Christian Book Notes

Tripp, Paul David.  What Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage.  Wheaton:  Crossway Books, 2010.  290 pp.  $21.99.  Purchase at Westminster for $14.73.

Audio book

Narrated by Lloyd James.  Esconido: christianaudio.  10.75 hours.  Download – $14.98, CD – $24.98.

Introduction

I will allow Dr. Tripp to provide the introduction for this book:

You can also listen to Dr. Tripp on a recent FamilyLife Today broadcast series talking about this book.

Summary

Dr. Tripp reshapes the expectations of marriage with six commitments. They are as follows:

1. We will give ourselves to a regular lifestyle of confession and forgiveness.
2. We will make growth and change our daily agenda.
3. We will work together to build a sturdy bond of trust.
4. We will commit to building a relationship of love.
5. We will deal with our differences with appreciation and grace.
6. We will work to protect our marriage.

You will note that the operative phrase is “we will.” Marriage is not all give or all take. Marriage is when two sinners say “I do.” Those two sinners must now figure out how they are going to live together in a God glorifying marriage.

Review

The content of What Did You Expect is dead on.  Tripp is God-centered, Christ-exalting, and very real when it comes to dealing with the marital strife. With the entire book set up as a marriage counseling session. Each “session” points the person being counseled (the reader) as the problem in the marriage. Dr. Tripp continually points to “you” as the problem. It is easy for the counselor to tell the counselee that s/he is not at fault thus really making the problem worse.

Fortunately, Tripp nails this. By taking the focus off of the problems of the spouse, and, rightfully I might add, onto the person reading the book, Tripp effectively breaks down many barriers to counseling. After showing the reader that he is the cause of the problem, Dr. Tripp points him to Christ. That is the most important aspect of this book–Jesus Christ needs to be at the center of your marriage. Without Him, your marriage is in more trouble than you realize.

I do have one minor problem with the book (besides being aggravated that it was not written before I got married!) although it is very minor given the scope of the book. At the end of chapter 3, Tripp writes,

Reconciling your marriage begins when you begin to reconcile with God. It begins when you begin to pray this radical prayer: ‘Your kingdom come, you will be done, right here, right now in this marriage as it is in heaven.’ Good things happen as the result of that prayer!

My only concern is that this prayer might become a “magic” prayer causing the reader to become delusional thinking that just by merely reading it or saying it or repeating it, his marriage will be saved. I completely understand that Dr. Tripp does not intend for that to happen, but people have been putting their hope in prayers instead of Christ for so long that this must be cautioned against.

Audio Review

It was the best of the times and it was the worst times.

Lloyd James (not to be confused with Lloyd-Jones) became my favorite narrator with this book.  He read this book quick enough to keep your attention but slow enough to allow the words to really sink in to your mind and then heart.  His voice rose and fell when necessary and sped up with excitement when the context called for it.  I was engaged with the “voice” the entire time and felt as though I was sitting in the counselor’s room.

With that said, christianaudio needs to reformat the audio files.  In most cases, they format their downloaded files with the numbers as such: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, …20, 21, 22.  This can become problematic when you download the files to your mp3 player.  The mp3 player recognizes the order as such: 1, 10, 11, 12,….2, 20, 21, 22, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.  You can see how this can be aggravating but not horrible to deal with.

This time, however, they formatted the files as such: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven….seventeen.  It became a real pain to attempt to listen to the book since “eight” was the first file and one came towards the bottom.  Having to search for those files almost caused me not to listen to the book.  Thankfully, the content and narration was worth the effort.  If you are going to purchase the audio book, I would advise getting the CD’s instead of the download.  Still, the book is worth the struggle.

Recommendation

As I stated above, I really wish this book was available when I got married in 2002. Reading this book helped me to see some of my own problems. Now, my wife is wanting to read it. This book needs to be in every pastor’s library. If you plan on getting married, read this book. If you are already married, read this book…together. You can purchase the CD audio or the DVD presentation of the seminar as well as 10-packs of books at greatly reduced prices. Do so.

Ten Boom, Corrie.  The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom.  Bantam Books, 1984.  242 pp.  $7.99.  Purchase the book at Westminster Books. 

audiobook

Narrated by Bernadette Dunne. Esconido: christianaudio Hovel, 2007. 9.5 hours. Purchase the audio CD for $24.98 or mp3 download for $14.98 from christianaudio.

