REVIEW | Bible Study: A Student’s Guide, by Jon Nielson

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My major in undergraduate school was “Youth Ministry”. Many of the books that I was assigned to read for class made me feel more like a junior high school student than a student in college. Maybe it was the fact that a majority of these textbooks were published in the late ‘90s, when clip art was mistakenly understood as both a cool and an essential visual aid? Sadly, I walked away from many of those books disappointed. Sure, there were certainly elements that could be positively received and applied. However, a majority of the content I was exposed to left me wanting more…and certain that “more” could be had. This desire for greater substance and clarity not only occurred in the books that served as my classroom texts, but also of the books that were written specifically for students as well.

In the years since my undergraduate days, I have still been hard-pressed to find a book, targeted at students, that was not primarily filled with “fluff” and a disproportionate amount of personal illustration (not to mention, clip art). That is, until now…

Bible Study: A Student’s Guide (P&R, 2013), by Jon Nielson, is a seriously practical book about Bible study for students who are serious about their faith. On a side, Jon presently serves as the college pastor at College Church, in Wheaton, Illinois. Before he became a pastor to college students, Jon served in both youth and sports ministry. Jon’s experience with students, along with his gift as both writer and teacher, and a sincere love for the Scriptures are unmistakable in this book.

As noted by the publisher, Bible Study: A Student’s Guide, “confirms that real, meaningful Bible study in not only possible for students, but important.” Students can read, study, interpret, and apply the Bible responsibly. And, I believe, when a student begins to do this regularly, their energy for personal study will be exponentially increased. So, how does Bible Study get a student moving in that direction? In order to set the student in motion, Neilson begins by addressing and explaining several core convictions about the Scriptures:

• The Bible Is God Speaking
• The Bible Is Powerful
• The Bible Is Understandable
• The Bible Is a Literary Work

From there, Nielson moves on to some key hermeneutical issues, including genre, the unity of the Bible’s story line, technique and approach, and he addresses several possible pitfalls along the way.

I can say, by far, that Bible Study: A Student’s Guide is the single best book (for students) that I have ever encountered, in terms of learning how to effectively study God’s Word. It communicates a high view of Scripture by clearly articulating, in terms a student can digest, the authority, inerrancy, and perspicuity of God’s Word. It takes an unashamed Christ-centered approach to all of Scripture. It handles the necessary discussion of biblical genre very well. Nielson, as well, provides a wonderful balance between a grammatical-historical and redemptive-historical hermeneutical approach. Even as one with a couple degrees in theology, I was energized as I read it because it was taking elements of Bible study that I hold dear and consider essential, and in turn instructing me on how I may articulate these things in terms that students can understand. Really, the remarkable thing about this book is that it would be an excellent primer for anyone, student-thru-adult, on responsible and intelligent Bible study.  Perhaps that’s why D.A. Carson noted, “If you are a high schooler, read this book carefully and thoughtfully, and then loan it to your parents.”

In sum, I have no question that, in terms of student ministry, this will be my “go-to” book to use, recommend, and give away on the topic of Bible study. It will be my starting point for training and setting a foundation for thoughtful and substantive Bible study in student ministry small groups. And, it will be a resource I consult often as a guide to explaining, in profoundly clear terms, the theological and methodological necessities of Christ-exalting Bible study.

Coming away from this text, students (and, perhaps, parents!) will no longer be stuck in the ambiguous world of “What does this passage mean to me…?”, and will now be energized by the ability to approach God’s Word asking and answering the more important question, “What does this passage mean?” From there, the heart-transforming truth of the Scriptures may be effectively applied.

I enthusiastically recommend this book!

*A copy of the book was provided by the publisher, at no charge, for the purpose of review.  I was under no obligation to offer a positive review.

BOOK DETAILS:

224 Pages
Publisher: P and R Publishing Company
Publication Date: April 2013
ISBN 10: 1596386371
ISBN 13: 9781596386372

BUY NOW at WTSBOOKS.COM – $6.00 (54% 0ff) or $5.00 when you buy 5 or more copies.*

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REVIEW: Heart of the Matter: Daily Reflections for Changing Hearts and Lives (CCEF)

I can say, without a doubt, that some of the most potent, Christ-exalting, gospel-centered biblical counsel I have encountered has come through the speaking and writing of the faculty at the Christian Counseling & Education Foundation (CCEF).  These men and women are not interested in quick-fix, self-help, moralistic nonsense.  They are unswervingly committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are of the conviction that real, Spirit-wrought power for the changing of the human heart occurs as we dive more deeply into the gospel, applying it to the myriad of circumstances and situations of our daily lives.

The writings and resources of the CCEF are incredibly extensive.  Effectively working through all of them, though undoubtedly worthwhile, would take years to accomplish.  That’s why I was immensely excited when I was introduced to Heart of the Matter: Daily Reflections for Changing Hearts and Lives (New Growth Press, 2012),ed. by Nancy B. Winter.  This daily devotional is a collection of some of the most powerful excerpts from the writings of those on staff at CCEF.  The authors include, but are not limited to, Paul David Tripp, Edward T. Welch, David Powlison, and Timothy S. Lane. Organized by the calendar year and paired with a daily reading from the Scriptures, these vignettes are sincere, to the point, and clearly hopeful in the power of God to change hearts through the gospel of Christ.  While deeply steeped in the grace believers have received from God in Christ, each devotion then includes questions for personal reflection and application.  As I mentioned, these devotions are not designed to give the reader 5-steps to personal change/fulfillment, but rather are written to make the reader aware of the sovereignty of God, the grace presently available in the gospel, and hope that real Sprit-wrought change is possible.

