October 21st, 2008
Stand: A Call for the Endurance of the Saints, ed. John Piper and Justin Taylor. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2008. 157 pp. $14.99. Download as free PDF from Desiring God
Introduction
We have come to expect quality work whenever Justin Taylor and John Piper team up to bring Christendom a Christ-centered book. Stand is no different. With contributions from John MacArthur, Randy Alcorn, Jerry Bridges and Helen Roseveare, the rally cry for the troops is loud and clear—we must stand and face the daily challenges of life and the Christian walk if we are to adhere to the biblical principles of trials and tribulations. This is counter-cultural today when most flee the dangers and hardships.
Summary
Taylor defines the biblical precepts of endurance and perseverance and why these to doctrines are important for every person who calls on the name of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Jerry Bridges offers four essentials for finishing the Christian race well. None of them are completely new, but everyone can use the reminder every now and then.
Piper offers a chapter on getting old to the glory of God. Although many who read Piper “are not there yet,” they will be soon. This is an excellent chapter to begin meditating on even now. John MacArthur offers up several certainties that drive an enduring ministry. Having been at Grace Community Church since 1969, MacArthur can share with the next generation these certainties from his own personal experience.
Randy Alcorn presents a chapter on the importance of one’s daily decision making. He also speaks to having courage for a call (in his case it is the unborn) and standing resolute by your convictions. Finally, Helen Roseveare offers an encouraging word regarding Christ’s walking with His saints through all of trials and tribulations.
Recommendation
One thing I have learned as a seminary student at SBTS is that to be able to drink from the well of experience that our professor’s possess is one of the greatest “perks” of studying on campus. While not everyone can have a mentoring relationship with the contributors to this book, reading and learning from them is the next best thing. Every Christian could use to read this book—we all struggle with endurance and praising God in all things at all times. Pastors will find that this book will become an excellent resource to give away as they seek to minister to the various needs of the congregation God has entrusted to their care.
Christian Book Notes 