Review of John Piper's This Momentary Marriage: A Parable of Permanence

This Momentary Marriage: A Parable of Permanence by John Piper

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


John Piper's book, This Momentary Marriage: A Parable of Permanence was written by a theologian whose forty years have proven the biblical truths exposed in its pages. Piper admits his frailty as a husband, and shares some interesting ways of dealing with idiosyncrasies and flaws. Using a word picture of a compost pile, Piper recommends forgiveness and forbearance as a means of overlooking faults. There are times when one must lovingly shovel "cow patties" into a compost pile and choose to leave them there and walk away (pp. 51-60). The chief "the aim of this book is to enlarge [our] vision of what marriage is...the meaning of marriage is the display of the covenant-keeping love between Christ and his people" (p. 15). Ironically, the two best chapters in Piper's book are on singleness and the necessary hospitality within the body of Christ to those who don't fit the mould of monogomous marriage. Piper's chapter on "Faith and Sex in Marriage" is unsurprisingly theological and yet unexpectedly practical. Piper's last two chapters deal with the matter of divorce and remarriage. In keeping with his theology of the permanence of the picture of the gospel inherent in marriage, Piper holds to a no-divorce, no-remarriage and if divorced, no re-marriage position. Piper admits that he affirms a minority position on this point; nonetheless, his arguments are strong, well-stated, and worth considering.



View all my reviews

Review of The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller

The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God by Timothy Keller

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tim Keller, the author of Prodigal God and The Reason for God has produced a commendable volume on marriage. Admittedly a rework of his nine-part sermon series on marriage, it is still a valuable resource. I appreciate Keller's willingness to interact with the clinical and sociological material on marriage. In particular, he brings to the surface some surprising research on marriage that goes contrary to common knowledge, but is indeed common sense--those who stay married for five years after a period of marital conflict will experience greater satisfaction and marital stability than if they had separated. This does bring hope.

Keller does not just rely on sociological studies alone, but uses them as a bridge to Scripture. The typical intellectual type that values reason over faith will find themselves trapped in Keller's book, because the weight of reason sides with Scripture. A master of apologetics, Keller walks through the common objections to role and gender differences--especially Kathy's discussion of the Dance of the Trinity (borrowed from Tim's chapter in the Reason for God).

Keller does a great job of debunking the secular myth of the "sole mate" and with wisdom helps us consider that romantic love is just one aspect of marriage. We actually marry a stranger and choosing to love that stranger will help us to adapt to one another through the years and seasons of marriage.

View all my reviews

Review of Dave Harvey's "When Sinners Say 'I do.'"

When Sinners Say "I Do": Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage by Dave Harvey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Dave Harvey's book, When Sinners Say 'I Do' is a unique book on the topic of marriage. It does not address the problems in marriage as being fundamentally misunderstandings of personality, or a failure to communicate; rather, Harvey points us to the real root of our marital problems--sin.

The subtitle captures the hope for people who will freely admit that they are sinners: "Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage." The typical psychologically based book will give one techniques for manipulation of your spouse to get them to do what you want--this book is refreshing, because it gently helps one understand their own part in the problem.

Harvey writes, "Marriage is joined upon a field of great spiritual battles. But it rests within a war that is already won. Our real opponent is not on the opposite side of the bed, but within our hearts" (pg. 58).

While the book places marriage within a theology, it is a theology that gives hope and practical advice for those who see themselves as sinners. Dave advises the use of mercy, forgiveness, and grace to help our marriages--all elements of which we are recipients in the gospel.

Harvey has a great section on sex which is both discrete and pastoral. He gives us a perspective which is unique: Devotion to one another--a means to serve one another. It is a viewpoint that is not usually taken by most popular marriage self-help books.

Harvey's last chapter is very helpful for those who are preparing to lose a spouse, entitled: When Sinners say Goodbye. A wonderful resource for those who have hope in the gospel.

I would recommend this as a primer for marriage and for marriages that need the restorative influence of the gospel of Jesus Christ.



View all my reviews

Another New Year and another Resolution

Last year, I began with a resolution to read and blog on 12 books--at least, once per month. This past year, by grace alone, I have completed this goal with a surplus of 11 more.

Since I have just recently accepted the call to a new senior pastorate, my reading challenge will take on a new approach. As needs and challenges push one to refine one's thinking, I believe I will now focus my attention on a topic for this year; or at least 6 months, and then take a new topic for the remainder.

Having already been asked to officiate at one, and probably more weddings this Summer, I plan to read extensively in the Marriage category in the coming months and blog my review and general observations. My blog may at times include my personal meditations on the topic of marriage as I pass through the pages others have left us--but, this blog will continue to be primarily a book review blog.

To give you a sample of the books ahead...

I am currently reading When Sinners Say 'I Do' by Dave Harvey.

Over the next 3 months, I will be reading...

What Did You Expect?? by Paul David Tripp
Marriage Matters by Winston T. Smith
The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller
This Momentary Marriage by John Piper
Getting Ready for the Wedding by the Parrotts
Preparing for Marriage by Dennis Rainey
Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts by the Parrotts
Preparing For Marriage God's Way by Wayne Mack

Thanks for joining me on the journey and keeping me accountable...if you think of any other good books on the topic of marriage, please don't hesitate to forward me a link.

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.