Book Reviews (Page 4)
Learning from the life of Jonathan Edwards (4)
Part IV: War, Princeton, Death & Other Stuff All this drama was played against a colourful worldwide backdrop. In 1754 the international scene was becoming very unstable. Benjamin Franklin met with leaders from 7 other colonies to discuss the French intentions in the frontiers. The English were…
Learning from the life of Jonathan Edwards (3)
Part III: Sacked, Yet More Opposition, Indians & Other Stuff In the public arena, at least, the ‘Northampton Controversy’ of 1749 was concerned with Edward’s supposedly ‘new’ view on Communion and Baptism (he denied the charge that it was new). Edward’s wanted to restrict communion to believing…
Learning from the life of Jonathan Edwards (2)
Part II: Snappy Book Titles, More Revival, Opposition & Other Stuff What I particularly like about this biography is that it never seeks to paint Edwards in a sinless light. His weaknesses are laid bare, not least his tendency for hyperbole in some of his writings, but also his penchant for…
Learning from the life of Jonathan Edwards (1)
A sizeable 615 pages (the last 100 or so being footnotes and appendices), this is the sort of book that strikes fear into all but the most avid of readers. It looks unwieldy and intimidating but I think that it is so good that it merits a long review over 4 parts. Part I: His Early Years, Revival…
Stranger on the Road
I came across this book about 10 years ago when I worked in an inner city church in Birmingham. It takes its title from the encounter Jesus had with 2 disciples on the way to Emmaus in Luke 24. In v27 we read that, ‘beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He (Jesus) expounded to them all the scriptures the things concerning himself.’ Taking this premise the…
‘Ministries Of Mercy’ Book Review
I came across this book recently and decided to give it a go. I understand Tim Keller wrote the book over 20 years ago and the one I am reading is his second edition from 1997. This book is divided into two distinct parts: the first focusing on the “Principles’ for mercy ministries and the second on the ‘Practice’ of mercy ministries. The first…
The Reformed Pastor (5)
The last time we looked at the manner in which a man must shepherd his flock. This time we look at some of the motivations which drive us to shepherd our local congregations. 1. ‘To be a bishop or a pastor is not to be set up as an idol for the people to bow to, or as idle “slow bellies,” to love to our fleshly delight and ease; but it is to be the guide…
Meetings That Work
We have been using this book in our monthly Elders meetings in an effort to crystallise our thinking on the biblical teaching concerning church leadership and how we should lead our meetings. I have a young eldership in that the other 2 men with me have been on board for a short period of time. This has meant trying to define and redefine our roles and functions within…
Leading our children in devotions
This has always been an important part of family life in our house. I have read to the girls from the Bible since the first day of their birth. We have studied many books and plans over the years, most notably in recent times, Mark’s gospel and a book called, ‘The Lamb’. At the moment we are going through this book together at teatimes. What I like about…
Marriage Matters
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU2brmz3zMQ] Miriam and I have been studying this book together. usually we read a chapter together and then discuss it on Friday mornings over breakfast. I say usually, it doesn’t always happen. I don’t want to make us sound like some super spiritual all American cheese loving couple. But we have been studying it. we…