Christian Book Notes

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.

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.

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.

Wilkes, Steve.  Spiritual Problems of Committed Christians.  Mountain Home: BorderStone Press, LLC., 2011.  186 pp.  $14.95.  Purchase for less at Amazon.

Introduction

Steve Wilkes is a Professor in the Department of Missions at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.  He has earned a D.Miss at Fuller Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.  He serves as editor of the Journal of Evangelism and Missions and is President and Founder of World-Wide Church Planters, a ministry dedicated to starting churches around the world.

Summary

Dr. Wilkes looks at seven problems the Christian faces and then how we are to overcome these problems.  Specifically, he looks at discouragement, doubt, relationships, bitterness, spiritual warfare, lust, and fear.  After discussing these problems at length, his answer to these problems is found in chapter eight with the solution of discovering our identity in Christ.  For those who want to be committed Christians, they should lead a devotional life.  The key to the Christian life is found in chapter ten, however. I will give you a hint, the key is biblical and Steve does a great job of wrestling with what the Bible says versus what many others have said about the key to Christian living.

Review

In the realm of spiritual discipline and spiritual well-being books, there is a ton of junk.  Thankfully, Steve Wilkes has authored a book that is both biblical and practical.  His writing style is one that lets the reader know, “I’ve been there and I’m here to help.”  His work is full of biblical principles rooted in proper Scriptural references.  He does not shy away from the difficulties of life but points the reader to the One who is able to overcome all of these difficulties.  That is, Christ Jesus.

While this work is a fast read, it will offer principles that will last and be a kick-start to your living a more “successful” Christian life.

Recommendation

If you are one who struggles with any of the aforementioned problems, and who doesn’t?, then I recommend picking up a copy of Spiritual Problems of Committed Christians.  It can be read devotionally or as a study or just to be read.  Regardless, it would do many well to read it.

Rager, Erin.  Little Flower.  Illustrated by D. Ellen Kay.  Mountain Home:  Borderstone Press, LLC, 2011.  42 pp.  $9.95.  Purchase at Amazon.

Note: My 7 year old son had to write a book review for one of his school lessons.  The majority of this review will be his thoughts while mine will be obvious to the reader.

Austin’s Review

There was a flower in some weeds.  Then a storm came and ripped her petals off.  Then the gardener came out and helped her.  The next day she found another little flower and another and another.

I liked the storm because the Gardener was watching Little Flower.  That reminds me when in the Bible the writer of Hebrews wrote, “And no creature is hidden from His sight.”  I would recommend other kids read this book because it tells you that God is always watching you.

Introduction

Erin Rager is a nurse and a mom who enjoys cake decorating, scuba diving, and playing the clarinet in her church orchestra.  Little Flower originated on her bucket list but became almost a necessity when she began to face quite a few trials in her own life.  D. Ellen Kay has a degree in graphic design as well as a passion for coffee.

Summary/Review/Recommendation

Little Flower is in the midst of nothing but weeds.   After strong storms come, Little Flower fears that he is all alone only to learn that the Gardener was there the entire time.  Little Flower will teach the reader, in parable, the truth of persevering faith.

This little book will be a great resource not just to be read to children (or grand children), but to adults as well.  The truths, so masterfully told in this little story will be a sweet balm to a hurting soul.

Tinsley, Sara.  Illustrated by Kristen Dacus.  Will Finds the Way.  Mountain Home: BorderStone Press, 2011.  27 pp.  $14.99.  Purchase at Amazon.

Summary

Sara Tinsley and Kristen Dacus have teamed up to bring a story of salvation to life.  We join Will who is seeking to be the best person he can only to discover it is not good enough.  With lovely illustrations, the story is told in both picture and word.

Review

I loved the book for its message but found that to be a double-edged sword.  While the message was definitely a biblical message of salvation (rarely found in children’s works of this length), it also caused me to think of those children who are “smart enough” to “understand” and now become equipped to say the right things when asked.  In other words, the child could have the head knowledge but not the heart knowledge.

That being said, the message is to biblical to pass up and not share with your children.  Having the book available to them to read will continually reinforce the most important message they need.  What is more, having it around the house may be one of the best strategies for sharing the gospel with lost family members.

The pictures also helped to drive the story.  They were well done and helped to bring the story to life in the mind of the child.

Austin’s Perspective

Austin is my 7-year old son.  I had him read it and share his thoughts so that you will know what a child thinks of the book, too.

This was a very encouraging story.  It was about the Lord and how to get into heaven.  Will first did a lot of good things because he was trying to be good enough.  After he was saved, he did all the good things because he was saved and wanted to say thank you.  I really liked this book.

