Wordsmithy
Doug Wilson is a great writer. Even if you disagree with him, you have great time doing it. So, when he writes a book on writing, you should read it. Wordsmithy is a book written for those who wish to be writers – and good ones. Wilson utilizes the image of a matryoshka – otherwise known as a Russian nesting doll. These are those dolls which break apart to reveal an identical, but smaller, doll until you reach the smallest of them. Each of his seven tips contain further, more specific ideas.
His seven pointers for writers are:
- Know something about the world
- Read
- Read mechanical helps
- Stretch before your routines
- Be at peace with being lousy for a while
- Learn other languages
- Keep a commonplace book
Each chapter contains seven points more specific than the main idea. Each of those seven points also ends with a summary idea and recommended reading. Then the chapter ends with a summary of the entire chapter and recommended reading. This addition is a very important addition to an otherwise excellent book. As he discusses in chapter two, reading is essential to writing. It is essential to engaging the world. Yet, without some direction, we can waste a lot of time reading poor writing – which is of no benefit to those who take writing seriously. Wilson has read widely and his advice on good reading should be taken.
Another strength of this book is that he says things simply and succinctly. Many write as they (probably) did as students – adding filler to met a required length. He models the idea efficiency in writing. Whatever the discipline, good writing says enough as necessary yet as little as is sufficient. Wilson says exactly what he means to as clearly and simply as sufficient. Simple writing does not have to be simplistic. Complex writing does not have to be complicated. Good writers untangle the complicated.
Wilson is a great writer. Reading his book made me excited to pick up and write. Anyone who desires to become a better writer, thinker or communicator ought to spend some time with this excellent book!
God is Love
A.W. Tozer once said that “what comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us”. James reminds us that even the demons believe in God – “and shudder” (James 2.19). What that knowledge of God does in us, to us and through us says more about us that it does about God. The Kingdom of Satan is overrun with theologians more precise in their understanding of God than any university on earth has ever known. Yet, they persist in their rebellion. If we know about God but do not know God, then we are no better than the demonic hordes.
The thing that we often forget is that God wants us to know him! He wants us to walk with him and see him as our loving father. Many theology books have been written and monographs penned which deal with God’s love. Gerald Bray has recently completed his text which provides an accessible entrance into Biblical and Systematic theology. His title clearly conveys his guiding principle: “God is Love”. That statement comes directly from John’s first letter (1 John 4.8).
It also directs his study of theology and the Bible. This is not an exhaustive study of theology. Instead, Bray focuses his study on those things with God has clearly revealed – and the way those revealed things demonstrate the love of God. (If you are seeking a comprehensive theology text read either Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology or Michael Horton’s The Christian Faith). He has intentionally left out the technical language and jargon which would prove an impediment to those unfamiliar with biblical and theological studies. Some may consider this a weakness, but it is my opinion that such sensitivities are important. Over 700 pages, this is no “watered-down” text. There is considerable “meat” here for those of all theological persuasions and skill.
Bray has contributed a wonderful text worthy of a wide reading. He is an excellent theologian and this great book is worthy of consideration. It is born out from years of classroom instruction. These years “in the trenches” show in each chapter. He exposits and explains texts in ways that aid understanding. Bray is a masterful teacher and even those who are well-read in these subjects will find wonderful insight into the Bible.
Gospel in Life
Tim Keller has become well known for explaining the Bible in new and fresh ways. He is often compared to a professor in his demeanor. Yet, he consistently helps people to understand how they need to Gospel. Now he has developed a small group study intended to help churches grab hold of this vision. Gospel in Life is an eight session study guide that looks at the way the Bible envisions God’s people living in this world.
In order to to do he utilizes the metaphor of the city. He begins the study with a look at the world which is and ends with a vision of the world that will be. The weeks in between develop this idea of sojourn and city. Through this journey Keller explains the Bible’s call to be in the world but not of it and to be salt and light. Christians struggle to understand these calls and what needs to be done in order to fulfill them. Gospel in Life is meant to bring clarity and passion to believers as they live out their new life in Christ in this world.
The book also comes with an eight-session DVD which contains short talks by Keller. These are meant to be a complement to the book study. At times, Keller seemed wooden. He didn’t seem natural – and those who have watched him and listened to him will recognize this. But, it doesn’t diminish the content of his messages.
This would make a great study for any sunday school or small group. Gospel in Life is full of Keller’s trademark wisdom and insight. This study will full your people with enthusiasm for evangelism, justice and mercy in whatever city you find yourself.
Journeys of Faith
Have you ever stopped to think about why humans tell stories? What is it about us that has led men, women, boys, and girls across all cultures, nations, tongues and tribes to tell stories? We love them – there’s no denying that. I think the power of a story lies in the fact that they show rather than tell. ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ as the cliche goes and if you have ever seen a picture taken by an experienced photographer with an artist’s touch, you know that cliche has proven true a thousand times over. Stories put truth into snapshots. They draw our hearts and pull us into the story.
