Review of Exploring C.H. Spurgeon's Key to Ministerial Success by Bob Penhearow

Exploring C.H. Spurgeon's key to ministerial success by Bob Penhearow

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Bob Penhearow surveys the backstory of the spiritual life of Spurgeon. Spurgeon's ministerial mentorship did not just occur with those close to him, but through the words and life of men who pre-dated Spurgeon by several decades. Men such as Gill, Bunyan, and Fuller influenced the spiritual life of Spurgeon. Penhearow takes a good look at the evidence that Spurgeon inherited the spirituality of these men as seen in the frequent quotations in his writing, preaching, and teaching ministries. On a personal level, I was encouraged by the piety of Spurgeon, Bunyan, Gill, and Fuller to develop within myself by the Spirit's help a closer dependence on God's grace in my personal ministry and fellowship with my God. This is a worth-while read for pastors and laymen alike.



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Review of John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life

Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


With all due respect to John Piper, who has criticized book reviewers for saying, 'This book is a must read' because only the Bible is a must read--I would have to say that Don't Waste Your Life is a one of those rare books that every believer "Must Read." In this book, Piper shares with the reader the pivotal moment in his life's journey in which he found that Single Passion to Live By--the beauty of Christ. Having just read of the intensity of John Bunyan, Owen, and Spurgeon's spirituality in another book, I was struck by how similar they are to Piper, which these pages reveal. Piper recommends that "whatever you do, find the God-centered, Christ-exalting, Bible-saturated passion of your life, and find your way to say it and live for it and die for it. And you will make a difference that lasts. You will not waste your life." John's prayer for the reader is "May the one thing that you cherish, the one thing that you rejoice in and exult over, be the cross of Jesus Christ." You will not waste your time with this book.



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Review of The Gospel Story Bible by Marty Machowski

the gospel story bible by Marty Machowski

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Marty Machowski writes simply, not just for children but also for adults. As you read this book you will find yourself being discipled by a master story teller. While being faithful to the text of Scripture, Marty points us deeper. The book does not lead to man-centred, surface applications; rather, it pushes one to the cross and its redemptive implications. For example, from the story of Samson losing his strength, Marty acknowledges the fact that Samson loses his strength as a result of pride, of which pride we are all prone. Going a step further toward the cross, it is pointed out that "no ordinary man could bring lasting salvation to God's people, for we are all sinners. One day, though, God sent a deliverer named Jesus who was very different..." (pg. 98). The book does not shy away from some of the more abstract concepts, rather it brings pictures like the body of Christ as the church down to the level of comprehension. This book would make a great curriculum for any Junior Church program or aid in one's own family worship.

Review of Edward T. Welch's book What Do You think of Me? Why Do I Care? answers to the Big Questions of Life

What Do You think of Me? Why Do I Care? answers to the Big Questions of Life by Edward T. Welch

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Ed Welch's book regarding the ever-common problem of human insecurity strikes right at the heart of every people-pleaser. I appreciate the brevity, clarity, and winsomeness of this book. Welch demonstrates his command of Scripture and Biblical Theology in this book. The real strength of this book is seen in Welch's movement of the reader to a new perception of God, himself, and others. Because Welch is a Biblical Counsellor, his methodology is rooted in the story of redemption and this book skillfully returns our attention to our Maker who died for us so that we would serve others. Welch inserts questions designed to make the read interactive and the publisher provides plenty of space to write out the conversation that naturally develops between the counsellor (Welch) and the counselled (the reader). I highly recommend this book for people counselling youth, or those who are plagued with peer-dependency.



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Book Review of On The Level by Gregory and Gregory

On the Level by Richard I. Gregory; Richard W. Gregory

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


On The Level should be read by all who claim the monicker of Fundamentalism. Written by a Father and Son team, Gregory and Gregory have nearly 70 years of ministry experience together. In their own words: "It is the premise of this book to look for areas where believers can demonstrate their mutual respect and love for the brethren. This book is not dominated by seeking ways to identify those from whom we separate. Nor is it the intent of this book to overlook the importance of separation when the Scripture clearly demands it. We maintain that implementing separation is not for the primary benefit of the one separating. Rather its ultimate purpose is to provide a platform for ministry to those with whom you differ" (p. 152). This book provides a helpful paradigm for various relationships within the local body and broader body of Christ for which legitimate cooperation can be had. I recommend picking up this book for a discussion among your own local church leadership if you are striving to regain some lost balance. The appendix provides examples of various 'balanced' approaches to common divisive issues and there is even a 'balanced' historical sketch of the fundamental/evangelical controversies of the past century. I appreciated the positive tone to the book. On The Level can be ordered from the IFCA directly.



