Category: Books

Excerpts, Reviews, Recommendations, Classics

Book Review: Christians Get Depressed Too by David Murray

 Overcoming Depression 101

David Murray admits that his book is not an exhaustive treatment on the subject of depression, but to be seen as an introduction to depression. If it were a class it would be Depression 101.

As a pastor and life coach I have helped people with depression, and have personally battled depression my whole life. One of the things I really like about this book, is that it is short, sweet, and to the point. People who are battling depression don’t feel like reading a long treatise on depression.

In six short chapters Murray carefully and concisely writes about the (1) Crisis, (2) Complexity, (3) Condition, (4) Causes, (5) Cures, and those who (6) Care for those who are depressed. In each chapter Murray writes in a balanced manner, avoids extremes, and gives good sound biblical advice, ways to identify causes and cures of depression, through the practical use of various illustrations, examples, and solutions to help in the battle with depression.

I think one of the most helpful Chapters is Chapter 5 were he gives the 5 Keys to developing a balanced lifestyle in reducing the stress and anxiety that often leads to depression: Routine, Relaxation, Recreation, Rest, and Reprioritization. I recommend this book for those who struggle with depression, and to understand those you care for who battle with depression. It is clear, concise, and communicates well the essence of where depression comes from, how to deal with it, and where to find hope for overcoming depression.

Book Review: Exegetical Guide to The Greek New Testament – Colossians and Philemon by Murray J. Harris

As a senior pastor who has been preaching for twenty years on a weekly basis this series is a welcome contribution for the preacher or teacher of God’s Word.  As I have preached through Colossians verse by verse this past year I have continually been helped and my people have been helped through the exegetical insights of Murray in this excellent commentary. For those who have had a year of more of Greek it will help bring to memory much that has been forgotten.

The Guide assumes the following:

1)    You have completed an introductory New Testament Greek Course

2)    You have learned the meanings of words occurring in the New Testament more than 25 times

3)    You have been introduced to New Testament Textual Criticism

4)    You own or have access to a copy of The Greek New Testament, fourth rev. ed. B. Aland, K. Aland, J. Karavidopoulos, C.M, Martini and B.M. Metzger (Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, New York: United Bible Societies, 1993)

The stated purpose of this book (and the commentaries in this series) is “to close that gap between stranded student (or former student) and daunting text and to bridge that gulf between morphological analysis and exegesis.”

I found this commentary to be particularly helpful in helping me understand Paul’s logic, grammar, argumentation, and insights into the author’s original intentions in brining out the “big picture” of Colossians – The Supremacy of Christ Sufficient for All things. Along with a good devotional like Sam Storms, “The Hope of Glory”; a good English and Greek Based Commentary like Douglas Moo’s, or F. F. Bruce; and an application based commentary like David E. Garland’s – you should be set to study and teach Colossians with great effectiveness.

Book Review: Honest to God by Bill Hybels

Great Guide for Head, Heart and Hands Christianity

One of the things I have been convinced of about Christianity for a long time is that people have strengths primarily in either their intellect, or are action oriented, but few are able to balance their Christian lives in the area of their mind, emotions, and activity for the sake of Christ.

I read this book over twenty years ago, and re-read it again in my forties – and after being a pastor and life-coach for the past twenty plus years – I still think this is the best introduction to living a balanced Christian life available. I think the reason Bill Hybels will finish well (and we can finish well) is because of the responsibility he takes in seriously working out (not “for” – Philippians 2:12-13) his salvation with the help of the Holy Spirit by God’s grace. In this book Bill Hybels gives the practical ways that he, and we can balance our lives through various spiritual disciplines.

Bill Hybels gets a lot of flack from a lot of people in the Christian community for a lot of reasons (I think mainly, because a lot of pastors are jealous of him) – but I think he has proven over many years of ministry that he is teachable, and humble, and by God’s grace will finish well.

In this book Hybels gives practical ways to balance the head, heart, and hands aspects of living out the Christian life. I think the most helpful chapters are:

Chapter 2 – He talks about how to pray, journal, and evaluate your life in the light of God’s Word strategically and intentionally.

Chapter 8 – On how to deal biblically and authentically with the emotions – the heart.