Two things that make this resource particularly helpful are the Source Index and Scripture Index included at the conclusion of the volume.  This will be of great assistance to readers who, when particularly impacted by a given devotional, desire to know the resource from which the excerpt came.  Additionally, the Scripture Index allows the reader to use the devotional as a companion when studying a specific book of the Bible.

In a day and age where so many “Christian” devotionals are filled with mere fluff, Heart of the Matter is a distinctly different resource that will assuredly encourage believers to reflect more seriously upon the gospel and be used by God to powerfully change hearts and lives to the praise of his glorious grace.  I wholeheartedly commend it to you!

*A copy of the book was provided by the publisher, at no charge, for the purpose of review.  I was under no obligation to offer a positive review.

BOOK DETAILS

Publisher: New Growth Press
Author: CCEF Faculty
ISBN-13: 9781936768653
Cover Type: Hardcover
List Price: $19.99
Pre-Order at Westminster Bookstore: $17.99 - 10% Off

You may also pre-order the volume for $17.59 from the New Growth Press webstore: Available Here.

REVIEW: Jonathan Edwards and Justification, ed. by Josh Moody

It’s no secret that there has been, in recent years, a great resurgence of interest in the theology of Jonathan Edwards.  Both academic tomes and largely accessible works abound about the man, his ministry, and his theology.  This is good news, in light of the fact that Edwards is arguably the greatest North American theologian in history, and perhaps the greatest overall thinker as well.

Continuing to push Edwardsian scholarship forward and refine both scholarly and popular understanding of the theology of Jonathan Edwards, Josh Moody, pastor of College Church in Wheaton, IL, and Edwards scholar, has edited the recent Crossway Books release, Jonathan Edwards and Justification.

The book is a collection of essays by contemporary Edwards scholars seeking to correct some of the popular misunderstandings of Edwards’s doctrine of justification, as well as demonstrate how Edwards’s writing on justification contributes to the modern justification discussion and debate.  The Edwards scholars, their particular contributions, and brief statements of their purpose are as follows:

Introduction by Josh Moody

-A brief introduction to the matter at hand, along with introductory remarks concerning the scholarly contributions and the desired end of the volume.

“Edwards and Justification Today” by Josh Moody

-Moody argues for the importance of the contemporary study of Edwards’s doctrine of justification because it adds to and supports the Protestant Reformation understanding of the doctrine in creative terminology.

“By Word and Spirit: Jonathan Edwards on Redemption, Justification, and Regeneration” by Kyle Strobel

-Strobel relates Edwards’s doctrine of justification to his overall theology of redemption.  He gives special attention to the concepts of faith, imputation, union with Christ, and the Spirit’s presence in the work of redemption.

“The Gospel of Justification and Edwards’s Social Vision” by Rhys Bezzant

-Bezzant speaks about Edwards’s preaching as both designed to “revive and reform.”  He seeks to show the social impact of Edwards’s doctrine of justification when rightfully understood and embraced.

“Justification and Evangelical Obedience” by Samuel T. Logan, Jr.

-Logan here ties the discussion to the process of sanctification.

“Justification by Faith Alone? A Fuller Picture of Edwards’s Doctrine” by Douglas A. Sweeney   

-Sweeney engages some of Edwards’s lesser studied writings to demonstrate the full picture of Edwards’s doctrine of justification, with special attention given to his “stoutly anti-Catholic” position.

Overall, the book is likely to be of greater use to those more acquainted with Edwards’s writings.  Undoubtedly, many may benefit from the essays therein.  However, most of the discussions (as well as the footnotes) are written more toward the scholar-pastor and less toward the person simply generally interested in Edwards.  To the benefit of the scholar there is a great deal of interaction with both historical and contemporary Edwardsian scholarship for such a brief volume.

All said, I would strongly suggest this volume to any student or scholar of Edwards.  I would especially suggest it to those who have been led to believe, through certain scholarly efforts, that Edwards’s theology was closer to Catholicism than Calvinism.  The authors do an exemplary job explaining Edwards’s use of terminology and provide the larger context of many of Edwards’s oft misunderstood writings.  This is a needed and welcomed volume.  I certainly recommend it.

*A copy of the book was provided by the publisher, at no charge, for the purpose of review.  I was under no obligation to offer a positive review.

Book Details

Publisher: Crossway/Good News Publishers
Author: Moody, Josh (Editor); Bezzant, Rhys; Logan Jr., Samuel T.; Strobel, Kyle; Sweeney, Douglas A.
ISBN-10: 143353293X | ISBN-13: 9781433532931
Cover Type: Paperback
List Price: $17.99
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REVIEW: Old Story New, by Marty Machowski

Family devotions…  Followers of Christ, whose families are growing, likely have the desire to do devotions as a family, but often are at a standstill when it comes to actually setting out to do so.  Whether it is time, organization, lack of content, or a bit of anxiety, the reasons abound for not getting into the rhythm of regular family devotions.

