Pastor's Bookshelf: "Blood Work" by Anthony Carter

Over Spring Break I had the opportunity to catch up on much of the reading I have been putting off due to a busy schedule.  One of the books I read was Anthony Carter's "Blood Work".  As Christians we talk about the blood of Christ, we sing about the blood of Christ, and we use Biblical phrases that mention being made clean and pure of our sin by the blood of Christ.  But have we thought deeply on the blood of Christ?  Have we spent time pondering all that the Bible says about blood and specifically its necessity in atoning for sin?

Carter has thought very deeply on this very subject to give an in-depth and engaging explanation about the multifaceted benefits of Christ's blood shed for us.  I was exhorted to great joy many times over what Christ has done for me by washing me in His blood.  I believe you will be as well.  He explores everything from the obvious sin cleansing benefits to the implications that this should have on our every day lives.

This book is available from Ligonier.org and Amazon.com.  I highly encourage you to pick it up today!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Reformation Trust Publishing through their Blog for a Free Book Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Pastor's Bookshelf: "Convert: From Adam to Christ" by Emilio Ramos

I have been blessed by the ministry of Pastor Emilio Ramos for many years. When I learned that he was soon to release his very first book I was incredibly excited to once more benefit from the wisdom God has granted him.

I have just completed the book and can say with certainty that my excitement and expectations for the book were not misplaced.  'Convert: From Adam to Christ' is not only an important book for the church it is a great commentary for all those who are passionate about seeing the lost come to know Christ.

Explaining what Scripture has to say about conversion Pastor Ramos begins with the state of every person who has ever been born and that is their lost condition as a descendant of Adam and an inheritor of the sin nature that fell upon man when Adam sinned in the Garden.

It was such a refreshing and thorough look into what Scripture tells us about the lost.  It was also a sobering reminder of who I formerly was before God graciously saved me from my sin and took me from being 'in Adam' to being 'in Christ'.

"Adam radically affects every person around you who does not possess salvation. They are "in Adam".  For this reason we must explore what it means to be "in Adam"." - Emilio Ramos - Convert .19

Why is it that we look to Scripture for understanding in all areas except evangelism.  We have to be sure we have a proper understanding of the doctrine of man in order to best understand self and evangelize the lost.

Through a study on our part with Adam Emilio brings this out masterfully.  This is why I feel this book is so important to the evangelist.  In general, "Convert" will help the Christian understand what Scripture says about our sanctification.  As the Christian learns more of the depths of depravity that we were thrust into by being 'in Adam' we begin to esteem more highly what it means to now be 'in Christ'.

People often ask why Adam was able to sin but in Heaven we won't be.  The reason lies in understanding that being in Adam, the fallen, ensured our fall into sin just like him.  But being in Christ, the sinless One, ensures our eternal security.

Emilio also stresses the importance to a Christian of having sound doctrine and also applying that doctrine.  Focus on doctrine that never leads to obedience is a waste of time and evangelism without sound doctrine is dangerous.

Lastly, Emilio rounds out the discussion by stressing the importance of submission to the authority of the church you are a member of.  There shouldn't be any rogue evangelists out there who are "just goin' it alone".   God has given the local church as a means for discipleship.  Any Christian seeking to obey and follow Christ will find a Bible based church and submit accordingly.

I thoroughly recommend this book.  Pick it up today from http://convertthebook.com/ .

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

**As with any Christian book, it does not take the place of or redefine Scripture.  Read this book with your Bible open so that you will see that the things it teaches are truths straight from the God's Word.

Pastor's Bookshelf: Believing God by R.C Sproul Jr

I have had this book on my Kindle for a while now, but between moving and settling in to a new pastorate I simply hadn't been able to complete it.  That said, it couldn't have come at a better time in my life for me to read this book.

I believe that we, or at least I, tend to affirm with my lips the promises of God but at times with my actions I send a very different message.  Sproul really helps bring solid Biblical reminders of who God is and what He has promised, underscored with a reminder of His immutability.  That what He decrees, He will do.

