Book Review: These Last Days

These Last Days is a publication from P & R Publishing (2011, 193 pages).

Introduction & Background

These Last Days is written with the subtitle, A Christian View of History and is edited by Richard D. Phillips and Gabriel N.E. Fluhrer. Richard Phillips is senior pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC. Gabriel N.E. Fluhrer is coordinator of public relations and publishing at the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals.

This book stems from themes that were shared and expounded on at the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology in 2010. In recent years, most eschatology conferences have been popularized by those in the dispensational camp. Those within the Reformed movement have recognized this and have sought to address eschatology from a Reformed perspective with is essentially the backdrop of this book. The intent was to work through a Reformed eschatology forum in chronological order.

Overview and Impression


The contributors of this book include an impressive lineup of Reformed scholars and thinkers. Included in the book are chapters by Sinclair Ferguson, D.A. Carson, Alistair Begg, Michael Horton, J. Ligon Duncan, Cornelis Venema, Richard Phillips, Jeffrey Jue and Paul Tripp.

I think that what will readers will enjoy the most is that this book combines theological and biblical truth along with pastoral warmth. The book starts out with Christology, "The Christ of History." Ferguson points out in this essay that Christ is Lord over history. As such He is the meaning of history. I especially like Ferguson's exposition on the temptation narratives of Christ. The first chapter is the Christological foundation and is strategic as it serves as the cornerstone for the rest of the book.

Carson provides readers with a thoughtful and stimulating chapter on evil in our present age. Carson thoughtfully writes about the wiles of the evil one, Satan. He expounds on Satan's strategies and how believers are victorious in Christ and how Satan is defeated.

What I further enjoyed about this book is what while I disagree with Reformed eschatology, I agree with the authors that eschatology should enhance our worship as we focus our minds on the eternal glory of Jesus Christ. J. Ligon Duncan III writes:

The last two chapters of the Bible, Revelation 21 and 22, form one of the great passages that God gives to us to meditate on the eternal glory. Jonathan Edwards made it a practice to medidate on the new heavens and the new earth--the eternal glory--every day. But today, very often we hear people say that a person is "so heavenly minded that he is no earthly good." The biblical way of thinking is the direct opposite of this. The Bible insists that you cannot be earthly good unless you are heavenly minded. Heavenly mindendness actually promotes our discipleship here on earth, and it gives us the assurance that we do not labor in vain (p.72).

I think that Duncan nailed it. The study of eschatology really is a component of discipleship. All of Revelation should drive us to worship the Lord of history, Jesus Christ.

The authors have a chapter on the four main millennial views. Thought not comprehensive, it does a balanced job of explaining the various view points.

Conclusion


This book does a tremendous job of providing biblical motivation to evangelicals in helping us have an eternal perspective in the Christian life and in history.

The book closes with a worldview challenge: are you living for eternity? Many of us do not act and behave with an eternal perspective in mind yet alone a heavenly one. It is easy to get caught up with the "here and now" and how quickly we can lose sight of our Lord and of the gospel.

You don't have to be Reformed to read this book. It is an easy read and meant for all believers to have and cherish. Theological concepts are easily broken down and made accessible.

Special thanks to the kind and gracious folks at P & R Publishing for this review copy.

The Demise of Reading in the Church

I wanted to offer some commentary and reaction to a recent piece Reformed scholar, Derek Thomas wrote. Please read this article before reading this post.

The Decline of Reading

Note what Thomas says about books. He writes:

Books are essential to Christian growth. And, if there is one disappointment I have as I reflect on over three decades of Christian ministry, it is the declining appetite among Christians for good Christian literature. As a consequence, today's Christianity is less robust.

Thomas has made an astute and accurate observation here. One would have to agree with what he says.

Years ago I used to be able to read books and be able to have in depth discussions about the books I was reading along with a discussion about the authors with other like-minded evangelicals. It was refreshing to be able to share how what I was reading was ministering to me and I was eager to share with other believers what I was learning. Now, it is not uncommon to get blank stares from other believers at any mention of books I am reading or at the mention of evangelical authors. Most Christians I know who are regularly reading are those in ministry but even that is declining.

Not too long ago I preached at a church where during my sermon I quoted both from David Jeremiah and from John Piper. Both of these pastors and authors are two of the most prolific and widely read in the past century of the church. Some had puzzled looks on their faces when I quoted from them. At the end of the service my wife said, "I don't know think those people had ever heard of the authors you were quoting." Before we left town, one of the elders said to me, "I really enjoyed your preaching...but I never heard of those authors." And this was a church here in America that was well within reach of Christian radio and with access to Christian literature.