As a husband and a parent (of a quickly growing 10-month old), with both a full-time job and a part-time position in vocational ministry, I often struggle to establish regular, substantive times of devotions with my wife.  I know that what my wife and I establish now will be the foundation upon which we build our times of family devotions when our children are at an age of understanding.  In light of that, it is important to me that I find resources that will assist our family in establishing quality times of family devotion and worship.  And these cannot be  resources that merely market themselves as a “family devotional”.  They must be doctrinally sound, gospel-centered, graciously honest, accessible and applicable to a range of ages, and those that we can utilize well within our busy schedules yet remains substantive.  Though that may sound like quite the list of criteria to meet for a family devotional, I am excited to say that one in particular thoroughly passes this test!

In Old Story New: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God (New Testament) (New Growth Press, 2012), family pastor Marty Machowski provides a guide to lead your family through the New Testament in 78 weeks.  As the next offering in Machowski’s Gospel Story for Kids series, Old Story New remains true to the distinctives which set this series apart.  Here we have a resource that is keenly aware of the Bible’s grand story, rich in biblical theology, hermeneutically sound, and responsible in application that connects the reader’s point of need with the grace of the gospel at every pass.

Machowski begins with an altogether helpful introduction that sets families up to utilize the devotional to its fullest extent.  Beginning with a note on the sovereignty of God in salvation, Machowski explains what responsibility the parents have in training their children while trusting God for their child’s salvation in Christ.  He moves forward to explain the benefit of using the devotional in cooperation with its Old Testament/Hebrew Bible counterpart Long Story Short and the Gospel Story Bible.  As one acquainted with both of the aforementioned resources, I can honestly say I know of no other family devotional series that handles the entirety of Scripture so well.  If you choose to work through the Scriptures with the complete series, your family will be well equipped with a thoroughly Christ-centered understanding of the Bible’s grand story of the redemptive work of God from Genesis to Revelation.

For parents struggling to connect with children who may vary quite significantly in age, Machowski concludes the introductory chapter with extremely practical suggestions and insights as to how to connect each study with your children at various stages in their development.  Far from quick generalities, these suggestions are evidence of the years of experience Machowski has as a parent and pastor.

Moving into the devotional, each week’s devotional is clearly connected to a specific story in the Gospel Story Bible.  Though you do not need to own the Gospel Story Bible to benefit from or follow the week’s devotions, it does provide a helpful rendering of each story for a wide range of children.  The text of Scripture to be read with each devotional is clearly listed.  Each week’s story is then divided up into five days:

Day 1 – “Picture It” – This section helps your family understand the context, setting, and subject of the story.  It is then followed by a reading of the text, questions concerning the interpretation and application of the text, and a time of family prayer.

Day 2 – “Remember It” – This section helps your family recall and retain what they encountered on Day 1.  It is a time of open discussion as your family reviews the story and its significance.  Again, It is then followed by a reading of the text, questions concerning the interpretation and application of the text, and a time of family singing/prayer.

Day 3 – “Connect It to the Gospel” – Perhaps my favorite feature of Machowski’s devotional series, this section encourages your family to think about how the story either points forward to or back at the gospel.  A wonderfully helpful section that helps your family steer away from mere moralism and move toward an understanding of the Scriptures insofar as they tell the grand story of God’s redemptive work in Messiah Jesus.

Day 4 – “Remember It” – Having discussed a particular story for 3 days, this section helps get your family talking about the impact the story has had on their lives this week.

Day 5 – “Discover It” – Yet another unique feature of Old Story New, Machowski helps your family connect the New Testament story with its Old Testament roots (specifically the Psalms and Prophets).  This will give your family an increased awareness of the unity of the Scriptures and the grand story they tell.  Additionally, it may serve to awaken an interest in the Old Testament Scriptures among your children, as much of the OT, in some churches, is often left aside while a majority of time is focused on the NT.

Overall, I cannot say strongly enough how effective the structure and substance of this series is for developing quality times of worshipful, devotional study as a family.  God has given families a gracious gift in the resources and ministry of Marty Machowski, and I recommend Old Story New and the entire Gospel Story for Kids series with enthusiastic acclaim.

*As a part of the Old Story New Blog Tour, the publisher, at no charge, for the purpose of review, provided a copy of this book.  I was under no obligation to write a favorable review.

Old Story New Giveaway & Interview

Want to win a copy of Old Story New for your family?! CLICK HERE to check out the giveaway and my interview with Marty Machowski.

REVIEW: Slaves, Women, and the Gender Debate, by Benjamin Reaoch

Cultures vary in times and places.  Certain practices that are culturally acceptable in one part of the world may not be in another.  Practices/behaviors that were, at one time, culturally acceptable in a particular culture may no longer be acceptable in that same culture as the years have passed or vice versa.  In light of a world comprised of ever-changing cultures, the question arises as to how we are to apply the pan-culturally authoritative and unchanging truth of God’s Word to the oft-changing cultural practices and expectations of our day.