The book was such a sweet reminder to me to trust God at all times, and resist Satan's temptation for me to stop believing God and instead believe my desires are best.

Pick this up today from Reformation Trust.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Reformation Trust Publishing through their Blog for a Free Book Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

Pastor's Bookshelf: Grounded in the Gospel by J.I Packer

Grounded in the Gospel is a thorough understanding of the Biblical origins of catechizing believers as a part of the discipleship process.  Like many people, I hear the word "catechize" and automatically associate the practice with the Roman Catholic church.  The reality is that catechizing is really a practice that finds its origins in Scripture.  Through this book Packer, and his co-author Garry A. Parrett, trace out the Biblical roots as well as its historical practice in the early church.

What's great about this book?  What's great is that it is very thorough.  Incredibly thorough.  In fact, if one were to desire to do a study on the roots and Biblical origin of catechizing this work would be one of the only needed resources to give you an in depth look at the subject.  What's not so great about the book?  What's not so great is the same as its strength.  It is VERY thorough.  Because it is packed with so much detail it drags a bit and is difficult to keep your focus (or at least mine).

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it.  Just be sure you have your reading decks cleared for a bit...

Pick it up from Monergism Books.

Pastor's Bookshelf: The World Tilting Gospel by Dan Phillips

In an age of Gospel confusion and uncertainty it is becoming more and more important for preachers of the Gospel to not only declare the Gospel, but to define the terms we use in doing so.  What I mean is that as we go about unpacking the Gospel, we need to take time to explain what we mean by "repent", "faith", and these days we must ever be very clear on whom we are referring to when we speak of "Jesus Christ"! 

Dan Phillip's book, The World Tilting Gospel, is that clear presentation.  Quite frankly this may become one of the most important books written on the Gospel in our generation.  Dan exposits every aspect of the Gospel.  From man's dire need for salvation and his state as a dead sinner in need of regeneration to the results of the Gospel of Grace and the ditches we can often fall into on one side or the other.

Start to finish, I loved this book.  I give it 5 out of 5 stars for sure and highly recommend this for any new believer who is beginning their walk with Christ to every Pastor seeking a helpful tool to aid you in discipling people.

What makes Dan's book so amazing is that it is a no holds barred look at what the Bible says about man and the Gospel.  Not Dan's opinions, not Dan's musings, but Biblical facts laid out and explained.  If Dan is able to produce a study guide for this it will make a great small group resource!

Dan is an author and frequent blogger at Pyromaniacs.

Pick it up today from Amazon.com.

Pastor's Bookshelf: Slave by John MacArthur

We exist to glorify and serve the Risen King of Kings, the Lord Jesus Christ.  He is not here to serve our needs.  What has been lost from the true rendering of the Greek word 'doulos' as 'slave' instead of what we commonly see it rendered as 'servant'?

John MacArthur delivers yet another powerful literary work to help Christians understand exactly what is expected of them and why Christ used the imagery of a slave/master relationship at the same time the language of Christians being His adopted children.  It would seem that much has been lost, by and large, by forgetting this important relational understanding.

I understand that "slave" carries a horrid meaning in America because of the atrocities committed here in the last 3+ centuries, but the early church seemed to have a right understanding of the Christians call to be a slave of Christ and we need to re-embrace that same meaning and try to get beyond the stigma with the word.

"Like slaves we are to be fully devoted to our Master alone."(P.48)  To deny Christ's Lordship is to declare mutiny against Jesus Himself.  Those who are offended at the designation of themselves, as Christians, as slaves to Christ, should examine themselves to see whether it is the American connotation of the word 'slave' that troubles them or the fact that being Christ's slave demands death to self and a forfeiture of seeking my desires first.

"Those unwilling to give up everything to follow [Christ] are not worthy of Him."(P.80)  If we don't want to submit to Christ, we've never submitted to Him to begin with.