I have already met believers who have been saved for many years who had no clue as to who John Calvin or Martin Luther were much less could name any of the most well known authors who God has used throughout the history of our faith. The amount of evangelicals who are not reading is staggering--even among those within church leadership.

"Today's Christianity is less robust"

This is of enormous concern to me. In an age of digital media, one with lots of entertainment and media, the appetite and desire among evangelicals to read as Thomas has pointed out is declining.

I think that for some, they do not even know how to read much less see the value of it. Some are more concerned about who their favorite football team is playing on Sunday than they are about any new books that publishers have coming out. Some Christians rely on their pastors to do all the reading and study for them.

What is unfortunate is that now we have more books and Christians resources now than we have had at any point in the history of the church. We have so many evangelical publishers that is hard to keep up with all of them (I am constantly finding out about ones I never heard of before!). Many of these publishers have godly and wise leadership that are out to not to make a profit but to provide the church with godly and biblical books and resources to foster spiritual growth. We have a plethora of tools, blogs, journals and magazines at our disposal. We have so much here in North America and there are so many believers in other countries just begging for a handful of books to read.

Books are essential to Christian growth

I like what Thomas says also in the article, "Books are essential to Christian growth." Simple enough. There are so many godly books that contain biblical wisdom that God can use to help us grow in our faith and in our understanding of the Bible. Wisdom can be gleaned from reading (Prov. 11:14). Numerous men and women of God over the history of the church have poured out their souls and have shared their turmoils and burdens with us through their writings. God has used books in my own life as a source of spiritual growth and encouragement. My books have become my companions and mentors over the years. They have been an indispensable component of my growth.

I agree with Thomas that today's Christianity has become less robust as a result of not being well read. Many Christians are not well rounded. They can hold good conversations about their jobs, their careers and fields but when it comes to being able to articulate their faith, they struggle. The evangelical church has become stagnant and weak in so many areas and I believe that in part this due to the decline in reading good literature. There are an abundance of books out there, a treasure trove of spiritual wealth waiting to be devoured. God has supplied the church with books written by godly Spirit-filled saints that would equip their leadership for ministry, foster spiritual growth, aid in having godly marriages and homes and so forth and yet so many are not availing themselves to these blessings.

Reading good books is a blessing. I can't encourage you enough to grab a good Christian book and discipline yourself to read. It can change your life.

Book Review: If You Bite & Devour One Another by Alexander Strauch

If You Bite & Devour One Another is the new title by Alexander Strauch (Lewis & Roth Publishing, 2011, 173 pages).

About the Author

For the past forty years Alexander Strauch has served as a teaching elder at the Littleton Bible Chapel in Littleton, Colorado. He has also taught philosophy and New Testament literature at Colorado Christian University. He has written of more than a dozen books and is the best selling author of Biblical Eldership which is a recognized authority on the topic of biblical eldership by Bible colleges and seminaries around the world.

Introduction

The title of the book comes from Gal. 5:15, "But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another."

Church conflict is all around us. How many times do we hear accounts of church members suing their pastor and church over church discipline? Or how often do we hear reports of church's splitting right down the middle over trivial matters while the world sits and laughs at us? Countless pastors, church leaders and godly saints and their families have been wounded and scarred by the turmoil and agony of church conflict. In fact, the pain from the conflict can be so agonizing that it can take years to heal.

Unquestionably, the most toxic and poisonous churches that I have ever seen have been ones riddled with believers biting and devouring each other with bursts of gossip and slander.

I was eager to read this latest book by Strauch as he addresses an issue that all of us as believers will encounter sooner or later.

Overview

Strauch's aim is to help believers have a better understanding of the Biblical teachings on conflict and subsequently help us learn how to respond to that conflict using Biblical principles.

His first three chapters focus on 1. Act in the Spirit 2. Act in Love and 3. Act in Humility

The remainder of the book, Strauch focuses in on specific principles for handling that conflict.

Our new life in Christ

Strauch writes, "When conflict arises, our attitudes and behaviors should reflect our new life in Christ given by the Holy Spirit who lives within us (p. 9)." This seems simple enough. It easy when everything is going well, when people are being nice and loving to then be nice and loving back. Often is the case, when a person's true stripes are revealed occurs when we are confronted, when strong disagreement occurs and a conflict arises. And then we can react in the flesh rather than in the Spirit which in turns escalates the problem and then the problem usually snowballs from there.

