Short Book Reviews

by Shawn Mathis These short reviews may be used in church bulletins or websites with proper acknowledgment of the author.

1.  Where in the World is the Church? A Christian View of Culture and Your Role in It, Michael S. Horton

2.  Maintaining the Delicate Balance in Christian Living, Jay E. Adams

3.  The Mystery of Godliness and Other Sermons, John Calvin

4.  Dispensationalism: Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow, Crenshaw and Gunn

5.  The Art of Prophesying, William Perkins

6.  The Bible Tells Us So, R. B. Kuiper

7. Wisdom for Christian Living, Matthew Henry

8. Ready to Restore: The Layman’s Guide to Christian Counseling, Jay Adams

9. The Lord’s Supper: Eternal Word in Broken Bread, Robert Letham

10. Are Five Points Enough?  The Ten Points of Calvinism, Dr. Coppes

11.The Duties of Parents, J. C. Ryle

12. Lest We Forget, Churchill

13. Why I Left Scofieldism, William E. Cox

14. The Covenant of Grace, J. G. Vos

15. Humility: the Forgotten Virtue, Wayne Mack & Joshua Mack

Interested in the book? Try www.christianbooks.com

Review 1

June 3, 2003

Where in the World is the Church? A Christian View of Culture and Your Role in It
Michael S. Horton

  This thought-provoking introduction to a Reformed understanding of culture is a helpful cure to the typical Evangelical fare.  Bringing the issues home to the average Christian, the author begins a brief history of the rise of the arts, science and culture through the power of the Reformation.  Then he explains sphere sovereignty and the Lord’s control over all of life as the foundation of any culture.  The remainder of the book explains the relationship of the Christian, individually and corporately, to intellectual endeavors, the arts, the sciences and even leisure time.
   By removing the misunderstandings that permeate modern conservative Christendom (either escapism or absorption of culture), Horton walks the tight rope of being in the world but not of it.  He gives encouragement to believers to work hard at their job and not to worry about scalping unbelievers for the latest “ministerial” work of mass conversions. He also challenges the “Christian ghetto” mentality (separate music, art, clothes, movies, etc) of many Evangelicals. Although the author tends to quote many secular sources (which can be very interesting)--and some may not agree with all that is written--this is still a recommended book to challenge those who do not realize they have “become worldly when Phil Donahue pep talks replace sermons, worship is transformed for market-driven consumerism and therapeutic or political categories begin to replace the solid emphasis in our churches” (p.179).

A Short Review 2
July 19, 2003

Maintaining the Delicate Balance in Christian Living, Jay E. Adams

  From explaining biblical love and hate to balancing community and individual, this small book contains twenty-three useful chapters on a host of important issues found in every Christian’s life.  The premise of the book is that a healthy and mature life is based on the proper “proportion or balance” of various doctrines and practices of our faith.  For instance, Adams points out that Christ calls believers to be shrewd as serpents and harmless as doves; an unbalanced life would follow one at the expense of the other (p. 2).  Or some Christians expound a heartless truth while others extol a lying love--neither is biblically balanced.  Many believers today take one truth or practice and pit it against its biblically paired truth.

  There are two beneficial aspects to this book.  It presents a simple model to help look at various problems in the Christian life.  Many Scriptural doctrines are exaggerated in America and they affect how we live.  True to the book’s focus, at the conclusion Adams does admit there are issues which are not balanced but are in complete antithesis, such as the role of faith and works in justification.  Also, the great numbers of topics covered are sure to give the reader plenty to chew on.  Although the chapters are short, the thoughtful reader will find many valuable gems and engaging examples for thinking and acting in a balanced manner.

  This little book will be useful for brief readings to challenge our inconsistencies and imbalances or for Christian friends who need encouragement to accept all the doctrines of the bible instead of exalting one truth at the expense of the other.

A Short Review 3 

October 3, 2003

The Mystery of Godliness and Other Sermons, John Calvin

  This collection of sermons is based upon the Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus) and expounds a wide variety of doctrine and practices. From the truth of election and salvation to the requirement of godliness and prayer, Calvin’s addresses clearly express a pastor’s heart while articulating a scholar’s grasp of the Bible.  With fourteen sermons at about fifteen pages apiece, this book becomes good food for meditation and contemplation.