Further, we see the wroth of Christ to be our Master and His trustworthy kindness as such when held against the back drop of our former master that we has from birth.  The most "devastating and degenerating power ever to afflict the human race..." (P.120) sin.

Our slavery to sin was one of a cruel master and our broken will readily submitted to him in complete and intentional opposition to God.  And yet God reached out in grace and sent Christ to save us... rebellious wretches... anyway.  But our blessed relationship to our Redeemer doesn't end with slavery alonie.  Christ has not only purchased us, but through His atonement God has adopted us and made us His child!

Amazing Grace!  Gladly then will I therefore bear the title of "slave" for and to Christ my Lord!

Pastor's Bookshelf: It Is Well by Mark Dever & Michael Lawrence

Have you ever struggled to find the significance and beauty of the sacrifices in the Old Testament?  Most of us have at some point or another.  Mark Dever and Michael Lawrence set out to exegete crucial Old Testament texts that shadow what was accomplished by Christ on the cross.  

The truth that man MUST have a substitute for our sins in order to be spared from God's just wrath is at the very heart of the Gospel.  Dever and Lawrence bring this out in a totality from the Old Testament all the way to looking at the actual words and work of Christ in the New Testament.  From there they look at the depiction of Christ and His suffering from Isaiah 52 & 53.  Bringing it home by then looking at what God has revealed about the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  They highlights the comprehensive and permanent nature of the salvation that God has provided by His grace.  Climaxing in the understanding that the beauty in the life of a Christian comes from understanding the Gospel more, so that we learn to enjoy God fully as our all-sufficient Savior and see the benefits of our having been redeemed as being far more precious than any mass of worldly treasures and pleasures.  In light of so great a salvation, how could we not trust Him more daily?  One last note, I definitely appreciated there thorough use of Scripture to make their points as well as their constant encouragement to unbelievers, who might be reading the book, to repent and for the believer to guard their heart against legalism and self-righteousness.

Five out of five stars!  Highly recommended!  Great for individual study or small group.

Pick it up from 9Marks Ministries or from Amazon.com

Pastor's Bookshelf: Before God: The Biblical Doctrine of Prayer by Mike Sarkissian

I realized that I never posted a review on this book after I had written the review of Paul Miller's work on prayer.  I actually completed this book months ago and most recently our church just completed a 17 week Bible study on prayer using this book to guide us through what Scripture teaches on the matter.  

Let me be on record and state that I feel that Mike's book is possibly one of the most important books written on prayer within our generation.  This book is very theological, very sound, and drives the reader back to the Bible to better understand what Jesus taught in the aptly called "Lord's Prayer".  

Mike does a very thorough job of exegeting the Lord's Prayer and unpacking the implications of each petition contained in it.  He also takes on the issues of how we pray, why we pray, and the reason why we should pray 'In Jesus Name'.  If you have not yet read this book, please put it on your list.  I would go into detail about how extensively God has used this book to shape up my own feeble prayer life, but I do not want to drift into an area of boasting as I still have much room for improvement though, by God's grace, my prayer life has improved significantly.

You can pick this up from Mike's Website or Amazon.com.

I am actually such a fan of Mike's work that I would like to get a copy of this book into someone's hands.  I am giving away a copy of this book.  To enter, comment on this post and answer the following question:  What is your largest struggle in maintaining a healthy prayer life and why do you feel that deficiency exists?

To increase your chances of winning you can:
- Re-post this review by posting it to your facebook or creating a link to this blog using the feature below.
- Follow this blog either using Google or Networked Blogs.
- Tweet this link and mention @brojasonh
 

Drawing will be held on July 1, 2011.  Please be sure that I have a way to contact you and that I know you've posted this to facebook or your blog.

Pastor's Bookshelf: A Taste of Heaven by R.C Sproul

What is God's intention for worship in the New Testament church?  We know of course that we are under the New Covenant of Jesus Christ and we no longer are required to practice the sacrifices and rituals as the Jews living under the Old Covenant would have.  However, does that mean that God's design for the reverence and meaning of worship have changed too?  Sproul argues that, while we obviously want to be very careful to consider the context and usage of anything from the Old Covenant before bringing it into the Church today, we can glean much deeper insight to how serious God takes the worship of His Name and how specific He was about the way we approach Him.

