Christian Book Notes

Altrogge, Steven.  The Greener Grass Conspiracy – Finding Contentment on Your Side of the Fence.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2011.  144 pp.  $12.99.  Purchase at Westminster for $9.72.

Introduction

Stephen Altrogge is a pastor at Sovereign Grace Church of Indiana, Pennsylvania (he is the type of guy that would require living in two states at once!).  He not only serves as the preaching pastor, but he also leads in worship and works with college students.  Stephen has also written Game Day for the Glory of God.  You can follow him on Twitter, friend him on Facebook, or just go to his website, The Blazing Center.

Summary

Written as part confession and part exhortation, The Greener Grass Conspiracy is divided into twelve chapters that build on the foundation of a real-life conspiracy that is taking place in your life and you have bought into it whether you realize it or not.  He moves from a me-centered attitude that we must constantly fight to a Christ-centered view of where you are in your life.  Along the way, you will find that you can affirm (some times not happily) just about all he is saying.

Review

Altrogge’s writing style is certainly one that will resonate with most readers today.  His tongue-in-cheek approach to his own short comings mixed with the seriousness of the truth that Christ alone helps you to be content is prevalent on most every page.  There are numerous quotes that could come out of this resource that will provide meditative pegs for quite some time.

Personally, I thought his chapter entitled “Eat Meat and Die” was worth the cost of the book and even thanked him via Twitter for writing it.  In this chapter he shows how complaining is just as much a sin as is lust and stealing.  The difference is, no one talks about that as a sin because everyone does it without a second thought.  I read this chapter as I was heading out the door for a Bible study and then had to share it with everyone at the study.

Recommendation

This is one of those books we do not realize we need to read until we read it.  Contentment is a struggle for everyone I know, especially for me personally.  Altrogge does not give a magic formula for teaching you to reach the nirvana of contentment.  Rather, he shows you from the Bible that contentment is a process we must learn and that process takes time.  Reading The Greener Grass Conspiracy will help you get going in that process by either righting your ship or getting you on the correct path.  I recommend this resource to every Christian struggling with contentment.

Wilkerson, Mike.  Redemption: Freed by Jesus from the Idols we Worship and the Wounds we Carry.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2011.  208 pp.  $15.99.  Purchase at Westminster for $10.71.

Introduction

Mike Wilkerson is a pastor at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA.  His passion is engaging in and restoring the gospel to counseling ministries in the church.  He leads Mars’ Hill Redemption Group ministry.  This is yet another quality resource offered by Re:Lit, a ministry of the Resurgence.

Summary

Divided into eight chapters with an epilogue and appendix, Mike Wilkerson takes his theology of counseling from the book of Exodus.  Chapter one explains that when you suffer God is near even if He does not seem so.  chapter two answers the question of how long the trial and tribulation will last as well as offers encouragement to those who are in the midst of trials.

Chapter three looks at the redemptive work of God in the Passover and what it means for your life in the here and now.  The fourth chapter, perhaps the most important chapter looks at the impact of the Passover as breaking free from bondage through the crossing of the Red Sea.

The final four chapters offer encouragement and hope as the Christian now faces a life of freedom, often for the first time that they can recall, and now must deal with so many other problems that they had no idea were even present.  In the end, the reader will see that we must always fight to continue keeping God as our greatest desire.

Each chapter concludes with a recommended resource section, scripture readings, and questions for reflection.

Review

Based on the book of Exodus, Pastor Wilkerson gives a Christ-centered approach to dealing with those thorny counseling issues that many may not be familiar with.  The real-life examples and case studies show that these time-tested principles are worth investigating further.  What is more, Mike does not come off as the “end all, be all” of biblical counseling.  He does not claim this is the only way to do it, nor does he say that no other way of counseling will work.

What he does show in a somewhat subtle manner is that the Bible does in fact hold answers to life’s most pressing issues.  Perhaps what was most enjoyable (and frustrating) element of this book was the real need that exists for biblical-based counseling today.  At some point in the reading of this book, you will be able to identify with one of the stories shared (if not more).  That is not to say that this book is one of those written to show you how you need to be counseled because of something that has happened in your past.  Rather, you will see the need for counseling but also the need for a gospel-centered approach to life.

Recommendation

If you are involved in the ministry and are wanting to begin a counseling ministry, Redemption would be a nice resource to add to your library.  If you are struggling yourself with pain and suffering from a bygone era, then Redemption becomes an almost essential read as it will be a sweet balm to a hurting soul.

