Christian Book Notes

Elliff, Jim, Daryl Wingerd, Jim Chrisman, and Steve Burchett.  Divorce & Remarriage – A Permanence View.  Kansas City: Christian Communicators Worldwide, 2009.  160 pp.  $15.99.  Purchase at Amazon for $11.99 or less.

Special Note

I have had this book on my review shelf for a year and a half.  I perused it when I first got it and then put it back on the shelf because I was frightened as to what it would mean for my ministry as a pastor in a local church.  I have since reread it due to the fact that I have to write a position paper on the subject of divorce and remarriage.

Introduction

Four of the elders at Christ Fellowship of Kansas City found themselves needing to have a clear understanding of what the Bible taught on the thorny subject of divorce and remarriage.  Divorce & Remarriage – A Permanence View is the final product of that study.

Summary

Divided into two parts, Wingerd and Co. set out to show what the Bible teaches independent of modern bias on the subject of divorce and remarriage.  All four men originally came to the table with the most often held view that divorce was permissible though not commanded in cases of physical abuse and persistent adultery.  They begin by looking at the simplified words; i.e., the clearest teachings found in Scripture by Christ on divorce and remarriage and then move to build on that foundation.  Eighty-six pages later, their house is built and now they must explain how to apply the biblical teaching in the current church context.

In part two, the authors thoroughly answer most every question, leaving room for the reality that there are more questions yet to be asked, of holding to a permanence view of marriage.

There are a few appendices in the back that will help the reader to implement this view in his local congregation as well answering a few more questions not dealt with in the discussion throughout the book.

Review

The key phrase to the argument for a permanence view of marriage is “one-flesh union” extrapolated from Gen. 2:24.  The key texts for this view are found in Mt. 19:6, Mark 10:9-12, and Luke 16:18.  They show that many (myself included) have violated the fundamental hermeneutic principle of allowing the clear passages of Scripture to inform those that are less clear.  Most of us argue that the “adultery” clause in Mt. 19:9, the only real place this exemption is allowed, to inform all of the other more strict teachings.

By the end of the first part of the book, I was impressed by their conviction as well as their continued humility in addressing this subject.  The second part answers some 20+ questions as they seek to guide the reader to implement the clear teachings of Scripture.  By the end of the book, you will find that your argument is not with the writers but with the Bible.

There is one phrasing that I did find difficult to discern.  The phrase “Mt. 19/Mk 10 debate” was a bit confusing at times as the reference could have been to the debate between Christ and the Pharisees or the debate that exists today regarding this issue.  Aside from that, I found the book and the arguments therein to be clear and cogent.

Recommendation

Let me first warn you that you will be held accountable for reading this book!  Though I was pretty much aligned with the view espoused in this book, I had not really thought through the repercussions through for my ministry.  Do not be like me and shy away from it because you are “afraid of the implications.”  Their approach is both refreshing (because of their humility and submission to the Word of God) and challenging (because of the implications to ministry and the views of the world).  Sadly, many of us will allow common understandings, though not really found in Scripture, to dictate how we interpret key verses in this discussion.  If you are a pastor, I recommend you read this book…I dare you if you hold to the view of permissive divorce in the case of adultery/abuse.  Keep in mind that this was the view formerly held by the four authors.

Elliff, Jim. Going Under: Discussions on Baptism. Kansas City: Christian Communicators Worldwide, 2006. 64 pp. $6.25. Purchase at Christian Communicators Worldwide.

I have reviewed some of Jim Elliff’s resources in the past. I count Jim as both a friend and mentor. His ministry is Christian Communicators Worldwide and is definitely worth checking out. This particular book on baptism is unashamedly baptistic in nature and will certainly ruffle some feathers of those who do not believe in believer’s baptism by immersion.

Summary

Going Under is not written like other books I have read on the topic of baptism. The entire book is a conversation that takes place between an obvious Southern Baptist and someone questioning his views on baptism.

The book is divided into 5 “discussions” and contains two appendices. The first discussion is who should be baptized followed by how they should be baptized. Building on those two discussions, the Baptist shows from Scripture whether the act of baptism is symbolic or salvific in nature. He concludes with a nice conversation on how baptism is a new covenant rather than a refashioning of the old and finally ends with who is able to baptize.