Our new life in Christ should resemble the gospel in our lives. Strauch writes, "If only we would recognize that every conflict is a test as to whether or not we will display Christlike character, the wisdom from above, and the reality of the gospel in our lives (p.18)."

Life in the Spirit

As part of our new life in Christ as Christians we are supposed to reflect the gospel in our lives, Strauch emphasizes that to have unity and resolve conflict Biblically, we must walk by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16, 18, 25). Strauch's exposition on this topic is excellent. He does an excellent job of explaining what this means, how we are to walk in the Spirit and how the ministry of the Spirit helps us resolve conflict. The Holy Spirit is necessary in order to resolve church conflict.

When we walk in the Spirit, we are seeking to have the fruit of the Spirit evident in our lives (Gal. 5:22-23). We bear His fruit as we walk and abide in Christ.

If we want to resolve conflict within the church, we must be walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh.

Resolving Conflict with Love and Humility

Strauch points out how we as believers are called to act in love (cf. 1 Cor. 13:4-7). Acting out in love and graciousness can help resolve conflict and heal wounds. Strauch also points out the biblical admonitions for a call to act in humility (cf. Rom. 12:3; Gal. 6:3). This will also be evident in how we talk to one another and about one another.

In order to effectively resolve conflict, we must be willing to admit our own faults with love and express gracious humility. Strauch notes, "Conceit produces vain boasting and feelings of superiority that hinder conflict resolution. Conceit causes us to be defensive, self-righteous, and stubborn. It blinds us to our own errors and glaring faults (p.43)."

At the root of many conflicts often lurks pride. Therefore Strauch spends a great deal of time discussing pride and the antidote of humility and how it affects conflict as the Bible has a great deal to say about pride and the necessity of having genuine humility.

We are called to be peacemakers

Strauch's section and discussion on the imperative of pursuing peace is also commendable. Believers are called to pursue peace (Mark 9:50; Rom. 12:18; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Thess. 5:13; Rom. 14:19; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 3:11; 2 Tim. 2:22; Col. 3:15).

To not pursue peace is sin. We are called to have harmony with one another not acrimony. Strauch's exposition on this topic was an excellent reminder of the high calling we have to be peacemakers.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

I thought this book was an excellent read! I highly recommend this book and resource. It was well researched, contained excellent and detailed exposition of key Scripture passages related to matters of dealing and handling conflict. Strauch's decades of ministry experience was also an invaluable contribution to this book. This book contained a wealth of practical wisdom.

I think this book should be read by every elder and pastor as elders should be setting an example how to be peacemakers in the church and resolving conflict biblically. I think that this is also an excellent resource for elders and church leaders to read and study together.

I am one who has been in numerous settings as well involving church conflict. It can be nasty. The poison from believers, especially those in church leadership can leave others with scars for many years. The damage done as a result of church conflict not being handled appropriately can be colossal. I am thankful for this helpful book by Strauch as it gives the Body of Christ practical and helpful instructions on how to resolve church conflict in the power of the Holy Spirit.


Special thanks to Lewis & Roth Publishing for this review copy.

Book Review: Grounded in the Gospel by J.I. Packer and Gary A. Parrett

Grounded in the Gospel (Baker Books, 2010) is a release by J.I. Packer and Gary A. Parrett.

J.I. Packer is the well known and well respected Reformed theologian from Regent College and senior editor for Christianity Today. He is the author or editor of more than fifty books.

Gary A. Parrett is professor of educational ministries and worship at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and the coauthor of A Many Colored Kingdom and Teaching the Faith, Forming the Faithful.

Overview

From the Back Cover:

Recovering an Ancient Practice for Modern Evangelicals

Historically, the church's ministry of grounding new believers in the essentials of the faith has been known as catechesis--systematic instruction in faith foundations, including what we believe, how we pray and worship, and how we conduct our lives. For most evangelicals today, however, this very idea is an alien concept. Packer and Parrett, concerned for the state of the church, seek to inspire a much--needed evangelical course correction. This new book makes the case for a recovery of significant catechesis as a nonnegotionable practice, urging evangelical churches to undertake this biblical ministry for the sake of their spiritual health and vitality.

What is Catechesis?

In order to understand catechesis, we need to first understand what it is. The authors define it as the following: Catechesis is the church's ministry of grounding and growing God's people in the Gospel and its implications for doctrine, devotion, duty, and delight (p.29).

It is as the authors point out derived from the New Testament word for teaching--the Greek verb katecheo.

A Historical Background

The authors being from the Reformed tradition are concerned that catechesis which has historically been used by the church as a discipleship tool has now largely disappeared from the evangelical church. The Reformers saw value in it along with others such as Richard Baxter, John Owen, Charles Spurgeon and others. The authors point out that they and other pastors saw this as a tool to provide sound instruction to their flocks.

