Starting at the Finish Line - Book Review

This may be a good book for the Mormon or anyone who trusts in his own "good works," or those who wish to understand and witness to Mormons.

With Bible verses, illustrative stories, and his own experiences in Mormonism, Mr. Wallace shows that salvation is ALL of grace, of Jesus, not Jesus plus anything else.  The only things I found confusing at times were his thoughts about the Old Testament laws vs. NT grace (p. 121 in particular), but I think he does believe as I do about people be saved the same way in Old Testament days and new--by faith, as he mentioned the example of Abraham.  I think there was also a bit of Arminian doctrine, as in God loves/died for everyone, and some confusion on whether you can lose your salvation or not. But I liked that the author loves the Mormon people, and it's overall a pretty good book that hopefully will reach a lot of Mormons.

Gospel Assurance and Warnings by Paul Washer - Book Review

 
There are many important warnings and tests in this book, on target, and with hope for the struggling.  Nevertheless, it was not an easy read for me.  My sins were called out in detail, and I could hardly determine whether I have the love and faith of God in me.  Yet in the end I was encouraged, though convicted, and more concerned for the lost.  This is a book everyone should read.  Was it perfect? Probably not, as humans never are, but much of it was directly from God's Word, and thus to be carefully, seriously considered. The part about striving for God (or the violent taking it by force) was, in my mind, a somewhat questionable interpretation, but in general I think true.  There are various cases in which God has worked on a person suddenly (like the apostle Paul), and the author admitted that, but this part seemed to deny the sudden, unsought conversion (probably unintentionally). Overall it was very good.

The Treasury of David Quotes

Psalm 45 

Verse 13.--"The king's daughter is all glorious within," etc. When the children of God recollect their glorious and heavenly pedigree, they endeavour to excel others, both in the beautiful disposition of soul, and manner of life.  "The king's daughter," that is, the daughter of the heavenly Father, who is also the bride of the king's Son; every believing soul "is all glorious," adorned with a holiness not only glorious to herself, but also to the Father and the Bridegroom, and is the beginning of a heavenly glory; and that chiefly "within," not only when she appears abroad, and presents herself to the view of men, but also when she sits in the inner bed-chamber in the secret exercises of religion, in which she in private pleases the Father and the Bridegroom, who having a regard to the inward man, she above all endeavours to keep that pure and chaste.  - Hermann Witsius. 1636-1708.

Verse 15.--"They shall be brought." Reader! do not fail to observe the manner of expression, the church is brought, she doth not come of herself.  No, she must be convinced, converted, made willing.  No one can come to Christ, except the Father, who hath sent Christ, draw Him.  John vi. 44.--Robert Hawker, D.D.

Prophet on the Run - Book Review

This is an excellent book about the prophet, Jonah.  The author's unique insight into the Hebrew text makes this extra special.  He brings out things I had hardly considered before in the account of Jonah, and speaks to the heart of the reader.  We are all like Jonah from time to time, and yet there is God's amazing grace.  Mr. Maoz doesn't skip over the wrath and judgment of God, either, but tells of that in light of God's grace.  I quite highly recommend this book. It is scholarly, yet an easy read. 4.5 stars

I received this free from Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for my honest review.

Avonlea Fashion Link-Up ~ Anne's Bicycling Outfit

Bramblewood Fashion is hosting a giveaway.  I'm hoping this will count, because I wore this outfit about a week ago at a country-style wedding, but I was thinking of this contest in part, forgetting which date it was going to be held.  In any case, here is my partly historical, partly modern take on Avonlea fashion. I was aiming for something like Anne wore in the second Anne movie, with her vest, long skirt with same-fabric stripes on the bottom, and cream-colored blouse.

The vest I wore was from a friend, and the blouse and the skirt from a yard sale. If I recall (we're in the midst of a move, and all this is packed away), the blouse was a Talbots, lace-like one, and the skirt was a Ralph Lauren.  The brooch was a gift.  And the purse wasn't meant to go with the outfit. ;)  I wore brown boots, too, but you can't see them. I did my hair up in a simple, low bun.

Apostate by Kevin Swanson - Book Review

This is essential reading for the Christian or those with nagging questions about faith and reason.  I am still working on reading it, but have read about half so far and have found it to be insightful and thought-provoking. 