Though we don't go to the temple or burn incense on the altar, or take a lamb to the priest once a year to be slaughtered... the importance of those symbols (and others) hasn't simply gone away.  They serve to teach us that God expects us to approach Him with reverence and not flippantly.  That He desires sincere worship and that self-righteousness or works-boasting has no place in His courts.

This is important to consider because we live in a church culture that says pretty much anything goes.  We see so much irreverence in so many so-called churches these days.  Everything from using carnal means to get people through the doors to dumbing down the Gospel so much so that it becomes no Gospel at all (Galatians 1:6-10). 

But we must exercise careful prudence in planning how worship is structured in our church.  I'm not calling us back to a strict liturgy that would resemble the old-traditional Roman Catholic, rather saying that we need to approach everything we sing, do, and say in worship by asking the question.  Does this glorify God and point sinful man towards the Savior OR does this point sinful man towards a carnal world and excuse his sinful behavior?  

Paul wrote, in 1 Corinthians 10:31, that we should do all things to the glory of God.  This does not mean that we take a carnal thing (such as a secular song) and Christianize it for use in the church or on our local family friendly radio stations.  On the contrary it means that we need to consider all we do and filter it through whether or not this thing brings glory to God.  How we intend it isn't what determines what brings glory to God, whether or not it glorifies God is what determines whether or not it glorifies God.  We don't assign that meaning.  To get a better understanding of this, we look to Christ's words in Matthew 6:33, He said to seek first the Kingdom of God and HIS Righteousness... 

So that's the focus, seeking first that which glorifies God and that which strives after HIS righteousness... and not that which pleases us and to clear our consciences we tag God's name to it...

Lastly, He brings up the importance of the sacraments that have been ordained for the church today.  Baptism and the Lord's Supper.  Sproul presents the popular views on each and makes his case for which he ascribes to.  He and I fall pretty well in line with our belief on the Lord's Supper and it being only for a believer.  On the issue of Baptism we depart in view because, as a Presbyterian, Sproul teaches the practice of infant baptism.  Let me be clear that he absolutely rejects the idea that paedo-baptism (infant baptism) saves.  He believes infant baptism to merely be a sign of the New Covenant and not salvific.  On that we agree, it is a sign of the covenant.  But I would make the case that the New Testament teaches that Baptism, just like the observance of the Lord's Supper, is for the Believer only.

This is a great read, I give it 5 out of 5 stars for sure.  You can pick it up from Ligonier.org.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Reformation Trust <http://Ligonier.org > book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Pastor's Bookshelf: A Praying Life by Paul E Miller

Well, I must admit I did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped.  The book started very strongly, Miller does a great job of just being real and admitting to struggles that we all feel with prayer.  After all, we are a broken and sinful people and for Christians we hate the sin that dwells within us that constantly gets at us to sin, even in the neglect of prayer.

Then he moved into the way in which we ought to pray.  It was here that I would have to, at least partially, disagree with him.  He makes a point about how we are to pray humbly, and how we are to have faith like that of a child.  I completely agree with that 100%.  However, he then continues driving that point on to infer that there is no real structure that is necessarily important in our prayers.

Now, let me say that in principle I agree with this.  In principle, there are no exact words or special phrases that we can pray that bring a miracle.  Rather it is the heart behind the prayer that God is most concerned with.  After all, Paul does say that we don't know how to pray as we ought but that the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27).  Further we know that what God desires is not empty sacrifice or empty words (Isaiah 1:10-15) but rather a broken heart and contrite spirit (Psalm 34:18; Psalm 51:17).  So in that respect I completely agree with Paul.  Please hear me, we don't have to have big fancy words or methods in our prayers. 

