Review: Famine in the Land
Famine in the Land by Steven Lawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Famine In The Land by Steven Lawson sets forth the virtues of expository preaching. As the title suggests, the author sees a shortage of this food from the Word. Lawson makes a good case for the mode of preaching as being expository.
Exposition should make up a majority of the ministry in the church. Even when preaching topically, exposition should be used. Though the expository method should be used extensively, it is not the only method. The skilled preacher will be versed in various methods, using them carefully and skillfully to best communicate the truth of God’s Word to his hearers.
Lawson’s book is worth reading and hopefully it will stir up some fire for this most excellent method of preaching.
Review: Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?
Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? by Seth Godin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Excellent book. Most everyone would benefit from reading this book. Godin is uncommon and much of what he writes has application beyond business and marketing. Ideas that are not acted on are worthless and so are projects that don’t ship. I imagine the "lizard brain" speak will jar some, but don’t get hung up on it. I need to be pushed. You need to be pushed and this book will push you. I recommend it.
Review: A Rulebook for Arguments
A Rulebook for Arguments by Anthony Weston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Argument here does not refer to the equivalent of a verbal fistfight. Rather, argument refers to reasoning and rhetoric. It is generally persuasive in style, or at least should be, and should reasonably follow standards of logic or critical thinking. Argument is defining, expounding, and defending a proposition or premise. It may also be the reverse if it is aimed at deconstructing an erroneous conclusion.
Therefore, argument is of extreme importance to preachers. It is the preacher’s vocation to be defining, expounding, and defending the propositions of Holy Scripture. For that matter, every Christian is to conscientiously defend and contend for the faith and should be concerned about good argument evaluation and construction.
In this vein, I recommend A Rulebook for Arguments by Anthony Weston. This is a rulebook as the title suggests, but it is concise and readable. The book should be read through one time and then referred to often when analyzing or building arguments. Its brevity is one aspect of its value. You can refer to a section and quickly refresh your memory about some concept. The author does also give some sources for larger works if the reader is interested.
Review: If You Could Ask God One Question
If You Could Ask God One Question by Paul Williams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
A practical and helpful book. It is outreach oriented and apologetically engaged without the high technical aspect of some apologetics works. Technical works certainly have their place, but this book fills in an under-supplied area.
This could be given to a lost friend or coworker without worrying that it would be inaccessible or irrelevant to them. It is not a stand-alone evangelistic book but could probably open a door for further conversation. It could help to break the ice with someone you have been wanting to witness to but can never seem to turn the conversation to weightier matters.
The book deals with many common questions people have in relation to God and the Bible. The answers are not exhaustive but are well done. This helps to keep the book concise and more likely to be read. The style is conversational and interesting. Christians would be benefited by reading it to think about these questions and their answers.
Review: Words to Winners of Souls
Words to Winners of Souls by Horatius Bonar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An older preacher brother gave me this little book. He told me he had read several times and would read it more. That piqued my interest, but once I started reading, it didn’t take long to give my consent. This book is challenging and convicting just the way we need it. It’s a good book to read around the end of the year to challenge you to the year ahead.
It is short so it can be read quickly and it will minister to your soul. If nothing else, I would recommend reading Bonar’s section on barrenness in the ministry every so often.