   Being a translation from 1580 and transported to America in 1830, it is written in the style of the King James Bible, but without much of the grammatical oddities.  Calvin’s sermons are also more direct than our sensitive ears may be accustomed to hear (as even the original preface of this book points out).  He spoke and wrote during a time of great upheaval and direct confrontation with heresies and lies; thus, he was very zealous to comfort and guard the flock, Let us therefore endeavor to bring back those that have strayed but when [some]make confusion in the church we must not spare them, because the whole salvation of the people of God is in danger.(p.172).  He also has no problems calling public enemies of the gospel “mad beasts” (p.40).

   For those without a fear of older writing styles and plain speech, this little treasure will encourage the reader to take the biblical commands of truth and obedience to heart.

A Short Review 4 

November 28, 2003

Dispensationalism: Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow, Crenshaw and Gunn

  This helpful book is a must for those interested in understanding or evaluating Dispensationalism.  The authors were raised within this system and trained at its leading seminary, Dallas Theological Seminary.  Not only is it a straightforward and accurate presentation and critique of this approach to the Bible, it accomplishes these goals without being arrogant and boastful. As the preface contends, it is not the purpose of the book to attack or ridicule Dispensationalism, “I ask my dispensational brethren to receive this books in love, for it was prompted in a desire to be true to God’s Word(iii).

   This book is divided into two sections, each written by one of the authors. Part one focuses on the principles of interpretation that arise from the Bible and that differ from the “literal” hermeneutic of Dispensationalism.  It also highlights the theological and practical tendencies of this system.  Part two is an in-depth critique of the major components, interacting with actual references of leading proponents of this approach.  Covering many issues, including the relationship of Israel and the Church as well as Christian Zionism, this part of the book is saturated with a multitude of verses, some of which I did not know existed! There are also three useful appendices.

  Crenshaw and Gunn’s book is important, not simply for its incisive analysis but because it is an accessible read for laymen and ministers alike. It is not technical, yet its insight into the weakness of this uniquely American system is profound.  For those on the edge of leaving Dispensationalism it will benefit greatly.

A Short Review 5

January 11, 2004

The Art of Prophesying, William Perkins

 Whether you want a book that will raise eyebrows with your Reformed friends or that will entice non-Reformed acquaintances, this is it. Prophesying has a uniquely Puritan meaning: preaching.  As in our time, William Perkins’ day was a time when faithful preaching was rare and great emotional orators were prevalent.  In response, he rekindled the “plainness of speech” style that characterized the Puritans.  

 This simply written little book is evenly divided into two parts: preaching and calling.  Perkins defines and defends preaching before setting the ground rules for interpreting Scripture (an extremely useful, non-technical and readable section with an abundance of verses).  Perkins dedicates the rest of the book to the calling, function and significance of the true Gospel minister.  Ministers are men of God: they rebuke, exhort, and teach in the name of the Lord with a God-given authority.  “Yet you must not rage against it...nor must you hate the minister, nor resort to personal criticism of him. Instead, submit your self to the gospel...if you respond otherwise you will wrong the minister and, unfortunately, you will harm yourself even more” (119).  There is also blessing: “Do you have a godly pastor? Confer with him. Go to him for comfort and counsel; profit from his company, sit under his ministry frequently; count him worthy of ‘double honor’; Never imagine that it is ...commonplace blessing to have ‘one of a thousand’. Thank God for giving this mercy to you, which he has denied to so many others” (100).

 Even if you will never enter the ministry, the first part of the book is worth the price and the latter half should imbibe you with a renewed sense of the greatness of the Gospel Ministry.

A Short Review 6

Sept. 17, 2004

The Bible Tells Us So, R. B. Kuiper

  This readable book is a short presentation and defense of the major truths of the Christian faith.  It is an irenic work, with illuminating illustrations, and an excellent conclusion underlining the antithesis between regenerate and unregenerate, Christianity and Liberalism.

  Writing against the liberalism and modernism of his day, Kuiper explains who God is, the salvation he wrought and the uniqueness of Christianity.  The liberals of his day cried, “No creed, but Christ!” all the while watering down the work of the Savior.  In contrast, he correctly maintains that Christianity is both doctrine and life; when defining saving faith he recognizes the danger of accepting Christ as a person without the Biblical propositions of who and what He is and the danger of accepting the propositions of Christ without the Biblical Person (p.97).  The two must be wed.

  It is imperative that the Church today fight the temptation to follow the siren call of old-school liberalism; many today, as I have heard with my own ears, utter the same trite comment: “No creed, but Christ!”  Meanwhile, we wonder why high percentages of Evangelicals are becoming Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses.  Proposition (doctrine) and Person (life) cannot be divorced.

  This is only one of the many problems and issues covered in this book. Nevertheless, for a simple review of the basics or for encouragement in the faith, The Bible Tells Us So is recommended for old and young alike.

