Category: Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: DENNY BURK’S “WHAT IS THE MEANING OF SEX?”

GOD’S INTENTION FOR SEX

WITMOS BURK

Book Review By David P. Craig

Denny Burk has written both a brilliant critique of errant sexual views and presented a cogent case for the biblical meaning of sex that transcends all cultures and time. Burk’s thesis developed in this book is that sex is a gift from God that is to be enjoyed exclusively within the covenant of marriage so that it might magnify God’s own covenant love for his people and thus bring glory to Him. The glory of God [all of who God is put on display] is the ultimate purpose of everything a Christian does – including sex.

There have been many books written by Christians in the past several years but they usually fall short in applying a teleological view of sex. In other words they address what the Bible has to say about sex, but not necessarily what the purpose of sex is. Burk writes: “What they [with reference to Mark Driscoll’s recent book on sex and marriage – but can be applied to various other authors] never asked, however, is the teleological question: Does this act fulfill God’s purposes for the sexual union? Does this act fulfill Gd’s ultimate purpose for marriage and sexuality–the glory of God? This is where teleology can help us.”

Burk proceeds to write a biblical theology of sex with a God-centered ethical foundation based on virtually everything the Bible has to say about our bodies, our interpretation of the relevant passages pertaining to sex, our marriages, conjugal unions, family planning, gender, sexuality and singleness. In all these areas Burk does a remarkable job of what he describes as blending biblical theology, ethics, and cultural issues pertaining to sex. He writes, “I am favoring a bleded approach that gives a privileged place to teleology within the framework of divine revelation. Scripture is plainly concerned with the formation of moral character as the basis for moral choices (as in character ethics). Scripture is also concerned with rules and divine commands (as in deontology). But Scripture also focuses on the glory of God as the purpose of all things (as in teleology).”

Therefore, Burk argues that the four aspects of sex as defined by God in the context of marriage as a covenant between and man and a woman are designed for (1) the consummation of marriage, (2) procreation, (3) expression of love, and (4) pleasure. However, these four purposes “comprise the means by which we glorify God with our sexuality.” Burk unfolds his thesis methodically, clearly, and with great theological depth that “the ultimate purpose of human sexuality is the glory of God and that the ultimate ethic is to glorify God with our sexuality.” I can’t possibly recommend this book high enough for both Christians and non-Christians to come to grips with the reason, meaning, and purpose for one’s gender, identity, sex, and marriage according to God’s great design.

*I was provided with a copy of this book for review by the publisher and was not required to write a fovorable review.

BOOK REVIEW: BRYAN CHAPELL’S “CHRIST-CENTERED SERMONS”

MODELS OF REDEMPTIVE PREACHING

CCS Chapell

 APPLYING CHRIST-CENTERED PREACHING IN YOUR MINISTRY

Book Review by David P. Craig

It’s hard to believe that its already been nineteen years since Bryan Chapell penned his classic text on preaching – Christ-Centered Preaching (CCP). Since that time Christo-centric preaching has been on the rise and pastors have become much more exposed to biblical theology and the redemptive historical method of interpretation in helping the busy pastor with sermon preparation. This new work by Chapell is a wonderful complement and sequel to his seminal text that his been so influential in both Reformed and Non-Reformed circles.

Whereas Chapell laid the foundational ground work for Christo-centric preaching in CCP, here he helps the preacher apply the groundwork by giving various examples of sermons that demonstrate the various genres of Scripture and how they point to Christ. Part One focuses on the structure of the Christo-centric sermon by giving examples of informal, formal, inductive, and expository sermons. Part Two delves into various redemptive approaches of Scripture passages. Part Three focuses on sermons that reveal how a variety of redemptive truths can be used from the Scriptures to apply to our lives.

The common denominator of all the expository sermons found in this book is that they focus on saying what God says in the passage. The preacher is encouraged to proclaim the truths gleaned from the passage in order to convey what was originally intended by the Holy Spirit. “Making sure God’s people know what God has said and why he has said it is the tandem goal of expository preaching.” All of the sermons in this book focus on the empowering power of grace through Christ that is found throughout the Scriptures. The message of the gospel and God’s grace in Christ is what leads us to repentance, salvation, and genuine transformation from darkness to light.

