Christian Book Notes

Profiles in Reformed Spirituality - Venture all for God: Piety in the Writings of John Bunyan.  Edited by Roger D. Duke and Phil A. Newton.  Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2011.  196 pp.  $10.00.  Purchase at Westminster Books for less.

Introduction

I have interviewed and reviewed books by Dr. Roger Duke in the past as well as having had the pleasure of meeting him in person at a recent conference.  You can read the reviews, the interview and even a couple papers he presented here.  Phil Newton is heavily involved in the Founder’s Conference as well as the serving as the Pastor of South Woods Baptist Church.  He has written a number of helpful books of which a couple can be found here.

The Profiles in Reformed Spirituality series is personally one of my favorite series of books and Bunyan is one of those authors that has resonated with me through the years.

Summary

Divided into a life introduction followed by seven sections of sermon snippets, one could spend weeks digesting the thoughts of Bunyan from subjects such as Christ our Advocate and Him as the merciful Savior.  The third section offers much hope for the sinners while sections four through seven contain more practical (not that the gospel is not practical!!!) to living the Christian life.  In section four, the reader is exposed to what true humility looks like while section five is about Christian ethics.  The seventh section offers warnings.

I saved sections six for last because I believe it to best sum up the entire book and thus the life of John Bunyan.  Section six is aptly entitled the Gospel Applied.  Here we have the shortest of all sections in terms of only two selections, but much to chew on and guide one’s reading of the works of the great Dreamer.

Review

I enjoyed reading snippets from some of Bunyan’s lesser known works though I found the number of selections from The Jerusalem Sinner Saved to be just as appropriate.  The biographical sketch at the beginning of the book is an extremely helpful, albeit short, introduction to the life of John Bunyan.  Many know the highlights due in large part to his Pilgrim’s Progress.  Sadly, many do not know much, if anything at all, about the rest of his life, writings, and ministry.  Venture all for God will go a long way to rectify that problem.

Another helpful section in this small work is found at the end.  The two editors offer a guide to various books in print that can be purchased in order to read more of John Bunyan.

Recommendation

If you have ever read or even heard of Pilgrim’s Progress then I highly recommend that you pick up this introduction to John Bunyan and his life.  For less than $10 you can add a book to your library that you are sure to read time and again.  What is more, you will find that this book will somehow multiply the books on your shelf as you will want to begin reading more and more of John Bunyan.  You will not be sorry once you read this book.  In fact, I dare you say, the Lord would use this work to help your walk with Christ.

Bilkes, Gerald M.  Glory Veiled and Unveiled: A Hear-Searching Look at Christ’s Parables.  Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2012.  180 pp.  $12.00.  Purchase at Westminster for less.

Introduction

Gerald Bilkes is Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids.  I also discovered a sermon he preached entitled Lifting High the Cross.

Summary

When you read the following on the first page of the introduction, you know you are in for a soul-searching read,

Many today are content to read the Bible in a way in which the Word of God is subject to them, rather than reading so they are subject to the Word.  They study the Bible – so they think – but the Bible does not study them.

Bilkes organizes his book into four sections for each parable considered.  The first section looks at how Christ uses the scenery of the parable to peel back the layers of the heart.  This section is the scenery.  In the second section, the Substance, Gerald offers the main message of the parable.

The third section, the Savior, looks at what is being revealed about Christ.  The final section to each parable discussed is the Searchlight where we see how the parable searches the hearts and lives of the reader exposing the sin in order that the believer may grow in knowledge of Christ. There are a twenty-two parables considered.

Review

While it took a few times reading the introduction to really ingest what Dr. Bilkes was saying about experiential reading of Scripture, I quickly  discovered that this is something I have been doing all along.  In essence, the argument has gone, since higher criticism, that we should approach the Bible as though we dictate what it is teaching to us.  Instead, since it is the inspired Word of God, we ought to allow it to perform the necessary surgeries on our hearts and minds.