A Short Review 7

Oct. 21, 2004

Wisdom for Christian Living, Matthew Henry

 This condensed work of the ever-popular Matthew Henry is comprised of twelve topics for devotion culled from his works.  The booklet includes relevant issues including faith, prayer, Bible study, devotion and commitment, intimacy with God, worship, relationships, the fruits of the Spirit, Christian duty, spiritual warfare, the Great Commission, and the expectant return of Christ. Each of these topics includes several sub-topics that flush out the various implications of the verse under examination.  It is easy to read yet full of godly wisdom.  Each devotion is centered on a verse and covers a single page.

 Although this work is “lightly edited,” is still retains the flavor of Henry. His style is fluid, enjoyable and practical. He always has the layman in mind and consistently centers on Christ and the Gospel. Matthew’s godliness and vast knowledge of the Word jumps out on every page, bringing wisdom from the old paths.

 It is always good to have faithful and encouraging devotional. It can easily be used for personal or family worship. This particular work may be small but it is useful for those desiring a Reformed devotional to reinforce the practical and doctrinal truths of the Bible.

A Short Review 8

Dec. 30, 2004

Ready to Restore: The Layman’s Guide to Christian Counseling, Jay Adams

 The subtitle says it all: this is an immanently useful and practical book for anyone desiring to grow as a Christian.  Why do I say that?—Because we are all commanded to admonish one another in the Lord and to bare one another’s burdens (Col. 3:16; Gal. 6:1-2). This, of course, is what every good and faithful friend desires.  And Adam’s supplies the guidelines and principles straight from the Bible for every believer’s use.

 With the relatively large number of chapters and small font, this book may intimidate some and turn away others, yet Jay Adam’s irenic and simple style is conducive for a quick read—especially on a chapter-by-chapter basis. The author first starts out with the basic questions about who should counsel and what counseling actually entails (chapter 1-3); he then encourages the reader that he can and should learn to counsel (4). Chapters 5-14 are the heart of the book, expounding and explaining the details of a biblical and practical approach to counseling. The remaining chapters focus on the counselor’s own growth and any typical questions and problems one may face in a counseling situation.

 Amongst the many useful aspects of this book are the twenty-five basic counseling principles (p.32), the analysis of ‘self-esteem’ and the Biblical corrective (p.55) and the simple two-fold solution to problems: helping someone out of a problem and keeping them out of the problem (p.57).

 Ready to Restore is an excellent book for every believer in Christendom. In trying to teach yourself Biblical and Reformed counseling, you not only help other through their difficulties you learn to grow in Christ as well.

A Short Review 9

Dec. 30, 2004

The Lord’s Supper: Eternal Word in Broken Bread, Robert Letham

 This goal of this book is to bring back the sacramental mystery of the Lord’s Supper.  Lamenting the modern Reformed misunderstanding of this ordinance of the Lord, the author concisely and consistently argues for the biblical basis and implication of this doctrine for the life of the Church today.  There are four chapters covering the biblical data, the historical misconceptions, the Reformed understanding and the practical outworking of the Supper.

 Surprisingly, there are some weak elements in a book that is exceptionally well on all other matters. His writing style is fluid and engaging; his explanation of the various competing views is accurate; he even points out that the Lord’s Supper does not solely rest on the Passover (p. 4).  Accordingly, he rejects Paedocommunion. And his defense of John Calvin’s and the Confession’s view of the Supper is excellent. The Lord’s Supper is not a personal recollection of Christ’s suffering, but a real participation of sweet fellowship with Christ: true believers “inwardly, by faith, really and indeed,…spiritually, receive, and feed upon, Christ crucified, and all the benefits of his death” (WCF 29.7) (p. 45).

 The weakness is not insurmountable: even when presenting his inclination for using a loaf and wine, as well as frequent communion, the author is charitable.  His amiableness comes clearly to the fore while he succinctly describes his opinions (he clearly sees the frequency of the Supper as an issue of liberty).  The arguments are not forceful or even airtight. Overall, these are tertiary matters without lasting impact in the broader concern of the book.

 This introductory book is helpful in many ways, especially its emphasis upon the spirituality of the Supper and its significance in the Church’s vision of God: “The church’s worship is therefore communion with the risen Christ, in company with the angels and the church in heaven.”

A Short Review 10

Are Five Points Enough?  The Ten Points of Calvinism, Dr. Coppes

 There seem to be a multitude of books and pamphlets on Calvinism. However, even though many of these treatments are useful and convincing, they do not reach the level of integration between simplicity and depth that characterizes this book.