The author masterfully teaches and guides the preacher by showing him that “Christ-centered exposition does not require us to unveil depictions of Jesus by mysterious alchemies of allegory or typology; rather, it identifies how every text functions in furthering our understanding of who Christ is, what the Father sent him to do, and why.” In Christ-centered preaching the listener is helped to apply the biblical text by answering four main questions from the passage: (1) What am I to do? (2) Where am I to do it? (3) Why am I to do it? (4) How am I to do it?

Chapell writes, “In essence, redemptive exposition requires that we identify an aspect of our fallen condition that is addressed by the Holy Spirit in each passage, which he inspired for our edification, and then show God’s way out of the human dilemma.” The way out of the dilemma of our fallen condition is through the motivation of grace and holiness because the realities of the cross. We are enabled to have victory over sin due to our union and communion with Christ as revealed in the Scriptures.

I highly recommend that you read Chapell’s first book on preaching before reading this one. However, it’s not essential that you read his first book because he does a lot of review and explains everything he is doing in each sermon in this new offering. He lays out the foundations and theory in his first book as a solid basis for its application in this new one. Together these two books provide a tour de force of Christo-centric preaching resources for the Christ-centered preacher.

Chapell gives various ways that the same passage can be preached using different strategies without changing the biblical author’s intent. His introductions and demonstration of how the principles work for each sermon are immensely instructive. The sermons in this book are based on the following passages of Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Judges 6-8; Psalm 126; Jeremiah 33:14-16; Isaiah 44:9-23; Numbers 20:1-13; Romans 15:4; Luke 17:1-19; Titus 2:11-15; and Romans 6:1-14. By providing sermons on various genres from the Old and New Testament Chapell has provided a wonderful guide for preachers to learn better how to apply the principles of Christ-centered preaching from Genesis to Revelation.

BOOK REVIEW: JASON C. MEYER’S “PREACHING: A BIBLICAL THEOLOGY”

A BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

PABT Meyer

Book Review by David P. Craig

I’ve been waiting for a book like this since my calling into the ministry thirty-one years ago. Meyer combines two of my favorite subjects: biblical theology and preaching with my greatest passion – the glory of God as revealed in Jesus. The thesis of this very enjoyable book is that “the ministry of the word in Scripture is stewarding and heralding God’s word in such a way that people encounter God through his word.”

What makes this book unique is that the author shows how “the whole Bible alone can give a holistic answer to what preaching is.” Meyer brilliantly and cogently examines what the whole of the Scriptures have to say broadly about the ministry of the Word and specifically in light of what this means for the expository preacher. The ultimate reason of preaching isn’t for the transfer of information, but to have an encounter with the living God.

Meyer takes the reader on a biblically saturated journey from Genesis to Revelation and unpacks what the entire Scriptures have to say about the ministry of the Word. He does a remarkable job of conveying how preaching the Word is grounded within the big picture story line of the gospel. Christ is the plot-line of the Scriptures and Meyer helps the minister build a foundation for preaching, paradigms for preaching, and demonstrates how biblical and systematic theology guides the preacher in ministering the Word so that we and our hearers encounter the glory of God in Christ.

I highly recommend this book for beginning and seasoned preachers, but also for all Christians. It is packed full with excellent illustrations, robust theological truths, and insightful applications. By helping us to interpret the whole Bible through the lenses of redemption Meyer helps us to see that Jesus is at the forefront of every passage we preach. I believe that any believer reading this book will come to understand the gospel better, and strive to minister the word with Jesus at the center of our proclamation so that we and our listeners will truly encounter our Awesome God.

 

BOOK REVIEW: RANDY ALCORN’S “SEEING THE UNSEEN”

A DAILY DOSE OF ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE

STU Alcorn

MAKING YOUR DAYS COUNT FOR ETERNITY

Book Review By David P. Craig

This book assemble’s some of Alcorn’s best writings related to living for that which will last for eternity. It contains sixty days worth of devotions or meditations including perspectives from God’s Word and from God’s people in each daily reading. At the end of each devotional there is also a link to Alcorn’s blog where you can read more on the topic (in the Kindle version – you just click on the link and it takes you right there). Some of the topics addressed are as following: True Happiness; Homesick for Heaven; Grasping our need for Grace; Seeking God’s will; True Repentance; A Theology of Laughter; God’s Sovereignty; The Christian Optimist and God’s Glory and our Good.