Recommendation

Because of the biblical message of salvation so rare in children’s books and because of the great opportunity to have a gospel tract fall into the hands of lost family members, I highly recommend all parents of young children owning a copy of this book.  If you are a grandparent who is praying for your own lost children, buying a copy of Will Finds the Way is one more opportunity to share the gospel with your children.

Palmer, Dale E.  Stones from the Brook: A Treasury of Godly Reflections from Life’s Journey.  Mountain Home: BorderStone Press, LLC., 2010.  126 pp.  $14.95.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

You may have never heard of Dr. Dale E. Palmer but you have heard of the church where he served faithfully for 28 years.  Even more, you have more than likely heard of his pastor, Dr. Adrian Rodgers of Bellevue Baptist Church.  Dr. Palmer was ordained in 1953 and graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1955.  He served under Dr. Rodgers as his assistant.  Perhaps one of his more joyful duties was the role of baptizing professed believers into the body.

Summary/Review

Far from a chapter book, Stones from the Brook, not to be confused with Stones Taken from Ancient Brooks, has some 30 reflections on ordinary events in the life of a believer.  In this case, the life of Dr. Dale Palmer.  Each reflection stands alone but together makes for an apologetic that we should capture every thought to Christ (2 Cor 10:5).  From the first story about the broom man and the ramifications of a simple decision to buy a broom to a story about a yeller panther, you will quickly see that Christ can be found in every day “meaningless” tasks and circumstances.

What I appreciated the most from this book is the genuine feel to the stories.  These are all stories experienced and lived by a humble servant of God.  As you read these accounts, you will find that you want to be able to see Christ in all things rather than perhaps waiting years (if at all) to finally understand that the Lord was working all the while for His glory and honor.

An interesting side note to this resource is that while you will definitely feel as though you are sitting in your living room talking with this man of God, you will find that you are being challenged to live out your faith.  The illustrations are fun and alluring and the commentary is great, but the reality of looking at every thing that takes place in your life as either kingdom building or kingdom destroying is something that cannot be taught but must be experienced.

Recommendation

If you have been looking for that godly older man to have a conversation with to no avail, then I would encourage you to pick up a copy of Stones from the Brook.  Here you will find the reflections of life that you long to discuss and have that saint from days gone by share with you.  The book is easy to read and, I believe, will help you to view life a bit differently.

Dr. Drake, Joshua F. Recovering Music Education as a Christian Liberal Art. Mountain Home: BorderStone Press, LLC., 2010. 136 pp. $12.95. Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Dr. Drake is a musicologist, hymnist and professor at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. He earned his undergraduate degree from Union University and a doctorate from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. He is married with two sons.

Summary

Dr. Drake begins his work with a chapter on the wrong reasons to study music. After outlining those, he spends the next five chapters offering an apologetic for studying music as a liberal art. He does this from an unapologetic Christian perspective. The second chapter details the importance of music as a liberal art. Chapter three takes the position of music theory as general revelation as found in Romans 1—it, too, is enough to show your need for Christ, but not enough to save you from your sins.

Chapter four looks to the history of music as detailing God’s hand of providence in the world. Here, we see how God has communicated through history, specifically, musical history and how active listening (something many of us fail at today) is necessary for us to truly appreciate God’s providence even in the music we are listening to.

The fifth chapter looks at the various ways one can perform music as a liberal art. This is done through conducting, singing, and playing of instruments. The final chapter brings it all together and shows how music plays a role in one’s education through grammar, logic, and rhetoric.

At the end of each chapter is a helpful application of the concepts learned in the chapter.

Review

This was an eye-opening, and sometimes confusing, book for me. I am not much of a musician though I did play the drums in grade school (more to annoy my parents than anything else!). I have taken introduction to music courses in college and trudged through it not having a clue as to its importance to my life other than needing the class to graduate. So, while there was much I had to look up and seek to understand more—Dr. Drake assumes a rudimentary knowledge of music that I do not possess—the information contained within these pages opened my eyes to a whole new understanding of the importance of music.

Dr. Drake roots everything in the Scripture. His ability to show how all of music can and should be understood as reflecting God’s glory is both refreshing and challenging. While there were terms I did not understand at first, I learned a great deal about a discipline for which I know nothing. I also recognized the truth that everything was created by God and one way we are to give God the glory is to be creative musically.

Recommendation

Recovering Music Education is one of those resources every Christian needs when entering college and taking their Intro to Music class. Furthermore, reading Recovering Music Education will help the Christian to redeem the finer qualities of music and enable them to point others toward the beauty and glory of Christ in everything including music. This resource will open your eyes to the underlying truths of music pointing toward the creator God.

Wilder, Terry. The Lost Sermons of Scottish Baptist Peter Grant. Memphis: Borderstone Press, LLC., 2010. 230 pp. $14.95. Purchase at Amazon.