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Review of J.C. Ryle's Thoughts for Young Men

Thoughts for Young Men by J.C. Ryle

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is the first Ryle book I have read and it won't be the last. I thought this book would be something I could use for my four boys and it turns out, it is something I needed. The gentle, fatherly tone of the book spoke to my own heart about the need for humility and concern for my personal walk with Christ. Ryle reminds young men of the necessity of living in the present what you hope to be in the future. We tend to trivialize sin, and Ryle recommends waging war with all our might in our personal sanctification. Ryle is a master of the word picture and his writing is engaging. I hope to live in a way that I want my four young men to live. soli deo gloria!



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Review of "Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion" by Kevin Deyoung and Ted Kluck

Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion by Kevin DeYoung

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


"This book is not meant to be an apology for nothing but more of the same; rather, it is a plea for realism" so says Kevin DeYoung. Actually, this book is an apology for the 'real' church, contra the anti-institutional, the-church-is-lame crowd's stereotype. DeYoung and Ted Kluck co-author this engaging book which looks at church in its good, bad and ugly aspects. This is a wonderful reminder of how important the church is for believers in any era. It is not just a refutation of the latest 'emergent' trend, and DeYoung thankfully addresses several trends that have attacked the church from the inside. They conclude that typically these movements develop because of coldness to the gospel. If you follow the polling data of George Barna one might conlude that the 'sky is falling' and that the church has lost its way; however, Deyoung walks the reader through the numbers in a way that demonstrates that all is not lost. The great benefit of the book comes as DeYoung reminds us that rather than a Starbuck's Christianity, "daily discipline is not a new revolution each morning or an agent of global transformation every evening; it's a long obedience in the same direction." Ted provides several enjoyable still-in-side-the-church stories which picture the 'daily discipline' necessary to achieve growth in Christ and in His church. This book is not a theologians book on ecclesiology. It is a great reminder of the benefit and necessity of church life--there is no such thing as churchless Christianity.



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My Review of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress

Pilgrims Progress: One Mans Search for Eternal LifeA Christian Allegory by John Bunyan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


It has been a while since I had read this book; albeit, in the Children's version. The edition I read was a copy from the 11th edition of Bunyan's work, so it still contains many of the older English phrasings and words. This time, as I read, I paid more attention to the imagery of the book and its parallels to Scripture. Along the way, Christian and his companions meet with various temptations and trials, and I was intrigued by how much of the 'casual' conversation was theological in nature. In regard to Catholic Theology, I was particularly helped by the conversation between Christian, Hopeful, and Ignorance. Often Catholics will claim their confidence is in Christ's death for sinners and Bunyan through his characters gives an answer to what is sometimes a confusing discussion with Catholics. I quote below the salient aspects of the argument, which incidentally are relevant to the recent "New Perspective on Paul" debate, too. I recommend reading Pilgrim's Progress with an eye to seeing aspects of the Christian life from an Allegorical [the good kind] perspective.

Ignorance: I think I must believe in Christ for justification.

Christian: How dost thou believe?

Ignorance: I believe that Christ died for sinners; and that I shall be justified before God from the curse, through His gracious acceptance of my obedience to His law. Or thus, Christ makes my duties, that are religious, acceptable to His Father by virtue of His merits, and so shall I be justified. [Ignorance in his response teases out the actual meaning of believing in Christ for justification which is common among astute Catholics]

Christian: Let me give an answer to this confession of thy faith:

1. Thou believest with a fantastical faith; for this faith is nowhere described in the word.
2. Thou believest with a false faith; because it taketh justification from the personal righteousness of Christ, and applies it to thy own.
3. This faith maketh not Christ a justifier of thy person, but of thy actions; and of the person for thy actions' sake, which is false.
4. ...For true justifying faith puts the soul, as sensible of its lost condition by the law, upon flying for refuge unto Christ's righteousness (which righteousness of His is not an act of grace by which He maketh, for justification, thy obedience accepted with God, but His personal obedience to the law, in doing and suffering for us what that required at our hands); this righteousness, I say, true faith accepteth; under the skirt of which the soul being shrouded, and by it presented as spotless before God, it is accepted, and acquitted from condemnation.