In terms of biblical interpretation, one hermeneutical approach that has developed over that last 50 years which attempts to deal with reading and applying the Scriptures in a world of changing cultures, has come to be known as the “redemptive-movement hermeneutic” or the “trajectory hermeneutic”.  Those who advocate the use of this interpretative method believe that “there are indications in the Bible that move us beyond the specific instructions of the Bible and toward an ultimate ethic” (emphasis original).[1]  For example, such an approach seeks to answer the question of why slavery, while mentioned in the Scriptures, is never expressly condemned.  Taking the approach a step further, proponents seek to utilize a redemptive-movement hermeneutic to “go beyond” what the Bible proposes in terms of the role distinctions between men and women, thus abolishing any Scripturally prescribed distinctions (i.e., Egalitarianism).  Though many scholars/authors advocating such an approach do not arrive at the following conclusion, some are using a trajectory hermeneutic to go even further, thereby condoning the practice of homosexuality.

Does the Bible indicate the validity of the redemptive-movement/trajectory hermeneutic (RMH, moving forward)?  Should we move beyond the prescriptions of the Holy Scriptures toward an “ultimate ethic”?  The ultimate resulting question is, as with slavery, how do we reconcile certain prescriptive and/or restrictive areas of Scripture when it appears there are also elements present that would appear to point toward a fully liberating ethic?

In his new book, Women, Slaves, and the Gender Debate: A Complementarian Response to the Redemptive-Movement Hermeneutic (P & R, 2012), Benjamin Reaoch (Ph.D., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) engages the arguments of RMH proponents (most thoroughly, Kevin Giles and William Webb), and provides a soundly exegetical and hermeneutical complementarian engagement and response.  Reaoch states his thesis as follows:

The significant differences between the New Testament instructions to slaves and to women seriously undermine the conclusions made by the redemptive-movement hermeneutic.  The fact that the New Testament “points beyond” the institution of slavery does not indicate that it likewise points beyond God’s design for gender roles.[2]

After a helpful introduction, which serves as a very accessible primer to the issues at large, Reaoch handles his engagement in 6 chapters, along with helpful concluding chapter and a chapter which examines the continuing discussions within the RMH debate.  Beginning with a chapter entitled, “The Redemptive-Movement Hermeneutic”, Reaoch surveys the surfacing and development of RMH through the writings of Stendahl, France, Longenecker, Thompson,  Webb, Giles, and Marshall.  Through brief profiles, he notes each author/scholars contributions to the RMH in terms of books, articles, and significant conclusions.  Reaoch then summarizes the complementarian responses offered by Grudem, Schreiner, and Yarbrough.  Utilizing these responses, he moves into what serves as an introduction to his study of slavery and women’s roles in particular.

Chapters 2 and 3, respectively, address slavery and women’s roles according to the Scriptures.  Reaoch includes a helpful section addressing the manner and place of slavery in the ancient world.  He then moves forward to engage the aforementioned scholars’ arguments and conclusions which he intersperses throughout his analysis, in which he structures by addressing the passages concerning each issue, the grounds for obedience in terms of slaves and women, and then the purposes for obedience.  Reaoch’s organization provides for a very accessible survey and understanding of the issues at hand in light of the biblical data.

Chapter 4, entitled “Comparing the Data” assessed the Scriptural data that was presented in chs. 2 & 3, but focuses mainly on the differences between the passages concerning slavery and women’s roles.  Ultimately, Reaoch draws the similarities from common purposes of obedience while the grounds for obedience show marked differences.

Chapter 5, “Heremenutical Considerations: Part 1”, critically engages William Webb’s work Slaves, Women, and Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis.  Reaoch examines Webb’s idea of “theological analogy” and several aspects of Webb’s guiding criteria.  Chapter 6, “Hermeneutical Considerations: Part 2” continues to critique Webb’s work with particular attention given to the arguments that Webb gives to bind the slavery and women’s roles arguments together.

As Reaoch concludes, he summarizes the issues and avoids mere academia by demonstrating what is at stake in the debate as it relates to his role as a pastor, husband and father.  Reaoch notes, “This study has not been an abstract, academic endeavor for me.  As a pastor, I am zealous to teach and preach and lead in such a way that individuals are inspired and instructed to glorify God in every aspect of their lives, not least of which is the area of manhood and womanhood.

In sum, Reaoch provides a thorough and largely accessible summary, critique, interaction and response to the issues of trajectory hermeneutics from a complimentarian perspective.  His writing is fluid, and his organization is clear.  For those who have interacted with proponents of the redemptive-movement hermeneutic in general, or specifically, William Webb’s work in particular, this is a first-rate response that is both scholarly and pastoral.  I recommend it!

*A secure, digital copy of the book was provided by the publisher, at no charge, for the purpose of review.  I was under no obligation to offer a positive review.

BOOK DETAILS

Publisher: P and R Publishing Company
Author: Reaoch, Benjamin
ISBN-10: 1596384018 | ISBN-13: 9781596384019
Cover Type: Paperback
List Price: $25.00
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[1] Benjamin Reaoch, Women, Slaves, and the Gender Debate: A Complementarian Response to the Redemptive-Movement Hermeneutic (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2012), xvii.

[2] Ibid., xix.

REVIEW: Delighting in the Trinity, by Tim Chester

I’ve found one of the biggest challenges in communicating the truth of the Christian faith to others, especially unbelievers, is adequately and clearly explaining the triune nature of God.  It certainly does spark some excellent questions and makes for great conversation, but it can be quite difficult to simply explain such a paradoxical doctrine.

