A poor man's Stephen Clark with short, but good exegesis of the key Scripture passages as well as using nature and the sciences to back up his claims A poor man's Stephen Clark with short, but good exegesis of the key Scripture passages as well as using nature and the sciences to back up his claims that men and women are different and made for different tasks. Someone needs to write a newer book like this one where exegesis and scientific research meet to prove that God made men and women different for different purposes. ...more
A superb book on the Ten Commandments, as well as the way of salvation. It covers a large section of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Full of practiA superb book on the Ten Commandments, as well as the way of salvation. It covers a large section of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Full of practical, pointed wisdom that is too much frowned upon these days. A little over the top in places, but overall great and worth reading. Watson is a wordsmith too, which makes for a fun read. ...more
A good detective story, but too graphic in content for my personal convictions. There are ways of getting at what the criminal is doing without being A good detective story, but too graphic in content for my personal convictions. There are ways of getting at what the criminal is doing without being so graphic. ...more
I read this every year. I love it because it speaks so clearly and directly about the primary reasons for the Reformation and it indicts our current PI read this every year. I love it because it speaks so clearly and directly about the primary reasons for the Reformation and it indicts our current Protestant church culture which treats worship with a fearful lightness that Calvin would find just as dangerous at the Roman Catholic excesses of the day. ...more
My first Owen book and, from my understanding, not like his other works. But I found it an excellent book for this time in my life. The difficult timeMy first Owen book and, from my understanding, not like his other works. But I found it an excellent book for this time in my life. The difficult times Owen is referring to our not so much personal as corporate. He has in mind the general state of England during that time not so much personal trials though the crossover is easy. Owen is personal, direct, and pastoral throughout the book. He is not so much a surgeon cutting out a cancer as a preacher pleading with his congregation to repent and turn. There is his typical focus on obedience. One of my favorite phrases from the book was the idea of "pursuing your prayers." What he means is after you pray you must work to see the prayer answered. If you pray that the Lord would help you defeat sin and yet you refuse to work towards that end your prayer is a lie. There was a lot of really good devotional material in it. Also, it is well organized by the editors ...more
A solid, short introduction to the Synod of Dort. The more I read Miller the more I like him. I do not agree on everything, but Miller is a solid guidA solid, short introduction to the Synod of Dort. The more I read Miller the more I like him. I do not agree on everything, but Miller is a solid guide on many issues. ...more
A decent, introduction to the doctrine of Scripture. However, I would recommend Kevin DeYoung's, Taking God at His Word, before this one. Not a bad boA decent, introduction to the doctrine of Scripture. However, I would recommend Kevin DeYoung's, Taking God at His Word, before this one. Not a bad book by any means. But it would not be high on my list to recommend.
My Rating System 1 Star-Terrible book and dangerous. Burn it in the streets.
2 Stars-Really bad book, would not recommend, probably has some dangerous ideas in it or could just be so poorly written/researched that it is not worth reading. Few books I read are 1 or 2 stars because I am careful about what I read.
3 Stars-Either I disagree with it at too many points to recommend it or it is just not a good book on the subject or for the genre. Would not read it again, reference it, or recommend it. But it is not necessarily dangerous except as a time waster.
4 Stars-Solid book on the subject or for the genre. This does not mean I agree with everything in it. I would recommend this book to others and would probably read it again or reference it. Most books fall in this category because I try not to read books I don’t think will be good. There is a quite a variety here. 3.6 is pretty far from 4.5.
5 Stars-Excellent book. Classic in the genre or top of the line for the subject. I might also put a book in here that impacted me personally at the time I read it. I would highly recommend this book, even if I do not agree with all that it says. For fiction it means it was really well written, good plot, characters, etc. ...more
The number of suicides in the United States in 2017 was 47,173. In 2014 there were 13 suicides per 100,000. Pastors, other church leaders, parents, anThe number of suicides in the United States in 2017 was 47,173. In 2014 there were 13 suicides per 100,000. Pastors, other church leaders, parents, and Christian magistrates need to teach and preach on the subject before it happens in their immediate context.