However, I reject the idea that there is no guidelines or prescriptions for prayer offered in Scripture.  Case in point would of course be the aptly named, Lord's prayer in Matthew 6:6-14.  Now, in fairness, Miller doesn't outright suggest that there is no guideline, however, in my opinion (whatever that is worth) he pushes the issue of a childlike prayer too far and in doing so implies what I've suggested as the problem with this part of the book.

For a more thorough handling of the subject of prayer, there are several books I would sooner recommend to you (and would be glad too if you wish to email me and request those titles).  Having said that, it is a good read and probably worth your time, just be discerning about it.

Pastor's Bookshelf: The Grace of Repentance by Sinclair Ferguson

I first became tuned in to Sinclair Ferguson's work through a children's bible study book that we have been using with our kids during family devotion times.  I amazon searched his name and found many other titles. After reading (and reviewing) By Grace Alone, another of Ferguson's titles, I became a fan.

I recently read "The Grace of Repentance" by Ferguson and it did not disappoint.  I definitely give it 5 out of 5 stars.  This book is an easy read and very convicting.  We take God's grace for granted in so many ways.  We fail to realize that it is only by God's grace that we are even able to repent and turn to God.  

Sinclair does a great job of bringing that out and bringing to light the scriptural truth behind our sin, God's mercy in offering Christ, and God's grace in forbearing our sin and granting the grace of repentance to the Christian so that they continue to bear fruit in keeping with repentance (Matthew 3:8).  

It seems to have been lost in the last generations, but this book is a fresh Biblical reminder that repentance is not just a one time thing we do when God saves us, it is a lifestyle.  Well said by Ferguson,  "A life of repentance is ongoing, dogged, persistent refusal to compromise with sin." (p.25).  Praise God for His grace and mercy in granting us repentance and allowing us the empowering of His Holy Spirit to continually turn from sin.

Available from Ligonier Ministries.

Pastor's Bookshelf: A Call to Prayer by J.C. Ryle

Bishop of Liverpool, J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), had a way of putting things and a way of teaching the Scriptures that really just made them snap home.  He held nothing back in his preaching but always laid out plain Scriptural truth with deep application.

That same boldness and passion for the Lord Jesus Christ comes across plain and clear in his tract, "A Call to Prayer".

At only 33 pages in length, this is one of the most powerful works on prayer that I've ever read.  He opens it up simply with one question that drives the rest of his thoughts.  "Do you pray?"

A simple question, yet is there anything that is more intimate in the life of a believer than their prayer life?  You can pick this up from Amazon.com and it is inexpensive as well!  At the time of this post, the book only costs $2.99!

Pastor's Bookshelf: Radical by David Platt

Radical is an insightful look at what Christianity is, as defined by Scripture, verses what Christianity has become, particularly in America.  Platt uses several texts to show that what God has called us to as believers is not always in line with the American version of Christianity.  For example, in America we tend to judge a church at face value... a big church with lots of people, programs, and buildings = strong and healthy and Biblical verses a small church with few people, little money, small building = weaker church with no hope

Now, let me say from the top.  None of the above conditions of either church have any bearing on its health or soundness of its doctrine.  There are large churches (though few in number) that are sound doctrinally and pursuing a life of obedience to Jesus Christ.  Likewise, there are small churches that are sound doctrinally and pursuing a life of obedience to Jesus Christ.  Size doesn't automatically indicate a particular feature, neither do lack or abundance of programs, funds and buildings indicate a particular feature.

Platt seeks to point out that the goal of the church is to take the Gospel to the world and also to serve others.  Using the resources (financial or otherwise) that God has given them for the purpose of the furtherance of the Gospel, NOT to acquire more and more wealth.  The goal of God blessing us with money for instance is not so that we can store it up and be mega-wealthy consumer driven people, but so that we are people who live according to what we need and find a way to use the rest to give Bibles, or tracts, or food, or clothing, or shelter, etc... to all who need it.

