Five Hints to Kick Start Your Reading

Many of us can't find the time to read or have some kind of life issues that prevents us from reading. The kids are screaming, the boss is screaming, your neighbor asked for one more favor; I'm with you, I'm no different. I may even be worse than you. I love to read but it can be difficult to find the time and then enjoy it. Here's a few hints to get moving on that stack of books and periodicals on your bedside table.

Just Do It
Read whenever and wherever you can. I don't have much time, either, so most of my reading is done at work on my breaks. It also gives me something to look forward to after I gobble down my sandwich on my lunch break. Read in the car while you wait for a friend in the store, when you go for a walk take a break and sit for a few minutes and read. Even just fifteen minutes a day adds up.

Read Even If You Don't Like To
I know many who aren't fond of reading. I get it. Its just not their thing. But watching a movie or documentary on your favorite subject just won't do if that's your main source of information on a subject. Read a book or magazine devoted to that field, it will sink in and your knowledge base will increase.

Read Regularly
If you only have 20 minutes a day as I sometimes do on my lunch break, take advantage of the time and read and do it everyday. Twenty minutes before falling asleep - read. Thirty minutes before leaving for second shift - read. Soon you'll be looking forward to it.

Use Whatever Media Suits You
Some folks like the feel of that printed book in their hands. So do I. There's just something about it that can't be explained. Even the small of an old book is enchanting. On the other hand, an iPhone, iPad or Kindle can serve the same purpose. There are advantages to both. A  printed book allows highlighting and its easier to move back and forth to different pages. Its also pretty cool to see that book on the bookshelf when I'm done. On the flipside, with my kindle I can quickly look up unfamiliar words in a dictionary, highlight special passages and have them grouped together for future reference,  jump between two or more books for studying reference works and much more. But whatever works for you, just use it.

Read With Purpose
Whatever you read, read with purpose. That may sound strange but it is valuable to keep that in mind. If you are you reading for enjoyment, then make it an enjoyable experience. Read in silence without distractions or read with your favorite music playing. Read at the park or in your favorite easy chair. Do what you must to get your head into it. Reading for knowledge? Keep a notebook with you and take notes. Whatever you read, read and absorb well enough to write a review of the book and then do it. Write a review for Amazon or Goodreads.

Keep up with the latest on new books, reading, book sales and more at the Reformed Book Cellar Facebook page. Join us! 

Book Review: The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson

Have you ever heard of the Marrow Controversy? If so, have you studied it, worked out its implications? I had heard of it, wondered about it, but never took the time to dig into it. Now, with the publication of The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson we all have the means to comprehend and take hold of its significance. More importantly, to grasp its ramifications for the modern church. Sinclair Ferguson is well suited with the knowledge and expertise to write such a work.

To put it briefly, the issue at the heart of the controversy was how was the gospel to be offered and Thomas Boston was the key figure in this debate in the early 18th century.

To reduce the issue to simple terms: what do you say when you call people to come to Christ? On what grounds are they entitled to come? Several statements in The Marrow of Modern Divinity gave rise to this question.

And further

...Boston was in agreement with the intention of the Auchterarder Creed, that it is not sound to say that a man must first quit sin in order to be qualified for the offer of Christ. The offer of the gospel is to be made not to the righteous or even the repentant, but to all. There are no conditions that need to be met in order for the gospel offer to be made.

However

Boston felt the sheer graciousness of the Christ of the gospel was being stifled by a Calvinism that had developed a preaching logic of its own and had become insensitive to the style and atmosphere of the New Testament. In his view God’s particular election had too easily been distorted into preaching a doctrine of conditional and conditioned grace. That often goes hand in glove with a form of gospel preaching that is in danger of severing the elements in the ordo salutis from “Jesus Christ and him crucified” — that is, from Christ himself. 

The fallacy here? The subtle movement from seeing forsaking sin as the fruit of grace that is rooted in election, to making the forsaking of sin the necessary precursor for experiencing that grace. Repentance, which is the fruit of grace, thus becomes a qualification for grace. Sinclair B. Ferguson. The Whole Christ (Kindle Locations 591-653). Crossway.

And so began a lengthy debate involving Boston and his "Marrow Men" with their presbytery. But make no mistake, this is far more than a dusty run through of some old theological fine point. The same issues Boston was dealing with then are the same issues of grace the church today faces. They must be dealt with head on and Ferguson gives us the theological ammo. This is quite a fascinating and enlightening journey through the dispute which clarifies the position we should hold today.

Chapter titles reveal much about the level of detail.