Catechesis Today

The authors point that catechesis has largely waned in the modern evangelical church. They point out that it is "largely an alien concept" (p.24). Many today view it as something Roman Catholics do but not evangelicals.

The authors spend several chapters arguing very compellingly that catechesis is a biblical idea (cf. Gal. 6:6).

Packer and Parrett are correct in noting that outside of the Westminster Shorter and the Heidelberg Catechisms, catechesis is foreign to the local evangelical church.

I think that their contentions are simple. The church is commanded to teach the Word of God and one method and tool to do that is found in catechesis. Throughout the church's history, many pastors have used this with much fruit and blessing in many churches. Today the evangelical church has become largely stagnant and weak in a postmodern era. And it is the belief of Packer and Parrett that the church has become so spiritually weak is because of the abandonment of catechesis.

I found myself reading their exposition and agreeing with many of their conclusions. I do think there is a biblical basis for catechesis and I don't think there is anything wrong with memorizing a catechism that reflects sound doctrine.

How They View the Gospel and the Church

The authors are heavily Reformed and Lordship Salvationists. They are also highly ecumenical and Packer is a member of ECT (Evangelicals and Catholics Together).

Their Lordship views are evident here is this quote: By our faith--let us be clear--we not only receive from him pardon for the past; we also enroll ourselves as his disciples, commit ourselves to follow his leading wherever it takes us, and enter upon a new life of permanent union and communion with him and with his Father, who now through him becomes our Father too (p. 99).

Another quote that numerous evangelicals, particularly those within Free Grace Theology will disagree with is found here:

In particular, many are persuaded that evangelicalism has often been guilty of promoting an "easy believism" and a cheap grace. The idea of "once saved, always saved" has often led to apathy and laziness among those who call themselves Christians. The place of good works has not been adequately addressed or properly emphasized in much evangelical preaching and teaching (p.104).

Free Grace readers will also take exception to the authors writing, "We ought to envision true saving faith as manifesting itself always in love and obedience (p.104)."

I could not more vehemently disagree with the above quotes. What is interesting to note here is that these quotes are coming from staunchly Reformed thinkers and writers. Reformed Theology emphasizes the role of fruit and works in the life of believers. They emphasize works as being proof of one's salvation and there has been much debate over this in evangelical circles.

Furthermore, the authors did not offer any support or examples of how "the idea of '"once saved, always saved"' has often led to apathy and laziness among those who call themselves Christians." I think the opposite is true. I think that in Reformed thought, the strong emphasis and over emphasis on fruit & works has led many who are genuinely saved to look at their works for the hope of their salvation rather than the cross. There are many have had doubts about their eternal security because of a distorted view of their assurance based on works.

"Catholic Christians?"

While this book is about catechesis, readers will also recognize the ecumenical background of these authors. Throughout the book, the authors refer to Roman Catholics as "Christians" and repeatedly affirm the validity of their faith and religion.

Ironically, the authors recognize the various doctrines that divide Protestants and Catholics (p.159) yet at the same time, they still believe they are part of the true church, one in which evangelicals should partner and seek "pastoral cooperation" with.

The authors also seem to not be consistent with their own theology on this as they write:

Our focus instead should be on how the message of the Gospel is so very different from all the false gospels of the culture that surrounds us. This will mean that we also distinguish the Christian vision from the message of other major religions (p.164)."

What about Catholicism then? What about their view on justification which demands works are a necessary component of forensic justification? Is this not a "false gospel?" The authors leave this issue unearthed.

Conclusion

I thought this book did a sound job of explaining catechesis and its historical and present usage of it within the church. I agree with the authors that their is biblical warrant for it and that if properly used can be a discipleship tool. This was the strongest point of the book. Obviously, whatever churches use for catechesis must be biblically based and doctrinally sound and believers have liberty in this area.

I found several quotes in the book of great value about the weak and lethargic state of the modern evangelical church. I disagreed with the authors that this is dogmatically due to the lack of catechesis within the church. Discipleship--yes, but dogmatically catechesis, not necessarily.

The ecumencial background of Pakcer and Parrett is found "weighed and wanting." I believe they are way off on this issue and I believe they were not consistent in their theology in trying to convince readers that the Roman Catholic church is one in which evangelicals should partner with rather than separate from. This movement is of concern to me and clearly not all readers will agree with them on these matters.


Disclaimer: special thanks to the kind and gracious folks of Baker Books for this free review copy.