To say the least, I was heavily challenged by the Scripture that David brought to light in this book and it has brought about some very deep examination and convictions in my own life.  To avoid boasting in myself, I'll just leave it at that.

Lastly, there were a few things I didn't particularly like about the book.  David does a fantastic job of exegeting the Scriptures he uses to make his point, that is good!  Intermingled with that, however, he uses illustrations from real life.  People he knows, has encountered, or that are in his church, who have abandoned worldly things for the glory of Christ.  To hear of those people is encouraging and a great example set.  And that was his purpose in putting them in their too... however, I could have done with fewer of them and still gotten the point.

I believe he was going to the extreme to show the diversity that exists amongst the callings God places on our lives.  How one person's call may look a bit differently than another.  He made a point to say that very thing.  That this person's "thing" may not be another's "thing".  But the book would have made the point just as well with a more brief story on each of them or just fewer in general.  That's a preference of mine personally that when I read any book that is going to convey Scriptural truths, I'd rather hear more about the Scripture and less about a personal experience, but that's just me.

Read it, Bible open as always, pray about it... and see if God doesn't use this book to challenge you as well to evaluate what you do with what He's given you.  Are you using it to His glory, or your own?

Pastor's Bookshelf: By Grace Alone: How the Grace of God Amazes Me by Sinclair Ferguson

We sing about it.  We recite it.  We are saved by it alone.  We know it.  But how often do we take it for granted?  I'm speaking of course about God's Grace.  A foundational and wonderful truth about the One True God of this world is that He has elected to make known His grace to us... us... unworthy sinful fallen people.  God owes us no mercy, no grace... no salvation; nothing but wrath and justice.  Yet by His grace we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ, God's Son.

Sinclair Ferguson takes you to the Bible to bring out what Scripture reveals about God's grace.  How amazing God's grace is in salvation and every day life.  How God's grace upholds the salvation of all believers and how God's grace is truly all sufficient. 

From beginning to end I loved this book.  It seemed to begin a bit slow, but by chapter two I was enthralled.  I know personally that I tend to take God's Grace for granted in my life.  Lord forgive me for ever presuming upon or forgetting the power of your grace extended to me through your Son, Jesus Christ.  If you don't own this, order it now.  You can pick it up at Ligonier.org or from Amazon.com.

Two of my favorite quotes from the book:  "No therapist, no psychiatrist can relieve you of guilt.  He or she may help you to resolve feelings of false guilt that can arise for a variety of reasons.  Prescription drugs may provide certain kinds of ease.  But no therapy, no course of drugs, can deliver you from real guilt.  Why?  Because being guilty is not a medical condition or a chemical disorder.  It is a spiritual reality.  It concerns your standing before God.  The psychiatrist cannot forgive you; the therapist cannot absolve you; the counselor cannot pardon you.  But the message of the Gospel is this: God can forgive you, and He is willing to do so." (pg. 57)

" Until we acknowledge our sin and guilt, we will never come to discover that it can be forgiven.  But when we do, actual forgiveness begins to give rise to an awareness of forgiveness psychologically, spiritually, mentally, inwardly.  With that comes an increasing sense that the bondage of guilt has been broken.  At last, we are set free.  Wonder of wonders, we discover that at the very heart of the Gospel is this fact:  God has taken our guilt upon Himself in His Son Jesus Christ." (pg. 58)

**I received a free copy of this book from Reformation Trust Publishing for review; but was in no way obligated to give a positive review.

Pastor's Bookshelf: The Jesus You Can't Ignore by John MacArthur

I am a long time fan of John MacArthur and so it should come as no surprise to anyone that knows me that I absolutely loved this book.  Again, sticking right with the Bible, John does a fantastic job of exploring all that the Bible says about the life and ministry of Christ.

This book is an insightful and eye-opening look into Jesus' earthly ministry.  Using Scripture, and Scripture alone, Dr. MacArthur opens the truth about Jesus' ministry and how He handled many different types of people.  It is very empowering to see how boldly Christ confronted false teachers and those who would today fall into the post-modern and emergent categories.  Empowering because as a true Christians in this era are criticized and even villified for taking hard stances on Scriptural truths.  