Each day hones in on two to three key Scriptures on the topic; two to three great quotes from people like Spurgeon, Chambers, Lewis, Piper, Ryle, Sproul, Tozer and Luther; and focuses on the hope and joy that we have in our promises from the God who holds the future in His hands for our good and His glory. Alcorn’s insights from the Scriptures are clear, cogent, profound, and practical. This book makes a great gift for graduates, birthday’s, anniversaries, the elderly, and any disciple of Christ who needs comfort and encouragement for the ups and downs of life. We all need to reminded of the hope that we have in Christ. I highly recommend this excellent compilation of Alcorn’s finest thoughts on Heaven and living for eternity.

BOOK REVIEW: “COVERING YOUR LIFE IN PRAYER” BY ERWIN W. LUTZER

DISCOVER A LIFE-CHANGING CONVERSATION WITH GOD

CYLIP LUTZER

LEARNING HOW TO PRAY THE SCRIPTURES FOR YOUR LOVED ONES

Book Review By David P. Craig

Nothing has revolutionized my own prayer life more than learning how to pray the Scriptures. In this very practical book Lutzer was inspired to pray more intentionally and biblically for his 8 grandchildren. He decided to pray through the Scriptures for them, rather than just making a list of needs and praying these needs back to God in a ritual-like format day after day. He wanted to avoid the “meaningless repetition” of prayer that Jesus describes in Matthew 6:7.

Lutzer asks and answers these two important questions (1) What if I changed my perspective on prayer and began to pray Scripture? and (2) What if I echoed back to God that which I know is His will? – Wouldn’t that stimulate more faith and bring God more glory?

Praying the Scriptures has many advantages over “list” oriented prayer: Here are just a few: (1) It gives a freshness to your prayer life – because you don’t know exactly what you will be praying for on a daily basis; (2) It aligns your prayers with God’s will – it’s more difficult to pray errantly when you are speaking the truth from God’s Word back to the truth Giver; (3) It reminds you daily of requirements and promises of God; (4) It helps you to hear from and communicate  intimately with God as He reveals His heart to you from His very words. (5) It aligns you with the will and sovereign plans of God. (6) It brings God’s purposes and intentions to bear on your life each time you pray.

Lutzer divides the book up into 52 weeks or prayer sessions. In each session there is a passage of Scripture, a brief explanation of the passage, and a prayer to pray based on the passage. An individual can pray these prayers for a loved one, a friend, a child, a parent, co-worker, and so forth. The prayers are about two to three paragraphs in length and cover such passages and topics as: overcoming fear; hope; worshiping God in trials; identity in Christ; purity; resisting temptation; and resting confidently in God’s love. There are 52 subjects covered. Lutzer (and his wife) prays these Scriptures over his children and grandchildren (one each day, two on Saturday’s) seven days a week.

I have been praying these prayers for my spouse, children, and grandchildren and it has helped make my prayers more focused, spontaneous, and well-rounded. Since you are praying specific prayers instead of just praying “God bless so and so” it is more intimate, personal, and intentional. I find that it has helped my prayer life to be less wooden and ritualistic and much more exciting as I am learning to pray the whole counsel of God over my loved ones. Daily covering my loved ones with God’s promises, and purposes from the whole counsel of God is an exciting way to pray that benefits my loved ones immensely.

I sincerely believe that this book will help renew, refresh, and rekindle your prayer life, invigorate your walk with our Heavenly Father, and help you to pray balanced prayers for the good of your loved ones so that God’s will is done on “Earth as it is in Haven.”

BOOK REVIEW: “THE MAKING OF A LEADER” BY DR. J. ROBERT CLINTON

RECOGNIZING THE LESSONS AND STAGES OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

TMOAL Clinton

A PRIMER ON THE PROCESS OF BECOMING A LEADER

Book Review By David P. Craig

Knowing where one is at is crucial in moving forward in life. Nothing is more helpful when one is lost than having a map of where one is, and how to get to where we need to go. Recently, I experienced going through a difficult bout with cancer. The treatment and side effects of the treatment were absolutely brutal. However, I had a guide along the way to help me get through it. He was a man who had the exact same cancer and treatment as me, but he was already “cancer free” and a year ahead of me in the process. He helped me in my journey in two ways: (1) He helped me realize that what I was going through was normal and miserable, but necessary for the cancer to be killed; (2) He gave me a “living hope” that I would be cancer free like him if I endured to the end of the treatment without giving up. The process was excruciating, but now that I look back a year later – like him – I want to help people in their journey with cancer.

