Category Archives: Not quite a review

Axioms Of Separation by John E. Ashbrook

Posted on by
Reply

Axioms Of Separation
by John E. Ashbrook
Painesville, OH: “Here I Stand” Books, 1989.  
Point: Separation is a crucial element in the life of every believer.
Path:  Written from a pastor to pastors, the author seeks to give the biblical reasons for separation. He lays them out in thirteen different axioms seeking to give scriptural support for each.
Agreement: I thought that the author’s list of established and self-evident truths was helpful. Some of them were things which I had not thought about before, others I had. The first few I have come to see and understand: Scripture forbids us to have fellowship with unbelief, commands us to reprove apostasy, teaches us that we must purge unbelief, teaches us that a believer and unbeliever cannot be yoked together in spiritual endeavors, and teaches us to separate from disobedient brethren (pg. 29).
Questions: Ashbrook notes that the Bible teaches that we cannot fellowship with those who do not practice separation. How far do we go? Second degree separation? Third or fourth? There is a struggle here and I do not have all the answers.  
Personal App: I believe that there are certain things over which we should separate and other we should not. I don’t think that we ought to separate from another church over their choice of music, usage of a variety of Bible versions, service schedule, or color of choir robes. The common belief among certain groups is that “if we don’t believe exactly the same, we cannot fellowship.”
Favorite Quote: “Separation is not the answer to every disagreement between brethren” (pg. 29).
Stars: 4 out of 5
It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.
If this review was helpful, let me know here

Two Testaments, One Bible: The Theological Relationship Between the Old and New Testaments by David L. Baker

Posted on by
Reply

Two Testaments, One Bible: The Theological Relationship Between the Old and New Testaments
by David L. Baker

Product Details
Hardcover: 376 pages
Publisher: Apollos
Date Published: 2010 3rd edition

Point: Do we still need the Old Testament? Baker answers with a whole hearted “yes” and demonstrates why the Old Testament is important. Following a study of the various views of the Old Testament’s relationship to the New, the author treats the main issues and forms of interpretations. He addresses four key themes which tie the Testaments into a unified work. These are typology, promise and fulfillment, continuity and discontinuity, and covenant.
Written in four parts, Baker begins his work by addressing the problem. Throughout the ages, readers have understood the Old Testament’s purpose in different ways. Some have rejected it, others have honored, but all have had to deal with it. From Marcion to Augustine, the Middle ages to Calvin, Kirkpatrick to the Nazis, the Old Testament has seen its share of fights.
Part two reviews four modern solutions which have surfaced over the years. First, some regard the New Testament as the essential Bible. Baker primarily focuses on Rudolph Bultmann and his critique of the faith. He concludes that Bultmann’s existential method decreases the importance of history, and fails to deal with the Old Testament (76). Second, some see the two Testaments as equally Christian Scriptures. Wilhelm Vischer offers a general view of this persuasion. Third, others such as Arnold van Ruler accept the Old Testament as the essential Bible. Fourth, Gerhard von Rad argues that the Testaments form one salvation history.
Part three focuses on the four key themes which unite the Old and New Scriptures. Baker first examines typology and the New Testament’s view of the Old. Typology is historical, not a fanciful interpretation of Scripture (179). It also implies a real correspondence, not necessarily in every detail, but in fundamental principles (180). He also clarifies what typology is not, namely allegory, prophecy, exegesis, or a method/system (181-2). He then looks at promise and fulfillment, the Old Testament’s role of prophesying the Messiah. This relationship shows a mutual dependence where neither Testament can stand alone (217). His third study addresses continuity and discontinuity, highlighting the continuing presence of a people of God. He argues that the “church is simultaneously ‘Israel of God (Gal 6:16) and ‘new creation’ (2 Cor 5:17). It perpetuates the old and inaugurates the new” (223). His final treatment regards the term and significance of “covenant.” Referencing covenants with Abraham, the children of Israel, and the New Covenant, Baker looks to the New Testament to see how those are treated by the apostles.
Part four concludes with the general relationship between the testaments. The author proposes a “biblical” solution and explains the implications for such a view. This solution involves six fundamental concepts which are Christology, Salvation history, Typology, Promise and fulfillment, Continuity and discontinuity, and Covenant.
Much of what Baker presents is of value to the reader. His summaries of the various views and their primary proponents reveal a thorough study and understanding on his part. His explanation of typology and promise/fulfillment also is a valuable resource. Overall the book is very helpful.
Several ideas which he presented raise questions. In his treatment of Israel and the Church he recognizes a continuity and discontinuity, yet it does not appear that he leaves place for national Israel to once again be God’s people. Even in statements concerning the covenants, he sees national Israel as being excluded from the fulfillment. The covenant made with Abraham is and everlasting covenant, “and God is always faithful to that intention…” (241). “However, the promise of land does not have any obvious fulfillment in the coming of Jesus…” (215). Should this fact not cause us to reevaluate the place of Israel in God’s plan?
Often these books will end with the question, can we treat the OT as the NT authors treated it? He states,
It is sometimes thought that the key to interpreting the Old Testament is in New Testament use of the Old. However, we live in a different world from the authors of the New Testament, and our task is not to imitate the way they interpreted the Old Testament but to develop our own way. Their methods of interpretation were suited to the needs of the first century, but cannot simply be repeated at the beginning of the twenty-first century. We can learn a great deal form the way the early Christians read and understood the Old Testament, but to truly understand and respond to the Word of God today we should use the methods of modern hermeneutics (278).
This thought leaves many questions to be answered. Baker is primarily concerned with the hermeneutical methods, however, is there propositional truth to be understood? Did the NT authors understand the truth of the OT? If so, did that truth change? The NT authors saw the OT as valuable, relevant, and crucial to understanding Jesus Christ, and therefore used it appropriately. Where should twenty-first century change? Some would agree that we must not interpret the OT as the apostles did, but they base their idea on inspiration. Baker does not.
Does the OT still hold value? This book demonstrates that it does.

