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.
Review: The Gospel According to Jesus: What Does Jesus Mean When He Says “Follow Me”?
The Gospel According to Jesus: What Does Jesus Mean When He Says "Follow Me"? by John F. MacArthur Jr.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was aware this book was surrounded by controversy, but not informed as to the exact nature of the controversy. I read it on a recommendation from a friend and am glad I did. I appreciated the highlighting of the lordship of Jesus in the Gospel. This truth is emphasized far too little in our day. This book reveals the true picture of Jesus who is Lord and what that means. Many will be offended who prefer their own imagination to Scripture truth. I recommend you read it prayerfully.
Review: God’s Passion for His Glory: Living the Vision of Jonathan Edwards
God’s Passion for His Glory: Living the Vision of Jonathan Edwards by John Piper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is really two books in one. The second part is Jonathan Edward’s work, The End for Which God Created the World. The first part is John Piper’s thoughts, experiences, analysis, and explanation of Edwards’ work. The Edwards text is dense and should be read carefully. They have preserved the text but added some things, such as paragraph numbers, headings, definitions, and footnotes. These editorial additions serve to make the text more readable.
Edwards labors some in the first part of his treatise where he pushes out his reasoning to conclusions. The latter part of his work turns more to the Scripture for foundation and is frankly easier to follow. Edwards first part is important, but the second part is the real meat. It is worth the labor for the section near the end where he gives the scriptural scope and meaning of God’s glory.
Piper’s introductory work helps us understand Edwards more quickly and fully, particularly if you are not familiar with Edwards or with working through such dense material. This is not light reading. It is substantial and weighty, but it will pay dividends again and again in your life. I recommend it.
Review: The Attributes of God
The Attributes of God by Arthur Pink
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Excellent brief book. This is not exhaustive on the subject (Charnock comes to mind), but is very good. Pink always uses many scripture references and the format makes it useful for devotional reading or as a study. This book serves as an introduction to a biblical view of God, which is a high view. It is quite a contrast from the man-centered ramblings so prevalent today. I highly recommend it.