One note of encouragement, in this regard, is the growing number of resources available on the doctrine of the Trinity and the implications of this doctrine in the life of the Christian and the church.  Dr. Tim Chester (PhD – University of Wales), pastor of The Crowded House in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, and director of the Porterbrook Seminary, has added a notable resource to the mix in his book, Delighting in the Trinity: Why Father, Son and Spirit are Good News (Good Book Company, 2010).  If you’re at all familiar with Chester’s work, you’ll know that his gift of writing is a welcomed mix of clarity, depth, and intense practicality.  It is no different in this volume.

Divided into 3 parts, Chester looks at the doctrine of the Trinity by beginning with the doctrine’s biblical foundation.  Chester provides a good overview of the Scriptural basis for the doctrine, incorporating both Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and New Testament texts, also noting their interrelation, to assist the reader in drawing the doctrine from the pages of God’s Word.

Part 2 is focused on the development of the doctrine from the 2^nd through the 20^th centuries AD.  By providing this historical context and overview, Chester serves his readers well in understanding the historical nature of the Christian faith and the lives of those who have wrestled with the doctrine in days past.  Gaining familiarity in this area also allows the reader to be aware of heretical and heterodoxical understandings of the doctrine so as to more fully understand and defend the orthodox position on the doctrine.

Part 3 gives the reader ample material to answer the “so what?” question in terms of the doctrine of the Trinity.  Chester focuses on 4 primary areas of practicality: The Trinity and revelation, salvation, humanity, and mission.  In so doing, Chester not only provides the reader with ample evidence as to the essential nature of this doctrine in Christian faith and practice, but also provides a model to other pastors as to how they may begin to practically incorporate doctrinal essentials in immensely practical ways within their preaching/teaching ministry.

In sum, Delighting in the Trinity is vintage Chester: clear, accessible, practical, and pastoral.  As always, Chester demonstrates his deep desire to communicate the good news of the gospel, and here with a specific focus on the Trinitarian nature of the gospel and the whole of the Christian life.  You will be encouraged and edified as the colors of the Christian life shine with increasing brilliance as you grow in your understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity.  I recommend it!

BOOK DETAILS

Read inside (PDFs): Table of Contents & Sample Pages

Publisher: Good Book Company
Author: Chester, Tim
ISBN-13: 9781907377334
Cover Type: Paperback
List Price: $12.99
BUY NOW at Westminster Bookstore: $10.39 - 20% Off

*As a part of the Delighting in the Trinity Blog Tour, the publisher, at no charge, for the purpose of review, provided a copy of this book.  I was under no obligation to write a favorable review.

REVIEW| Proverbs: Wisdom that Works, by Ray Ortlund

For many, the book of Proverbs may seem like a random assortment of sayings that, while imparting wisdom, are connected loosely, if at all.  While it has been deemed “practical enough” to make it into the Gideon’s New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs, the true depth of riches available within the book is often mined ineffectively.   Thus the question arises, is there a resource that will instruct pastors in their preaching of Proverbs so as to demonstrate to their congregations the glory of the Spirit-given, Christ-exalting, gospel-centered, when-the-rubber-meets-the-road nature of the wisdom contained within?  Thanks to Crossway’s Preaching the Word expository commentary series, edited by R. Kent Hughes, there is!

Dr. Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr., former professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and current pastor of Immanuel Church in Nashville, TN, has authored the PTW volume on the book of Proverbs subtitled, Wisdom that Works.  If you’re at all familiar with the ministry that has been entrusted to Ortlund, you’ll know he is a man who pursues humility as he points people to the riches of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Jared Wilson once noted that Ortlund, “just won’t stop reveling in and exulting in the gospel of Jesus Christ.”  I can say that in the pages of Ortlund’s recorded expositions on the book of Proverbs, this sentiment rings true!

As I just indicated, the commentary is expositional in nature, thus comprising 21 of Ortlund’s sermons on Proverbs.  In a brief introduction, Ortlund summarizes what Proverbs is all about, stating:

“The book of Proverbs is a gospel book, because it is part of the Bible.  That means the book of Proverbs is good news for bad people.  It is about grace for sinners.  It is about hope for failures.  It is about wisdom for idiots.  This book is Jesus himself coming to us as our counselor, as our sage, as our life coach.  The Lord Jesus Christ is a competent thinker for all times and all cultures.  He is a genius.  And he freely offers us, even us, his unique wisdom.”

The first 14 sermon-chapters deal in detail with chapters 1-9 in the book of Proverbs.  These first 14 chapters are Ortlund’s detailed look at the nature, practicality, and deep necessity of wisdom in our daily lives.  Ortlund notes, “God has two goals for us in the book of Proverbs…One is deep character, and the other is straight thinking.”  As Ortlund composes a theology of biblical wisdom according to the book of Proverbs, he never fails to remain a pastor who is honest, culturally engaged, canonical,  straightforward, and unflinching in terms of his Christ-focused preaching.

In terms of his expositional commentary, Ortlund, as an accomplished writer, is able to make these once-spoken messages flow well on paper.  Where some expositional commentaries are a bit rigid and lack the impact the message once had when preached, Ortlund does a good job of keeping his engaging style on paper.  Thus, it is an edifying and engaging experience to “sit under the preaching” of Ortlund in book form.