Introduction

Dr. Terry Wilder traveled to Scotland in 2001 as a member of the faculty at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO. While there, he was entrusted with the care of “the only extant sermon manuscripts” of Peter Grant. The sole purpose of which was for their translation and publication.

Peter Grant (1783-1867) was a Scottish Baptist pastor better known for his hymn writing than his sermon preaching. He served as pastor for 41 years at the Baptist church in Grantown. His son served in the same church for 39 years afterward!

Summary

It is important to note from the outset that this is not a compilation of manuscripted sermons. Rather, this is a simple transcription of the sermon notes of one Peter Grant. This means that some of the “sermons” are what many would consider skeletons or outlines. Some of them even appear to be notes “scratched on a napkin” as it were.

Dr. Wilder added titles to each sermon and add “sensible punctuation” where necessary. Other than that, he largely left the notes untouched except to translate. Included in the book are 49 sermons ranging in scope, completeness, and passages. You have a rather full sermon based on John 10:11 dealing with the specifics of partaking of the Lord’s Sermon as well as a few notes (literally seven sentences or sentence fragments) on Ps. 85:1-6.

Review

Michael Haykin warns us of the difficulty in reproducing and publishing sermons in his afterward. That being said, one gets the general idea regarding the power of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of Peter Grant.  Each message that we have transcribed in this work is powerful in its own right and context.

The “sermons” are a bit cumbersome to read, but the reader is warned of that going into the book (hence, the importance of reading forewards and introductions!). Nonetheless, Lost Sermons of Peter Grant is worth the time it takes to acclimate oneself to the style of his writing.

Recommendation

While not every Christian will be as excited to read, Dr. Wilder’s work, we would all be served well in doing so. To see the power of the Spirit working in those “lesser known” pastors will do much to edify the souls of all those “lesser known” pastors of today.  For those who are “church history” buffs, this book belongs in your library. To read it will be to introduce yourself to a largely unmined field of history in the Scottish Baptists.

Haykin, Michael A.G. The Empire of the Holy Spirit. Mountain Home: BorderStone Press, LLC, 2010. 184 pp. $19.95. Purchase at Westminster for $17.96.

Introduction

Michael Haykin is Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality as well as the Director of The Andrew Fuller Center for Baptist Studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He is also the editor of Eusebia which is a bulletin (magazine) for the Andrew Fuller Center for Baptist Studies. His specialty in church history is the Patristics as well as Reformed piety. You can view many of Dr. Haykin’s other books here.

Summary

The Empire of the Holy Spirit is a conglomeration of papers and articles Dr. Haykin has written or presented in various forums, conferences and journals. This book is sort of a history of how Dr. Haykin has arrived to where he is now in regards to his fuller understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit.

A quick glance at the chapters helps the reader to see where the author is going. The first chapter, entitled We believe in the Holy Spirit, is an excellent introduction to the doctrine of the third member of the Trinity. Haykin argues implicitly that we as believers need to recapture the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. The rest of the book is written to fill in the missing parts in the theology of the Holy Spirit for most Christians today.

Chapter three, “The Holiness of the Spirit,” was by far my favorite chapter in the book. Unfortunately, I read that at a restaurant and was not able to shout praises like I wanted to!

Each chapter is full of “quotable sayings” by Dr. Haykin. For example, when he is discussing the growth of the early church (book of Acts) he says, “Central to this growth in the size of the church—in a day when the only public mass evangelism was when the martyrs shared their faith before death—were the Scriptures” (p. 62). Or, “Suffering and weakness by no means imply the absence of God’s Spirit. On the contrary, they are the medium by which the Spirit delights to work” (p.124).

There are many more quotes, but I fear I am going to ruin the read for everyone else. Suffice it to say, you will need a pen in hand as you read this book as well as a closet for which to get away and spend quality time in prayer to the God of Creation and Author of your salvation.

Review

Too be honest, I was expecting a very academic book when I first cracked it open and read the introduction—after all, it is a conglomeration of academic papers. Needless to say, I was very impressed with the language and the accessibility of each chapter as Dr. Haykin unpacked the implications of the Holy Spirit and It’s meaning in our lives today. The only theological controversy found here will be his understanding of the gift of tongues and the Spirit (and that by a minority in the church).

In reading The Empire of the Holy Spirit, the reader will be lead to not only a deeper understanding of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, but also to worship over and over.

Recommendation

I heartily recommend this book to all Christians. There is much need for understanding of this third member of the Trinity. Dr. Haykin helps us to wrestle away the much maligned Holy Spirit in the church today (either too much Spirit leading to prosperity preaching or too little Spirit leading to programmatic and lifeless worship) and bring us back to a biblical understanding of the power and holiness found in the Spirit.