In the same vein as my illustration above Dr. Clinton helps emerging leaders understand the process of becoming a mature leader by evaluating the lives of biblical and modern leaders journeys. He identifies six primary processes’ that all leaders must go through on the way to becoming a healthy and mature leader of leaders. Some of the examples used in this book are the Prophets Jeremiah and Daniel, the Apostles Paul and Barnabas, and modern examples: Dawson Trotman, Warren Wiersbe, A.W. Tozer, Watchman Nee, Amy Carmichael and several others.

In his study Clinton articulates six phases or stages of a leaders development:

(1) Phase One is called “Sovereign Foundations” – This is where a leader starts to become aware of his or her calling to leadership. It is a time where  character issues are developing, skills are developing, and one’s calling is being wrestled with. There is a deep sense of God’s calling and purpose and the building blocks for the emerging leader’s life are starting to lay the foundations for a life of leadership.

(2) Phase Two is called “Inner Life Growth” – This is a time where the leader is learning to hear and obey God’s leading. It is a time of deep spiritual growth and intimacy with God. The leader is often put through several major tests during this process – will he or she obey and submit wholeheartedly to God?

(3) Phase Three is called “Ministry Maturing” – In this stage the leader is reaching out to others and discovering and practicing ones spiritual gifts. Both positive and negative lessons are being learned during this phase. The leader is learning his or her own strengths and weaknesses in working with others. Oftentimes there is a strong desire to get more training during this time to minimize one’s weaknesses and enhance one’s strengths. In the first three phases God is primarily working “in” the leader not through him or her. In the next three phases God is working “through” the leader. As Clinton articulates “Many emerging leaders don’t recognize this, and become frustrated. They are constantly evaluating productivity and activities, while God is quietly evaluating their leadership potential. He wants to teach us that we minister out of what we are.”

(4) Phase Four is called “Life Maturing” – This is a time in the leaders life where the leader “is using his or her spiritual gifts in a ministry that is satisfying. He gains a sense of priorities concerning the best use of his gifts and understands that learning what not to do is as important as learning what to do. A mature fruitfulness is the result. Isolation, crisis, and conflict take on new meaning. The principle that ‘ministry flows out of being’ has new significance as the leader’s character mellows and matures.” Communion and intimacy with God becomes immensely more important than one’s ‘success’ in ministry.

(5) Phase Five is called “Convergence” – God takes the leader and matches him or her with a role that matches his or her gift-mix and experience so that ministry is maximized. Life maturing and ministry maturing peak together during this phase. Many leaders never get to experience this phase. Some leaders like Dawson Trotman and Jim Elliott were taken to Heaven before entering this phase. Some leaders don’t get to experience this phase because of their own sin, or other providential circumstances. For those who experience convergence it is a time of transitional leadership where the baton is passed down to other faithful leaders who will continue to develop the leaders’ vision for the church or organization they have developed.

(6) The final phase is called “Afterglow” or “Celebration” – Clinton describes this stage as “The fruit of a lifetime of ministry growth culminates in an era of recognition and indirect influence at broad levels. Leaders in Afterglow have built up a lifetime of contacts and continue to exert influence in these relationships. Others will seek them out because of their consistent track record of following God. Their storehouse of wisdom gathered over a lifetime of leadership will continue to bless and benefit many.”

Clinton defines leadership as “a dynamic process in which a man or woman with God-given capacity influences a specific group of God’s people toward His purposes for the group.” This book is written for leaders and potential leaders who are (a) wondering what God is doing in their lives – asking the question “Is God calling me into Christian ministry?”; (b) are beginning to discover ministry opportunities; (c) need a fresh challenge from God; (d) need to understand how to select and develop younger leaders; (e) are at a crossroads, facing a major decision; (f) want to know how God develops leaders; (g) want to know where you are at in the process of your leadership development – is what you are experiencing normal for a leader?