If this review was helpful, let me know here

How to Prepare Bible Messages by Braga

Posted on by
Reply

How to Prepare Bible Messages. 
by James Braga.
35th ed. Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books, 2005. 
Point: Preparing messages from the Bible takes dedication, skill, and devotion to the text.
Path:  Giving an overview of three popular formats for sermons, topical, textual, and expository, Braga instructs the reader on preparing messages. He spends the majority of the book outlining how to prepare an expository message, but gives brief comments concerning the topical and textual messages.
Agreement: Although there is a place for the topical sermon, I appreciated that he did not spend a great amount of time on it. Rather, he dedicated the majority of his time on the expository sermon, which seems to be the most beneficial for the church to partake of regularly. It takes a specific passage, asks what it means, and then seeks to communicate that truth to the hearer. 
Braga discusses several different ideas which were a little differently defined in Robinson’s book. He deals with the proposition which is the main point of the passage (Robinson calls this the “subject” I believe), then the Interrogative sentence (Robinson calls this the “compliment”) and then the transitional statement.
Disagreement: A small quibble would be that the textual sermon seems quite similar to the expository message, but he contrasts them.
Personal App: Braga’s book is a helpful book, even though it was written nearly forty years ago. I believe one of the most beneficial areas of the book is its homework. If I were to teach a class, or mentor another man, I would consult this  book for ideas concerning homework and projects to complete.
Braga also suggests that the preacher categorize illustrations as he comes across them. I don’t use actually file folders in my compilation, however, I went through and added all his suggested folders into my sermon archive on my computer.
Stars: 4 out of 5
It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

If this review was helpful, let me know here

Techniques And Assumptions In Jewish Exegesis Before 70 CE by David Instone Brewer

Posted on by
Reply

Techniques And Assumptions In Jewish Exegesis Before 70 CE
by David Instone Brewer

Product Details
Publisher: J.C.B. Mohr (Paul Siebeck) Tübingen
Date Published: 1992


The New Testament authors were not mishandling Scripture. Many believe that the exegesis of the OT by rabbis before 70 CE was fraught with questionable practices which were accepted by the NT authors. Brewer argues that even though the pattern of later rabbis may have done otherwise, these exegetes (who influenced the NT authors) “did not interpret Scripture out of context, did not look for any meaning in Scripture other than the plain sense, and did not change the text to fit their interpretation” (1).
Brewer bases his conclusions upon a study of rabbinic literature which originated before 70 CE. Analyzing the exegetical techniques and assumptions used by the Scribes (the author labels the authorities before 70 CE as “scribes” [2]), Brewer attempts to highlight several underlying presuppositions which challenge the common attack on Jewish exegesis before 70 CE.

The author places each text into one of four modes of exegesis:
peshat (plain meaning of the text); nomological; ultra-literal (“the literal understanding of the words used in a text even when it is denied by the context and by the plain meaning of the idioms used” [15]); derash (hidden meaning).

Brewer recognizes that the attitude of the scribes toward the Scripture is evident through their techniques. What is revealed following a study of their interpretations is that the scribes believed:
Scripture is totally self-consistent.
Every detail in Scripture is significant.
Scripture is understood according to its context.
Scripture does not have any secondary meaning.
There is only one valid text form of Scripture. The form of exegesis based upon these presuppositions and demonstrated by the scribes is labeled by the author as “Nomological.”

