Book Review: Gospel-Centred Church: Becoming the Community God Wants You to Be
Gospel-Centred Church by Steve Timmis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a practical treatment of Gospel-centeredness in a church. “Gospel-Centered” is a buzz word you see and hear a lot. Not everyone means the same thing by it and there are reasons to be very cautious with the approach. Though not agreeing with everything, I think Timmis and Chester are using it mostly right–how the Gospel shapes and directs the community of the church, including discipleship, evangelism, etc.
The book is designed as a study, so there are questions for discussion and such. It would be a good study for groups to work through. Some things will seem outlandish, but hear them out. I assure you will be challenged and convicted. The authors goal is not to give a church template but to help direct focus and provoke strategic thinking.
Review: Conversion: How God Creates a People
Conversion: How God Creates a People by Michael Lawrence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is an excellent, brief treatment of the subject. Christians in general wobble between extremes on what conversion is and does in the life of a convert. Michael Lawrence speaks clearly on repentance, faith, change of life, holiness, etc. He treats conversion as the life and death matter it truly is. Lawrence also places conversion in the context of the local church, which is rarely done.
The author has called us to a clearer presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the cost of discipleship. It’s a book I would want every Christian to read and consider, but especially pastors.
Review: On the Incarnation
On the Incarnation by Athanasius of Alexandria
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is an excellent and early apologetic for the Christian faith and the incarnation of Christ.
Review: The Pastor’s Justification: Applying the Work of Christ in Your Life and Ministry
The Pastor’s Justification: Applying the Work of Christ in Your Life and Ministry by Jared C. Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an overall good book. Wilson is readable and relatable, maybe those are the same. His background and journey may not resonate with all, but I think his primary aim was to help pastors apply the Gospel to their own hearts and ministries. This book can be helpful, but you probably need a few bruises to appreciate it.
Review: The Trellis and the Vine
The Trellis and the Vine by Colin Marshall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Disciples of Jesus make disciples of Jesus, who in turn make disciples of Jesus. I think you see where this is going. What is a church? A church is a called out assembly of disciples joined together in making other disciples. More could be said, but this is vital. Pastors make disciples but are also tasked with training disciples to make other disciples, and so on. This is the Gospel work churches are called to do. It’s so easy to get off point and begin to be about many other things.
I wish I had read this book years ago. I cannot recommend it strongly enough. This is what pastors and church members are to be about.