Chapter 13 – In this chapter Hybels writes about the importance of keeping physically fit and how the body is God’s temple.

My only regret (at the writing of this review, June 2011) is that this book is out of print. I sure hope and pray that it will be revised in the near future, so other believers can learn how to practically balance their head, heart, and hands for the glory of God.

Book Review: Christ Formed In You by Brian Hedges

Justification and Sanctification in Harmony

 Brian Hedges’ first book is a clear presentation of the gospel and how the gospel impacts our salvation and the process of being conformed to the image of Christ. The organization of the book and the combination of biblical exegesis, quotes from God-centered writers of the past and present, and some very good illustrations combine to make this a book that is really a reference work that one can use again and again on the topics in the three major sections of the book:

Part 1: The Foundations for Personal Change – All five chapters in this section are related to how the gospel powerfully changes us to conform us to the image of Christ.

Part 2: The Pattern of Personal Change – Focuses on four key areas of growth in the Christian life – Holiness, Dying to Sin, Understanding and Applying Grace, and the Quest for Joy.

Part 3: The Means of Personal Change – Three chapters on “how” to become more like Christ – Practicing the Spiritual Disciplines; Preparing for and the purposes of suffering; and living out the Christian faith in the context of community.

The book also has a very extensive section of helpful notes, a general index, and a Scripture index.

I think this is an especially good book for young believers or Christians that would like to see the interplay of the gospel with reference to what saves us, and how we walk in that salvation. I think what would make this book more helpful is a study guide or application questions at the end of each chapter. I think this book could easily be used and very beneficial for a small group, and even for a membership class – because it covers many of the essential teachings related to becoming a disciple of Jesus.

Shepherd Press provided a free copy of this book for my honest review.

Book Review: When Being Good, Isn’t Good Enough by Steve Brown

All of *Steve Brown’s books contain great illustrations, stories, quotes, and make you laugh and sometimes cry. He has the ability (as few do) to make reformed theology fun.

This book is no exception. I think that Chapter 2 “The Music of Freedom” (a marvelous parable on sanctification) is worth the price of the book. Brown writes this book to help stave off the legalism that is so prevalent among Christians. He writes this book to articulate this thesis: “Obedience doesn’t lead to freedom. Freedom leads to obedience. If that is backwards you lose both your freedom and eventually your obedience.”

The number one reason to read this book is that it will encourage you. It will fill you with practical principles from God’s Word that will help you tap into the glorious riches you already have in Christ.

*Steve Brown is a radio broadcaster, seminary professor and author. He previously served as a pastor for over twenty-five years and now devotes much of his time to the radio broadcast, Key Life.

With such varied experience and unique perspective on life, Steve is an original. He refuses to be a “guru,” doesn’t want to be anyone’s mother and gives, in his teaching, the freedom to think. Overall, Steve has become known for his refreshing and practical Biblical applications.

Steve serves as Professor Emeritus of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry at Reformed Theological Seminary. He sits on the board of the National Religious Broadcasters and Harvest USA. Traveling extensively, Steve is a much-in-demand speaker.

Steve is the author of numerous books including A Scandalous Freedom, What Was I Thinking? and Approaching God. His articles appear in such magazines and journals as Leadership, Decision, Plain Truth and Today’s Christian Woman.

Book Review: The Constantine Codex by Paul L. Maier

Dr. Paul Maier is the Russell H. Seibert Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University. He holds a PhD.; from the University of Basel (1957)
and is an expert in Ancient Near East; Ancient Greece; Ancient Rome; Christianity and the Roman Empire; & the Reformation Era. He is a Distinguished Scholar and has received the Alumni Teaching Excellence award & Professor of the Year award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.

Dr. Maier’s research includes a variety of methodologies involved in manuscript and text analysis, archaeology, and comparison of sacred and secular sources from the first century A.D. I give all this background because the author is not your typical fiction writer – he is an erudite scholar with a passion for history and gifted in communicating in a way that is fun and exciting.

This is the third book in a series of historical fiction that Dr. Maier has written. The first book was called “A Skeleton in God’s Closet” (Thomas Nelson, 1994); and the second was called “More Than a Skeleton” (Thomas Nelson, 2003). It’s been a long time coming for this third book in the series but well worth the wait. Dr. Maier is fun to read because he is a gifted historian, theologian, teacher, and writer. Therefore, for those who enjoy a good work of fiction and learning history to boot – anything by Maier is a treat.