Ignorance: What! would you have us trust to what Christ in His own person has done without us? This conceit would loosen the reins of our lust, and tolerate us to live as we list [This is the common Catholic complaint]: for what matter how we live, if we may be justified by Christ's personal righteousness from all, when we believe it?




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Review of Forgotten God: Reversing our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan

Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Francis Chan's book Forgotten God was well written and worth the read. I've come from a background that for fear of being too charismatic has down-played the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. As Chan works through Scripture texts, he forcefully points out the work of the Holy Spirit in redemption, sanctification, and perseverance--all key components of the gospel power at work in our lives. I was struck with the simple and straight forward way his book reminds just how important the Holy Spirit is in the life of a believer. Readers will want to be aware that in Chan's presentation he is a bit 'soft' on the cessation of the gift of prophetic utterance--although he does qualify very carefully his position by suggesting that the church body at large needs do a better job of censoring what is and is not actual utterance (pg. 54-56). Aside from this potential by-path meadow, the book as a whole is helpfully provocative for believers who from time to time act as though their raw talent, effort, and natural charisma can produce success in the Christian life. Living in this way demonstrates that we have essentially "Forgotten God," that is, God the Holy Spirit.



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Book Review of A Proverbs Driven Life by Anthony Selvaggio

The Proverbs Driven Life: Timeless Wisdom for Your Words, Work, Wealth, and Relationships by Anthony Selvaggio

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A very helpful topical overview of the book of Proverbs. His introductory chapter on how to interpret the proverbs is worth the price of the book. Selvaggio's book is helpfully not exhaustive, and it is arranged into the overarching themes of communication, work, wealth, friends, marriage and children. I was pleasantly surprised to find someone saying what I've always thought regarding finding a spouse and have felt is typically ignored in most preaching on this topic. That is, not only should you look for a spouse of noble character, but you should also aspire to be a person of noble character yourself--one that would be worthy of finding. I would highly recommend this book as a resource for adult and senior high Sunday School curriculum.



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Review of Crazy Love by Francis Chan

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


A romantic fiction? What is Crazy Love? According to Francis Chan it falls on the preeminent commandment which is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." The first three chapters develops very, very well the idea of the absolute sovereignty, transcendence, and magnitude of God. How could a God like this love us, who are so insignificant compared to his holiness? That is why it is crazy, and requires a consequent crazy sort-of love in return. Francis spends a lot of pages dealing with the concept of being lukewarm--and defines it based on Rev. 3:15-18. According to Chan "church goers who are "lukewarm" are not Christians (pg. 84). Chan's book is intentionally written to a North American church that says, "I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing" (Rev. 3:15-18). So he spends a lot of time about the importance of getting past our innate greed and giving generously away to those who are in need. He provides several first hand examples of what this looks like from contemporary Christianity and historical (like George Muller). Taken to the extreme (and I risk appearing lukewarm according to Chan), this view can possibly diminish the ability for capital generation for the glory of God and the bolstering of ministry projects from those profits. I was very thankful to read in the last chapter of Chan's book the importance of balance on this issue--just wish it came a bit earlier in the book. I do think that Chan's provocative tone is intentionally so because of the opulence of most of the North American church at large and specifically in his own Southern California context.



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Review of Hints for Parents by Gardiner Spring and Tedd Tripp

Hints for Parents: With Gospel Encouragements by Tedd Tripp by Gardiner Spring

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I wish I had read this short book earlier in my parenting career. Indeed, having read "Shepherding a Child's Heart," I found this short book much more valuable. Gardiner Spring's early 19th Century text with Tedd Tripp's notes along the way was very insightful and encouraging. One such encouragement came on page 26 from Tedd in which he says, "God will take your patient teaching of your children and authenticate its truthfulness to their hearts. Your hope as you teach them to have magnnaminity of heart ... is that God will use His Word to persuade your child of its truth. Your job is to set forth truth plainly; God's job is to shine the light into their hearts." There is courage and hope offered throughout as the goals and objectives of are clearly laid out. Gardiner writes, "God's time for the conversion of your children may not be your time. Your efforts may seem in vain--for years--but you will likely at last see your children rejoicing in the graces and comforts of holiness. He who goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (p. 67). A short but very helpful little book--would make a great new parent gift from your church. I only hope I can integrate the biblical wisdom found in this gem of a book into my own parenting.