That’s the strength of Robert Plummer’s newest book, Journeys of Faith. He recognizes the formative power of story. Journeys tells of the journeys of four people and their spiritual sojourn. Yet, the value extends beyond the wanderings. It tells the specific stories of particular people into the faith tradition which they now call home. Wilbur Ellsworth ventured to the gates of Constantinople; Francis Beckwith to St. Peter’s in Rome; Lyle Dorsett to Canterbury; Chris Castaldo to…Dallas?…well, wherever Evangelicals go.
This is not a retelling of their journeys. It includes the shift in their convictions which took part of their movement. These sojourns were not aimless wanderings, they were brought by a change in ideology. Ideas shape the way we view the world around us. For these four a shift occurred which resulted in their former spiritual home becoming a house of strangers in a strange land. So, they set out on a mission to find their new home. Journeys demonstrates the importance of doctrine. It forces us to deal with the reality that ideas have consequences – which we must deal with.
A further strength of Journeys is that it provides a place for others to respond to the ideological shifts. Because ideas have consequences it is important for us all to understand the significance of these ideas. So, Plummer allowed four other contributers to respond to the original four. This is a conversation among brothers. And – as brothers usually do – there is push-back. I believe that this sort of critique is important. For iron to sharpen iron there must be a collision and it often brings sparks – but the knife is always sharper after coming against the grinder.
This is a welcome book. With all of the spiritual ambiguity in our culture today, it is important for Christians to recognize that ideas have consequences. Yet, such a discussion can occur in a friendly, fraternal manner which leads to the benefit of all who listen. Plummer has compiled a group of men who model such intramural debate for the broader Christian community. May this book have a wide reading.
Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons
The church is defined by its leadership. Any organization is. The church takes on the personality of its leaders – the people talk like them, think like them, act like them. This should not alarm or surprise us. Since God has given certain men to be leaders it would follow that most have been given to follow. It also makes sense of the repeated warnings to leaders in the Bible. They are always those who will be held to a stricter standard. They are the ones who will take responsibility (Adam, the priests of Israel, pastors).
We all know this instinctively, yet few of us think about it long enough to let our thoughts drift to those who serve us as elders and deacons in our churches. I wish that it were the case that every elder and every deacon in every church fully fit the expectations which Paul gives in 1 Timothy and Titus. It’s not true. The sad reality in many churches is that a vast majority of believers (young or old) have only lived one year of the Christian life, they have just lived it many times over. Those who are serving as elders and deacons are often, just the available or those who have “earned it”. This is what is killing most of our churches, not the secular world “out there”.
So, what are we to do? If there’s a leadership crisis in the church, how do we solve it? Enter Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons. Thabiti Anyabwile is a former elder and assistant pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington D.C. This is where Mark Dever currently serves as Senior Pastor. Dever has had tremendous influence on American Christianity and its Ecclesiology (Doctrine of the Church). Thabiti served with him for a time until he moved to the Grand Cayman Islands to serve as Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman. He has followed in his mentors footsteps by producing great works on healthy churches, members and leaders.
Anyabwile moves through the descriptions of these positions and the qualities of the men who are to fill them. He looks at pertinent passages (Acts 6 – for deacons – 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1) and explains the qualifications found there. Each chapter deals with each quality in turn. Most of the chapters are short and a quick read. He does this for both elders and deacons. Yet, this book is mean to be a practical book. It is supposed to offer us a path to follow for installing these qualified men. I believe he does that.
First, he accomplishes the finding by first defining the faithful. We won’t know who is qualified if we don’t know what we’re looking for. Second, he helps us to find the faithful by offering questions to determine a person’s “fitness” for service. Third, he helps us to find the faithful by encouraging to avoid the temptation to fill slots. We want faithful men, not just warm bodies. Finally, he helps us to find the faithful by emphasizing the faithful. This book is not meant to be a search-and-destroy (16). It is intended to help identify the positive, not expose the negative. Yet, with that in mind, it is important for us to recognize that some of our elders and deacons might not actually be fit for the office they are filling. We need to be willing to do the hard thing when its necessary.
Godly leadership is essential for the effectiveness and faithfulness of the local church. It doesn’t depend on marketing schemes or how friendly you are to “seekers”. It depends on the quality of the men leading. I believe in this book so much that if I had the financial means I would buy a copy for every pastor in America and for every man God raises up for the pastorate in the coming generations. This is a must have for every pastor, deacon, elder and search committee!