This book is a a good place to start. It is an excellent, short work on why suicide is sin, why men commit suicide, and why they shouldn't. The principles are sound even if we would not phrase things exactly as Miller did. Perhaps it would be better titled: "Why men despair and why they shouldn't." All of us, at times can be prone to depression and despair. Therefore we can benefit from this book by asking why we get discouraged when life does not go as we expect or when we are put through particularly difficult trials. Miller digs beneath the surface to look at the false ways we think and our various attachments to the world that can drive us to despair. In particular he notes that undue attachment to the things of this world or to people we love can lead to great despair when those things are lost or people die. He also notes that indulgence can be the seedbed of despair.
The book is relevant despite its age, as he addresses many of the same arguments that you will hear from those who advocate for assisted suicide today. He also notes the argument that all suicides stem from insanity. He argues they do not even as not all murders are committed by insane men.
It is dated in some areas, in particular in addressing the failure of a person to truly belong to a community which, at least today, is often part of the package when it comes to suicide. He does briefly address mental illness, but obviously not to the extent someone would today.
I would not recommend this book for someone who has just had a loved one or friend commit suicide. It is not designed to bring comfort to the grieving. It is designed to warn and admonish those who are considering suicide and to inform parents, pastors, and magistrates.
My Rating System 1 Star-Terrible book and dangerous. Burn it in the streets.
2 Stars-Really bad book, would not recommend, probably has some dangerous ideas in it or could just be so poorly written/researched that it is not worth reading. Few books I read are 1 or 2 stars because I am careful about what I read.
3 Stars-Either I disagree with it at too many points to recommend it or it is just not a good book on the subject or for the genre. Would not read it again, reference it, or recommend it. But it is not necessarily dangerous except as a time waster.
4 Stars-Solid book on the subject or for the genre. This does not mean I agree with everything in it. I would recommend this book to others and would probably read it again or reference it. Most books fall in this category because I try not to read books I don’t think will be good. There is a quite a variety here. 3.6 is pretty far from 4.5.
5 Stars-Excellent book. Classic in the genre or top of the line for the subject. I might also put a book in here that impacted me personally at the time I read it. I would highly recommend this book, even if I do not agree with all that it says. For fiction it means it was really well written, good plot, characters, etc. ...more
This might be my favorite Connelly read so far. Two things he does really well: He gets you into the story or the situation (such as the courtroom sceThis might be my favorite Connelly read so far. Two things he does really well: He gets you into the story or the situation (such as the courtroom scenes), but the doesn't drag on and on. His pacing is great
Second, he leaves clues, but the reader rarely sees them as clues until the reveal is in.
He is my favorite mystery writer right now. ...more
There is not much written on the unique relationship between fathers and daughters. This book fills in that gap. It is excellent. Perhaps most strikinThere is not much written on the unique relationship between fathers and daughters. This book fills in that gap. It is excellent. Perhaps most striking is that she reinforces gender stereotypes, which is a good things and encourages fathers to be the authority in their daughters lives while also loving them. She gives a lot of excellent examples from her own practice. All fathers with daughters could benefit from it. ...more
A great book that gives the central principles for why the family exists. It provides the foundation for Man of the House. His discussion of piety is A great book that gives the central principles for why the family exists. It provides the foundation for Man of the House. His discussion of piety is excellent as others have noted. More and more I think that sentimentality has destroyed our view of the household, marriage, children, and just about everything else. Wiley is not sentimental. He has the end in mind. What is the goal of the family? It is not so we can all feel good about ourselves. The household is not recreational nor primarily consumeristic nor is it a group of independent folks each going their own way and then gathering to sleep in the same dwelling. The household has a purpose. This book is truly counter -cultural and Biblical. I would highly encourage all to read it, but especially young men who are in their teens or preparing to marry or newly married. ...more
This was such an excellent book that, at this difficult time in my life, rooted me more in the Word of God. It is not an easy read. But Bavinck goes tThis was such an excellent book that, at this difficult time in my life, rooted me more in the Word of God. It is not an easy read. But Bavinck goes through the scientific certainty and why that type of certainty will not work for matters of faith. Then he works through the various ways we try to gain certainty in matters of faith. Finally he ends by making the ground of our certainty of faith in that we have a word from God. We cannot base our certainty in our own faith. It must be in God and His Word. Certainty, that unshakable, free, joyful, certainty comes from looking at God's Word and saying: Here my faith will rest. What God says I believe. I will not move from it. Really good book. ...more
