Gift Cards from Banner!

Just in time for the Christmas, yes Christmas, season Banner of Truth has unveiled a gift card option.  It comes in a larger greeting card and can be redeemed on the Internet and over the phone.  The best news in addition to the Good News?  Banner of Truth is not going out of business, so this gift card will still be valid in 2009! [Read more]

Book Review: Total Church by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis

Chester, Tim and Steve Timmis. Total Church: A Radical Reshaping around Gospel and Community. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2008. 224 pp. $15.99.

Introduction

The authors of this book are also cofounders of a church planting initiative in Sheffield, UK called The Crowded House. The name of that initiative might have doubled as the name of this book. Both men have experience in what they write. Timmis is a former director of Radstock Ministries. There he helped the local church engage in world missions. Chester was a church planter for 15 years. Currently they are serving together as the codirectors of the Porterbrook Network a training and mentoring ministry for church planters.

Summary of Total Church

The book is divided into two parts. The first part is the foundation for the entire book. In it, the authors set out the two key components to the thesis of Total Church. The subtitle of the book shows what these two components are: gospel and community. In this part, Timmis and Chester argue that for a church to be biblical, it must be centered first on the gospel (if Christ was not crucified, buried, raised and ascended, then we have no church). The second focus is that of community. All throughout the book of Acts and the epistles of Paul (as well as the general) we read of a community of believers.

This community is a must in a world that no longer views a Christian as someone who is trustworthy and retainer of the truths found on in “The Book.” Without community, it is so easy to see believers leave the church disenfranchised with fellow believers. Perhaps one of satan’s greatest victories is a lack of community in the local church.

Part two comprises the majority of the book and looks at eleven different areas of “doing church” and how they would be impacted if the gospel and community were central to the local church. Here we see what evangelism and social involvement would look like and how they go hand in hand. Church planting would no longer be a concept approved of but would become a way of life in the local church. Discipleship and Training would not be sought out by young Christians longing to be discipled; rather, they would automatically be discipled and trained without having to sign up for a class. Things like theology and apologetics (seminary or local church?) would be taught.

All of this, plus much more, would ultimately lead to a deeper passion for God. Instead of “doing church” in the form of meetings and administrative work (yes, those have their place in the local church but are not as central as many think), the local church would actually be involved in the community by default. In other words, the content of the local church is the gospel while the context is the community of believers.

Recommendation

While you may not agree with everything the authors have to say, I think the concepts in this book deserve to be looked at and judged in light of Scripture. I would contend that the precepts found in the pages of Total Church are in fact biblical. Thus, I would recommend this book as a mandatory read for any young aspiring pastor. It is even more recommended for those who have a heart for planting churches.

As a matter of church government, I think a third part would have been nice to see that dealt with how best to govern this local body of believers. It is hinted at all throughout the book but never really dealt with explicitly. I realize there are differing opinions on church government, and entering into that debate is not within the parameters of this book, it still would have been nice if they took a stab at showing the infrastructure (humanly speaking) of the local church and how it shapes the duties of the church.

While the subtitle claims “a radical reshaping” of the church, I believe what is at issue is not so much a reshaping as much as it is an issue of sola scriptura. Most churches need to do away with the business and pseudo-business models of church life that focus on administrative work and get back to the heart of what a community of gospel believing sinners should be. In other words, we need to stop doing church in our meetings and offices and be the church doing the work of the gospel in our communities.

Book Review: Unpacking Forgiveness by Chris Brauns

Brauns, Chris. Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2008. 235 pp. $17.99.

Chris Brauns, senior pastor at the Congregational Christian Church of Stillman Valley, Illinois has written a much needed exposition on a much maligned topic. In Unpacking Forgiveness, he offers a study of what Scripture says regarding the discipline of forgiveness. He then gives his readers some basic guidelines to begin what is the long journey to true forgiveness.

