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.



View all my reviews

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.



View all my reviews

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.



View all my reviews

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.



View all my reviews

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!



View all my reviews

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.



View all my reviews