The great thing about Maier’s fictional works is that they all stand-alone. The main characters are the same, but you will not be lost if you start with any of the three books. My recommendation would be to read all three of these books in order.

The main character in the story is Dr. Jonathan Weber. He is a professor of theology at Harvard, an archaeologist, and the best selling author of a book called “Jesus of Nazareth.” This book is full of twists and turns, intrigue and suspense, and keeps you engaged with a well developed plot until the end of the book. Another winner from Maier!

Book Review: On Being a Leader for God by Warren W. Wiersbe

I have never been disappointed reading anything by Wiersbe. He is especially helpful for anyone who teaches the Scriptures. This book is filled with helpful bible verses, quotes, stories, and illustrations of what it means to be a godly and biblical leader for God’s glory. He has a way of writing that always keeps you interested, turning the page, and constantly saying to yourself, “That was an excellent point…” or “well put.”

According to Wiersbe, “Christian leaders are people who, by faith, willingly use their character, abilities, authority, and opportunities to serve others and to help them reach their fullest potential, to their benefit, the benefit of the organization, and the glory of God.” The body of the book is used as a practical exposition of this definition of leadership.

Warren Wiersbe uses his pastoral experience and breadth of reading and writing experience to give us a plethora of Biblical, historical, and modern day examples of what makes for an outstanding leader of God.

Reading Wiersbe is like reading from a Biblical Patriarch. He is knowledgeable, godly, wise, and puts the leadership principles on the bottom shelf – where any Christian can learn and grow to become a better leader for God as a result of reading and applying the principles laid out in this excellent book.

*Distinguished Professor of Preaching at Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary, Warren Wiersbe is the author of more than 100 books. Billy Graham calls him “one of the greatest Bible expositors of our generation.” Interestingly, Warren’s earliest works had nothing to do with scriptural interpretation. His interest was in magic, and his first published title was Action with Cards (1944).

“It was sort of imbecilic for a fifteen-year-old amateur magician to have the audacity to write a book and send it to one of the nation’s leading magic houses,” Warren says. But having a total of three books published by the L.L. Ireland Magic Company—before the age of 20—gave him a surge of confidence. In later years, he applied his confidence and writing talent to the Youth for Christ (YFC) ministry.

Warren wrote many articles and guidebooks for YFC over a three-year period, but not all his manuscripts were seen by the public eye. One effort in particular, The Life I Now Live, based on Galations 2:20, was never published. The reason, Warren explains with his characteristic humor, is simple: it was “a terrible book…Whenever I want to aggravate my wife, all I have to say is, ‘I think I’ll get out that Galations 2:20 manuscript and work on it.’” Fortunately, Warren’s good manuscripts far outnumbered the “terrible” ones, and he was eventually hired by Moody Press to write three books.

The much-sought-after author then moved on to writing books for Calvary Baptist Church. It was during his ten years at Calvary that Expository Outlines on the New Testament and Expository Outlines on the Old Testament took shape. These two works later became the foundation of Warren’s widely popular Bible studies known as the Be series, featuring such titles as Be Loyal (a study on Matthew) and Be Delivered (a study on Exodus). Several of these books have been translated into Spanish.

His next avenue of ministry was Chicago’s Moody Memorial Church, where he served for seven years. He wrote nearly 20 books at Moody before moving to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he and his wife, Betty, now live. Prior to relocating, he had been the senior pastor of Moody Church, a teacher at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a producer of the Back to the Bible radio program.

During all these years of ministry, Warren held many more posts and took part in other projects too numerous to mention. His accomplishments are extensive, and his catalog of biblical works is indeed impressive and far-reaching (many of his books have been translated into other languages). But Warren has no intention of slowing down any time soon, as he readily explains: “I don’t like it when people ask me how I’m enjoying my ‘retirement,’ because I’m still a very busy person who is not yet living on Social Security or a pension. Since my leaving Back to the Bible, at least a dozen books have been published, and the Lord willing, more are on the way.”