Kevin Swanson writes about many influential men who apostatized from the faith, either in their own lifetimes or in their lineage.  The first part--called The Nephilim--covers Thomas Aquinas, Rene Descartes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Jeremy Bentham, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Karl Marx, Charles Darwin, Fredrich Nietzsche, John Dewey, and Jean-Paul Sartre. 

The second part--called The Literary Nephilim--covers William Shakespeare, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, and John Steinbeck.

The third part--The Cultural Nephilim--covers the influence of musicians and the church, and sums up with a call to follow Christ.

You will most likely learn much from this book, perhaps some surprising things and some disturbing things, but you will also see the futility and destructiveness of man-centered thinking.  I highly recommend this book, and see it as very important for anyone in our day.

Almost a 5-star read for me. It's just a bit depressing overall, though it ends on a more positive note.

I received this book from www.crossfocusedreviews.com in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!

The Button Legacy - Book Review

The button box holds a secret. Not a trap-door kind of secret, but one of God's love through everything. The story is simple, but the words resonate with poignancy, picturesque stories told for each button. There are some sad stories, some funny stories, but in the end they point to God's grace. I appreciated the love and prayers between family, and the humble way of confronting wrong. There were a couple of somewhat embarrassing/intimate things, but not detailed. It wraps up a little too quickly, perhaps, at least for those of us who haven't read the companion book about granddaughter, Emily. There is nothing exactly objectionable, unless you count the time Emily goes into a dance-hall/bar and gets drunk--but the action is not condoned. Overall a solid, well-written tale, but it seems a bit unfinished.

I received a free kindle copy of this story from Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for my honest review.

And...the Winner!

Who is the winner of Bound Together by Chris Brauns?

Using a random number generator, I got number 5, which was the last entrant...Robert!

 Congratulations, Robert!  If you haven't checked your email yet, please do so.

Bound Together - Book Review and Giveaway!

I signed up to review this for Cross Focused Reviews. My review was not required to be positive.

The doctrine of original sin is not an easy topic, so I was interested in reading more about it.  This book was written clearly, defining terms for the layperson.  Here are some notes on each section:

Introduction: A Fairy-Tale Beginning - Like fairy tales that begin darkly, so this world was plunged into darkness in Adam's fall.  But the ending will be glorious for Christians, like a happily-ever-after story.

Part One: Understanding the Principle of the Rope
Chapter One: Strange and Troubling Truth
Defining terms, real-life examples. Then there are given Biblical examples of judgment on nations, even when just the head, such as King David, sinned. 

Chapter Two: Original Rope
The Doctrine of Original Sin - Bible texts on the fall and before, how we were made in God's image.  How sin twisted the aspect of "image of God" in areas of worship, community, and vice-regency: relating to creation.
So What Does All This Have to Do with Me?
How Was Adam's Sin Transmitted to Us? - Different views of this are explained: the "realist," "federalist," (or "covenant") and a mix of both aspects, along with Biblical support for each view.   Criticisms for these.  Douglas Moo and D. Martin Lloyd-Jones are cited as proponents of a mix of both views.  The author's explanation of original sin is described vividly: "To put it another way, when Adam jumped off the cliff of sin and death in his rebellion against God, we were tied to him in his rebellion, and he pulled us over the side with him."  Charles Finney found this truth "subversive of the gospel, and repulsive to human intelligence."

Chapter Three: The Rope that is Stronger
Arguments given against solidarity (the rope principle) in The Brothers Karamazov portray the horror of children suffering from the crimes/cruelty of others.  How should/can Christians respond to these critiques?
The Gospel in Romans 5:12-21 - We are roped to Adam, but can be "roped to" and made righteous through the second Adam, Christ.  "Because God has made us and this world to operate on a principle of solidarity, there is hope that we can be saved from the consequences of Adam's sin, not by our own efforts (which can never suffice), but through the actions of a representative, someone who will do what we cannot do, someone who will suffer in our place, on our behalf." (p. 60)   We cannot deny the Scriptures or the world's corruption.