The Shaping of an Effective Leader
Purchase The Shaping of an Effective Leader
Leadership is essential. Even pastors need to be leaders. It is part of the nature of the shepherding motif of Scripture. Shepherds direct and lead their sheep. This requires knowing where we are going and why. It requires knowing the potential dangers or difficulties ahead of time. Also, Ephesians 4.11-13 present an image of leadership that goes against many common practices. Paul states that God has given a variety of gifts to the local church and those who serve the church as pastors and elders need to focus their work on identifying those gifts in people and equipping them to “do ministry”.
How do we become effective leaders? What does an effective leader look like? Gayle Beebe is the President of Westmont College and a former student of management guru, Peter Drucker. He has identified eight key principles of effective leadership and presents them in his latest book. He emphasizes that these are principles and not laws. Principles are more flexible and fluid. They look different in different contexts and people. To borrow literary terminology, these are dynamic qualities and not static. They “bend-to-fit”.
His eight principles are those usually welcomed in the business world. The fact that Steve Forbes (of Forbes magazine) endorsed this book confirms this. However, despite the protestations of some Christians, this does not mean that pastors have nothing to learn from businesses. The Bible is clear in its teaching about common grace. Common grace is God’s general kindness towards mankind. It prevents humanity from degenerating into chaos. It is was secures relative global peace and orderliness. It is was ensures that crops grow, the power stays on and there’s money in the bank. It is what brings about technological and medical advancements. Basically, it allows all men everywhere (regardless of faith) to discover truth.
Principles of management and business are not exempt from common grace. While churches are not businesses and should be defined by biblical mandate, it does not mean that pastors and elders cannot (or should not) learn from these leadership principles. In fact, these principles may help us to be more effective in the mission which Christ has called us to fulfill. Additionally, there is little in these principles that Christians would disagree with. Beebe highlights the importance of character, competance (gifts), influence, and the brevity of life. Scripture promotes all of these things. Pastors and elders are to be men of strong, godly character. They are to serve the church according to the measure of their gifts. They are to be men who can follow Paul in saying: “follow my example as I follow Christ”. They are also to recognize that our lives are short and that we need to do what we can to make them the most effective for the kingdom of God.
There is nothing here that should keep pastors, ministry leaders, parachurch directors or elders and deacons from adopting these principles. They are broadly ideas which we already accept. Beebe simply brings focus and application for us. This is a welcome addition to the Christian understanding of leadership. I believe that every pastor, leader, director or manager ought to read this book with their people. They ought to seek to grow in each of the eight areas and pray that God would empower them to fulfill the work to which he has called them. And they ought to pray that they would make much of Christ as they are faithful and effective in that work.
NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission I would like to state that I received a complementary copy of the aforementioned text for the purposes of review. I was not required to furnish a positive review.
Three Free Sins
I’m not sure where it began, but I know how I feel about it. Some people are very stingy with grace. These people can be found among all stripes of theological convictions. Some are Reformed, others are Wesleyan/Arminian. Some are conservative, others are moderate. Some are fundamentalists, others are evangelicals. Whatever your convictions, we have all experienced the weight of a grace-less Christianity.
The interesting thing about it, is that Paul anticipated the heart of this reaction thousands of years previously. He clearly taught that God’s radical, free grace does not mean mere intellectual consent or the freedom to live in sin. Just the opposite. God’s radical, free grace is actually what transforms us. It is God’s “kindness which leads to repentance” (Romans 2.4). Not law.
Yet, so many today try to transform themselves (and others) through the law. Instead of a loving, kind, gracious and compassionate Christianity we are subject to a cold, distant, angry, hurtful Christianity. What our souls need is God’s radical, free and transformational grace. Steve Brown has become well-known for promoting this kind of grace. He has experienced tremendous push-back, but I think that he is right in his understanding of grace. Years ago he began (in jest) offering his radio listeners three free sins. His point was to create a picture of grace that is closer to home.
For some, it has hit too close to home. For others, it has released them from a morbid obsession with law and their failure. Three Free Sins seeks to help Christians understand the nature of God’s grace. Those who are in Christ have been offered an unending supply of God’s transforming grace. Believers need to know this. We are far too quick to submit to the guilt and shame that comes with sin and the lies of the accuser than we are to find the freedom of God’s transformative grace.
Unlike what many may perceive as a freedom for licentious living, Steve Brown does not believe, here, that people can simply make a profession and then live however they pleased. Instead, he promotes what the Bible teaches about grace. It is free, radical, unending and transformative. God’s grace will be proven better than sin. We will still sin. But God’s grace is greater still. It is his kindness which leads us to see that holiness is better and more beautiful and that it has been fully achieved in Christ.
This is a freeing message. It is also one many Christians today need to hear. It releases our hearts from the burden of “proving” our righteousness. Instead, we rest in the full and final work of Christ for us. I believe that every believer needs to read this book and learn to rest in the kindness of God.
NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission I would like to state that I received a complementary copy of the aforementioned text for the purposes of review. I was not required to furnish a positive review.