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Review of The Supremacy of God in Preaching

The Supremacy of God in Preaching by John Piper

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


John Piper writes of the importance of 'blood-earnestness' in preaching. And according to Piper, blood-earnestness is something that is seriously lacking in most preaching today. This intensity comes as an awareness of the magnitude of God and His Word fills the heart of a preacher. Piper gives anecdotal insights from the life and preaching of Jonathan Edwards which pointed to Edward's awe filled awareness of an infinite God. Piper strongly rebukes those preachers who glory in a flippant, humorous, entertainment-showmanship preaching which does not take seriously the gravity of message nor the situation. In contrast, Piper writes, "This is simply stupendous to think about--that when I preach, the everlasting destiny of sinners hangs in the balance! If a person is not made earnest and grave by this fact, people will unconsciously learn that the realities of heaven and hell are not serious" (p. 59). In short, Piper's main thesis is "Gladness and gravity should be woven together in the life and preaching of the preacher in such a way as to sober the careless soul and sweeten burdens of the saints" (p. 55). A short and helpful reminder for preachers, indeed a good book to read and reread from time to time. I wonder what affect this type of 'blood-earnest' intensity might have in the North American Church that is drowning itself in entertainment?



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Review of Hymns Ancient and Modern

Heart publications

I thoroughly enjoyed thumbing through my copy of this hymn supplement.  Fred Coleman has provided a wonderful service for the church at large.  This collection of modern and ancient hymns is written in 4 part hymn format and is accessible for any congregation.  Included are some hard-to-find hymn arrangements like O the Deep, Deep Love.   Fred Coleman also provides a valuable contribution for churches in his introduction to the supplement. He writes in a humble tone and highlights the necessity of congregational singing and that it is "the best musical venue for accomplishing the purposes of gathered Christian worship." The major benefit in the preface is the logical connection of modern hymns to the historic hymns of the church.

Review of Singing and Making Music: Issues in Church Music Today

Singing And Making Music: Issues in Church Music Today by Paul S. Jones

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book was difficult to rate. Paul Jones is clearly qualified as a church musician because of his experience as the lead musician at the 10th Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. His interaction with men like James Montgomery Boice also add to his ability to converse on the theology of worship. Jones writes for both the layman and the accomplished musician. And so, depending on your level of expertise, the relevance will be evidently clear. That being said, his discussion of the theology of corporate worship and song are accessible to all. The section on Composers and Composition might be a bit technical for those not trained classically, but it is readable. For those who are interested in writing new hymns, he offers some excellent advice in how to do this. The book will be provocative for those who gravitate toward's gratification in worship. Jones reminds us that "Worship is not about us, but about the Almighty." This is a must read for those who are starting to re-evaluate their music philosophy, have a desire for a theological framework, or want to consider some corollary issues related to worship in general. I would rate the theological sections as five stars and the technical sections as three stars.



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Review of Church Planting is For: Wimps, by Mike McKinley

Church Planting Is for Wimps: How God Uses Messed-up People to Plant Ordinary Churches That Do Extraordinary Things by Mike McKinley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What an enjoyable read! I was not prepared for how good this book would be from the title. The title comes from a competitive analogy of church planters vs. revitalizers. McKinley writes from his heart and soul's experience in revitalizing a church that was hanging on to life with a few people and a building in an expensive real estate market. After calling McKinley to pastor their church, revitalization would prove to be no walk in the park. McKinley's transparent testimony was a personal encouragement to me. I appreciated his commitment to real ministry that focused on a multi-generational church and not just a trendy demographic. He offers some great tips for those who are younger in ministry and a real way to disciple men for future elders in your church. I recommend this book to pastors who are not even thinking of church planting, because the revitalization approach is an excellent idea for larger churches to consider doing.