Introduction

If you have been a Christian for any length of time, then you have heard the name Corrie Ten Boom.  She is one of those women who stand head and shoulders above many of the saints for what she did.  Many know that she had something to do with Jews during World War II.  Still, as I quickly discovered, there is much people do not know or are mistaken in the details about Corrie Ten Boom.   Unfortunately, time has a way of blurring the lines between fact and folklore.

Summary

The book begins with the 100th anniversary of the family clock and watch shop and then moves back in time to when Corrie was first born and quickly offers a brief biography of her life.  During this time, we learn of the Ten Boom’s faith in Jesus Christ and how that drives everything they do.

Fast forward to World War II and we find an almost 50 year old Corrie Ten Boom working on watches and enjoying life.  As Germany invades and ultimately occupies Holland, we discover that their faith in Christ as savior and Lord of all regardless of race or gender drives them to aid the Jews being persecuted.

It is quite amazing to note that the Ten Boom family practically fell into their smuggling operations.  It is also interesting to note that they disagreed on how to handle certain ethical issues such as lying to the police (some members would and some would not) based upon their faith.

It is about a year before what would be the end of the war when the Ten Boom family is betrayed and sent off to prison and concentration camps.  It is here that we really see what a life of faith and obedience to God.  In the end, Corrie survives the camp and sets out to assist those who were impacted by the tragedy that was World War II.

Review

As I said above, it was very interesting to hear how each person handled particular ethical dilemmas.  One sister would not lie for anything which wound up costing some perhaps there lives.  Corrie, on the other hand, found that she could easily lie when it came to taking care of those God had entrusted to her.

I had never read this book before listening to the audio so I had no real idea as to what I was going to discover with each passing minute.  As I listened to Bernadette Dunne read the story of Corrie Ten Boom, I felt as though I was sitting in a living room talking with my aging grandmother about what God had accomplished in her life.  Bernadette read this story with the emotion of a woman who had lived this life.  You could feel the pain in her voice when she realized who had betrayed them.  You could hear the dejection when she was challenged by God’s grace and her selfishness.

Recommendation

If you have never read The Hiding Place, then you have missed out on one of Christendom’s greatest little treasures.  If you have not read it, then I would highly recommend you get the audio and listen to it.  You cannot listen (or, I assume, read) to this book without it changing you.  Over and over again, I was convicted by my own weaknesses when compared to the strength and faith of Corrie Ten Boom.  If you listen to this book and are not changed, then you need to make sure that you are a true, regenerate child of God.

Miller, Paul. A Praying Life. Narrated by Arthur Morey. Esconido: christianaudio Hovel, 2009. 9 hours. Download for $16.98, CD for $26.98.

Introduction

I have already reviewed A Praying Life here. This particular review is going to look at the audio book produced by christianaudio.

Obviously, the content does not change at all. Arthur Morey does a wonderful job of narrating the book. He speaks very evenly and very well paced. I had no problems keeping up with his speech. I did struggle at times with how he seemed to deadpan certain sections.

For example, I could “hear” Paul Miller chuckling at certain points when discussing his autistic daughter. Arthur, however, seemed to make it a point to remain “even” in his reading of the text. Fortunately the content is enough to keep the listener’s attention even if the style of reading was somewhat distracting at times.

Recommendation

Given the critique of Arthur Morey’s reading of this particular book, one look at what books he has read for christianaudio will tell you that he probably understands practical Christian living. If you do not have time to read a book on praying, I do highly recommend purchasing a CD or download at christianaudio for your drive time.

Piper, John.  A Sweet & Bitter Providence:  Sex, Race, and the Sovereignty of God.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2010.  160 pp.  $17.99.  Purchase at Westminster for $11.69.

Audiobook

Narrated by Grover Gardner.  Escondido: christianaudio Hovel.  3.8 hours.  Download–$9.98, CD–$15.98

Introduction

Seriously, John Piper needs no introduction, but perhaps the book of Ruth does. Situated right after the book of Judges and just before the establishment of the monarchy, we read of a widow and her widowed daughter-in-law. Ruth is certainly a love story through and through, but many wonder how it speaks to us today. John Piper has offered his faithful exegesis and application of the book of Ruth in his latest book, A Sweet & Bitter Providence.

