Worthy of the title of classic. Fascinating look at a murder and the psychological, sociological, and religious perspectives on the nature of sin. Som...moreWorthy of the title of classic. Fascinating look at a murder and the psychological, sociological, and religious perspectives on the nature of sin. Some tough parts to get through due to the culture gaps, but very well worth the effort. (less)
Simply fantastic look at the humanity of Jesus Christ. Ware takes on some of the most difficult questions about Jesus' humanity (When did he know he w...moreSimply fantastic look at the humanity of Jesus Christ. Ware takes on some of the most difficult questions about Jesus' humanity (When did he know he was God or the Messiah? How did he learn? Could he have sinned?) and answers them with stunning clarity. A few heavy theological passages, but written at the level of the layperson who wants to understand his savior's humanity more deeply. Really, really good.(less)
Excellent short treatise on the topic of Jesus as the "Son of God," its OT background and use in the NT, and its practical implications for Christians...moreExcellent short treatise on the topic of Jesus as the "Son of God," its OT background and use in the NT, and its practical implications for Christians and in translation in Muslim contexts. Vintage Carson. (less)
Interesting refutation of many of the claims of sociologists about Christianity, although a lot of the data gets a little monotonous and some of his c...moreInteresting refutation of many of the claims of sociologists about Christianity, although a lot of the data gets a little monotonous and some of his conclusions seem a little suspect as well. Worth the read, but nothing earth-shattering here.(less)
Simply fantastic. Short, quick, powerful stuff. Should be required reading for every Christian to understand their position and identity before God in...moreSimply fantastic. Short, quick, powerful stuff. Should be required reading for every Christian to understand their position and identity before God in the gospel.(less)
Really good introduction to the Christian faith from one of my favorite rappers. Trip states in the book he wants to be a pastor one day, and that see...moreReally good introduction to the Christian faith from one of my favorite rappers. Trip states in the book he wants to be a pastor one day, and that seems like it will be a great fit for him now that he's leaving the music game. He knows his stuff, knows the Bible well, and has a pastor's heart. He does a great job here of restating the fundamental truths of Christianity in terms that will be very understandable for those encountering it fresh.(less)
Having been a fan of Creed back in high school (My Own Prison is still one of my all-time favorite albums), and having followed Scott's story in the h...moreHaving been a fan of Creed back in high school (My Own Prison is still one of my all-time favorite albums), and having followed Scott's story in the headlines since then, I thought this was a fascinating read. His childhood stories of his step-father were heart-wrenching and saddening. Cool story overall of God relentlessly pursuing someone through their sin and pride to redeem them.(less)
Surprised by how much I disagreed with in this book, despite agreeing with most of the overall conclusions. There are much better books on the theolog...moreSurprised by how much I disagreed with in this book, despite agreeing with most of the overall conclusions. There are much better books on the theology of these issues, but few can match Lewis' intellect and command of language. (less)
Spectacular vision for the complimentary view of gender and marriage. Instead of presenting the biblical case for the view (which he and Wayne Grudem...moreSpectacular vision for the complimentary view of gender and marriage. Instead of presenting the biblical case for the view (which he and Wayne Grudem did in "Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood"), Piper attempts to show the beauty of the vision here. I think he's very successful. I really enjoyed and was challenged by talking through numerous sections of this with my wife.(less)
Very practical and theologically sound picture of what marriage looks like when 2 sinners decide to live together in the covenant of marriage. His exp...moreVery practical and theologically sound picture of what marriage looks like when 2 sinners decide to live together in the covenant of marriage. His experience and examples are very helpful, as is the picture of marriage he attempts to build.(less)
Amazing series of expositions on 1 John (the first in a 5-volume series). The chapter on the blood of Christ (and his discussion of justification and...moreAmazing series of expositions on 1 John (the first in a 5-volume series). The chapter on the blood of Christ (and his discussion of justification and sanctification) alone is worth reading the whole book. Clear, practical, and doxological, Lloyd-Jones was simply a fantastic preacher of the bible, and that shows immensely in this book.(less)
The Old Testament tends to be avoided by many preachers because of the difficulty in connecting its narratives and seemingly sterile passages to moder...moreThe Old Testament tends to be avoided by many preachers because of the difficulty in connecting its narratives and seemingly sterile passages to modern life, but Davis succeeds in Joshua in bucking this trend. He makes even the apparently tedious passages come alive with truths about our God and his faithfulness to his people. He also brings those truths into the present and provides relevant and interesting application for us today. His scholarly wisdom is clear throughout, but it is his pastor’s heart and ability to explain complex doctrines at the level of the layman that makes this book invaluable as a pastoral resource. For personal edification, as an example of preaching well from the Old Testament, and as an example of how a pastor should engage God’s word, I truly enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it.(less)
Would give it 3.5/5. Overall, very good take on the importance of husbands taking the lead in their marriages and continuing to pursue their wives. So...moreWould give it 3.5/5. Overall, very good take on the importance of husbands taking the lead in their marriages and continuing to pursue their wives. Some great reminders of the how important this is. There's some questionable exegesis of Genesis 2, but the principles are still valid for understanding a husband's role in marriage. The practical sections are helpful as well. Good, but not great.(less)
A little dry in some places, but overall, a very good summary of the Old Testament books. The authors do a good job of summarizing the text and the ke...moreA little dry in some places, but overall, a very good summary of the Old Testament books. The authors do a good job of summarizing the text and the key themes without simply walking through each book. (less)
Interesting quick bio of Jeremy Lin documenting his first few weeks in the NBA and commenting on his career from a Christian perspective (including so...moreInteresting quick bio of Jeremy Lin documenting his first few weeks in the NBA and commenting on his career from a Christian perspective (including some interesting discussion of the comparisons with Tim Tebow). Love Kluck's writing so enjoyed this quick read.(less)