The final 7 chapters of the commentary deal with wisdom related to speaking, humility, family, emotions, friendship, money, and life and death.  Here, Ortlund surveys the book of Proverbs noting the particular texts therein where the topics are addressed.  Here we find Ortlund as a preacher who avoids shallow topical preaching, which is so often moralistic and simplistic in nature.  Rather, he continues to handle the text well, remains honest about our sin, yet focused on the work of Christ and how this gospel work applies to these areas of our lives, forming wisdom within us.

Justin Taylor noted, “If I could have anyone in the world teach me the book of Proverbs, I think I’d choose Ray Ortlund: a pastoral shepherd and an Old Testament scholar who by grace embodies the ethos of proverbial wisdom and understands its consummation in Christ our wisdom.”  I can say that in these pages, you find exactly what Taylor speaks of.  Though the Preaching the Word series is primarily written “by pastors for pastors”, this is a valuable resource for the preaching pastor, the hungry layperson, and anyone who desires to grow in godly, gospel-centered wisdom as it relates to the ins-and-outs of daily life.  I recommend it.

BOOK DETAILS

Proverbs: Wisdom That Works (Preaching the Word) (Hardcover)

Read inside (PDFs): Sample Pages

Publisher: Crossway/Good News Publishers
Author: Hughes, R Kent (Editor); Ortlund, Raymond C., Jr.
ISBN-10: 1581348835 | ISBN-13: 9781581348835
Cover Type: Hardcover
List Price: $27.99
BUY NOW at Westminster Bookstore: $18.19 - 35% Off

NOTE: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher for the purpose of review, and was under no obligation to offer a positive review.

The Law in Luke-Acts

Studying the Bible rigorously comes with its share of challenges.  Though the Bible is able to be understood, some things aren’t as plain as others.  As the Westminster Confession of Faith (1.7) states, “All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all (2 Pet. 3:16); yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed for salvation, are so clearly propounded, and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them (Ps. 119:105, 130).”

One challenge the student of the Scriptures faces is properly understanding those elements that appear in both Testaments.  The coming of Christ and the work he accomplished often had a profound impact on these Scripturally-pervasive elements and how they were/are to be understood depending on the particular point in salvation history.  Looking across the Testaments, it is important to note areas of continuity and discontinuity if we are going to arrive a proper understanding of pan-Scriptural theological matters.

One such element is the Law.  How is the Law to be understood and applied at various points in salvation history: During the period of the Moses and the Prophets? During the life and ministry of Christ? After Christ’s resurrection and ascension?  These can be difficult questions to answer, but the answers are not out of reach.  When one examines such matters through a biblical-theological lens, clarity can be brought to that which at once seemed out of focus.

To assist the student of biblical theology in such matters, Zondervan has begun publishing a number of volumes in their Biblical Theology of the New Testament (BTNT) series.  This series is designed to provide pastors, scholars, and students of theology with a holistic grasp of the theology put forth by particular books of the Bible; noting how they relate to the New Testament canon in particular, and the larger context of the Bible in general.

Darrell L.Bock (PhD, University of Aberdeen), research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, and well-known for his scholarly work on Luke-Acts, has penned the second volume in the BTNT series.  A Theology of Luke and Acts is rigorous examination of the theology contained within Luke’s unified two-volume work, and how it relates to the overall picture of New Testament theology.  Often viewed as two very separate books due to their positioning in the New Testament canon, Luke’s gospel and the book of Acts are actually a unified, two-volume work penned by Luke for the purpose of telling “one basic story.” The story is that of “God working through Jesus to usher in a new era of promise and Spirit-enablement so that the people of God can be God’s people even in the midst of a hostile world.”

As a part of the “Theology of Luke and Acts Blog Tour”, sponsored by Zondervan Academic, I will be reviewing the volume, giving special attention to Bock’s chapter on “The Law in Luke-Acts”.  I’d invite you to head over to Koinonia, Zondervan Academic’s blog, to see the plethora of reviews that focus on other sections of the book.  In terms of the overall structure of my review, I’ll begin with some brief remarks on the form and content of the volume, then address the chapter on the Law, and I’ll close with some remarks as to the book’s quality and significance.

A Theology of Luke and Acts is divided into three main sections: “Introductory Matters”, “Major Theological Themes”, and “Luke and the Canon”.  The introductory material is thorough, well-written, and accessible, dealing with authorship, date, historical context, source material and genre.  Because the BTNT series is geared toward college and seminary-level students, there is a good deal of interaction with historic and contemporary scholarship within the introduction as well as throughout the entire volume.  However, to assist in dealing with the potentially cumbersome matters, there are often helpful “Conclusion” sections that provide a succinct synopsis of the material presented.

The section devoted to “Major Theological Themes” contains 17 chapters that deal with prominent topics in contemporary biblical theology.  Topics addressed include, but are not limited to, promise-fulfillment, the Holy Spirit, dimensions of salvation, Israel and the Church, Gentile inclusion, women, the poor, social dimensions, the Law, ecclesiology, and eschatology.

The final section, prior to the conclusion, is devoted to a study of Luke-Acts as it operates within the entire New Testament canon.

