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Why I Am A Christian, by John Stott

April 1, 2015 by

Why I Am A Christian by John Stott

The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – April, 2015

Book Review April 2015This small book was the second of two books written by John Stott that my children gave to me last Christmas. As with the first book, which was recommended a few months ago, this work was a blessing to my soul. Why I Am A Christian was compiled from earlier writings and sermons by Stott in his later years of life and makes a case for the veracity of the Christian faith. Throughout the book, the author writes with a warm and irenic spirit as he tells why he is a Christian. Each of the seven chapters offer a reason for faith that ultimately points the reader to Jesus Christ. Although this work was written to answer skeptics and critics, I found it to be a source of encouragement and comfort for me as a believer. I recommend this text to Christians who simply want to rest by the quiet streams with their Savior as well as to those that wish to know why Christians feel so compelled to follow the Lord Jesus.

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Tulip: The Five Points of Calvinism in the Light of Scripture, by Duane Edward Spencer

March 4, 2015 by

Tulip: The Five Points of Calvinism in the Light of Scripture by Duane Edward Spencer      

The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – March, 2015

Monthly Book Suggestion March 2015What are the five points of Calvinism? Are they taught in Scripture? How can I describe them to someone else? If you’ve ever wrestled with these questions, or if you have encountered people who find the historical Presbyterian position of God’s sovereignty to be offensive, this small but thorough summary might give you a framework from which to discuss this topic.

From the opening preface, Spencer demonstrates that the five points of Calvinism (Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints – i.e. TULIP) offer the best understanding of salvation by grace. Beginning with the ecclesiastical situation that gave rise to the five points, the author goes on to lay the foundation of God’s sovereign will as the basis for these doctrines of grace.

Utilizing commentary, Scriptural reference, and historical background Spencer draws a distinction between the Arminian and Calvinist views on this subject while demonstrating that all five points stand together, thereby giving believers Biblical assurance for their salvation.

I highly recommend this short book to anyone wishing to find encouragement in God’s sovereign work of salvation.

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Dispatches From The Front, Tim Keesee

February 2, 2015 by

Dispatches From The Front, Tim Keesee

bookfeb2015The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – February, 2015

How often do we confess our faith with the words of the Apostles Creed that read, “I believe in the holy catholic church” and yet, we think of the body of Christ from a predominantly American perspective? In Dispatches From The Front, Tim Keesee takes the reader on a tour of the church through eastern Europe, Russia, Asia and North Africa. He gives us a birds-eye view of the truly catholic/universal people of God. In this short volume, we get a glimpse of God’s work in the lives of brothers and sisters who have learned the joy of the Lord in spite of persecution, poverty, and a lack of Christian resources such as those enjoyed in the West.

This is a book that encourages, inspires and challenges the reader to trust in the unconquerable power of the gospel. Through these pages, one becomes acquainted with ordinary people through whom God continues to do His extraordinary work of advancing the gospel.

Read this book to cheer your heart and enliven your desire for genuine Christian ministry.

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The Radical Disciple, John Stott

January 5, 2015 by

Pastor Bill Mayk provides an introduction to The Radical Disciple by John Stott

Book Review Jan 2015I have just finished a truly great book by the late John Stott. The Radical Disciple was the last written work of this godly saint before he went home to be with the Lord in 2011. Penned when Stott was 88 years old, it is a reflection on what it means to follow Jesus into the world. Even where I did not agree with Stott, such as his opinion on global warming, the challenge to be like Christ in every area of our lives was very powerful. There is much that commends this book. However, his chapter on Dependence was a thought provoking rebuke to my own pride as he articulated the concept of “mutual burdensomeness” where we are both willing to accept help for ourselves and willing to provide help to our brothers and sisters. I highly recommend this farewell address to the church by a man who unwaveringly lived his life for His Savior.

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