I think all emerging and veteran leaders will benefit immensely from reading this book. It is packed with useful examples, illustrations, charts, and principles to help you become a godly leader. Also, it is immensely helpful to help you understand the process’ of leadership and how to invest in other emerging leaders. If you believe God is calling you to leadership, or has already entrusted you with a leadership role, you will most definitely benefit from Clinton’s wisdom – from one leader to another.

BOOK REVIEW: JEFF IORG’S “SEASONS OF A LEADERS LIFE”

LEARNING, LEADING, AND LEAVING A LEGACY

SOALL Iorg

Leadership Lessons  from the Life of Peter the Apostle

Book Review by David P. Craig

Just as life has seasons, leaders also have stages or phases of leadership. In this practical book Jeff Iorg tackles the three seasons or phases of a leader’s life. Using the Apostle Peter as his thematic teaching point, Iorg highlights leadership lessons from the three seasons or phases of leadership: Phase One – learning about leadership; Phase Two – actively leading; and Phase Three – leaving a legacy.

In Part One – Lessons for Emerging Leaders – Iorg tackles 21 lessons for leaders to grapple with in the earliest phases of their leadership development. Some of the topics addressed include: a leader’s calling, identity, prayer life, how to forgive, and serve humbly. The first section of the book highlights leadership principles and lessons from the stories in the Gospels where the Apostle Peter is specifically singled out by Jesus.

Part Two – Priorities for Active Leaders – contains 13 priorities for leaders in their prime, including: calling people to Jesus, accessing God’s power, confronting sin, defending the faith, working with other leaders, and how to move on after making mistakes. In this section of the book Iorg gives emphasis to every story in Acts and the Epistles where Peter is involved in leadership and the lessons or insights we can glean from his example.

In Part Three – Convictions of Maturing Leaders – Iorg expounds upon 10 powerful convictions of a leader intent on leaving a lasting legacy, including: Jesus is enough, pursuing purity, building good relationships, trusting Jesus and His Word, and giving glory to Jesus. The last section of the book summarizes Peter’s legacy from the wisdom he gained, the disciples and leaders he influenced, and the convictions he held to and modeled for a generation of leaders to come.

Jeff Iorg has written a very insightful and practical book that helps leaders learn more about leadership, focus on what’s most important in leadership, and finish well in one’s calling by leading effectively and leaving a legacy for future leaders. Written with emerging leaders and veteran leaders in mind, this book is filled with great insights for leaders of all seasons, ages, and phases of life. Each short chapter includes helpful questions for reflection and discussion. The book would be an excellent resource for church leaders to use in a discipleship type setting over a period of several months. It could also be a very helpful book for older pastors to mentor younger pastors with. I highly recommend this book as a great resource to return to throughout the varied seasons of a leader’s life.

Book Review on “Growing Up” by Robby Gallaty

HOW TO BE A DISCIPLE WHO MAKES DISCIPLES

GU Gallaty

A Powerful Strategy For Discipleship Multiplication

Book Review By David P. Craig

In the twenty five years that I have been involved in ministry as a pastor I have oftentimes been frustrated with discipleship materials. I have found them to either be too simplistic, or too abstract and academic. I think Robby Gallaty has struck a good balance in “Growing Up” by providing disciples of Jesus with a balanced resource for beginning and advanced disciple-makers. The book is full of biblical principles, powerful illustrations, and practical insights to help disciples of Christ make multiplying disciples of Christ.

In the first four chapters Gallaty gives his own testimonial of how discipleship made a huge impact on his own journey with Christ and gives a passionate biblical argument for discipleship and why being a disciple and the making of more disciples should be at the forefront of a Christian’s life. The strategy of becoming and making disciples articulated in this book is the idea of D-Groups (Discipleship Groups). D-groups ideally consist of a group three to five  men or women (gender exclusive) who meet weekly and have three primary purposes: (1) growth in the knowledge and imitation of Christ; (2) growth in the ability to articulate and defend the Christian faith; and (3) and helping to guide others in the faith – sharing what you are learning with others along the discipleship journey.

The ultimate goal of being a disciple is to make more disciples. Gallaty makes a great case for the effectiveness in discipleship groups of 3-5 people. How are D-groups different from a regular small group? Here are some differences: (a) The D-Group is a closed group open by invitation only; (b) consists of believers who desire a deeper walk with Christ; and (c) has the dynamics of community rather than a teacher-pupil or mentor-mentee relationship. Herein lies the key to multiplication.