Chapter Four: Bound to a New King
Union with Christ - God sees the believer and Christ as one, though separate and distinct, through grace alone, and the Holy Spirit.  This is vital for us.  God is not remote.
Images of Union with Christ - The first illustration of our union with Christ in the Bible is the building.  Built on Jesus Christ, we are living stones (Eph. 2:19-22 and 1 Peter 2:4-5).
The second analogy is the physical body (Eph. 4:15-16).  Quote from Spurgeon: "So long as a man's head is above water you cannot drown his feet and as long as Christ, the Head of the mystical body, rises above the torrent of condemnation, there is no condemning even the least and feeblest member of His body!"
A third picture is the vine and the branches (John 15:1-17).
Fourth is the analogy of marriage.  "Our union with Christ is greater than this marital intimacy, as it is based on a relationship not with another sinner but with our sinless Savior, who has demonstrated his love for us by dying on our behalf."
Fifth is the picture of children adopted by a Father (Eph. 1:5, Rom. 8:16-17).
Sixth is the amazing comparison to the relationship of the Trinity (John 17). 
Martin Lloyd-Jones preached in response to questioners of the doctrine of original sin: "Once more I repeat what I said previously, that we must not begin to question our relationship to the world's first man, Adam, because every time you put the question I will make you ask the same question about our relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ."

Chapter Five: Can We Blame the Rope?
Can we blame sin on our parents, etc.?
Ezekiel's Response - The Israelites blamed their forefathers for their present plight.  God relayed, through Ezekiel, that the soul who sins shall die and other similar, just outcomes.  No one is guiltless.
So is the Principle of the Rope Real? - How can these two seemingly opposed principles fit together?  A hypothetical example is given to illustrate that there are effects from our sin, but each person is still responsible for their decisions.
Even genes cannot be an excuse for sin.  John Frame argues that in one sense all sin is inherited (from Adam).
Turning from Sin to Follow Christ - No excuses for sin.  Biblical examples of people who turned from their culture and family background to God.

Part Two: Applying the Principle of the Rope
Chapter Six: Bound Together for Joy
We are commanded to be joyful.
Three Indisputable Truths Regarding Joy
#1: All Christians Desire More Joy
#2: God Wants His People to Experience Joy (Morally, in contrast to God's sovereign will.)
#3: The joy level of many Christians is staying the same or even diminishing.
The Problem of Joy (review)
Proclaiming the Obvious - The foundation of all joy is the gospel (good news) of Christ.  First of all, most people don't have a clear idea of the gospel.  "The gospel is also diminished and joy leaks out--when those who have known the gospel for many years lapse into a works mentality in which they think that somehow we must do things to earn God's favor.  For this reason, Jerry Bridges reminds us, we must preach the true gospel to ourselves every single day.  Otherwise, we will soon feel defeated in the Christian life."
Another way the gospel is diminished is that some believe the lie that something other than God will satisfy.
The Discovery - Paul (in 34 of 50 times that "joy" and "rejoice" are used) connects his experience of joy to his relationship with other believers.
Making the Connection between Joy and Corporate Solidarity - Fruit bearing.
Fighting for Joy - Review the gospel.  Read books on it.  Invest in the body of Christ, with money, time, and gifts/abilities.

Chapter Seven: Bound Together in Marriage
There is an example given of a lovely marriage, and Biblical references to marriage.
Strengthening the Bond of Marriage
The Biblical Role of Wives - Submissive.  Chris Brauns lists reasons why people don't like the word submission today, and counters them.
The Biblical Role of Husbands - Loving and serving, like Jesus.  Asking for forgiveness. Being a good listener.  Example of Philip Bliss laying down his life for his wife in the burning rubble of a train.

Chapter Eight: A Red Rope for Hurting Families
This chapter is encouraging for anyone who is discouraged about someone in their family, and focuses on the Biblical prostitute Rahab, and God's grace to her and her family.
"Identify with the Lord Jesus Christ.  Perhaps God will be pleased to save not only you but your mother and father and your sisters and brothers as well. . . . Spend less time going over and over in your mind the decisions your family members have made, and spend more time growing in grace." (p. 136)
"Do not believe the lie that it is too late for your family.  Do not buy the lie that your sins are too great. Run to the cross. Hang a red cord out your window.  Put your trust in Jesus, and the grace of God will abound to you and your family." (p. 137)
"Be patient. The last chapter is not yet written." (p. 137)
Not that it is guaranteed that your family will all trust Christ, the author admits.  But there is still reason to hope.
Why Did God Order Israel to Kill Everyone in Jericho? - The Canaanites had been given much time to repent.  "The destruction of Jericho should serve as a sobering warning about the justice and holiness of God.  It is only a preview of God's final judgment."
Encouragement for Those Hurting Because of a Family Member - Remember Rahab and the power of the gospel. And be careful not to think our decisions affect no one but ourselves.  "We dare not take a path that will cause a bitter root to grow up in our lives, thereby defiling many." (p. 143)
All Christians Have a Family - Even if we are severed from physical family, as Christians we have a family in Christ.