Wiersbe’s recent books include Your Next Miracle, The 20 Essential Qualities of a Child of God, The Bumps are What You Climb On, Classic Sermons on the Fruit of the Spirit, Classic Sermons on Jesus the Shepherd, Key Words of the Christian Life, Lonely People, A Gallery of Grace, Real Peace: Freedom and Conscience in the Christian Life, and Preaching in Black and White: What We Can Learn From Each Other.

Book Review: What Is A Healthy Church? By Mark Dever

This book is essentially a condensed version of “Nine Marks of a Healthy Church” by Mark Dever – Pastor of a Large Conservative Baptist Church in Washington D.C. What makes this book valuable is the concise presentation of the nine practices that make for a healthy church. It is a good resource for a church staff, elder board, deacon board, or small group to go through. I used it to teach through the “nine marks” in an adult Sunday school class in the church where I am the senior pastor.

The Nine Marks of a Healthy Church are as Follows:

1)    Expository Preaching

2)    Biblical Theology

3)    A Biblical Understanding of the Good News

4)    A Biblical Understanding of Conversion

5)    A Biblical Understanding of Evangelism

6)    A Biblical Understanding Membership

7)    Biblical Church Discipline

8)    Biblical Discipleship and Growth

9)    Biblical Church Leadership

I think that any church that focuses on these areas is going to be pretty solid. However, it doesn’t guarantee health. I think character and emotional health come into play as well – e.g. – 1 Corinthians 13 talks about love being an essential quality of the church; also, many churches have good doctrine, infrastructure, and do all the above, but live in a false peace (see Peter Scazzero’s – The Emotionally Healthy Church).

Overall, I recommend this little book as an introductory primer as a good evaluation tool, containing specific areas for local churches to have a good “check list” of ideas and practices to shoot for as they seek to be more Biblical in what they do when they gather together as a local church body. For more detail then what Dever writes in this book – I would recommend the slightly larger book – Nine Marks of a Healthy Church.

Book Review: Johann Sebastian Bach (Christian Encounters Series) by Rick Marschall

In 1 Corinthians 10:31, the apostle Paul writes, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (ESV).” The author makes it clear throughout this book that the master musician – Johann Sebastian Bach – set out to do this very thing – make music to the glory of God. I think the author does a good job of balancing the personal, professional, and lasting legacy of arguably the greatest musician who ever walked the face of the earth.

I have listened to a lot of Bach’s music before reading this book (particularly through the masterful guitar playing of Christopher Parkening). However, I really enjoyed everything about the book. I liked hearing some of the technical stuff (as a non-musician), it was very interesting. I also liked the way the author inserted historical and cultural aspects related to Bach’s life. The reading was a little bit choppy and sometimes tangential, but held my attention, because of the man he was writing about.

Overall – I am inspired to learn more, and read more about Bach. I finished the book with a longing for more Bach’s in our own time. Reading this book challenged me to pray for more geniuses and hard workers who will penetrate our culture with master pieces in music, the arts, inventions, all to the glory of God!

I long for those who (like Bach) would pray and write “Jesus help me” (Jesu, Juva) before they begin their work, and “to God alone be the glory” (Soli Deo Gloria) when they finish their work. Bach certainly is an example of someone who took to heart Paul’s words to the Colossians, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (3:23, ESV).” We would do well to “go and do likewise.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God by Rueben P. Job & Norman Shawchuck

For those looking to break out of a “prayer slump” this is a very good place to start. I have used this book as a companion with me in my quiet time for close to a year, and it’s been very helpful in keeping me focused, theological, devotionally inclined, and most importantly – it has nurtured my walk in intimacy with Jesus.

The book is divided into The Christian Calendar:

–   The Season of Advent

–   The Season of Christmas

–   The Day of Epiphany

–   The Season of Lent

–   The Season of Easter

–   The Day of Pentecost

–   The Season of Pentecost

There are a total of 56 sections to guide you in meditation, prayer, and Bible readings for each day. One of the most important aspects of this guide to prayer are the sections for reflection – containing great writing with poignant theological, devotional, and practical insights gleaned from the writing of ancient and modern saints. I highly recommend any of the Prayer Guides in the “Upper Room Books” series.