1 How a Marrow Grew
2 Grace in the Gospel
3 Preparation, Distortion, Poison
4 Danger! Legalism
5 The Order of Grace
6 Suspicious Symptoms
7 Faces of Antinomianism
8 Causes and Cures
9 The Marrow of Assurance
10 How Assurance of Christ Becomes Assurance of Salvation
11 “Hindrances Strew All the Way”

Two points of special interest to me

Of particular importance and interest to me was Ferguson's clear explication of antinomianism and legalism and their relation to the proper offer of the gospel. Both would seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum and in one sense they are. Yet rather like brothers, they are similar, both errors in theology with more likenesses than one would think.

The errors in gospel presentation continue today and these are brought to the forefront.  Much of these past conflicts have direct bearing on our views and understanding of assurance today. Ferguson's writing on this subject exposes why so many believers don't have assurance, what it means to acquire it and indeed, enjoy it.

I enjoyed this book. It instructed me in both head and heart. It will be one I refer back to. It reminded me that "there is nothing new under the sun." We will always have theological error with us on this side of heaven. What may seem like simple semantics can and will have a great impact on Biblical theology and the gospel in particular. We need godly men like Boston and Ferguson to delve into these matters, expose them, and guide us to Biblical truth. Sinclair Ferguson has accomplished this in The Whole Christ.

Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through Beyond the Page.

Looking For A Sola Or Two?

The Mortification of Spin gang interviewed Tom Schreiner this week on his new book, Faith Alone - The Doctrine of Justification. It was a fun an interesting interview. You can listen to the interview  here and check out the book here.







Jump over to the Reformed Media Review and hear the guys talk about Schreiner's book and David VanDrunen's God's Glory Alone - The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith and Life. These and other new works are discussed. Keep up on all the latest with Camden and Jim at the Reformed Media Review.


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Book Review: J.I. Packer: An Evangelical Life by Leland Ryken

J.I. Packer: An Evangelical Life by Leland Ryken is a fascinating account of one of the most influential theologians of the last one hundred years. Not always a pretty story but rather one where the reader, like the subject himself, can see the working hand of Providence. The only other work of this kind was written years ago by Alister McGrath who Ryken quotes often.

Rather than a cradle to grave biography Ryken chose a different avenue for this monograph. He has broken down the life of Packer into three areas: The Life, The Life of the Man & Lifelong themes. Each with appropriate sub headings. It is not strictly chronological, not a history, but a full orbed biography.

Part one recounts Packer's early life including his decision to become an Anglican priest. His first book, his first venture into controversy, his work with Christianity Today and his move to Canada also come to light.

Part two, The Man and part three, Lifelong Themes delve much deeper into the life & thought of Packer - what makes him tick. Each division includes a recounting of his extensive written works. Packer is a man of words and words he produced - in great quantity.

By far, part three was the most engaging portion of the work for me. Ryken details the major themes of Packer's writing and teaching career. He digs deep into Packer on the Bible, the Puritans, Anglicanism, theology and preaching. Each section was a pleasure to read. Finally in this section Ryken reveals the numerous controversies Packer has been involved in. From his early days to his move to Canada to signing the Evangelicals and Catholics Together documents, all have been captured. Packer's break with Lloyd-Jones and Sproul and dissonance with Stott are also recounted.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would suggest coupling it with Packer on the Christian Life by Sam Storms to get further insights into the teachings of Packer.

Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through Beyond the Page.

Epistle of Jude Resources

In the adult Sunday school class at Redeemer Church we are studying through the Epistle of Jude.  This often over looked book in the New Testament is worthy of our study. Below are a few resources for the student of Scripture to dig deeper in this single chapter book.

Jude-2 Peter, Volume 50 (Word Biblical Commentary)
By Dr. Richard Bauckham

 

 

 

 

 

The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Peter, Jude (New American Commentary, 37)
By Thomas R. Schreiner

 

 

 

 

 

Jude (Crossway Classic Commentaries)
By Thomas Manton

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 & 2 Peter & Jude: Christians Living in an Age of Suffering (Focus on the Bible)
By Paul Gardner

 

 

 

 

 

2 Peter and Jude (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries)
By E. Michael Green

 

 

 

 

 

More commentaries and other Reformed books can be found at the Reformed Book Cellar.

For various study helps such as sermons, web pages, .pdf files, and audio check out Monergism's Jude page.

Don't forget to look in at the CCEL website. Just type in Jude commentary in the search and you will find a wealth of information to assist you in your studies. 

If you'd like to listen in on Redeemer's class on Jude just click here to listen and search through all of our audio.

New Books from Covenant Seminary Authors

Below are few works that have been published recently by Covenant Seminary faculty. Have a look.

