not everyone has though we all are granted for some time in our lives either before marriage or after.  That is, until I read Redeeming Singleness.  For my mind, this was an informative read and extremely helpful as regards an ability to minister to singles as one who is married.

Barry’s heart and passion for this topic are apparent on every page.   It is obvious he has taken great care in researching and composing this resource for the advancement of the kingdom of God.  to that end, the bibliography and Scripture and Subject Indexes are extremely helpful and will be an excellent aid to the student wanting to study further in depth the biblical doctrine of singleness.

All of this points to reality that Barry Danylak’s Redeeming Singleness as the go-to resource (apart from the Bible) to begin your study on this doctrine.

Recommendation

If you are in the ministry, or are single, or know single men and women, then you will do well to acquire this book and read it and have it on hand to give to others.  While I am personally against specialized ministries (though I do engage in them) in the local church, this is certainly an area that needs to be developed for the church’s edification.  Barry has wonderfully accomplished just that in Redeeming Singleness.

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Getting back in the Race by Joel R. Beeke

December 16th, 2011 No comments

Beeke, Joel R.  Getting Back in the Race:  The Cure for Backsliding.  Adelphi: Cruciform Press, 2011.  122 pp.  $9.99. Purchase at Westminster or you can sign up as a subscriber for even greater discounts.

Introduction

Dr. Joel R. Beeke has written numerous works (I think he and John Piper are in a competition). I have been fortunate to review a few of them here.  He serves as president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, the editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, and vice president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society which is all located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His PhD is in Reformation and post-Reformation History from Westminster Theological Seminary.

Summary

Divided into four chapters, Dr. Beeke with an introduction and a conclusion based on Scripture and the writings of men from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.  Using the analogy of a runner running a race, Beeke shows us how we can recognize when backsliding occurs.  Not everyone who is struggling with their faith is backsliding and Beeke takes great care to explain the difference.  The second, third and fourth chapters are expositions based on Hosea 14:1-9.

Chapter two looks at the runner returning to the fight and is based on verses 1-3.  Here, backsliding has been diagnosed and the Christian is now seeking the information necessary for the cure.  Chapter three is subtitled the medicines of grace and is rooted in Hosea 14:4.  Here the sickly Christian is take the prescription and is now in the midst of getting healthy once again.

The final chapter looks at verses 5-9 and offers the recovery process through the healing of grace.  In the end, if you are running the race, you have the grace of God on your side.  Beeke concludes the work with an exhortation to runners to continue the race.

Review

Backsliding is not a topic discussed often in books or churches.  Joel Beeke offers a sweet as honey elixir to cure this problem.  To date, Joel Beeke is the most well-known author to publish with Cruciform Press.  For Cruciform to take this next step as a publishing company and lead off with a book on backsliding as that next step is noteworthy (at least to me).  This tells me, and I think many would agree, that backsliding is an epidemic in today’s church.  Sadly, most pastors and Christians are ill-prepared to recognize let alone encourage, exhort, and challenge the believer who is backsliding.

It is a natural fit for the publishing model of Cruciform Press to offer what amounts to an introduction to the topic of backsliding through their publishing company.  Lord willing, this introduction will begin a paradigm shift in the church today to bring her back to good health.  Somehow, I think what will also happen is that many will discover they are not backsliding because they are not a believer.  Educating the members of your congregation can have that effect.  Only then can/will we see revival.

Beeke’s book is fast paced and just deep enough to cause the reader to want to learn more.  If said reader will plumb the depths of the Bible and use the endnotes as a springboard to more reading, only the Lord knows what will happen.  What I know is that the saints will certainly become more equipped than ever.

Recommendation

You can never go wrong with a resource by Joel Beeke even if you disagree with him on a specific doctrine.  Getting Back in the Race is a book most Christians need to read but do not know it.  Get a copy and see for yourself.  I am grateful (as will you be) for Cruciform Press taking this next step as a publishing company and to do so with this particular title is excellent.  I unreservedly recommend this book to all Christians.

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