Debate between Dan Wallace and Bart Ehrman Now Available

The debate between Dan Wallace and Bart Ehrman is now available on the website of The Center for Study of New Testament Manuscripts. This debate took place in October.

Book Review: Tempted and Tried by Russell D. Moore

Tempted and Tried by Russell D. Moore (Crossway, 2011).

Russell D. Moore is the dean of the School of Theology and senior vice president for academic administration at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He also serves as a preaching pastor at Highview Baptist Church. He has authored The Kingdom of Christ and Adopted for Life.

Introduction

I was eager to read this new book by Moore. Moore is perhaps one of the most highly prolific authors, thinkers and teachers in the evangelical church today. He is widely read and highly respected by many evangelicals. His writings often prompt spiritual and theological reflection.

This book is ever so timely. In this book, Moore examines the temptations of Christ as he battled Satan in the wilderness. Moore seeks to point out how the serpent of old tempted man in the Garden and furthermore how he employed the same tactics with Christ. And he still uses those same tactics with us today. Old tricks, new ways.

Moore wants to address the issue of being tempted with sin, which applies to us all. He seeks to help believers understand the simple and yet intelligent strategies of Satan and how Satan works with our inner impulses to tempt us and draw us away from Christ. Moore addresses the questions of "Is temptation normal? Am I not spiritual if I am tempted? How can I be tempted? And how can I overcome my temptation?"

Who we are: human

Moore starts out pointing out that we are humans created by God with all the human desires and passions that come from being human. He writes:

When God created humanity, he didn't design us to be blank and passionless. There was a mission to undertake, a mission that required certain drives. In order to live, we must have a drive to eat. In order to be fruitful and multiply, we must have a drive to copulate. In order to subdue the earth, there must be a drive for creativity. That's all perfectly--and I mean, literally, perfectly--human (p.38).

Therefore, the temptations of Christ presented to him by Satan catered to His human nature as they do with us. Moore correctly points out in the book that we should not view temptation as something unnatural but rather temptation is to be expected to us as sinful creatures living in a fallen world ruled by the "god of this world", Satan.

The Temptations of Sin and of Christ

I thought Moore did an excellent job of explaining all the temptations of Christ and why they were appealing to the human nature. Christ was tempted to not rely on God while in the wilderness. He was tempted to worship Satan and tempted to put God to the test. Satan did what he could to try and detract Christ from worshiping the Lord. So it is with us today.

Moore discusses in details the temptations we face today. We are faced with lust, sex, pornography, idolatry and much, much more. We face a variety of temptations every day and often times in unexpected places such as church. Some of us are tempted to seek the approval and worship of man.

Moore aptly writes:

The Devil doesn't mind "family values" as long as what you ultimately value is the family. Satan doesn't mind "social justice" as long as you see justice as most importantly social. Satan does not tremble at a "Christian worldview" as long as your ultimate goal is to view the world. Satan doesn't even mind born-again Christianity as long as the new birth is preached apart from the blood of the cross and the life of the resurrection (p.154).

I also like how Moore pointed out how some churches use legalistic means in an attempt to "help" Christians avoid sin and temptation. Often people end up in even worse predicaments when legalistic requirements are mandated. For those who have come out of a legalistic church, you will enjoy reading what Moore has to say on this. No amount of ritualistic rules, regulations or dictating how others should dress can keep us from the temptation of sin and the trap of sin. Sin will find a way to entangle us.

Conclusion

This book is an excellent read and I highly recommend it. Be warned: you will be convicted! This book was one of the most spiritually convicting books I have ever read. Not every reader will agree with Moore on every nuance, but overall his premise, his application and his thesis was well written and well researched. This book will prompt spiritual thought and reflection. Moore shows us how we all struggle with sin and how Christ was triumphant and we can be too. Grab your pen and highlighter and get a copy. I think this is a book every believer needs to have.


Special thanks to the kind and gracious folks at Crossway for this review copy.

Gospel-Centered Pastoral Search Committees

Can you imagine yourself being a surgeon and being flown across the country for an interview only to be asked questions that have little to nothing to do with surgery? That may sound absurd and propesterous but it is what happened to me as a pastoral candidate. There are churches across the country that are seeking pastoral candidates and focusing on just about everything but the "nuts and bolts" of pastoral ministry and the gospel. There are numerous pastoral search committees that simply do not have a gospel-centered approach and are not even asking their candidates for their view on the gospel.

Check out this interview with Trevin Wax by Chris Brauns on the issue.

You can read my series on pastoral search committees here