Summary

A short book, this one is divided into four chapters. The first chapter discusses God’s providence in allowing life to happen to Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah. Chapter two looks at how God guided and directed the paths of Ruth and Naomi to the city of a kinsmen redeemer. And not just any kinsmen redeemer, but one who would be able to provide for Ruth.

The third chapter describes strategic righteousness. Strategic righteousness is not a man or woman manipulating life’s events so that all works out for his or her good. Rather, strategic righteousness is rooted in the hope that God is going to work all things for one’s good. Chapter four concludes with the Christ-exalting application that Piper is known for (and I praise God for that!). Here, Piper shows how we, as the redeemed of Christ, are to make Him renowned in the world just as Ruth did with Boaz.

Audio/Content Review

Grover Gardner, a common voice heard on christianaudio, reads this book extraordinarily well. I have listened to a couple of the books he has read and have found him to sometimes be out of place. I cannot figure out why exactly–other than I “hear” John Piper or Donald S. Whitney whenever I read one of their books–but his voice just does not seem quite right.

That is not to say that he does not do a good job. On the contrary, he does a wonderful job. This is probably why when you check out the list of books he has read for christianaudio, you find authors like J.I. Packer, John Piper, Donald S. Whitney, Eugene Peterson, etc. In the case of A Sweet & Bitter Providence, I could hear John Piper teaching even though it was Grover Gardner reading–if that makes any sense at all.

The content of the book is right on–especially in today’s pluralistic society. Piper takes us straight to the throne room of God to see that sex is indeed a beautiful and glorious gift. We see that while many frown on inter-racial relationships, God, in His providence, ordained it such that Christ would descend from such a relationship.

Recommendation

A Sweet & Bitter Providence offers a glorious look “behind the scenes” as it were of what God was doing in the life of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. There is much to be gleaned from this short book of the Bible. We are indebted to John Piper for offering his thoughts on this book and even more so the application of this book for our lives today.

DeYoung, Kevin. Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2009. 128 pp. $10.99. Purchase the book at Westminster for $7.69.

Audiobook

Narrated by Adam Verner. Escondido: christianaudio Hovel. 3 hours. Download–$9.98, CD–$15.98.

Introduction

A search on Amazon for books on God’s Will returns over 231,000 results.  Everyone wants to know what God’s will is for their life.  Not everyone wants to actually do God’s will for their lives.  Kevin DeYoung challenges many preconceived notions in his book Just Do Something.

Summary

In an extremely short book, Kevin DeYoung begins by smashing what many use as a crutch–trying to discern the will of God.  He states at the end of chapter one that our seeking the will of God has enabled us to postpone growing up.  He likens our seeking the will of God as asking the great Magic 8-Ball whether or not we should eat at McDonald’s or Arby’s.

There is a better way.  DeYoung explains what that is and what it looks like in the Christian’s life.  Basically, the title of the books says it all…Just do something!  Though some might think that just doing something is aimless, we are presented with the tools (think prayer and Scripture reading) to discern God’s will in your life.  It is at this point that you are able to know that you are walking in the will of God.

Audio/Content Review

Adam Verner does not read this book in a dry, formal manner.  He reads more as though he is your pastor and you are discussing the matter of seeking God’s will for your life at your local coffee shop.  I appreciated his voice inflection as well as his tempo in reading.

The content of the book was dead on.  Kevin DeYoung nails it as far as the paralysis of analysis that grips many young Christians today.  We have made an idol out of seeking God’s will and Kevin attempts to rectify this in 128 short pages.  His use of Scripture helps to elucidate his solution to the problem which in the end is a biblical solution.

Recommendation

Just Do Something is a book that needs to be read by every Christian, young and old.  The book can be read in one sitting if you have the time (say 2 1/2 hours).  It makes for an excellent study for youth groups and adult bible study groups.  Kevin DeYoung offers many morsels to chew on when it comes to discerning God’s will for one’s life.  Having the book to read is great–you will mark it up with your fountain pen.  Having the book to listen to was even more of a bonus–I felt as though I was in the middle of a conversation.  Adam Verner really makes listening to the book an enjoyable experience.