Every believer must forgive and ask for forgiveness daily whether they realize it or not. This book helps the Christian to see what exactly that looks like as well as what is entailed in forgiveness. Although it may be controversial, Brauns explains how forgiveness, according to the scriptures, is conditional. Most people want to claim that forgiveness is unconditional and must be handed out freely. This idea of “free forgiveness” is nothing less than a feel-good, therapeutic forgiveness that has nothing to do with the Bible and everything to do with the person who is doing the forgiving.

Brauns painstakingly shows how therapeutic forgiveness solves nothing and more often than not leads to bitterness. Biblical forgiveness is conditional upon repentance. Yes, you can offer forgiveness to someone, but if they are not repentant, then they cannot be forgiven. It may be tough for some to understand this concept, but it must be understood that forgiveness does not have as much to do with the people involved as much as it does with Who is ultimately offended—God.

Each chapter includes a list of discussion questions that can be done alone but is best suited for a group study. This becomes especially important when you are instructed to not forgive the unrepentant and allow for the wrath of God to have the final say (see chapter 12).

While I want to write so much more in this review, I fear I cannot. Because I was challenged in my own preconceived notions—however subconscious they were—of what forgiveness was, I want to share everything I learned. However, if I were to do that, I fear that I would in essence be plagiarizing the book in this review! This book is saturated with scripture and consequently, it is one of the more challenging volumes that has come across my desk in some time. If you are not challenged by this book, then you either did not read it or you are not a believer who has experienced true forgiveness at the foot of the cross.

Suffice it to say that this book belongs on the shelf of every believer. What is more is this book belongs in the libraries of every pastor or nouthetic counselor who really wants to deal with the issue of forgiveness with a member of your congregation or a counselee. For those who have been hurt by a spouse, or parent, or friend, this book is a must read. If you ever want to learn to truly forgive and be content with the person who offended you, then you need to read this book.

God is Still at Work

The following video posted at You Tube is a reminder that God is always at work and that while you are in seminary ministry opportunities still abound.  Check out the Cardboard Testimonies.

Book Review: The New Media Frontier by John Mark Reynolds and Roger Overton

The New Media Frontier: Blogging, Vlogging, and Podcasting for Christ, ed. By John Mark Reynolds and Roger Overton. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2008. 254 pp. $16.99.

The New Media Frontier (TNMF) is a call to arms for the Christian where it concerns the use of technology. This book is directed at any Christian who uses a computer, especially those who blog. The book begins with the oft quoted statement (changed somewhat), “It is the best of times. It is the worst of times.” Those reading this review immediately know what is being implied in regards to TNMF. Every search in a search engine runs the risk of pornography. However, the Internet can most certainly be used for Kingdom purposes as is evidenced by this website and others like it.

TNMF is a series of papers divided into two parts. The first part is called “The Landscape of New Media” and offers an introduction to things like blogging and podcasting. Matthew Lee Anderson offers three dangers to accepting this new media uncritically: desensitization, the deficiencies of online communication, and losing reality by sitting in front of our computer screens.

The second part of TNMF is how to engage the new media. With chapters topics like youth ministry and facebook and virtual classrooms and evangelism and apologetics, this section of the book is like one of those Time Life do-it-yourself series (before DIY was cool!) offering up tips and advice on how to use the Internet for the glory of God.

Each author does a decent job of providing the pros and cons to the use of TNMF. They caution against getting carried away with this new resource and to be mindful of Who is reading. One statement in the book that I thought was of special interest was at the end of the chapter on pastors and the new media. “Blogging turned out to be, like most pastoral efforts, hard work with limited rewards (at least this side of heaven).” (p. 136)

If you are reading this review, then you should read this book. Because the Internet is here to stay, we must all as Christians, and even more so as ministers, become conversant with what is being called the New Media. Yes, it does have its evil side, but it also has its good side. It is our job, I believe, to use this resource for the purpose of the Kingdom, but to do so in a discerning and critical way. This book will be a good start to becoming just that.

Book Alert: Jesus and the Feminists

Nearly every aspect of American society has been affected by the feminist movement, and the church turns out to be no exception. The feminist movement did not merely change the way evangelicals view themselves; it changed the way they view the Word of God.