A solid introduction to the Biblical and historical reasons for the death penalty. The final section addresses some objections from secular people andA solid introduction to the Biblical and historical reasons for the death penalty. The final section addresses some objections from secular people and from Christians. A lot more could be said and the book could be longer and deeper. But if you are looking for a solid outline of the Christian case for the death penalty this is a good place to start. ...more
A series of sermons preached in 1939 as World War II got off the ground. But as is often the case you don't need to be in a war for these sermons to bA series of sermons preached in 1939 as World War II got off the ground. But as is often the case you don't need to be in a war for these sermons to be helpful. The basic questions is: Why does God allow bad things to happen to us? Why does He not answer our prayers when we pray for our sons to come back from war or the cancer to be gone or that relationship to be restored? Lloyd-Jones' oddities are still there. But he makes some excellent points and anyone going through a difficult time would benefit from reading them. ...more
An excellent book that can be summed by saying: Redemption does not undo or nullify created order. God created men and women to be ordered in a certaiAn excellent book that can be summed by saying: Redemption does not undo or nullify created order. God created men and women to be ordered in a certain way. Being in the church does not undo this order. ...more
Solid, but not great. Rebus is hit and miss for me. Maybe it is my addiction to Bosch and other American detectives that make him harder for me to folSolid, but not great. Rebus is hit and miss for me. Maybe it is my addiction to Bosch and other American detectives that make him harder for me to follow. Either way, I will keep reading Rebus. I like him enough to keep entering his world. ...more
This was an excellent introduction to a proper understanding of the two kingdoms doctrine. The doctrine is hard to understand. Littlejohn does a good This was an excellent introduction to a proper understanding of the two kingdoms doctrine. The doctrine is hard to understand. Littlejohn does a good job explaining it and uses some examples. Perhaps most helpful was he refuted the idea that the two kingdoms are the church and state or the church and everything else. The church herself has a foot in both kingdoms.
I doubt he and I would agree on the practical outworking of the doctrine. But that is part of the point. There is some room for disagreement on the particulars.
Also I would be a bit more a biblicist than he is, though I have come around to giving natural law and reason its proper place.
His point about the two kingdoms, properly applied, destroying idolatry was excellent.
Finally, much of the discussion, at least in the church, will center on what is commanded in Scripture and what is adiaphora. We all agree there are places of prudence and wisdom where the church must govern, but are not commanded by Scripture. The great debate centers on what those places are. ...more
A solid, if difficult read addressing some of the objections to just war theory. Some of it was hard to follow as he was addressing really precise argA solid, if difficult read addressing some of the objections to just war theory. Some of it was hard to follow as he was addressing really precise arguments that I was not as familiar with. I would not encourage this as an introduction to just war theory. The first couple of chapters cover the basics and would be good for someone new. But after that he gets into the weeds and it becomes heavy slogging. Still if someone is familiar with just war theory and needs to go more in-depth this is a good book. His chapter on love in war, as well as the one on proportionality were particularly thought provoking. ...more
An excellent book on a much neglected topic in our day. The first few chapters are particularly helpful. At times his too repetitive and could hurt teAn excellent book on a much neglected topic in our day. The first few chapters are particularly helpful. At times his too repetitive and could hurt tender consciences if he is read wrongly. But overall a great book on how to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. Highly recommended. ...more
I know a lot of folks do not enjoy this book as much as some others. However, I really enjoyed it. It was fantastic and profound in ways I did not remI know a lot of folks do not enjoy this book as much as some others. However, I really enjoyed it. It was fantastic and profound in ways I did not remember from previous readings. From the epic take down of a particular view of education in the first chapter to the description of death and heaven near the end, it was wonderful and brought me great joy as I read it. ...more
A short, but solid introduction to a classic reformed view of infant baptism. The more I read Miller, the more I like him. He lays out his arguments iA short, but solid introduction to a classic reformed view of infant baptism. The more I read Miller, the more I like him. He lays out his arguments in a clear fashion that increasing understanding. Good stuff. ...more
This is an academic, heavily footnoted critique of the Rogers/McKim proposal. Woodbridge takes apart their revisionist history to prove that the doctrThis is an academic, heavily footnoted critique of the Rogers/McKim proposal. Woodbridge takes apart their revisionist history to prove that the doctrine of the infallibility of Scripture has been a mainstay in the church. It was not invented by the Princetonians, the Reformers or anyone else late in history.