Moving forward, Bock provides a very helpful analysis of the place of the Law in Luke-Acts.  Concerning his study, three main features are noteworthy.  First, Luke portrays law-abiding as an acceptable option for Jewish believers in matters of outreach, but it must not hinder Jew-Gentile unity in church or impede the gospel of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.  Second, “the Law and the Prophets point to God’s final activity in Christ.”  Third, Luke saw no salvation benefit from the Law.

Allow me to list some brief remarks regarding the highlights of Bock’s analysis of Luke’s presentation of the Law…

1.) Luke saw law-abiding as an acceptable option for Jewish believers in matters of outreach, though it must not hinder Jew-Gentile unity in church or impede the gospel of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Luke portrays the Jewish individuals highlighted in his gospel in a particularly positive light as it pertains to their fulfillment and obedience to the Law.  Specifically, this positive portrait is painted of John the Baptizer, Jesus, Zechariah and Elizabeth, Simeon, Joseph and Mary.  During the course of Jesus’ earthly ministry we find him obedient to the Law as well as encouraging obedience in others.  Yet it is important to note, as Bock does, that “Christ trumps law in terms of interpreting how it is to be implemented.  Ultimately, Bock notes, “Luke shows respect for the Law among Jewish believers and total freedom from its requirements for Gentiles.”

2.) Luke viewed the Law as pointing to God’s final activity in Christ.

Luke views the plan of God mainly in two parts: promise and fulfillment.  He portrays John the Baptizer as a key transitional figure between the two eras, with Christ Jesus being the one in whom the promised plan of God is fully realized.  Luke sees the Law as mainly functioning during the era of promise and that it ultimately is a pointer to Christ and his redemptive activity.  In sum, Bock writes, “Key to appreciating the law is knowing that in the new era, the promise and hope of the law come to fruition.  Yet the law still teaches ethically and relationally.  It calls for justice and love.  Yet some practices of the law are not to be undertaken, as they were in the past.  So challenges to Sabbath practice, the washing of hands, and diet are seen.”

3.) Luke saw no salvation benefit from the Law.

Luke is consistent in his presentation of Christ as the one through whom the believer is saved.  The law is unable to justify.  Forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in Jesus’ Name, not through law-abiding.  Bock notes that, “Responding to Jesus represents fulfilling the law, and so receiving him brings its intention to pass.”  Overall, Luke demonstrates that justification cannot be obtained through the Law, but rather by faith in Messiah Jesus, exclusively.

CONCLUSION

Though I have only covered one aspect for the purposes of this review, overall, A Theology of Luke and Acts is a remarkably thorough and helpful volume by one of evangelicalism’s foremost scholars on Luke-Acts.  Bock is not lacking in his engagement of historical and contemporary scholarship, and is articulate in his interaction.  This volume is not written at a “popular” level, but will prove to be both accessible and beneficial for the student, seminarian, and pastor-theologian.  I recommend it enthusiastically.

NOTE: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher for the purpose of review, and was under no obligation to offer a positive review.

BOOK DETAILS

Read inside (PDFs): Sample Pages
Publisher: Zondervan
Author: Bock, Darrell L.
ISBN-10: 0310270898 | ISBN-13: 9780310270898
Binding: Hardcover
List Price: $39.99
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REVIEW: Galatians (LCECNT) by J.V. Fesko

Dr. J.V. Fesko, Academic Dean, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Seminary California, and minister at Geneva Orthodox Presbyterian Church, is the first commentator to be published in the new expository commentary series from Tolle Lege Press, The Lectio Continua Expository Commentary on the New Testament (LCECNT).  As an expository commentary, the volume is composed of 22 of Dr. Fesko’s sermons on Galatians.  Preaching through the entirety of the letter to the churches in Galatia, Fesko aims to unpack the Apostle Paul’s defense of the true gospel against the false teachers in Galatia.

INTRODUCTION

At the outset, Fesko paints a broad picture of all that is to come with a helpful introductory chapter where he identifies the main themes of Galatians as justification, sanctification, and eschatology (the study of last things).  Additionally, touching upon the historical background and circumstances that arose at the time of composition, Dr. Fesko gives the reader an accessible understanding of the contextual issues at hand without being over-technical.

COMMENTARY

Moving through the text, Fesko provides a section by section exposition of the letter.  As is one of the aims of the Lectio Continua series as a whole, the commentary avoids the technicalities of more academic commentaries, and without diminishing substance, provides the reader with a faithful explanation of the text.  Certainly, at this point, Dr. Fesko’s approach to exposition is a training manual of sorts for biblical communicators as it relates to the often difficult ability to interact with scholarship, historical voices, differing interpretations/objections, etc., and yet remaining articulate, balanced, coherent, and practical.  The textual commentary is thus edifying, engaging, and homiletically instructive.

In terms of the major themes addressed in the commentary and mentioned above, several points are worth mentioning.  Fesko’s understanding of the doctrine of justification is of the traditional Reformed perspective, specifically citing the Westminster Confession’s definition.  He briefly interacts with the New Perspective (NPP).

In regard to the doctrine of sanctification, Fesko offers substantial discussion concerning the Spirit’s role in the sanctification of the believer and the import of our union with Christ.  Fesko writes at one point, “Paul drives us to our union with Christ and the work of the Spirit.  As Paul explains, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20).  In other words, both justification and sanctification come by faith alone in Christ.  We are no more sanctified by our good works than we are justified by them.  Rather, we look by faith to Christ alone and he saves.  As Paul makes clear, such an approach to redemption in no way mitigates the believer’s need to produce good works,.  Instead, Paul desires to have the Galatians recognize that Christ is the source of their salvation—both in justification and sanctification.”