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Review of Chuck Milian's "We're Just Friends" and Other Dating Lies: Practical Wisdom for Healthy Relationships

We're Just Friends and Other Dating Lies: Practical Wisdom for Healthy Relationships by Milian Chuck

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Chuck Milian brings biblical wisdom to western ideas of attraction and dating. This is not a book for just singles but for parents who used to be single a long time ago. Milian provides a very useful grid for thinking through the various stated and unstated stages of opposite gender relationships. Having grown-up in a fairly restrictive environment for dating, I found this book to be provocative and helpful, and much more realistic as to how things will actually go in boy-girl relationships. His five-step guideline for bonding and relational intimacy is helpful for both parents and singles to read prior to starting the often confusing world of dating. Chuck Milian states the need for discipline in dating, in particular the need for balance in ones feelings, thinking, and behaviour. Chuck is an advocate of communicating philosophy of dating early on so that no one is surprised, hurt or disappointed when a relationship ends prior to marriage. As a married man of 12 years, I appreciated the advice found in Stage Five Dating: Dating After Saying I Do. A quick and easy read, I would recommend this to parents to read along with their children the younger they are and I recommend that college-age singles read this book as soon as possible.



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When Will My Life Not Suck?

When Will My Life Not Suck?: Authentic Hope for the Disillusioned by Ramon Presson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ramon Presson writes from 20 years of counselling experience.  Even though it says so in the biography, his manuscript demonstrates that he knows people, their problems, and disillusionment.  This book was not written for the theologian, but for the person in the throes of pain and possibly in your office for counselling.  A good counsellor will talk through the gospel and the riches that are available in Christ Jesus through the cross and this book will complement by presenting gospel-hope to those in despair.  If you keep this perspective when reading the book, you will see its value.  Presson's style is very enjoyable and the book is very easy to read because of his ability to turn an analogy.  This again, will be a good reason to use the book in your practice as it will be easy for a person to read and conquer.


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What Is A Healthy Church?

What Is a Healthy Church? by Mark Dever
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This mini-book is an excellent primer for everything a church should be.  Caution to those who might be a bit nervous regarding theological discussion of conversion--Dever's description and analysis of conversion is well stated, biblical and every believer should take his assessment into consideration.  Dever does a good job defending his thesis that A healthy church is a congregation that increasingly reflects God's character as his character has been revealed in his Word. The book is pastorally written and is not intended to cause you problems as a pastor.  The book clearly is in your court should a parishioner get their hands on it.  Dever insists that a church member who sees the benefits of this book should hang in and pray for their church and be a catalyst for revival in their own church, rather than church hop.  He does make provision though for leaving should apostasy be in the pulpit and with elders of the church.


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Soul Heights and Depths are Ordained by God

Mood Tides: Divine Purpose in the Rhythms of Life by Ronald Horton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ron Horton's book is a similar style read to that of E.M. Bounds, The Power Through Prayer. He has some great insights into humanity's emotional structure.  His premise that man's emotional eb and flow is ordained by God because it is a part of the Imago Dei was profound. It is true that we often characterize emotional highs as more godly than emotional lows--which, Horton says is a mischaracterization. Horton's scriptural handling is good and his philosophical approach is well balanced.  It was with pleasure that I came across several illustrations from Shakespeare, William James, and Dante.  At times, however, illustrative analogies tended to distract because the point had already been made. Those who have read E.M. Bounds will understand this irritant.  


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Review of The Heresy of Orthodoxy

Andreas J. Köstenberger (professor of NT at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) and Michael J. Kruger (professor of NT at RTS in Charlotte, NC) team up to combat the Bauer-Ehrman hypothesis in The Heresy of Orthodoxy: How Contemporary Culture’s Fascination with Diversity Has Reshaped Our Understanding of Early Christianity. 

Köstenberger-Kruger (KK) deal with three major arguments in the Bauer-Ehrman theory (BE).  The first leg of the argument is that according to BE there were multiple ‘Christianities.’  Said in another way, there was a “diversity of equally legitimate beliefs” (p. 33).  KK reasons that while there was diversity, it was minimal.  Rather a unity around key doctrines like monotheism, Jesus Christ as Lord, and the message of the Gospel was the norm.  KK goes on to demonstrate that all centers of Christianity in the Mediterranean World were more likely orthodox than heterodox.  KK operates on the assumption that the NT is authentic in its authorship, so the actual books of the NT themselves combat heresy and the themes of orthodoxy prevail. 

The second argument revolves around the assumption that books were picked to be in the canon, based on the superiority of the choosers.  In discussing the concept of the canon, KK brings in literary criticism to bolster his argument.  He suggests that Ancient Near East covenants predate the 4^th Century and the written documents that accompanied those covenants were expected.  Thus it would be no different for the New Testament introduction of the New Covenant.  This argument may have appeal to the postmodern.  While provocative, I’m not sure it was his best argument because it still does not solve the issue of the affirmation of the written documents entirely.  However, the nature of the OT and NT in the overall unity of God’s plan is seen.  The historical evidence proposed in chapter 5 was more convincing than that of the covenant community paradigm.  He argues that the NT canon was complete at the end of the apostolic age and it was some time before spurious books by real heretics were written.  A “closed” verses “open” canon is integral to BE theory.  KK argues that “closed” is integral to redemption itself and to the apostolic witnesses.