Through His Eyes: God's Perspective on Women in the Bible
By Jerram Barrs

 

 

 

 

 

 

The New Man: Becoming a Man After God's Heart
By Daniel M. Doriani

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salvation Applied by the Spirit: Union with Christ
By Robert A. Peterson

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spurgeon's Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression
By Zack Eswine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To see more check out our page here.

2015's Year End Best Books

Some of the best books of the year lists are coming out and two of the best I've seen are TGC's and Kevin DeYoung's. Though both are not strictly theological they are still great lists. If you're looking for something to read this is a great place to start. Enjoy!

TGC's List is here

DeYoung's list is here

A few from both lists

The Pastor as Public Theologian: Reclaiming a Lost Vision by Kevin Vanhoozer & Owen Strachan

Preaching the Whole Counsel of God by Julius J.  Kim

Packer on the Christian Life by Sam Storms
















For more click here or on the links above. Have any to add?

Book Review: Packer on the Christian Life by Sam Storms

Packer on the Christian Life by Sam Storms is my book of the year (for whatever that is worth). I’ve read or perused many of Packer’s books but this book condenses much of what he’s written over his lifetime and includes some personal history that puts it all in perspective. Unless the reader has read everything Packer has written, this book will be a valuable and insightful tool. In clear concise fashion Storms lays out Packer’s thoughts and beliefs on many, if not all, areas of the Christian life. It behooves us all to read, learn and apply these teachings.

In a world full of books on how to live and enjoy the Christian life, this one stands out. Storms delves deeply into Packer’s writings on numerous subjects extensively. Topics include atonement, holiness, indwelling sin, Holy Spirit, prayer and the will of God to point out a few. Packer, like many of us, began his spiritual journey under false teaching. Through a lifetime of learning and then writing he has shared much with us to correct our own deficiencies. In this work Storms has admirably complied some of the best.

It’s difficult to be precise on what most benefited me. Perhaps the chapters on prayer, suffering, and theocentricity left me both struggling and joyful.  I’ll leave it to you, the reader, to scour the pages and glean the best from Packer. 

This “on the Christian Life” series from Crossway is simply marvelous. If you have not started reading any of these I would suggest doing so now. They are a fascinating look into the lives of many well-known Christians that have blazed the trail for us. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain the valuable knowledge they accumulated.

Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through Beyond the Page.

Book Review: We Named Her Faith by Tim Orr

We Named Her Faith is a warm hearted story of grace and love and how God in His providence works in the daily lives of His people. This book isn't my normal line of country. I tend to engross myself into deeper works of theology however, the result of that deeper theology should have the outcome we read about in the lives of the Orr family. When it comes to the trials of faith many of us have read of the faith of men like Calvin, Luther, Warfield, Newton and many others that endured incredible hardships and were triumphant at the end of their lives. Most of us just aren't like that. We're average people just trying to make it day by day striving to be obedient and living on God's grace. And so it is for the Orr family.

We Named Her Faith is the story of Tim, Michelle and Faith Orr. Their past and present - how they got to where they are today through life's trials and struggles and how they were happily able to adopt their daughter, Faith who has Down Syndrome. Their story has many twists and turns, happy and sad, losing and winning. But through it all we see God's Providence working behind the scenes for their good and His glory.

Its a wonderful story. As for the book itself, it has its share of positives and negatives. On the negative side, it was difficult to determine the author's beliefs. Often oscillating freely between the terms "providence" (as in God's Providence) and the term "luckily," I was confused. Were their circumstances from God or by coincidence? The author, in his early years was Pentecostal and at some point became a Reformed Baptist but it was difficult to see when and thus could account for the confusion here and at some other points. At times there was too much irrelevant information and at others too little which made the story wordy and somewhat disjointed. On the positive side we see a childless couple reach out in God's love and adopt a child with a disability. We see God moving in their lives from when they were young to the present in many marvelous ways. Life isn't easy but we see God's grace working in the background of their lives to bring about the wonderful conclusion of adoption.

This is a great book for the church library or your home. Its worth a read. A definite 3.5 out of 5.

I received a review copy of "We Named her Faith" to review. No other compensation was received, and the opinions are my own.

Common Grace and the Gospel By Cornelius Van Til, K. Scott Oliphint

 Common Grace and the Gospel By Cornelius Van Til, K. Scott Oliphint

"Restoring the full text of the original 1972 work, this collection of annotated essays addresses questions on common grace and its relevance to the gospel. A pioneer in presuppositional apologetics, Cornelius Van Til sets forth a Christian philosophy of history; examines the views of Abraham Kuyper, Herman Hoeksema, and others in the debate over common grace; and replies to criticism."

To find out more about this outstanding republication, click over to the Reformed Forum website and listen to their interview with the editor, Scott Oliphint.