Dunlop, MD, John. Finishing Well to the Glory of God: Strategies from a Christian Physician.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2011.  224 pp.  $15.99.  Purchase at Amazon for $10.76.

Introduction

John Dunlop is a practices medicine in Zion, IL (a suburb of Chicago).  He is a board certified geriatrician and is a fellow of the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity.

Summary

Finishing Well is a book about, well, how to die to the glory of God.  This resource is comprised of nine strategies with three appendices.  The ‘chapters titles” offer the nutshell look at the biblical strategies to preparing for eternal life.  they are: live well, let go graciously, treasure God’s love, Grow through adversity, Embrace a biblical view of death, complete your agenda, make appropriate use of technology, changing gears from cure to comfort care, and resting in Jesus.

As can be readily seen, there are some strategies that can take place right now wherever  you are in life.  Still other strategies cannot take place until the end of life is at hand.   These are all written by a man who deals with death from a medical perspective each and every week.

Review

As one who deals with the end of life regularly (I also work in a funeral home), this is a much needed resource.  Dr. Dunlop offers keen insight not only from a biblical perspective, but from an experiential perspective that many do not have.

I appreciated most the clarity of his remarks as well as the humble and understanding way in which he goes about his work.  Reading Finishing Well will provide a useful and easy to understand, though difficult to digest in our society, guidebook to transitioning from this earthly life to eternal life in Christ.

Recommendation

Dr. Dunlop’s insight is much needed today in a world where God is not magnified in every church.  Often, death surprises us though we know it is coming.  Dr. Dunlop has given a resource that should be on a pastor’s shelf at the ready to lend out or give away when someone is given that terminal diagnosis.  This book, however, is not just for pastors.  It is written to everyone who calls on Christ and therefore would be a nice addition to your personal library as a resource that you will, unfortunately, refer to again and again.  Finally, to be able to get it from a medical doctor for only $15.99 is an added bonus and is much more inexpensive than most co-pays!

Chester, Tim.  A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, & Mission Around the Table.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2011.  144 pp.  $14.99.  Purchase at Westminster for $10.04.

Introduction

Tim Chester is becoming the John Piper of the next generation insofar as the output of books are concerned.  He has written and published more than fifteen different works since 2002.  You can view and/or purchase most of them here.  I have reviewed a few of them here.  For those who do not know, Tim is co-director of Porterbrook Network.

Summary

Using Luke 7:34 as a springboard, Tim delves into the use of enjoying a meal with friends and family as a means to live a gospel-centered life.  The entire book is rooted in the gospel of Luke with each of the six chapters finding their genesis in six different chapters in the gospel.

Every chapter looks at a specific “Meals as enacted…”  Chapter one is grace–Luke 5.  Luke 7 (chapter two) offers a perspective on meals as community.  Chester finishes with a look at hope, mission, salvation and promise.  Each chapter challenges and exhorts the reader to open up his house and dining table in order to be a blessing to others.  More importantly, one can share the Bread of Life over a meal that would otherwise be ordinary.

Review

After reading A Meal with Jesus you will never view breakfast, lunch, or dinner the same.  Tim expertly shows how we oftentimes use meal time as a means of denying Christ.  He offers keen insight and vivid real-life stories to show how we can redeem our meal time for His glory.  We hear how we should “gather ’round the good stuff” but then wonder why we never seem to be able to do just that.  Chester shows what is lacking and how we can finally have a meaningful meal.

Perhaps the greatest exhortation is not found in the necessity of sharing your table with others (Christian and non-Christian) but more importantly, with your own family.  A disturbing statistic in the book was the reality of how few families partake of a meal together and those that do usually do so with a television on.  A Meal with Jesus will challenge you to communicate about life and Life with everyone who should gather at your table.

Recommendation

Read this book.  I believe the Holy Spirit can use the message contained within to begin a revival within each home if the principles were actually put into practice.  Imagine the ability to share and spread the gospel message while also dining together.  Pastor, you would do well to read this book and then, if the Spirit moves, to begin to change the culture within your local congregation.

Trueman, Carl R.  Histories and Fallacies: Problems Faced in the Writing of History.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2010.  192 pp.  $17.99.  Purchase at Westminster Books for $12.17.

Introduction

Carl R. Trueman is professor of historical theology and church history as well as vice president for academic affairs at Westminster Theological Seminary.  He has written a number of resources and currently serves as a council member of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals.