Calvinism is not an isolated debate over how one is saved, but is part and parcel of a larger understanding—a worldview—of the Bible and God’s creation.  Our understanding of the Church, worship, evangelism, the Law and all other aspects of the Christian life are integrated in the Reformed community.  Put into this context, the reader is invited to explore this fresh introduction to the Reformed faith.

 Recommended by Loraine Boettner and Professor George Knight (of Greenville Seminary), this book is highly praised by respected men of the Reformed world.  The book contends that Calvinism, properly understood, involves all of life.  Creating ten chapters (each a summary treatment of the major themes of Calvinism), the author ends each section with review questions and a list of helpful readings and advance study books.  It is eminently readable, while challenging the reader to interact with the copious assortment of Bible verses and Biblical thought.

These characteristics of the book alone make it a valuable addition to those wanting to learn the Reformed faith or for those wishing to refresh their understanding.

A Short Review 11

The Duties of Parents, J. C. Ryle

Do not let the size of this pamphlet fool you. Although it may be small of stature, it is weighty in the things of the Lord. The godly and copious writings of J. C. Ryle have encouraged and strengthened believers for years, and this work is no exception.

There is no stone left unturned, no ally-way of thought left unexplored, while Ryle examines, exhorts and entreats parents to follow the will of the Lord. Covering twenty-seven topics, the author reminds parents to train up the child in the way he should go (Prov. 22:6). This means, amongst other things, the educational, spiritual and disciplinary training of the child.  However, it is not merely another mainstream “how-to” book that divorces Christ from doctrine and life by creating a 1-2-3 step program after the fashion of Oprah Winphrey, but an earnest plea to apply the truths of the Word—man’s inborn depravity, Christ’s atonement, and God’s mean’s of grace—to the life of one’s child.

Even as doctrine and life are woven into the fiber of the book, and the dangers of negligence and over-indulgence are forcibly presented through Puritan-like illustration, Ryle lovingly reminds parents of the promise of God (Prov. 22:6).  The Proverbial promise, he reminds us, is through the means established by God, even as the dispensing of God’s gifts are within His holy sovereignty.

 Powerfully arguing for old-fashioned discipline and training based upon the Word and the Love of Christ, The Duties of Parents is a must for young and old parents alike.

A Short Review 12

Lest We Forget, Churchill

 This riveting book is not simply an autobiography of a dearly beloved man of God. It is about the birth of the OPC, written from the vantage point of one who fought along side of Machen and others against the rise of Modernistic Liberalism—the same Liberalism that promoted evolution, humanistic psychology and godless politics.

 Not only is this a memorable and essential book for those in the OPC, but it is a mini-history of the larger issues of those times in the 20s and 30s. This is a book for anyone who wants to learn the lessons of God’s Providence through the lives of Machen and other courageous men and women. 

 Without being “preachy”, Churchill incorporates the theological and practical implications of not only Liberalism in and outside the Church but also the confusion that arose from poorly-trained ministers and lackadaisical elders. What is more startling is the lack of cohesion within the conservative camp: many Dispensationalists would not assist Machen during the crises because “he is not premillennial” (p.91). 

This was not all. The doctrinal decline of Calvinism into Dispensationalism and Liberalism led to ecclesiastical tyranny.  Churchill reminds us that there can be no liberty and security in the land when the Church becomes apostate: “There is a golden cord running through every form of government constructed on scriptural principles. This cord is the recognition of a supreme authority…every nation and every church is to be subject to the overall authority of God speaking to us in his word. Only in this healthy atmosphere can all men be truly free in heart and conscience” (106).

 Let us not be ignorant of the past so that way may press forward with the gift of the Gospel handed to us by men better than we.  

A Short Review 13

Why I Left Scofieldism, William E. Cox

 This small pamphlet packs a wallop! It is a heartfelt plea for people to come out of Dispensationalism from one formally amongst them.

William Cox, while training for the ministry, realized the importance of thoroughly understanding what he believed.  Having been raised a classical Dispensationalist, it was only natural that he apply the Bible vigorously to this system of thought. Taking the Scofield Bible notes, it was not long after he found this doctrinal approach lacking.

The author divides the booklet into four sections—each analyzing the inadequacies of major claims of C. I. Scofield (the popularizer of Dispensationalism).  In typical Calvinistic style, Cox systematically demonstrates and documents the out-right contradictions, inconsistencies and Biblical blunders in the Scofield Study Bible.  For instance: Scofield asserts that Elijah will still come at a future time just before Christ’s Second Coming, yet completely ignores Christ’s own words: “But I say unto you, That Elijah is indeed come, and they have done unto him [what they desired]” (Mark 9:13) (p.18).