When you read Woodbridge you get the impression he could have added a lot more. He is well-read across the various disciplines necessary to tackle the subject. At times he says that a certain topic needs more in-depth study in order to form concrete conclusions. In the end, the book is a dry, but devastating critique of the idea that the infallibility of Scripture in all areas, not just matters pertaining to saving faith, has been the consistent teaching of the church since the time of Christ. ...more
I don't review a lot of kid's books. Perhaps I should do more. This book is an almost perfect combination of text and illustration. The pictures are dI don't review a lot of kid's books. Perhaps I should do more. This book is an almost perfect combination of text and illustration. The pictures are delight. The story is wonderful. The little ones wanted it read several nights in a row. ...more
Solid refutation of Hugh Ross's Progressive Creationism. Sarfati covers a lot of ground and addresses many arguments from Ross through direct quotes oSolid refutation of Hugh Ross's Progressive Creationism. Sarfati covers a lot of ground and addresses many arguments from Ross through direct quotes of Ross. I took away one star because he is too snarky at times. He should just let his arguments speak for themselves without throwing the barbs. Still an excellent resource for addressing Ross's claims, as well as many other Christian old-earthers. He can be rather technical in places, but I think that is a positive for the book. ...more
Whether or not you enjoy this book will depend upon what you are looking for. This is an in-depth look at the Greek of Colossians and Philemon. He addWhether or not you enjoy this book will depend upon what you are looking for. This is an in-depth look at the Greek of Colossians and Philemon. He addresses various translations issue, as well as parsing the verbs. He adds some sample preaching outlines at the end of each section, which I enjoyed. At the end of the book he has both a literal translation and a paraphrased/expanded translation. If you looking for a guide to the Greek of these two book it would be hard to find a better resource than this. ...more
An excellent laymen's introduction to various scientific theories that support young earth creation. Garner is humble, but begins as all Christians shAn excellent laymen's introduction to various scientific theories that support young earth creation. Garner is humble, but begins as all Christians should with a plain reading of Genesis 1-11 and then proceeds to give an overview of young earth science in connection to radiometric dateing, ice age, embryo, kinds/species/baramins, worldwide flood, etc. Some chapters are more complicated than others, but on the whole one can understand them.
Several thoughts occurred to me as I read: 1. The Biblical text gives no room for an old earth. A natural reading of the Genesis 1-11, as well a natural reading of the numerous other references to Genesis 1-11, in particular 1-3 throughout Scripture do not just make a young earth probable, they demand it. The more OEC men and others who have theories about the days in Genesis 1 talk the less believable they become.
2. Young earth science takes evolutionists and OEC men a lot more seriously than OEC men and evolutionists take YEC men. I have read numerous OEC and Theistic evolutionists and rarely do I see a book that repeatedly interacts with YEC men. The opposite is rarely true. Garner interacts with numerous secular theories as well some OEC men. He is widely read in his opponents and takes seriously their claims. I know there are some YEC who are guilty of treating their opponents with disrespect, but that group is dwindling.
3. In the end there will only be theistic evolutionists and YECers. I have been convinced of this for years and it is hard to persuade me otherwise at this point. Right now there are some that hold to a middle position or are non-committal on theistic evolution. But the bottom line is that type of person will eventually be faced with a choice. Evolution is the entire reason that OEC exists, even if OEC men will not admit. Eventually one will have to choose.
4. Finally, creation science is starting to do some really good stuff. As Garner says, it is in its infancy and often underfunded when compared with secular counterparts. Nonetheless, YEC scientists continue to do great work with long term experiments designed to answer questions about the earth's beginning, the flood, man, the various kinds/species of animals, etc. Many of these experiments and studies are complex and rigorous. I used to think science was a weak point for the YEC while the Biblical text was a strong point. That is changing, especially as men like Todd Wood and Kurt Wise continue to do experiments, studies and develop theories. YEC science is in good hands. Gone are the days where a man who is primarily a theologian tries to debunk evolution. YEC scientists continue to do excellent work. I am looking forward to the coming years as they study the world God has made....more
My favorite commentary on Colossians. It was long but that was okay. Davenant, like any good pastor, followed numerous rabbit trails. Also unlike mostMy favorite commentary on Colossians. It was long but that was okay. Davenant, like any good pastor, followed numerous rabbit trails. Also unlike most modern commentators he gave application throughout. He did a good job laying out a series of points at the end of many chapters. For a pastor who needs explanation and application of the text, Davenant was excellent....more
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