Chapter Nine: A Rescue Rope for Those Facing the Fear of Death
Confidence in the Face of Death from Hebrews 2:10-18
The Incarnation - "Since we have flesh and blood, he [Christ] shared our humanity in order that he might be roped to us."
Four Ways Christians Benefit from Their Solidarity with Christ
The Story of Count Helmuth James con Moltke - An aristocrat by birth, Helmuth was expected to be a great leader in the time and ways of Hitler. Yet he opposed Hitler, and was eventually arrested and sentenced to hang, shortly before the end of WWII.  He was not sorrowful but elated in his last days, as he wrote to his wife, finding that bravery that comes from Christ.

Chapter Ten: Roped Together in Country and Culture
"If Westerners continue to see ourselves as islands, the future will be very dark.  Cultures and countries cannot flourish apart from a deep recognition of solidarity that only Christ and his church can make happen.
The Rise of American Solidarity - Alexis de Tocqueville visited America in 1831 to see why democracy worked better there.  He concluded that there was an abundance of natural resources, that the specific form of government (with smaller, local governments) was key, and that "a common culture of Christian morality had created a virtuous society."  He also referenced the high regard for marriage and the mothers who taught their children Christian values.
George Washington, too, sacrificed for his country.
However, Tocqueville foresaw a possible problem for America: the rise of extreme individualism.  This could lead to selfishness and blindness to any of the government's flaws, and to taking whatever is handed out.
The Problem of Radical Individualism - "Today many of the concerns articulated by Tocqueville have come to fruition."
"Today the autonomous self ("self in a castle," according to Scot McKnight) is seen as ultimate." (p. 170)
Why Radical Individualism Persists Today - Many people rail against individualism and long for the "good old days," yet refuse to go to church events.
It is hard to go against radical individualism because it has so permeated our culture.
Why the Church Is Uniquely Qualified to Counter Radical Individualism
The Biblical emphasis on Community - The epistle to Philemon deals with sharing the faith and being refreshed through the brethren.  We must live like we believe we are brothers and sisters in Christ.
More Biblical examples are given.
"Does the use of your time, treasure, and talents reflect that you know and understand that you are roped together with your local church?" (p. 179)
A Final Summary - "[C. S.] Lewis allowed [in The Problem of Pain] that it is hard for us to comprehend that Adam represented all his descendants, but he also noted that our inability to understand something does not mean it is untrue." (p. 180)

Afterword
Real life Lone Rangers don't exist.  Moses, Ruth, David, Nehemiah, and Esther acted heroically because of love for community and God.  Jesus is the ultimate example of this.

Appendix One: The Gospel and Assurance of Salvation
Likely many people have false assurance, but we can know that we are saved.
The Gospel
The Proper Basis for Assurance of Salvation - 1. Do you presently have faith in the Lord Jesus for salvation? 2. Does the Holy Spirit testify with your spirit that you are a Christian? 3. Does your conduct give evidence that you are a Christian?

For Further Reading
A list of resources is given.


Conclusion - I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. It is helpful and encouraging, pointing time and again to Christ and the hope found in Him in the midst of a sin-filled world.  Our actions do affect others, for good or bad, and yet there is One whose actions are stronger than all of man's or Satan's.  My only semi complaint about the book is the repetitiveness (though this may help drill it in the reader's head).  It was still a great blessing to read.  I appreciated the quotes from the Bible and Christian authors, and there are many additional worthwhile quotes and thoughts in the book that I couldn't take time to post.

NOW for the giveaway!  I have an extra copy of this book for one person to win.  If you want to have the chance to win this book, simply write a comment on this post with your e-mail address/blog address, and I will pick randomly from the entrants. The deadline for the giveaway is May 18.

For additional entries, post a link to this review on facebook, twitter, or google+, and let me know via a comment which ones you did.  