After twenty-five years of being involved in the process of making disciples I have found this to be true. I haven’t seen a lot of multiplication from one-on-one discipleship, but I’ve seen much more multiplying accomplished in groups of 3-5. I’ve never called them “D-groups” but the principles are the same no matter what you call them. One of the examples Gallaty gives is what if Jesus had discipled Judas one-on-one rather than John, Peter, and James? In other words the disciples knew how to be and build a community of disciples through discipleship. Jesus wasn’t just a teacher who taught pupils – He showed them how to live life with all that it entails.

This is so important because discipleship is more than just information, or just teaching. It is about a radical lifestyle that affects every aspect of life. When 3-5 disciples are growing together there is an organic aspect that takes place in communal growth which one-on-one simply doesn’t usually achieve. The spiritual climate that God uses to bring about growth in our lives involve people, circumstances, and the spiritual disciplines which are best nurtured in the context of communal commitment in a D-Group.

In the second half of the book Gallaty uses the acrostic C.L.O.S.E.R. to talk about six spiritual disciplines that need to be taught, nurtured, and developed in a D-Group. These six chapters focus on six disciplines that Jesus modeled and taught to His disciples: (1) Communicate – how to talk with God through prayer; (2) Learn – to understand and apply God’s Word in your life; (3) Obey – God’s commands; (4) Store – God’s Word in your heart through Scripture memory; (5) Evangelize – how to share Christ with others; (6) Renew – yourself spiritually every day.

Each chapter stands alone, and yet builds on the previous chapter – much like stones making a sturdy wall. All of the chapters have (a) questions to consider for discussion; (b) Points to ponder; and (c) A Scripture verse to memorize on the theme of the chapter. The book is designed to establish D-Groups and is for D-Groups. One of the great features of the Book is the Appendix Section in the back which consists of 11 helpful resources: (1) A Disciple-Making Covenant; (2) Spiritual Journey Inventory; (3) Sample H.E.A.R. Entry (He talks about this in the book – HEAR stands for what to “Highlight” from God’s Word, “Explain” from God’s Word, “Apply” from the passage to your life, and “Respond” to in your life; (4) A Bible Reading Plan Called E100 (from the http://e100challenge.com.; (5) A Prayer Log; (6) A Scripture Memory Card; (7) Accountability Questions; (8) 7 Different avenues for building relationships; (9) 12 Commonly asked questions about D-Groups (e.g., How do I choose disciples?, How many people should be in the group?, Where and how often should we meet? and so forth); (10) Suggested resources for D-groups; and (11) How to pray for lost friends.

I highly recommend this book for five primary reasons: (1) It will fire you up to be a disciple and make disciples in the context of community; (2) It will give you a strategy and plan for making disciples; (3) It will give you all the tools you need for making disciples; (4) It will convince you that discipleship for the Christian is not an option – it’s what it means to be a Christian!; (5) It will make you want to teach and apply the material in your own D-Group.

Robby Galatty’s “Growing Up” is based on Psalm 1:1-2. He plans on writing two more books in this series: “Firmly Planted” based on Psalm 1:3, followed by “Bearing Fruit” based on Psalm 1:3b. I am already looking forward to reading and applying these books with my own D-Group. Gallaty has written a book that is biblical, theologically rich, extremely logical and eminently practical. I predict that it may be one of the most used discipleship training workbooks to ever come along. I am grateful for this book and can’t wait to start a D-Group and apply it!

BOOK REVIEW: JOHN PIPER’S “DOES GOD DESIRE ALL TO BE SAVED?”

GOD’S GENUINE DESIRE AND OFFER FOR ALL TO BE SAVED

DGDATBS? Piper

Book Review By David P. Craig

John Piper states his purpose for writing this book as follows, “My aim in this short book is to show from Scripture that the simultaneous existence of God’s will for all people to be saved and his will to choose some people for salvation unconditionally before creation is not a sign of divine schizophrenia or exegetical confusion. A corresponding aim is to show that unconditional election therefore does not contradict biblical expressions of God’s compassion for all people and does not rule out sincere offers of salvation to all who are lost among the peoples of the world.”

In Chapter One Piper acknowledges and addresses some of the more perplexing texts that are cited to show that God’s will is for all people to be saved: 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 18:23; and Matthew 23:37. Piper concludes his examination of these passages by stating that the only conclusion we can arrive at is that the Scriptures show that God has two wills: “willing something in one sense that he disapproves in another sense.”