The two appendices are worth the price of the book in my opinion. The first appendix, Jim explains why baptism does not save in more detail than what is shared in discussion three. The second appendix looks back in history at how men understood the mode and subject of baptism.

Review

While I agree with Jim Elliff on his understanding, I struggled with the nice and easy flow of the “discussion’s” presented in the book. Every time I discuss baptism with someone, I find it can get heated quickly. It is important to note that baptism is a secondary issue and not one that we should break fellowship over (unless you believe that baptism does save–that is when we have problems).

Elliff offers much biblical support for his position and does not appeal to emotion or dogma. Again, this discussion goes back centuries and will certainly not be settled in this 64 page booklet.

Recommendation

Going Under is an excellent resource to be a catalyst for discussing this important ordinance of the church. For those who disagree with a baptistic understanding of believer’s baptism by immersion, this book introduces in a non-combative manner why Baptists believe what they do. For those who agree with Jim Elliff will find a resource that will teach you how to discuss baptism with others who disagree with you. I do recommend this book for Christians on both sides of the river.

Elliff, Jim. Illus. by Caffy Whitney. The Eaglet. Parkville: Christian Communicators Worldwide, 2006. 27 pp. $3.16 or less.

Introduction

Christian Communicators Worldwide (CCW) is a ministry based in Parkville, Missouri—a town in the Kansas City metropolitan area. CCW exists to spread the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ as far as they possibly can. They do so through three main websites, CCW online, Way to God, and Bulletin Inserts. These three websites offer a plethora of free downloadable articles and gospel literature.

The “main man” (he would kill me if he knew I was saying this) of the ministry is Jim Elliff. He has a wonderful speaking ministry as well as a writing ministry. We featured quite a few of his books here at Christian Book Notes recently.

Summary

The Eaglet is a children’s book that plants gospel seeds in the hearts of the young and old alike. We follow a baby eagle as he grows and defies the commands of his father because he is big enough to do what he wants to do. He quickly learns that he should never have defied his father. As his father swoops down and saves him, we are reminded that even though we have (and continue to do so) defied our Father in heaven, He has still “swooped” down and offered to save us.

Review/Recommendation

This booklet is a short read that will have a lasting impact on both the reader and the hearer (assuming you read it to your children). The story is short enough to keep the youngest child’s attention while the message is deep enough to cause a grown man to think.

The artistry, done by Caffy Whitney, is cute and pointed. You can see a stern father telling his young son that he must obey his command. You can see the little eaglet as he is realizing the error of his ways in disobeying his father. Finally, you can see the Savior as the young eaglet cries because of his disobedience.

Given how inexpensive the book is, I would pick up many copies to give to the families in your congregation if you are a pastor or the members of your Sunday School class. Shoot having some on hand to give to your children’s friends would be worth it. I know my children love it and talk about it to their friends.

Ehrhard, Jim. Dangers of the Invitation System. Parkside: Christian Communicators Worldwide, 2008. 32 pp. $2.95.  Purchase at CCW for $2.65 or less.

Introduction

This is another booklet offered by Christian Communicators Worldwide. This particular booklet was written by Jim Ehrhard who just recently felt God calling him to lead Teaching Resources, a ministry based in Little Rock, Arkansas, full time. I personally have benefited from this ministry which publishes a quarterly magazine choc full of useful mini biographies and exegetical teachings from Scripture on subjects that matter to the church today.

Summary

This little booklet is obviously a critique of the current method of sharing the gospel on Sunday mornings employed in many churches. In this short, 32 page book, Jim offers a brief history of the alter call. After finding the alter call lacking in many areas, biblically speaking, Jim offers what he calls a better way. Simply put, that better way is to exhort men and women to turn from their sins and turn toward Christ. This appeal is to all who are listening. Please note that the author painstakingly makes it clear that we are to exhort all to repentance of sin.

Review

Clearly, Jim Ehrhard is taking down a sacred cow in many churches and pulpits with this particular booklet. Unfortunately, the alter call has replaced evangelism in the actions (if not the thoughts) of many pastors. I, personally, am in a denomination that seems to live and die by the alter call. I can relate to making the mistake of not having one after a sermon and then feeling the wrath of the congregation as they filed past me at the end of the service. (To be truthful, it was an honest, rookie mistake!)

What Jim is not saying is that we must never have an alter call. He is simply warning that many have put too much stock in that time of the service as though if the call is not offered, someone may miss out on their salvation. Jim explains both the negatives and positives of the alter call and then looks to Scripture to see what we ought to be doing. He does this with gentleness and respect and for that I am thankful.