Quotes from The Treasury of David - Psalm 45, Part 1

(Exposition of verse 6) '"Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever." To whom can this be spoken but our Lord? The psalmist cannot restrain his adoration. His enlightened eye sees in the royal Husband of the church, God, God to be adored, God reigning, God reigning everlastingly. Blessed sight! Blind are the eyes that cannot see God in Christ Jesus! We never appreciate the tender condescension of our King in becoming one flesh with his church, and placing her at his right hand, until we have fully rejoiced in his essential glory and deity. What a mercy for us that our Saviour is God, for who but a God could execute the work of salvation? What a glad thing it is that he reigns on a throne which will never pass away, for we need both sovereign grace and eternal love to secure our happiness. Could Jesus cease to reign we should cease to be blessed, and were he not God, and therefore eternal, this must be the case. No throne can endure for ever, but that on which God himself sitteth. "The sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre." He is the lawful monarch of all things that be. His rule is founded in right, its law is right, its result is right. Our King is no usurper and no oppressor. Even when he shall break his enemies with a rod of iron, he will do no man wrong; his vengeance and his grace are both in conformity with justice. Hence we trust him without suspicion; he cannot err; no affliction is too severe, for he sends it; no judgment too harsh, for he ordains it. O blessed hands of Jesus! the reigning power is safe with you. All the just rejoice in the government of the King who reigns in righteousness.' -- Charles Spurgeon.

(The latter exposition of verse 10) '"Forget also thine own people, and thy father's house." We have much to forget as well as to learn, and the unlearning is so difficult that only diligent hearing, and considering, and bending of the whole soul to it, can accomplish the work; and even these would be too feeble did not divine grace assist. Yet why should we remember the Egypt from which we cam out? Are the leeks and the garlic, and the onions anything, when the iron bondage, and the slavish tasks, and the death dealing Pharaoh of hell are remembered? We part with folly for wisdom; with bubbles for eternal joys; with deceit for truth; with misery for bliss; with idols for the living God. O that Christians were more mindful of the divine precept here recorded; but, alas! worldliness abounds; the church is defiled; and the glory of the Great King is veiled. Only when the whole church leads the separated life will the full splendour and power of Christianity shine forth upon the world.' -- Charles Spurgeon.

(Exposition of verse 11) '"So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty." Wholehearted love is the duty and bliss of the marriage state in every case, but especially so in this lofty mystic marriage. The church must forsake all others and cleave to Jesus only, or she will not please him nor enjoy the full manifestation of his love. What less can he ask, what less may she dare propose than to be wholly his? Jesus sees a beauty in his church, a beauty which he delights in most when it is not marred by worldliness. He has always been most near and precious to his saints when they have cheerfully taken up his cross and followed him without the camp. His Spirit is grieved when they mingle themselves among the people and learn their ways. No great and lasting revival of religion can be granted us till the professed lovers of Jesus prove their affection by coming out from an ungodly world, being separated, and touching not the unclean thing. "For he is thy Lord; and worship thou him." He has royal rights still; his condescending grace does not lessen but rather enforce his authority. Our Saviour is also our Ruler. The husband is the head of the wife; the love he bears her does not lessen but strengthen her obligation to obey. The church must reverence Jesus, and bow before him in prostrate adoration; his tender union with her gives her liberty, but not license; it frees her from all other burdens, but places his easy yoke upon her neck. Who would wish it to be otherwise? The service of God is heaven in heaven, and perfectly carried out it is heaven upon earth. Jesus, thou art he whom thy church praises in her unceasing songs, and adores in her perpetual service. Teach us to be wholly thine. Bear with us, and work by thy Spirit in us till thy will is done by us on earth as it is in heaven.' -- Charles Spurgeon.

(Latter exposition of verse 12) '"Even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour." Not by pandering to their follies, but by testifying against their sins, shall the wealthy be one to the faith of Jesus. They shall come not to favour the church but to beg for her favour. She shall not be the hireling of the great, but as a queen shall she dispense her favours to the suppliant throng of the rich among the people. We go about to beg for Christ like beggars for alms, and many who should know better will make compromises and become reticent of unpopular truth to please the great ones of the earth; not so will the true bride of Christ degrade herself, when her sanctification is more deep and more visible; then will the hearts of men grow liberal, and offerings from afar, abundant and continual, shall be presented at the throne of the Pacific Prince.' -- Charles Spurgeon.