While not all readers will completely agree with the author’s assessments of the various parables, they will certainly have some food for thought.  After reading what amounts to twenty-two sermonettes, the reader will scarcely approach the Scriptures the same.  Instead of “telling” the Bible what you want it to say, you will see how the Bible is meant to aid you in your sanctification.

Recommendation

I really enjoyed this work and found it to be of great benefit to my soul.  It is so easy to read the Parables of Christ and move on quickly as though they were good moral stories or even camp fire tales.  With the publication of Glory Veiled and Unveiled, I believe that that will no longer be the case.  Read and enjoy.

My good friend, Rob Ventura, author of Portrait of Paul, has a new website that will definitely be worth your time.  His website is called Books 2 Look 4.  The website is dedicated to promoting new and upcoming releases by Reformation Heritage Books.

As the website grows, there will be pre-publication sales and give aways.  Also, there will be “sneak peeks” of other works that are in the pipeline.  In other words, you will want to bookmark this site and return to it often.

The first book to be featured is The Broken Hearted Evangelist by Jeremy Walker, review forthcoming.  I have read about half of this book so far and have been blown away, challenged, and encouraged all at the same time.

Carr, Simonetta. Athanasius. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2011. 66 pp. $18.00. Purchase at Westminster for $13.50.

Introduction

Simonetta Carr is no stranger to the readers of Christian Book Notes. She is the author of the Christian Biographies for Young Readers Series that is doing amazing things to bring the glorious history of the church to life for a new and much younger generation. You can read past reviews on the other three books in the series –John Calvin, Augustine, and John Owen.   She has also been interviewed here. You can become a fan of Christian Biographies for Young Readers on Facebook, too.  This particular volume in the series looks at the life of Athanasius.

Summary

Divided into five chapters, the young (an old) reader is introduced to a young Athanasius who is called to lead the Christian church during a difficult season.  You will quickly discover that God called Athanasius during a special time in which he became one of the greater defenders of orthodox faith.  Twice Athanasius was forced into exile and hid in the deserts for much of his life.  In the end, the young reader will learn that the early church fought many battles to maintain a proper understanding of who Christ is.  In this case, the doctrine of the Trinity was defended.

Included in the back of the book is a timeline offering the highlights of the life of Athanasius as well as a “Did you know?” section that gives some finer points and information that was alluded to in the body of the book.  The author concludes with the Nicene Creed.

Review

As usual, the story is well told and is engaging for the children.  The colorful pictures and paintings help the kids to visualize the realness of what took place in the life of Athanasius.  Matt Abraxas is the artist behind paintings.

Most impressive is Simonetta’s way in which she tackles the sometimes difficult life of Athanasius.  He was a fierce defender of orthodoxy, but was also what I would call a firebrand.  Regardless, the author does a wonderful job of showing why he was so beloved then and now.

Recommendation

While each book in the Christian Biographies for Young Readers can stand alone, Simonetta Carr is painting a beautiful mural of the history of the Christian church.  I echo Michael Haykin’s sentiments when he wrote, “I am fast becoming a real fan of Simonetta’s writing.”  The only change I would make is that I am already a huge fan.

I highly recommend Athanasius as well as the other books in this series to parents who are wanting to introduce true heroes to their children.

Swinnock, George. The Fading of the Flesh and the Flourishing of Faith. Grand Rapids, Reformation Heritage Books, 2009. 178 pp. $10.00. Purchase at Westminster for $7.50.

Introduction

George Swinnock was an English Puritan who lived from 1627-1673.  He is best known today because of his extraordinary gift of giving vivid illustrations of doctrinal truths found in the Scriptures.  You can get a succinct introduction to this divine by reading Trading and Thriving in Godliness, a book in the Profiles in Reformed Spirituality Series published by Reformation Heritage Books.  J. Stephen Yuille edited both works.

