Review: Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive
Autopsy of a Deceased Church: 12 Ways to Keep Yours Alive by Thom S. Rainer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is painful. It is straightforward and plain. The book is a result of the study of fourteen churches that died, i.e. shut down or closed. Rainer has compiled some of the most common characteristics in those churches. Anyone who has pastored for any length of time, or if you’ve been a member of several churches, you have encountered some or all of these things. If you’ve been involved in church for any length of time, you probably know some churches that are dying or have already died.
Individual churches do die and most die from within. I could pick at some minor things here and there but this subject is serious. Acknowledging the problems in your own church are difficult but it must be done if there’s any hope.
Review: Jonathan Edwards: On Revival
Jonathan Edwards: On Revival by Jonathan Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is made up three different works. “Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God” is an exposition of 1 John 4 where he addresses things that are and are not marks of a true work of the Spirit. This is an excellent treatment of the subject and one where sound thinking is lacking today. If I were to point out a weakness, it would be that it was written in the 1700’s. That’s when Edwards lived so you can hardly fault the man for not living longer. It’s a weakness because he was writing before the rise of revivalism, pentecostalism, and the pervasive and pernicious charismatic influence throughout the world that have mostly exploded in the twentieth century.
The other works are “A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God” and “An Account of the Revival of Religion in Northampton in 1740-1742.” These are the accounts he wrote of the revivals he experienced during his ministry. It is interesting and informative reading.
Review: The Legend of Sam Miracle
The Legend of Sam Miracle by N.D. Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the latest YA novel from N. D. Wilson and may be his best yet.
Review: Saved Without A Doubt: Being Sure of Your Salvation
Saved Without A Doubt: Being Sure of Your Salvation by John F. MacArthur Jr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is an excellent treatment of the assurance of salvation. MacArthur deals with both the objective realities of salvation that show it is secure, and the subjective experiences by which we enjoy assurance. The moment of conversion is often stressed in preaching and writing but perseverance is sorely neglected. Consider these passages:
As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
-John 8:30-31Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
-Hebrews 2:1Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
-Hebrews 4:14And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
-Hebrews 6:11-12Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
-Hebrews 10:38-39
More could be said but this book is a good place to start. For a fuller study on saving faith, I recommend also The Gospel According to Jesus: What is Authentic Faith?
Review: The Message of Ecclesiastes: A Time to Mourn, and a Time to Dance
The Message of Ecclesiastes: A Time to Mourn, and a Time to Dance by Derek Kidner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Excellent commentary. This work is not quite equal to Kidner’s classic commentary on Proverbs, but it is a solid Ecclesiastes commentary. Ecclesiastes is a difficult book but if you can get a hold of the main idea, it does take care of some of the difficulty.
