Book Reviews
Presence, Power, and Promise (eds. David G. Firth and Paul D. Wegner)
FIRTH, David G. Firth and Paul D. Wegner, eds., Presence, Power and Promise: The Role of the Spirit of God in the Old Testament, Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2011, 415 pp. $24.00 paperback, ISBN 978-0-8308-3975-5. Review by Kevin Williford Throughout the church’s history, Christians have often found it difficult to relate to the Old Testament (“OT”). On the one hand, some write off the Old Testament as being, well, the “Old” Testament, and view it as having little relevance to them, or as having been replaced by the “New” Testament...
read morePerspectives on Tithing (ed. David Croteau)
Review by Craig Batts “When evangelicals in the United States, living in the most prosperous global economy, still give less than 3 percent of their income to Christian causes – something is wrong with our understanding of God’s mandate for generous giving!” [1] These words are the first to greet the reader upon opening the cover of one of the latest books in the Broadman & Holman Perspectives series. Jeff Iorg’s endorsement would probably draw little argument from the majority of pastors in today’s materialistic culture. Few issues have...
read moreIntentional Integrity: Ten Life Strategies for Wholeness from the Book of Job (Dr. Garnett Reid)
“‘Don’t the Bible say we must love everybody?’ ’O, the Bible! To be sure, it says a great many things; but, then, nobody thinks of doing them,’” responds Henrique to young Eva in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s highly influential novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin [1]. Unfortunately in contemporary times, an ambiguous dichotomy has been drawn between theology and practical Christian living. Though there is obvious knowledge of theological issues among many believers, there is also an obvious void of real-life transformation. Current books even reflect and...
read moreMobilizing Hope: A Review
Review by Matthew Bracey Compassion. Love. Justice. Hope. These have become buzzwords in recent history for a brighter future and better tomorrow. Generational studies even reveal that the late Generation X and Millennial generations care in particular for the marginalized and the oppressed [1]. Yet as Christians, the question we must ask ourselves is where we fit into this growing trend. In Mobilizing Hope, Adam Taylor offers an answer. He proposes that believers are called to extend radical, Christ-like love to the undesirables and sinful...
read moreBusiness for the Common Good (Kenman L. Wong and Scott B. Rae)
Review by Phillip T. Morgan Christians in the Marketplace Modern Christians often struggle with understanding how and why they should integrate their Christian beliefs with the rest of their lives. InterVarsity Press has noted this trend and printed a series of books to address this issue in various fields of study. In Business for the Common Good, they explore how Christian professionals can integrate their faith into the marketplace. Written by series editors, Francis J. Beckwith and J. P. Moreland, the series’ preface is a magnificent,...
read moreClassical Arminianism: A Theology of Salvation (Leroy Forlines)
Review By Christopher Talbot The distinguished British evangelical John Stott once said, “Theology is a serious quest for the true knowledge of God, undertaken in response to His self-revelation, illumined by Christian tradition, manifesting a rational inner coherence, issuing in ethical conduct, resonating with the contemporary world and concerned for the greater glory of God” [1]. If one seeks to understand God through His revealed word, the Bible, then theology is inevitable. In a culture of diverse theological opinions, a biblical...
read moreWhosoever Will: A Biblical-Theological Critique of Five-Point Calvinism (eds. David Allen and Steve Lemke)
After centuries of debate, the words “Calvinism” and “Arminianism” remain as buzz words that continue to spark discussion among evangelicals today. As denominations have begun returning to their doctrinal roots, such discussions have become more rampant in order to combat issues brought forth by Protestant liberalism and the postmodern culture. This returning to the sources (ad fontes) has had significant impact upon younger Christians. Time Magazine has listed Calvinism as one of the top ten ideas that is changing the world right now [1]....
read moreChurch Planting Is For Wimps (Mike McKinley)
Review by Ryan Johnston Don’t Wimp Out Ministry is difficult. Even more daunting is ministry in the 21st century as people increasingly come from different backgrounds, life-stages, and socioeconomic and educational classes. These differences result in a myriad of attitudes, personalities, and family connections. Despite these challenges, many pastors have taken up the mantle to faithfully call people to godliness. However, ministry does not always mean being a senior pastor at an established, well-organized, and structured church. ...
read moreThe Church and the Surprising Offense of God’s Love (Jonathan Leeman)
Review by Jesse F. Owens Since the dawn of the Church there have always been those opposed to the work of God and His Church. Some have persecuted it, others have corrupted it and, in the present day, many are largely apathetic toward it. Understandably, pastors are concerned for the culture and are curious as to what may done to bolster their church’s attendance. While the Church has properly diagnosed the problem, an appropriate remedy cannot seem to be agreed upon. Christian bookstores are flooded with bestsellers that offer different...
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