Summary

Swinnock originally preached most of what later became this work at the funeral of his cousin, Caleb Swinnock.  In what amounts to a large exegetical sermon, Swinnock looks at Psalm 73 in its proper context.  From there he draws out the two opposing perspectives by the Psalmist.  The first is that of jealousy with the heathen who seems to have it all.  After arriving at the crux of the Psalm, verses 16-17, the Psalmist makes an about face in his perspective and then praises God for His mercy and grace.  Swinnock’s leaping off point for the majority of his message is rooted in vs. 26 where the Psalmist writes, “my flesh and my heart may fail, but God i the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (ESV).

While I do not think that Swinnock originally split his work into 20 chapters (I am not completely sure on this), this book is divided into 20 chapters.  This is a good thing as each chapter requires much thought and contemplation from the reader.  Swinnock builds a foundation of teaching  the reader how to prepare to die.  After that foundation is laid, Swinnock points us to the truth that God is man’s only true happiness and joy.  God is the only one who offers the comfort and joy we desire.

Review

One of my (many) jobs in this season of life is to work at my father-in-law’s funeral home.  I am around death a lot.  That being said, I, as a pastor and believer in Christ, have noticed a great need for a return of a theology of death as our enemy.  George Swinnock, writing in the 17th century, helps us to do that.  His exegesis of Psalm 73 is phenomenal and I dare say unheard of today in most pulpits.  His vivid (that word does not begin to describe the imagery conjured!) depictions of the biblical truths and the reality of death will leave the reader longing for more.  There are 178 pages worth of daily meditations on life and death found in The Fading of the Flesh and the Flourishing of Faith.

This book is one of the first to come out in the new series being produced by Reformation Heritage Books.   The series prefaces states:

Interest in the Puritans continues to grow, but many people find the reading these giants of the faith a bit unnerving. This series seeks to overcome that barrier by presenting Puritan books that are convenient in size and unintimidating in length. Each book is carefully edited with modern readers in mind, smoothing out difficult language of a bygone era while retaining the meaning of the original authors. Books for the series are thoughtfully selected to provide some of the best counsel on important subjects that people continue to wrestle with today.

Recommendation

I am greatly excited about this series and cannot wait for more to be published.  This edition of George Swinnock’s work is profound and would do well to be on your shelf.  There is not as much contemplation of the brevity of life and the ultimate end to all man as there should be.  While it may be a short book, it will certainly take the reader deeper into Psalm 73 that he has ever been.  I highly recommend this resource–especially if you are a believer and you know someone that may die before you.

Boekestein, William. Illustrated by Evan Hughes. Faithfulness Under Fire: The Story of Guido De Bres. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage, 2010. 32 pp. $10.00. Purchase at Westminster for $7.50.

Introduction

William Boekestein is Pastor at Covenant Reformed Church in Carbondale, PA. He formerly taught in a Christian school for a few years. He earned his M.Div. at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. Evan Hughes is an illustrator and graphic designer. Both men blog at LifeReformation.org.  Guido de Bres (1522-1567) was the author of the Belgic Confession of faith.

Summary

Guido de Bres was born in the heat of the Protestant Reformation (it began in 1517). Growing up he studied the writings of Martin Luther and John Calvin. Upon his salvation, he felt called to the gospel ministry. Early on he was able to study in peace without the threat of persecution. Later in his ministry, however, he faced much persecution as the Catholic church maintained much more control over Europe with the rise and fall of many Kings in the land—some Protestant some Catholic. Guido was ultimately hanged for preaching the gospel.

Review

Faithfulness Under Fire might at first glance be viewed as too much for a child given the graphic detail and pictures (see the front cover). That being said, however, it is important that we teach our children that we truly stand on the shoulders of giants who have gone before us. It is easy in the United States to take for granted our ability to worship in freedom. The life of Guido de Bres shows us that this was not always the case.

Having read this book to my children (ages 6 and under), I discovered that they were fascinated by what happened to him and other Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries. The pictures and story line was not too harsh as might first appear. This is especially true given what many of our children are allowed to watch on television or listen to on the radio.