Summary

Trueman looks at objectivity in history.  He specifically uses what has been called Holocaust Denial as his example of the ramifications of a subjective approach to history.  The second chapter examines the importance of one’s interpretive framework–i.e., one’s worldview by which he understands everything.

The problem of anachronism is dealt with in chapter three and is shown to be, at some level, unavoidable.  It can, however, be dealt with in a fair and objective manner.  The fourth chapter offers a discussion on many, though not all, of the historical fallacies that occur on a regular basis.

Review

Trueman offers an objectively fair and practical work on the importance of dealing properly with history.  He aptly shows that much more is at stake than just a simple denial of a historical event.  If we cannot believe in historical writings–especially those that are backed by ample evidence–then how are we to believe the Bible as an accurate historical record?  The reader will be challenged to be more fair himself in attempting to read and write about history.

More importantly, this book is not one of mere theory.  Rather, it is a resource that offers practical advice and seeks to encourage historians of all stripes.

Recommendation

Histories and Fallacies is an excellent resource for the college student.  Those studying history and wanting to learn more about history will benefit greatly from this work.  For those not interested in history, this resource can be valuable though, to be honest, there will be times when the conversation moves beyond your understanding.  This is merely because it is written with for the historian and not the layman.

VanDrunen, David.  Living in God’s Two Kingdoms: A Biblical Vision for Christianity and Culture.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2010.  208 pp.  $16.99.  Purchase at Westminster Books for $11.49.

Introduction

few books.  You can read my review of Bioethics and the Christian Life: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions here.

Summary

Divided into three parts consisting of two chapters each (notice the division of two) along with an introductory chapter, Dr. Van Drunen offers a biblically sound understanding of how believers are to live in one kingdom (earthly) while being a resident of another (heaven).  The introductory chapter paints a panoramic picture of the “problem” of Christianity, Culture, and the reality of the two kingdoms we find ourselves.

Part one looks at the First and Last Adam–the fall of man in sin through Adam and the redemption of man in Christ.  These two chapters offer the foundation for the book and the problem.  If it were not for sin, we would have no problems.  If it were not for Christ, we would not be able to begin to understand the problem we now face as believers.  The second part looks to the Bible (both Old and New Testaments) to see the type given us by the Holy Spirit as to what it means to live in two kingdoms.  In the Old, we see the covenant making God and how it intertwines with both kingdoms.  In the New Testament we see that the church is the means by which we live in both kingdoms in the here and now.  The third part brings it all together and offers some extremely practical information on how to live life in the two kingdoms.

Review

While there are many resources available that teach on how to be in the world and not of the world, many of them fall short of actually using biblical principles.  Not so with Living in God’s Two Kingdoms.  Perhaps the most telling element of this resource is the three page, five columns per page, 8 pt. font (I think) of a Scripture index.  In other words, you cannot escape the Bible when reading this work.

The grace and liberty offered by Van Drunen is especially helpful in light of where the world is today politically and ethically.  In many instances, our ethics have not caught up with our technology and our politics, while informed by our theology, does more to blur the lines than anything else.  Van Drunen offers keen insight in these areas.

Also, I found the read to be light though deep and practical.  While there is much to think about, Van Drunen does a great job of keeping the technical to a minimum.  The emphasis of this resource is on the practical theology that we must strive to live with consistently in our lives.

Recommendation

For those wondering how we are to live out the command to be in the world but not of the world, look no further than Living in God’s Two Kingdoms.  It is a quick and easy read that will have lasting impact on one’s life.

Morgan, Christopher W. and Robert A. Peterson.  The Glory of God:  Theology in Community.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2010.  256 pp.  $23.99.  Purchase at Westminster for less.

Introduction

The Glory of God is the second book in the Theology in Community series.  You can read te review of Suffering and the Goodness of God–the first book in the series.  The editors are Christopher W. Morgan who is professor of theology and associate dean of the School of Christian Ministries at California Baptist University. Robert A. Peterson is professor of systematic theology at Covenant Theological Seminary. They have co-edited two other books:Hell Under Fire and Faith Comes by Hearing. Some of the writers for this volume include Stephen J. Nichols, Andreas J. Kostenberger, and Bryan Chapell.

Summary

Divided into 8 chapters, the reader will be treated to a few essays that will enable him to meditate on the glory of God as seen throughout the entire Bible.  The first essay looks at God’s glory in the past and present in a general sense.  The next four chapters view the glory of God throughout the Bible–in the Old Testament, the synoptic gospels, Acts, and the general epistles, John’s Gospel and Revelation and then the Pauline Epistles.