The third argument revolves around the copying of manuscripts and textual transmission.  This is the best-argued section.  He wrests the argument that variants are significant away from Ehrman, by pointing out that they are actually confirmation that we have the original in the multitude of manuscripts.  There is safety in the thousands of manuscripts that can be compared.  On page 229, KK quotes from Ehrman’s book, Misquoting Jesus, “‘If [God] really wanted people to have his actual words, surely he would have miraculously preserved those words, just as he miraculously inspired them in the first place.’  In other words, if God really inspired the New Testament there would be no scribal variations as all.  It is his commitment to this belief—a theological belief—that is driving his entire approach to textual variants.” 

The rapid acceptance of the Bauer-Ehrman position comes from an uncritical willingness to believe. It resonates with the philosophy of our day.  While it nearly died on the vine in the first part of the previous century, it has made major head way today.  

I would recommend this for the truly thoughtful person, who was open-minded to possible criticism of their postmodern position.  That being said, sometimes it is easier to disbelieve an abundance of evidence that is contrary to one’s own desired position.

Review of Tim Keller's Generous Justice

Tim Keller, also the author of Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road, writes winsomely of the very heart of God, in his book Generous Justice.  In typical Keller style, he narrows the argument regarding social justice by pitting the ideals of liberals against conservatives.  Liberals often fail to be anchored to gospel truth and conservatives often fail to have compassion to help in spite of theological correctness. The fault of each party points to a greater alternative—a gospel driven compassion for the poor and vulnerable of society—in fact, Keller insists that God’s attribute of Justice includes Generosity. 

Keller surveys the OT and develops a very impressive understanding of the civil laws of Israel.  He surveys various Scripture texts that demonstrate that poverty is complex and multilayered and can result from oppression, calamity, and moral failure; however, by the gracious provision of the law there was opportunity for a second chance.  If Israel followed the laws of release, jubilee, and gleaning, and others then there should not have been any poor among them (see Deut. 15:4-50). 

Keller reminds us that the principles of the OT are pregnant in the NT.  The parable of the Good Samaritan and Galatians 6:10 compel us to look beyond our own household. 

Keller speaks pastorally when he says, “My experience as a pastor has been that those who are middle-class in spirit tend to be indifferent to the poor, but people who come to grasp the gospel of grace and become spiritually poor find their hearts gravitating toward the materially poor.  To the degree that the gospel shapes your self-image, you will identify with those in need” (p. 102). 

Keller suggests that churches can do more than they can imagine, but the key is to listen to the poor themselves (p. 134) very carefully to discern some of their real needs—relief ministries can help, but there are deeper issues in their communities that need to be addressed, and in some cases rehabilitated through intense effort. 

Keller provides a very sobering rebuke to most churches: “When a city perceives a church as existing strictly and only for itself and its own members, the preaching of the church will not resonate with outsiders…there is no better way for Christians to lay a foundation for evangelism than by doing justice” (p. 142). 

Something that I found very helpful was Keller’s insight drawn from Abraham Kuyper’s understanding of the church.  Kuyper had been both a Christian minister and also the Prime Minister of the Netherlands at the turn of the 20^th Century.  He believed that one of the things a church should do is produce mature believers who can engage culture in every area of expertise and advance justice in their spheres of influence.

I would highly recommend this book to those who have traditionally been reticent to social involvement for fear of compromising the evangelical, gospel message.  Keller insists that the very attribute of God’s justice compels us to be gracious as we share the good news.

New Year's Resolutions

I was asked by my neighbour if I had made any New Year's Resolutions.  With a wry grin, I told him that I had resolved not to make any resolutions... Perhaps I spoke too soon.

My resolution for the coming year is to read and blog on at least 12 books which have theological value.  Perhaps the accountability will keep me faithful to the task.

My first book is Generous Justice by Tim Keller.
My second book will be The Heresy of Orthodoxy by Andreas J. Köstenberger

I am willing to take suggestions as well.