Recommendation

If you want an excellent and graphic introduction to the atrocities that took place during the Protestant Reformation, Faithfulness Under Fire is a great place to start. In reading this book to your children, they will begin to respect the reality that we can worship freely in the United States. It will also enable you as a parent to have discussion regarding the persecution still taking place in the church today. For an excellent website for that discussion you can check out the Voice of the Martyrs.

Beeke, Joel R. and James A. La Belle.  Living by God’s Promises.  Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2010.  172 pp.  $15.00.  Purchase at Westminster for $11.00 or direct from Reformation Heritage Books.

Introduction

Everyone knows about the Puritans.  Some think, wrongly, they were nothing more than prudes and fundamentalists.  Many others, thankfully, are finding a godliness and piety that is rarely found in the church today.  Beeke and La Belle have co-authored a book looking at three lesser known Puritans who have written about the importance of the promises of God.  These three Puritans from which Living by God’s Promises is drawn is Edward Leigh (1603-1671), William Spurstowe (1605-1666), and Andrew Gray (1633-1656).  You can learn more about these three Puritans in Joel Beeke and Andrew Pederson’s magnificent work Meet the Puritans.

Summary

I believe at 172 pages, the book itself hardly would have room for the biblical text of all the promises given to us in the Scriptures.  That being said, the book is divided into nine chapters with an invaluable appendix and a helpful selection of readings on God’s promises.

The nine chapters can readily be divided into two parts though they are not necessarily done so in the book.  The first part deals with readers mind and consists of five chapters.  Reading these five chapters, you will understand the promises of God more fully and who the promises have their foundation and fountainhead in.  You will also see the characteristics and right use of the promises of God.

The second part is the application of living by these promises.  This part looks specifically at God’s promises during affliction and in our constant battle against sin and temptation.  The last chapter looks at how we can use God’s promises as we pursue holiness.

For me, personally, the appendix is worth the price of the book by itself.  Appendix A is a table of promises whereby there are six pages of triple-columned listings of the promises found in the Bible as compiled by Edward Leigh.  All you have are the references, but that is the joy of it!  You have a perfect launching point in which to write down and meditate on the promises of God.

Review

Um…about the only negative I could find with this book is that it ended.  I appreciated the tip of the cap to the Puritanesque preaching style found in the structure of the book.  First, the authors dealt with your mind and showed you the reality of God’s promises.  Second, as a surgeon deftly uses a scalpel, so to the writers of Living by God’s Promises operate on your heart.  With precision not common today, you will discover the truthfulness of Hebrews 4:12, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Recommendation

There have been few books that have led me to worship as I read.  Living by God’s Promises will lead you to worship Christ.  2 Corinthians 1:20 will carry much more meaning to you after reading this book.   I cannot wait to take the appendix, write out the promises, categorize them into a notebook (hand written and probably in a moleskine but certainly with a fountain pen!), and then have that handy for the purpose of meditation.  Get your copy today and drink from the fountain filled with blood where all of these promises have their foundation.

Carr, Simonetta.  John Owen.  Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2010.  66 pp.  $18.00.  Purchase at Westminster for $12.60.

Introduction

Simonetta Carr is no stranger to the readers of Christian Book Notes.  She is the author of the Christian Biographies for Young Readers Series that is doing amazing things to bring the glorious history of the church to life for a new and much younger generation.  You can read past reviews on the other two books in the series –John Calvin and Augustine.  She has also been interviewed here.  You can become a fan of Christian Biographies for Young Readers on Facebook, too.  This particular book looks at the life, ministry, and writings of John Owen.

Summary

In essence, Carr hits the highlights of the “career” of John Owen.  She looks at his birth and death as well as his ministry with Oliver Cromwell whom he served as a chaplain to and even introduces the children to his numerous books that are still impacting the world today.

Review

I was impressed with how Carr brought to life such a difficult man to understand.   She even makes the comment that his books and sermons are not easy to read today but they are worth reading nonetheless.  She also introduces the children to other figures through the life of John Owen.  For example, she shares of Owen’s affection for John Bunyan and how he would trade in all of his learning if he could preach the way Bunyan could.