At times, the book is strongly worded, but in light of the Dispensational claims that Reformed Theology is heretical, coupled with the author’s documented evidence of sloppy Scriptural scholarship, this is understandable. The book is recommended for anyone needing a jolt to wake them up from the daze of decrepit and dilapidated Dispensationalism.

A Short Review 13

Why I Left Scofieldism, William E. Cox

 This small pamphlet packs a wallop! It is a heartfelt plea for people to come out of Dispensationalism from one formally amongst them.

William Cox, while training for the ministry, realized the importance of thoroughly understanding what he believed.  Having been raised a classical Dispensationalist, it was only natural that he apply the Bible vigorously to this system of thought. Taking the Scofield Bible notes, it was not long after he found this doctrinal approach lacking.

The author divides the booklet into four sections—each analyzing the inadequacies of major claims of C. I. Scofield (the popularizer of Dispensationalism).  In typical Calvinistic style, Cox systematically demonstrates and documents the out-right contradictions, inconsistencies and Biblical blunders in the Scofield Study Bible.  For instance: Scofield asserts that Elijah will still come at a future time just before Christ’s Second Coming, yet completely ignores Christ’s own words: “But I say unto you, That Elijah is indeed come, and they have done unto him [what they desired]” (Mark 9:13) (p.18).

At times, the book is strongly worded, but in light of the Dispensational claims that Reformed Theology is heretical, coupled with the author’s documented evidence of sloppy Scriptural scholarship, this is understandable. The book is recommended for anyone needing a jolt to wake them up from the daze of decrepit and dilapidated Dispensationalism.

A Short Review 14

The Covenant of Grace, J. G. Vos

If you want to read a book to learn about the Covenant of Grace and how it impacts all of life, this is the book to buy.  J. G. Vos, the son of Geerhardus Vos, has presented the church an excellent gift to instruct her members on the significance of the Biblical Covenant.

 The book is divided into 35 lessons with each lesson including an opening set of quotes, Scripture references and questions and answers pertinent to the point of the lesson. The questions are relevant for his day and ours; the writing is crisp and clear; and the Biblical doctrine is deep and solid. The various lessons analyze the Covenant of Works in the first three sections while explaining and expounding the implications of the Covenant of Grace throughout the remainder of the book. God’s Covenant of Grace is related to salvation, the ordinances of the Church, the unity of Scripture, Church membership, evangelism, social action, sanctification, the family, and Christian education.

 Of interest is the fact that Vos allots six lessons to the question of education and its relation to the Church, State and family.  Some thought-provoking questions include: “Does the Covenant of Grace require separation between Christians and non-Christians in every sphere of life?” (47). (Sorry, you’ll have to look up that answer!)

The book covers many topics and although one may not agree with every proposition or explanation, buying, reading and learning from this book will strengthen your Biblical understanding, while preparing you for spiritual warfare.

A Short Review 15

Humility: the Forgotten Virtue, Wayne Mack & Joshua Mack

 “Forgotten Virtue” is an excellent title for this important fruit of the Spirit.  All ages of mankind have struggled with the sin of pride and our age is no different.  One attribute of a good book is that is coalesces the various passages and illustrations from the Bible, presenting the nature, effects and solutions to the given transgression of the Law of God. This book accomplishes that goal.

 Do not let the conversational tone deceive you: the book is written in a systematic format, designed for individual, family or group readings with penetrating questions at the end of each chapter.  After defining humility and its antithesis, pride, the authors list and illustrates ten different ways in which humility is shown before God. Next, he explains the manners in which this godly attribute is displayed before men. In good Reformed style, the authors integrate the attributes of God, including his sovereignty, as the proper meditative framework in which to humble ourselves and exalt the Lord. The remainder of the book lists ways in which God uses the things of this world to humble us and how we, through the instructions of the Word, can humble ourselves.  Quoting bible passages at length, while integrating the wisdom of past church fathers, the authors avoid man-made wisdom and the a-historical, myopic tendency  amongst many contemporary Christians.

 This book is recommended for everyone.  Everyone deals with pride and needs humility.  Although not an exhaustive book covering the many modern manifestations of ecclesiastical pride (wandering between churches, not honoring the gray-headed, church-splits, etc.), application of the many verses quoted is easy enough.  Yes, we need good theological works, but we also need good ethical works springing from such Biblical truths, spurring us toward more consistent godliness.