In Jesus and the Feminists: Who Do They Say That He Is? Margaret Elizabeth Köstenberger tells the story of a movement through the stories and writings of its principal figures. Köstenberger explains, “I have tried to supply you with the facts—the story of these women and their views of Jesus—so that you can form your own opinion as to whether their positions are tenable and biblical.”

Her survey of the feminist movement reveals the radical misunderstanding of Jesus it has facilitated by investigating a wide range of feminist views—including radical, reformist, and evangelical. Jesus and the Feminists enables readers to recognize the assumptions behind feminist interpretations of Scripture and the consequences of building upon those assumptions.

Köstenberger concludes by offering a constructive alternative to all types of feminism in complementarianism. In this way, Jesus and the Feminists guides readers into a better understanding of the biblical message regarding Jesus’ stance toward women and offers both men and women a biblical view of their roles in the church and the home.

Book Review: Busted by Fred Von Kamecke

Von Kamecke, Fred. Busted: Exposing Popular Myths about Christianity (Advanced Readers Copy). Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009. 208 pp. $16.99.

Introduction

Fred Von Kamecke is assistant pastor at The Chapel in Graslake, Illinois and an adjunct professor at Bethel College. He has also served as an adjunct at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) where he also received his PhD in New Testament theology and exegesis. He teaches in the area of New Testament studies.

Summary of Busted

Busted is divided into four sections dealing with various charges, by non-Christians, against Christianity. For the most part, those who bring these charges consider themselves to be open-minded (except when it comes to truth) and more intelligent than those who have faith. However, most who say the things in this book usually parrot the claims. In other words, they heard it once said that the Bible contradicts itself so they now say it even though they have never researched the claim and probably cannot give a specific example.

In the first section, myths about the Bible are tackled. The problem of having so many translations is dealt with along with the reliability of the gospels. Also in this section is a chapter on the validity of miracles.

The second section engages the various myths about Jesus Christ. Was He just another guru? Did He claim to be God or the Messiah? In answering these questions, the author also answers the attacks on the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

Myths about God is the subject of the third section. Subjects like relativism and the Trinity are dealt with in these chapters. Of particular note, the charge that Jews, Christians and Muslims all worship the same God is handled.

Finally, myths about the Christian faith in general are discussed in the fourth section. Dealing with the concept of orthodoxy and anti-Semitism can be found here. Also, perhaps one of the more common charges of worshipping God on a golf course or somewhere but church is handled.

Critique

The author does an excellent job of writing to his stated intended audience—the “average” Christian who has not gone to a Bible college or seminary and honest seekers of truth. Having personally studied apologetics in the past, this book makes for an excellent introduction to the field of philosophically defending the faith.

The scholarship in answering the charges is present but unlike many other introductory apologetic books, Busted is not dry. Fred von Kamecke has a wonderful sense of humor and is very candid in his answers. Reading this book is not like reading a text book. It is conversational in tone and is more representative of an actual conversation that would occur in the workplace or the supermarket.

Each chapter is divided into easily identified sections that show you where the author is directing the conversation. The Going Deeper section at the end of every chapter is nice in that he traces his research and enables the reader to get a head start for his own investigation.

Recommendation

Busted is an excellent introduction into the world of apologetics. This would be a great book to put in the hands of a Christian college student who will undoubtedly be presented with many of these “problems.” I would recommend this book to any Christian or anyone who is questioning the authenticity of the faith.

While many Bible college and seminary students will look at this book as too introductory, I think they would benefit from reading this book as much if not more than the younger Christian who will never enroll in a Bible class at a Bible college or seminary. Sometimes it helps the seminary trained student to learn how to relate to the everyday person rather than the philosophical discussions that abound in the classroom.

John Calvin: Of Prayer and the Christian Life

This month’s free audio book at ChristianAudio.com is John Calvin’s Of Prayer and the Christian Life.  Simply add this selection (as a download) to your cart and then check out.  On your way to the checkout enter NOV2008 in the coupon screen of the payments and shipping.  Then all you need to do is download the audio to your computer and you will have the unabridged reading of Calvin’s Of Prayer and the Christian Life.