Recommendation

As I have with the other two books in this series, I highly commend this book to you as both a parent and a pastor.  I enjoy reading these to my children and enjoy even more seeing my oldest (6) want to read about the lives of the saints from yesteryear.  Begin early cultivating a love for reading and history and your children will be the better for it.

As a pastor, I am thankful that many parents who read these books to  or with their children are learning themselves.  I know I have learned from reading these books myself.

Reformed Confessions of the 16th and 17th Centuries: Volume 2, 1552-1566. Edited by James T. Dennison, Jr. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2010. 918 pp. $50.00. Purchase at Westminster Books for $37.49.

Introduction

There has been great interest in Reformation theology and thinking in the last 10-20 years in the church. This is a good thing though often misguided since there has not been a central source that traces the thinking of the Reformers through their various confessions and articles. James T. Dennison, Jr. has come to our rescue! He has painstakingly translated all of the Reformed confessions into English (many for the first time) in the hopes to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the thinking behind the theology of the men that the Lord used to Reform His bride, the church.

Summary

Volume 2 begins literally where volume 1 left off. This is quickly evident with a quick glance at the Table of Contents. The first chapter is 34 and not 1! Each confession is introduced with a historical context as to the necessity of its being written. Information, where known, is given about the author as well as where the source of the text was located when translated. There are 33 confessions found in this volume. At over 900 pages, you can readily see that the Reformers sought to leave no stone unturned.

Review

I was impressed with the readability of the confessions as well as their accessibility really to all readers. The historical context given at the beginning of each confession was extremely helpful. I cannot wait for the future volumes to be published though I am beginning to wonder how large this series will be!

Recommendation

If you are a student of history, this is a series you will want to own. Even more, if you are a student of church history, this is a series you must own. In the end, it will wind up being just as important to church history as Schaff’s The Creeds of Christendom.

The Soul of Life: The Piety of John Calvin. Edited by Joel R. Beeke. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2009. 220 pp. $10.00. Purchase at Westminster books for $7.89.

Introduction

The Soul of Life is a volume found in the Profiles in Reformed Spirituality. Other volumes have looked at the piety of George Swinnock, Jonathan Edwards, Hercules Collins, Lemuel Haynes, Thomas Goodwin, Alexander Whyte, and Horatius Bonar. This particular volume looks explicitly at John Calvin through his own writings that have been gathered under various topical headings. Dr. Joel R. Beeke, one of the series editors along with Michael Haykin, took it upon himself to edit and introduce this book.

Summary

Dr. Beeke does a masterful job of offering a short 26 page bio of John Calvin. His work on the piety of John Calvin maybe more impressive in that reading it really brings new light to a man who has been mischaracterized for centuries. After this brief two-part introduction, Dr. Beeke offers five sections looking explicitly at Calvin’s piety.

The first section shows the importance of piety as well as defining what piety means biblically. Section two develops the goal of piety – the glory of God while section three offers the theological dimensions that one’s piety ought to be rooted in. Sections four and five were, in my estimation, the most profound sections in the book. Section four looks to piety in the local church and section five delineates the practical implications of one’s piety. The book concludes with a selection of recommended books by or about John Calvin.

Review

The only negative to this book is that it was not printed first in the series! To define piety (this is where the title of book comes from) as the soul of life is to show that each of the men written about in this series made it their life-long ambition to grow closer to God through Christ and knowledge of the Scriptures.

The way the book was laid out with the introduction giving a short synopsis of the life and piety of John Calvin and then to move from a general definition of piety to a specific application of piety helps the reader to move along in his understanding of how our thought life should impact our lives insofar as we interact with others and with God.

Recommendation

After reading The Soul of Life, you will want to go back and read the rest of the series. If you have not read any of the other books in the series, then you need to start with this one as it will undoubtedly shed light on 1) what the series editors are seeking to accomplish and 2) the influence John Calvin had on so many great saints through the ages.