Perhaps a mark which sets this commentary apart, and which is remarkably helpful, is the time which Dr. Fesko devotes to the importance of Paul’s understanding and use of the OT within his argument.  Drawing on several redemptive-historical, new creational and eschatological motifs, Fesko shows the immense importance of understanding the overall redemptive work of God in Christ.  Specifically, in regard to the fruit of the Spirit, “walking by the Spirit”, and the significance of circumcision, Dr. Fesko explains how each are foreshadowed in the OT and understood in NT perspective as they relate to God’s overall plan of redemption.

NOTES ON INTERPRETATIVE POSITIONS

Dr. Fesko writes from a thoroughly Reformed perspective.  The redemptive-historical nature of Paul’s argumentation is explained clearly, and the incorporation of the significance of the OT text is both noted and explained throughout.  Dr. Fesko concludes that “the Israel of God” in Galatians 6 is indeed the church as he states that, “only those who belong to Christ are properly called Israel.”  Regardless of where you may come down on this interpretation, the explanation that Dr. Fesko provides for his interpretative conclusion is wonderfully concise, theologically helpful, and practically encouraging.

CONCLUSION

In sum, Fesko’s volume is a largely helpful commentary on the book of Galatians.  Whether pastor, professor, or layperson, all will indeed benefit from this treatment of the Galatians text.  Overall, this commentary is soaked with gospel goodness.  It’s solid, simple, and straightforward.  Not only will it help you think more deeply about the gospel, but I believe those who read it will become better equipped at speaking more clearly and substantially about what God has done for us in Christ.  It certainly lives up to the aims of the Lectio Continua series in that it is, “rigorously exegetical, God-centered, redemptive-historical, sin-exposing, Gospel-trumpeting and teeming with practical application.”  Insofar as expository commentaries are concerned, it is superb.  I highly recommend it.

BOOK DETAILS

Read inside (PDFs):Sample Pages

Publisher: Tolle Lege Press
Author: Fesko, J. V.
ISBN-13: 9780983145776
Binding: Hardcover
List Price: $29.95
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NOTE: I was provided with a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher for the purpose of review, and was under no obligation to offer a positive review.

REVIEW: ISAIAH BY THE DAY by ALEC MOTYER

Sometimes you just have to lay your cards out on the table to begin with, and I’m going to do that now…Motyer’s Isaiah By The Day: A New Devotional Translation is fantastic!  Here we have a first-rate Old Testament scholar bringing together his gifts as a commentator, translator, and exegete into a Christ-centered devotional tool that applies the text responsibly and practically while guiding the reader through digestible portions God’s Word each day.

The book begins with a helpful introductory section which provides the reader with a general outline of Isaiah, allowing for a broad understanding of the author’s structure.  Four simple divisions allow for an easily remembered “map” of the book: Isaiah’s preface (Chs. 1-5), The Book of the King (Chs. 6-37), The Book of the Servant (Chs. 38-55), and The Book of the Conqueror (Chs. 56-66).  Additionally, Motyer (pronounced “Moh-teer”) is careful to explain his translation process and certain aspects of Isaiah’s style and structure to keep in mind while reading.   The introduction provides the most pertinent information for the reader giving them needed technical knowledge without being overbearing.  All in all, he aims to be consistent and faithful to the text while retaining the beauty of Isaiah’s Hebrew.

The picture to the right provides a glimpse of the layout of each day’s text.  The notes to the right are a distilled commentary that provides the reader with helpful background, linguistic, textual, and contextual remarks that do well in keeping from becoming over-technical or distracting from the text itself.  It’s as if Motyer is there along the way, as a teacher, heading off that which may be overly confusing and highlighting that which may be often overlooked.  Additionally, there is ample note taking space on each page, making it easy to mark the text and record thoughts, questions, and reactions without becoming overly cluttered.

One thing to mention is that the text does read a bit rigidly as compared to most modern translations. However, the raw nature seems to awaken the beauty and straight-forward nature of many portions of the text and add to the distinctiveness of this work.

Moving to the application portion of each day’s entry, Motyer has succeeded in including the text’s contemporary significance, connection to Christ, as well as its ecclesial, social/societal, and individual bearing.  While many devotionals aim to apply the text through simplistic, often cheesy, questions, Motyer has given the reader the opportunity to significantly understand and apply the text through well-thought, timely, pointed, and pastorally-natured questions.

Overall, I don’t believe you will find another devotional as distinct and substantial as Motyer’s.  I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy of Isaiah By The Day and be edified!  …Especially, if you’re one who has avoided, or been weary of, much of contemporary evangelicalism’s often shallow devotional literature…this one will be a breath of fresh air!  I recommend it very highly!!

*The publisher, at no charge, for the purpose of review, provided a copy of the aforementioned title.  I was under no obligation to write a favorable review.

Watch as Alec Motyer discusses Isaiah By The Day:

BOOK DETAILS

Publisher: Christian Focus
Author: Motyer, Alec
ISBN-10: 1845506545 | ISBN-13: 9781845506544
Binding: Hardcover
List Price: $22.99
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