In Chapter Two Piper illustrates God’s “two wills” by examining five explicit examples of this from the Scriptures: (a) In the death of Christ (Acts 2:23); (b) In the war against the Son of God (Rev. 17:16-17); (c) In the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus); (d) In the restraint of a King’s evil (Proverbs); (e) In not delighting in the punishment of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23).

Chapter Three is an exposition of the Sovereign will of God. Piper’s thesis is that “behind the complex relationship of the two wills of God is the foundational biblical premise that God is sovereign in a way that makes him ruler of all actions.” Piper examines various passages of Scripture and concludes, “Terms such as ‘will of decree’ and ‘will of command,’ or ‘sovereign will’ and ‘moral will,’ is not an artificial distinction demanded by Reformed theology. The terms are an effort to describe the whole of biblical revelation. They are an effort to say yes to all of the Bible and not silence any of it. They are a way to say yes to the universal will of Ezekiel 18:23 and Matthew 23:37, and yes to the individual, unconditional election of Romans 9:6-23.”

In the final Chapter Piper ties his argument together by discussing how God does not sin in willing that sin takes place. He answers the question: “What keeps God from saving whom he desires to save? And he goes into a lengthy discussion of the question “What is free will?” In the process he comes back to 1 Timothy 2:4 and gives an exegetical and philosophical argument from some of the great theologians of the Church: John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, Stephen Charnock, Robert L. Dabney and a wonderful illustration from the life of George Washington.

In the final analysis Piper arrives at 3 concluding statements about the universal love of God and the offer of Christ’s salvation to everyone in the world: “(1) Christ really is the all-powerful, all-wise, all-satisfying Son of God offered in the gospel; (2) by his death and resurrection, he has acted out God’s discriminating, definite electing, regenerating, faith-creating, every-promise-guaranteeing new-covenant love, and thus purchased and secured irreversibly for his elect everything needed to bring them from deadness in sin to everlasting, glorified life and joy in the presence of God; and (3) everyone without any exception, who receives Christ as supreme treasure–who believes in his name–will be united to Christ in the embrace of this electing love and enjoy him and his gifts forever.”

John Piper has done a beautiful job of explaining the mysteries of God’s sovereign will, the offer of salvation, and shown clearly that the Bible teaches that we believe in and practice both – that He is sovereign in His election of those He will save, and that we have a responsibility to declare the gospel to all of humanity because He desires their salvation. I recommend this book to help you understand the depths of God’s sovereign plan, love, and activity in carrying out His redemptive purposes until Christ returns again.

Book Review: “Who’s Your Father?” by Robert Bernecker

RETURNING TO THE LOVE OF THE BIBLICAL GOD

WYF? Bernecker

Coming To Grips With God’s Amazing Love For You

Book Review By David P. Craig

One of the main things that has been lost in modern Christianity is the Main Thing – God Himself. The church invests millions of dollars in programming, high-tech equipment, buildings, and the like. However, what we need more than anything is to be drenched with the reality of the character, nature, and intimacy there is to be found in our relationship with God – especially as He has clearly revealed Himself in the Bible.

Robert Bernecker has written a God-drenched book. He has written a book that tackles subjects as vast as the sovereignty of God, His providence, and our responsibility and will with reference to salvation and sanctification. The author tackles the “tough” doctrines of predestination, election, perseverance, and foreknowledge with theological precision, solid exegesis, and insight from 2,000 years of historical theology.

Without getting bogged down in theological debate, Bernecker simply lets the chips fall where they may by giving a plethora of Scriptures on the deepest and profoundest issues of Theology Proper – the doctrine of God. However, not leaving the reader in the realm of the abstract but taking you into the intimate arms of our loving Father.

If you want to understand the mind and heart of God and His will and purposes for humanity I highly recommend this book. It will give you a wonderful biblical theology of how God thinks and works in time and history – past, present, and future. In reading this book you will develop a higher view of God, and of His amazing plan for humanity – and for you – the reader. I urge you to take up this book and read about our Awesome God as revealed in the Scriptures and take the plunge in the waters of being drenched and soaked in God’s glory. It’s what you and I need more than anything else!