Miscellaneous Books
Book Reviews by
Fred G. Zaspel
A Call to Spiritual Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Prayers by D. A. Carson (Baker Books)
This is not just another book on prayer. It is theological and pastoral exposition at its best. Carson's treatment of Paul's prayers explores everything from the ground of prayer to excuses for not praying. It provides healthy, Biblical counsel on the subject which in the end serves both as a firm guide to prayer and a motivation to more prayer. This is valuable reading for all Christians. Highly recommended.
Any Objections? by John Legg (Evangelical Press)
Clear and simple answers to common objections to the gospel. Nine chapters include topics such as "I don't think it matters what you believe," "You can't prove it's true," "I've got my own religion," "I am not that bad," and so on. Aimed at the average reader, popular level and suitable either to equip the Christian for witnessing encounters or the inquirer. Simple, basic, and clear. Useful for the average Christian.
Divine and Moral Songs for Children by Isaac Watts (SDG)
Nearly fifty songs (words only) from Isaac Watts, most all of them lesser known today. Watts put this book together himself in order to train and guide the young and impressionable minds of children. "What is learned in verse is longer retained in memory and sooner recollected," he writes. And of course Watts' poetry teaches well! Attractively bound and useful for young and old alike. A nice addition to a devotional library.
Into God's Presence: Prayer in the New Testament edited by Richard Longenecker (Eerdmans)
The subject of prayer does not receive the press it deserves, Biblically, and substantive books on prayer are less available still. But this books helps fill the void. The subject of prayer is traced through the various portions of the NT -- Synoptics, John, Acts and the Epistles, Revelation -- by a very reputable lineup of interpreters -- Longnecker, I. Howard Marshall, J. Ramsey Michaels, Richard Bauckham, N. T. Wright, Andrew Lincoln, and others. Also included are chapters on prayer in the OT, in the Dead Sea Scrolls, in the Greaco-Roman world, and in the Jewish world of the first century. The studies are substantive yet accessible. An excellent resource for a serious look at a neglected subject.
Logic: The Right Use of Reason in the Inquiry After Truth by Isaac Watts (1724; reprint, Soli Deo Gloria, 1996).
"As the first work of the mind is perception, whereby our ideas are framed, and the second is judgment, which joins or disjoins our ideas, and forms a proposition; so the third operation of the mind is reasoning, which joins several propositions together, and makes a syllogism, that is, an argument whereby we are wont to infer some things that are less known, from truths which are more evident" (page 270). And this is what Watts teaches us to do in this book. Watts wrote some marvelous hymns expressing great theological truth; this is due in large part to the fact that his perception was so keen, and he could convey his ideas so clearly. I will warn you: this is not your average bedtime reading, and there will be times when you will have to go back and read that page again. And as you read, you will probably be humbled as you are made to wonder if you have ever truly thought properly! But this business of "forming a true judgment of things" (p. 223) is desperately needed today, and Watts demonstrates thoroughly what clear thinking involves. It is little surprise that this work was a standard textbook at Cambridge and Oxford for nearly 200 years. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a logic textbook, and I will admit that this is not the simplest one I’ve seen. But it is perhaps the most thorough.
Neither Poverty Nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Material Possessions by Craig Blomberg (Eerdmans, 1999)
An excellent treatment of the subject. A thorough yet compact, biblical, study. Before your preach on the subject, you want to read this.
The Serpent of Paradise by Erwin Lutzer (Moody Press)
This biography of Satan you just have to love -- as the subtitle puts it, "The Incredible Story of How Satan's Rebellion Serves God's Purposes." Lutzer writes, he says "to put Satan in his place," and every Christian just has to be encouraged to see it. Lutzer provides here an exposition of every major epoch in the devil's history (and future) -- from his creation and fall to his final destruction -- expositions marked by Biblical accuracy and filled with Biblical counsel. R. C. Sproul says in his Foreword, "I found this book a veritable treasury of Biblical insight . . . it is positively brilliant. It is the best treatment of the person and work of the enemy I have ever read." Highly recommended!
Tell the Truth by Will Metzger (IVP)
This is simply the best book on personal evangelism we have ever read. Some deal with the overall theology of evangelism. Some write to clarify the gospel message itself. Some write to motivate. And some write to give practical "how to" instruction. Metzger does it all, and he does it very well. He is concerned over the cheap substitutes for evangelism which we have seen over the past few decades, and he is concerned that the accuracy of the gospel and its demand for repentance not be overlooked. The claims of Christ must be made clear. Yet they must be made clear in personal encounters, not simply in the "evangelistic service." He has provided a well-rounded study which is both accurate in substance and attractive in style. It is an enjoyable read which is very well suited to equipping the saints to this important responsibility. Probably the best "textbook" on evangelism available. Every church would do well to take time with this book.
Highly recommended.
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