We are looked down upon by the post-moderns and nominal Christians for stressing the importance of sound doctrine and for defending the inerrancy of the Bible.  What the liberals fail to see is that without a right understanding of God and His Word you cannot proclaim truth.  That is to say that the Scriptures are the infallible word of God.  His revelation to us.  We must strive to understand this truth and defend any and all attacks on it.

The trend of subjective scripture interpretation and watered  down Gospel must be fought off strongly as a Shepherd fights off the ensuing wolves.  Because the world is so enchanted by subjective truth, especially when it comes to the Bible, many are following a Jesus that doesn't exist in Scripture.  Friends, if you follow a Jesus that it is not of the Bible, you follow a Christ that does not exist and cannot save you.  If you preach a different Jesus than Scripture, you preach a Gospel that does not save anyone.

Pastor's Bookshelf: Knowing Scripture by R.C Sproul

"We fail in our duty to study God's Word not so much because it is difficult to understand, not so much because [we feel] it is dull and boring, but because it is work.  Our problem is not a lack of intelligence or a lack of passion.  Our problem is that we are lazy." -- R.C Sproul - "Knowing Scripture", pg.17

I just finished reading this book.  From the on set I have to say that R.C Sproul may in fact be one of most intelligent men of God alive today.  This book is fantastic, although for me at times it was a bit hard to read simply because it presumes a knowledge of theological "technical" terms and at times I found myself dwelling on a particular term for an extra moment before moving on to be sure that I would understand the further explanation and application of that term later on.  It may well have been my own mental limits in this area because I am in no way the plumb-line for intelligence!

That said, this book sets out to accomplish three purposes.  One, explain the need for Scripture.  Two, equip the reader with an overview of hermeneutic principles for studying the Bible.  As an aside I have to say that for a book of only 125 pages the explanations of each step in the interpretation process are incredibly thorough.  Sproul also takes time to explore misconceptions about Bible interpretation as well as common errors in our approach to serious Bible study.  The third purpose is a challenge to students of the Bible to do that which God has called us to do and that is "abide" in His Word.  He challenges readers biblically to study God's Word and also provides tips and recommendations that range from great Greek Dictionaries, Concordances, and the Bible reading plan that he has personally found most helpful.

Everything that he puts forth in this work is designed to point readers to Scripture, to develop a habit of reading Scripture daily, and most of all to see the amazing fulfillment that God has promised for those who abide in His living Word!

Seeing as how I will be beginning a year long reading plan myself starting January 1 (not the recommended one though) this book has been a great encouragement for me.  I give it 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for anyone.

Pastor's Bookshelf: Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp

Tedd Tripp doesn't lay out some new method of parenting, he doesn't encourage parents to adopt his methodology of parenting, he even openly admits short-comings that he and his wife had as parents.  What he does is pull out sound Biblical principles to child raising.  The overall theme is that behavioral correction is not the end goal in parenting.  The goal is orienting your child towards the Gospel and teaching them the truth of God's Word from birth so that they know truth from lie as they grow.  I was challenged, convicted, encouraged, and overall just blown away.  We have put into practice many of the Biblical principles that he outlines in the book and have already noticed a change in the goals and expectations we set for our children.  Godly child discipline always points your child towards the saving power of the Gospel of Grace in Jesus Christ alone.

I highly recommend this book for parents with children of any age.  He offers encouragement for the new parent who is a bit scared and overwhelmed by the immense responsibility of raising a child as well as those parents who perhaps didn't raise their child in an always godly fashion and now the teen is rebelling more and more.

Read this, as any theological book, with Bible in hand.  Do the work of a Berean (Acts 17:11) and examine the Scriptures to see if what Tedd Tripp says is fact.  I believe you will find, as I did, that it is.  The absolute best thing about this book is the fact that it points parents to the Word of God for their principles of how to steward the amazing gift of the children that God has given them.