Book Review: Spectacular Sins by John Piper

Piper, John. Spectacular Sins. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2008. 121 pp. $15.99. Listen to the Spectacular Sins sermon series at Desiring God.

Have you ever picked up a book thinking it was going to be about one thing and it turns out you were completely wrong? Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ is one of those books. I thought it would be a testimony about how God has glorified His Son through men like Hitler and Stalin. I figured it would be about how God can use the major sins in your life to bring glory to His Son.

I was wrong. Instead, John Piper sounds an alarm to all Christians that a time is coming when it will no longer be safe to be a Christian. He claims that Christians in the West are being “coddled” and therefore we need to prepare ourselves for the trials and tribulations that are sure to come. In calling Christians to a preparedness for these tribulations, Piper seeks to answer the question “Why does God even allow evil?”

Using Colossians 1:16 as a springboard, he gives us his answer. In short it is all for Christ’s glory. Piper showed that God allowed such spectacular sins as the rebellion of Satan, the fall of Adam, the tower of Babel, Joseph, the demand for a king by the Israelites and the betrayal of Judas Iscariot to take place in order that Christ may receive more glory. In essence, if Col. 1:16 is true, then we must live our lives—trials and all—in light of this biblical truth.

I found this book extremely hard to put down. I was enraptured by what Piper had to say. It seemed as though all throughout the book he was building to a crescendo only to see the book just end. It is only then that you realize that the crescendo is your living out the biblical truths presented in Spectacular Sins.

This book is a must read for all Christians. I must agree that there is a time coming when being a Christian will be not only frowned upon but will hazardous to your wellbeing. We need to be reminded that even all the evil and sin that takes place is ultimately for Christ’s glory and we have something far better waiting on the other side of death than what this world has to offer—if you are found in Christ.

Deepen Your Ministry

A Conversation

Recently, I was talking with a friend about ministry and seminary and how it all should come together. It seems as though anyone entering seminary has all of these grand thoughts of being used by God for such great things. For some those “grand thoughts” are just being a faithful preacher of the word at one church (big or little) for many years. For others, those thoughts are on the mission field or writing and teaching. Regardless, I do not know anyone who attends seminary without having “grand thoughts” of what God is going to do.

However, when you get to seminary, it seems that these thoughts come crashing to the ground quickly. Full time seminary is no joke as many will testify, but what about ministerial opportunities? How do you balance those, if they come (they are not promised) with your school work and your family life (if you have a family)?

A Simple Statement

My friend said something simple yet profound. He told me, “You work at deepening your ministry and let God broaden it.” At first, I did not see how that applied to my problem. After all, I was only concerned with how to strike the balance in life between seminary and everything else going on. He explained further that we must make a paradigm shift in our thinking. As believers, we should think of our lives as a ministry. Everything that is happening (family, school, church, work, etc.) should be viewed as a ministry.

I cannot say that I have really thought in those terms. Once my mind began to wrap around the concept of ministry, I began to see clearly what he meant. The only way we can ever strike that balance is to focus on the One who has providentially given us everything we have. Our main focus in life (and this is extremely hard) is to work on our relationship with Jesus Christ. In everything we do, we must be saturated with the cross of Jesus Christ.

It goes without saying; I am sure, that prayer and the reading and memorization of Scripture are the most important things we should do each and every day. What I am finding needs to be said—to myself for certain—is that if we want to see our “grand thoughts” come to fruition we must first seek to deepen our relationship with Christ.

The Most Important Aspect of Seminary

If you are in seminary and you do not have a family, then you have an extra advantage in this task. If you are in seminary and you do not have to work, then you, too, have an extra advantage. If both of these apply to you, then you probably do not have an excuse to be deepening your understanding of God.

However, if you have a family or work or even a ministry, then this becomes pretty tough. I would recommend that you fight for every opportunity to get alone with God and deepen your relationship with Him. Your family will thank you and those who you interact with daily be it a job or a ministry will notice a remarkable difference in your person. The bottom line is if God has blessed you with the opportunity to be in seminary, do not waste it. Plumb the depths of God and you will not be the same person from day to day.

May God bless you on your journey through seminary and life.

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