Resources on Book Reviews
Many books analyze the apostle Paul’s theology and missionary work. Reuben Bredenhof examines the ministry of Paul the pastor in his new book, Weak Pastor, Strong Christ. His careful study of 2 Corinthians unfolds an apostolic model for pastoral work. Here, ministers straining under the burden of unbiblical expectations will find relief; those unsure of how to model their ministry will find godly help. He summons all pastors – in joy or trial – to rely upon Christ’s all-sufficient grace, saying with Paul, “when I am weak, then I am strong.”
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With an economy of words and an extensive acquaintance with M’Cheyne, Jordan Stone explains the doctrines, biblical texts, people, and controversies that influenced him. This alone makes A Holy Minister a valuable book. But far more valuable is the care taken to show how M’Cheyne’s personal piety, preaching, and pastoral ministry flowed from his deep love for the Lord Jesus Christ – the very love I want every seminarian to cultivate and cherish. The author is senior pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in McKinney, Texas, and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology at RTS Dallas.
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7 Big Questions Your Life Depends On, by William J. Edgar. Pittsburgh: Crown & Covenant, 2020, 68 pages, $9.00, paper. Only a rare book fits well in the hands of both the unbeliever (exploring what Christianity is all about) and the mature believer who wants to think deeply about the demands of God’s Word upon his life. William Edgar’s 7 Big Questions Your Life Depends On is one of those books. The author identifies four fundamental questions from Genesis: Did God really say? Where are you? Where is the lamb? Am I in the place of God? To these he adds three from the gospels: Where is the baby born to be King of the Jews? Do you want…
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Today is the 240th anniversary of the birth of pioneer missionary Henry Martyn, born February 18, 1781 in Truro, England. As a young man Martyn excelled in classical and mathematical studies. The tender concern of a believing sister, the pain of his father’s death, and the godly counsel of a Cambridge mathematic’s instructor compelled him to read the New Testament. During his personal study of the scriptures, Martyn came to a living faith in Jesus Christ and was soundly converted. While at St. John’s College in Cambridge, Martyn sat under the preaching of Charles Simeon, vicar of holy Trinity Church. Modern evangelicals, regrettably, have largely forgotten Simeon. Yet, his influence on evangelical history is incalculable. During his 54-year ministry at…
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When I finish reading or listening to a book, I add it to my annual “books read” list. My 2020 list is at the end of this post. 2020 Reading Highlights This year I devoted time to reading Scottish preachers and theologians. I returned to some old companions who have served me well through the years: the memoirs of Boston and McCheyne and John Macleod’s Scottish Theology, to name just three. A new favorite is Donald Macleod’s Therefore the Truth I Speak: Scottish Theology 1500-1700. His biographical sketches and survey of key events and theological literature of the period make for a compelling story, exceedingly well told. For readers who long for a deeper understanding of the heart, Craig…
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Albert N. Martin, Pastoral Theology, Volume 2: The Man of God: His Preaching and Teaching Labors. Montville, NJ: Trinity Pulpit Press, 2018. $32.50, clothbound. Forty years ago, I was a student pastor preaching weekly in four rural Tennessee churches. Lacking both a seminary education and field supervision, I was on my own and needed help. Books on preaching were a gift from God as they brought me through my first year in the pulpit. Since then, I have read at least two or three every year – a practice I commend to my seminary students. This practice of reading contributed to my maturity as a preacher. Without books, my ministry and preaching would be impoverished. Time spent talking about preaching with…
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