The final three chapters look at the implications of holding consistently to the doctrine of the glory of God.  Chapter six offers an exhortation to moving toward a complete theology of the glory of God while Bryan Chapell, president of Covenant Seminary offers a chapter on one’s pastoral theology in light of the glory of God.  J. Nelson Jennings, concludes the work with a missional theology of the glory of God.

Review

While I would have liked to see the Old Testament divided up into at least one more chapter, I found the essays to all be enlightening and challenging.  There is much to learn from these works.  It is important to note that the essays are written at a more academic level that probably limits their accessibility.  It follows then, why there are so many (helpful) footnotes.

The nice aspect of this series is that each essay can stand alone while also relying on the other essays to build a greater theological doctrine.  The challenge is to take what has been learned and apply it to one’s everyday life.  This, ultimately, is the goal of the series.  Fortunately, it is a goal that has been met by each of the first two books thus far.

Recommendation

The Glory of God and the Theology in Community series in general is an excellent edition to someone library.  The reality is, however, that not everyone can (or would want to) read this work.  Given the academic nature of the essays, I would only recommend this book to anyone serious about studying doctrine.  I would like to recommend it to everyone at a general level, but I fear that it would wind up being like the day we learned hand to hand combat in basic training for the U.S. Army–you learn just enough to be a real danger to yourself!

George, Timothy.  Amazing Grace: God’s Pursuit, Our Response.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2011 (2nd ed.).  152 pp.  $14.99.  Purchase at Westminster books for $10.12.

Introduction

Timothy George is the founding dean of Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School.  There he teaches theology and church history.  He also serves as the executive editor of Christianity Today.  He is most noted for his book Theology of the Reformers.  The fact that this book is in its second edition (in a decade) shows the importance of the Christian understanding the truth that God’s grace is amazing.

Summary

This work is divided into six chapters and moves quickly and persistently from topic to topic all driving home the fact that God’s grace is more than amazing.  Chapter one looks at our gracious God.  George defines what grace is according to the Bible and then offers discussion on common grace to all.  Chapter two is perhaps the key chapter.  This chapter offers a look at the mystery (and it is a mystery regardless) of God’s providence.  He shows the four “dead ends” that many theologians find themselves when they try to understand this doctrine.

The third chapter explains what it means to be saved by grace and looks at a few of the historical debates throughout the centuries of church history.  The fourth chapter is an exhortation to all entering into what is called the Calvin/Arminian (though this is really a misnomer today!) debate.  George challenges the reader to show the same grace that the Lord has shown all–this is a warning that must be heard and heeded.

The final two chapters look at the pragmatic aspects of living with the knowledge that the grace of God is undeserved and unmerited.  The challenge to missions and evangelism, nestled in the doctrinal discussion of election and salvation, ought to motivate the reader to gospel work.  The final chapter offers advice on how to live consistently with this knowledge.

Review

Well-written is perhaps the best phrase I can come up with regarding this book.  Timothy George has taken an extremely thorny theological argument discussion and made it into a worthwhile conversation.  His exhortation to live consistently with your doctrines (regardless of where you land on the orthodox spectrum) is phenomenal.  When I first read Russell Moore’s blurb, “This is the best book on God’s grace in print today” I confess I was a bit skeptical.  I trust Moore’s statement, but also know that he disagrees with George’s doctrine.  Moore proved to be accurate in his assessment.

While there is some controversy over digging up the tulips and planting roses, George’s approach is a breath of fresh air in what has become an old and musty debate.

Recommendation

Regardless of where you fall in this centuries-old debate, you will enjoy reading Amazing Grace.  For all who struggle with the acceptance of these doctrines need to read this book for a passionate yet pleasant perspective.  For those who have accepted the doctrines of grace, you need to read this book so as to learn how to be a bit more graceful in your discussion with those who disagree.

Entrusted with the Gospel.  Edited by D.A. Carson.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2010.  160 pp.  $15.99.  Purchase at Westminster Books for $7.99.

Introduction

This collection of six messages from 2 Timothy was originally delivered as the plenary sections at the national conference of The Gospel Coalition in 2009.  Contributors include Philip Ryken, John Piper, Mark Driscoll, K. Edward Copeland, Bryan Chapell, and J. Ligon Duncan.  While these messages are meant for pastors, they serve the greater evangelical Christian since those who have professed faith in Christ have all been entrusted with the gospel.  You can download the original messages here.