Recommendation

Again, the cost of this book is such that many copies can be purchased and given away. I would recommend that every pastor read this book objectively and see if Jim offers sound, biblically based reasons for finding the alter call methodology lacking. While I still personally have an alter call when I do preach, I do not put so much stock in them to think that if I did not do so someone might not get saved.

Bonus Review

Elliff, Jim and Daryl Wingerd. Restoring Those Who Fall. Parkville: Christian Communicators Worldwide, 2008. 20 pp. $2.25.  Purchase at CCW for $2.00 or less.

Reason for this Review

I include this little booklet as part of the above review for two reasons. First, we have made it so easy to join a church that, as I have stated in other places, our greatest evangelistic opportunity is in our pews on Sunday morning. Second, because when we allow unbiblical precedents to determine who is and who is not a believer, we inevitably will encounter major spiritual problems within the local church.

This pamphlet is merely a statement on church discipline that can be adopted by any church in any denomination. It has been said by many in the past that when church discipline leaves the church, so does the Holy Spirit. Elliff and Wingerd offer scriptural support for the necessity, though often times misused, of church discipline.

I can honestly recall confronting a pastor I was serving with regarding his need to bring biblical church discipline back into the church. His answer was a simple, “It is too difficult to deal with. They are not going to listen to it, anyway. I might as well not worry about it right now.” Unfortunately, this is a common mindset across the church in America.

Many may find this pamphlet too harsh (see the section on persistent and willful non-attendance) and will not pick it up to read. That is too sad because what the church needs now more than ever is corrective discipline.  Everyone in the ministry ought to be familiar with what the Bible says about corrective church discipline. Jim Elliff’s ministry is certainly doing their part to teach others.

Elliff, Jim. A Brief Account of the Life and Labors of George Muller and George Muller on Money and Possessions. Kansas City: Christian Communicators Worldwide, 2006. 164 pp. $11.99. Purchase at Amazon at a discount.

Introduction

George Muller is a saint that should not need any introduction. Unfortunately, he does. Many have “heard of the name” but few have actually sat at the feet of this saint and learned what it means to fully trust in God. George Muller (1805-1898) is best known for the orphanage (over 10,000 orphans in his lifetime) he funded through his prayers. He never explicitly asked anyone for money. Stories abound about how God would answer his prayer and many of those have been preserved in a few biographies worth reading with A.T. Pierson’s George Muller of Bristol and Roger Steer’s George Muller: Delighted in God being two of the best to read for a more detailed study of the life and ministry of George Muller.

His foundation still exists today though they no longer deal with orphans. Now they work with the elderly and young families.  You can read more about the work of the George Muller Foundation at their website.   Most importantly, they still operate by the same principles that George Muller did—prayer.

Summary

This particular edition published by Christian Communicators Worldwide consists of the original biography written by Mrs. Muller (George’s second wife) during their missionary journeys in the late 1800’s. According to George Muller, who wrote the introduction to the original volume, “My beloved wife…undertook to write a a very brief history of my life and labours.” This was done because both of them had been repeatedly asked for a condensed version of his 1,600 page autobiography. She wrote it because George could not decide what he should cut out in order to condense the book to a much more affordable price. Therefore, the first half of the book is merely Mrs. Muller’s condensed version of the aforementioned autobiography.

The second half of the book was edited by Jim Elliff and details George Muller’s understanding of earthly possessions as opposed to an eternal perspective. In essence, Muller argues that we should not seek to make ourselves wealthy in this life. Rather, we must “pay it forward” (my words) toward our eternal life in heaven. What use will our wealth be to us when we die?

Review/Recommendation

There is not much negative in the way of reviewing and/or critiquing George Muller. Obviously not everyone is going to agree with George Muller’s views on money and prayer. Regardless, it cannot be said that George Muller did not base his ministry and faith in what the Bible teaches. On the contrary, what can be said is that George Muller was one of those radical Christians who took serious the Word of God.

Every Christian needs to be familiar with the life of George Muller. His writings—more biographical in nature—will challenge you to a deeper level of faith and understanding in what the Creator of the universe is able to do for those who ask in faith. Pick up at least one of many works dealing with the life of George Muller. You will not regret it, I promise.