Summary

These six sermons look at the entirety of the book of 2 Timothy.  As only John Piper can do, he exhorts us to fee the flame that is the gospel message.  Ryken’s message is needed today as so many pastors attempt to share the gospel and sound too smart while doing so.  Dricoll offers explanation on the marks of a positive ministry.  Copeland next looks at the pitfall while Chapell simply exhorts us to preach the word!  The book concludes with Duncan’s message to pastors and Christians alike should strive to finish well.

Review

I appreciated that the men who participated in this conference come from a wide theological spectrum.  Their exegesis may be a bit different but their application is of one accord–we have power granted by the Holy Spirit because we have responded positively to the gospel.  These seasoned pastors and Christian leaders understand the various stretches of pastoral ministry and that there will be so-called dry seasons as well as seasons of great growth.  Just as Paul urged Timothy to continue in the gospel, so to, we are called to do the same today.

Recommendation

Entrusted with the Gospel is an excellent resource especially for pastors.  If your pastor does not have this book, he needs it.  There will be many seasons in his ministry where these sermons will greatly impact his soul.  For the Christian who is not a pastor (or even a leader in their local congregation), this book will serve them as well.  After all, we have all been entrusted with the gospel.

Rid of my Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault.  Holcomb, Justin S. and Lindsey A. Holcomb.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2011.  272 pp.  $15.99.  Purchase at Westminster for $10.71.

Introduction

This is another invaluable resource from the RE:LIT series of books published by Crossway and theResurgence.  While the Holcomb’s may not be household names, what they are doing should be known in every household.  Justin is a pastor at Mars Hill and a Professor at Reformed Theological Seminary.  Lindsey currently counsels victims of sexual assault.  She previously worked at a sexual crisis center providing intervention to victims of assault.  She also worked at a domestic violence shelter.  In other words, these two know what they are talking about.

Summary

The book is divided into three parts with an introductory chapter entitled Disgrace and Grace.  The first part looks at the disgrace of sexual assault.  Only two chapters long, this may be the most formative and foundational two chapters (perhaps that is why they are two and three?) of the book.  In chapter one, the reader will have sexual assault defined and in chapter two learn what are the effects of sexual assault.  It makes sense that part two is so much longer since the act of sexual assault is so quick while the ramifications last a lifetime.

Part two is comprised of six chapters and looks at true life stories of women and men who have been sexually assaulted.  Chapter titles include denial, distorted self-image, shame, guilt, anger, and despair.  Perhaps the most sobering statistic that sets up the entire book (and I think worth mentioning here) is “At least one in four women and one in six men are or will be victims of sexual assault in their lifetime” (p.13).  One finds this sobering stat displayed in the various true-life stories on the pages of this second section.

Part three is understandably the most needed part of the book as here, the reader will understand how to apply the accomplished grace and mercy of Christ to the victim(s) of sexual assault.  Chapter 10 looks at sin, violence, and sexual assault while the last two chapters share the grace found in the old and new testaments.  The book concludes with an authoritative bibliography that is most helpful as well as a general and scriptural index for Rid of My Disgrace.

Review

Sexual Assault is one of those skeleton’s in our closet that is most often left in the closet.  The Holcomb’s masterfully deal with an extremely sensitive subject.  Their definition of sexual assault (found on page 28) shows just how wide spread this heinous crime is today.  They move from the act of the assault itself through the stages of the victim following the assault to the application of a sweet balm only provided by the Word of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

There is no finger pointing and no blame-shifting found in these pages.  What the reader will find is a comforting and understanding shoulder to lean on.  More importantly, the necessity of the Scriptures screams forth on every page.  As I mentioned above in the summary, the bibliography is authoritative and, in my estimation, worth the cost of the book.

Recommendation

This is one of those resources that you do not realize you need until you need it.  Let me shoot straight for a moment, if you are a pastor, you will be encountered with the evil of sexual assault.  What will you say?  Can you offer hope?  Sure, you can offer the gospel, but can you do so in a manner that will be understood by someone who has been violated?

Ok, so you are not a pastor, but you are a Christian.  How will you handle the situation when a friend comes and tells you they have just been violated?  Will you be able to understand, even a little, what they are experiencing?  Not everyone is as prepared as they think for counseling sessions.  This book may sit on your shelf without being needed, but when you need it it will be there and you will be more than grateful to God.

In short, get this book and have it available on your shelf.  It is an invaluable resource that is most necessary.