Therefore, the understanding of Scripture as Law is the the foundation upon which they base their view of the OT.
The author believes that these conclusions are much different from the majority of rabbis following 70 CE. A second school of hermeneutical interpretation rose to prominence exemplified by Josephus, Qumran and Philo. This form of exegesis labeled as the “Inspirational Model.” Brewer states five shared assumptions for those who utilize the Inspirational Model. These are:
Scripture is totally self-consistent.
Every detail in Scripture is significant.
Scripture may be interpreted contrary to or without regard to context.
Scripture has secondary meaning(s) independent of its plain meaning.
Variant texts and translations are valid forms of Scripture (212).

The primary hermeneutical assumption behind these exegetes is that “the whole of Scripture is inspired prophecy, and that its interpretation and translation must be equally inspired” (208). Therefore, their interpretational scheme is based upon the foundation of the prophetic nature of all Scripture. This form of exegesis did exist simultaneously with the nomological interpretation, however, it was developed and fostered in the Hellenistic environment (220). Following 70 CE there was a blurring of the two models and the Inspirational model eventually moved to prominence.
Brewer’s thesis is both appealing and controversial. Following a host of scholars who have challenged the NT use of the OT based upon Jewish writings, his argument is tempting. The possibility of restoring some rules to NT exegesis holds great appeal. It is also refreshing to see someone interact with individual texts rather than place them under a blanket statement.
His thesis is also controversial. Brewer stands in the minority and faces an uphill battle. Many critiques have been leveled against his thesis and evidence. One difficulty that he faces is the plethora of evidence. In essence, Brewer evaluates 93 different traditions, determines their date, legitimacy, hermeneutical methods used, and commonalities with other scribes and methods. There is too much information.
This is an interesting and valuable resource. The strength lies in both the layout and discussion. With the majority of people blindly believing that all Jewish interpretation was questionable, Brewer offers a reprieve and the beginning of a new dialogue.

If this review was helpful, let me know here

The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare by G.K. Chesterton

Posted on by
Reply

The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare
by G.K. Chesterton
Product Details
  1. Audio Book: 5.8 hours
  2. Publisher: christianaudio.com Read by: Simon Vance
    Point: Both good and evil exist in this world, but there is one who understands it all
    Path: Chesterton leads the reader through twist and turn in this running novel. Anarchists and police officers meet and unmask one another. Giant elephants, twisted smiles, hot air balloons, and a man in the dark make this story a revealer of surprises every page.
    Sources: Chesterton was describing the insanity he saw all around him at the beginning of the 20th century. His fantastic imagination lights a fire which burns for days in the mind of the reader.
    Agreement: This world is on its head, but at least there is one who knows it all. And that one is slowly showing a few.
    Personal App: Although I have had to work through this several times, I keep wanting to read it again. There is so much there. 
    Favorite Quote: “We say that the most dangerous criminal now is the entirely lawless modern philosopher. Compared to him, burglars and bigamists are essentially moral men; my heart goes out to them. They accept the essential ideal of man; they merely seek it wrongly. Thieves respect property. They merely wish the property to become their property that they may more perfectly respect it. But philosophers dislike property as property; they wish to destroy the very idea of personal possession.”
    Stars: 5 out of 5
    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

    If this review was helpful, let me know here

    Trusting God by Jerry Bridges

    Posted on by
    Reply

    Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts
    by Jerry Bridges
    Product Details
    1. Paperback: 241 pages
    2. Publisher: NavPress
    3. Date Published: 2008
    Point: God’s Sovereignty, Wisdom, and Love enable the believer to trust Him in all circumstances.
    Path: Following the principles in Scripture, Bridges divides this work into fourteen chapters addressing our trust and God’s trustfulness in three areas: Sovereignty, Wisdom, and Love. God is sovereign over our lives, government, and weather. God is all wise, which promises that his sovereign will is good. God’s love is complete, which encourages us that his plan is for our good.
    Sources: J. I. Packer, G. C. Berkouwer, and Alexander Carson are referenced frequently. Bridges’ own personal life is used as a testimony. The foundation is God’s Word.
    Agreement: I appreciated Bridges’ ability to weave the biblical teaching into a systematic, yet readable, primer on the sovereignty of God. 
    His humbleness in explaining that his struggles were not as drastic as others, his cautions at the end of chapters, his love for the hurting saints all encouraged me.
    I thank God for his willingness to accept and acknowledge the fact that he does not have all the answers, but God’s Word is still truth.
    Personal App: How often do I question “Why?” instead of trusting? Most of the time I will never know that answer. But I can answer “Can I trust God?” after reading His Word.
    Favorite Quote: “Prayer assumes the sovereignty of God” (pg 115).
    Stars: 5 out of 5
    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it to every believer that I know.
    The fact that I am able to take this book and recommend every chapter is priceless.

    If this review was helpful, let me know here

    Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

    Posted on by
    Reply

    Alice in Wonderland
    by Lewis Carroll (Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll)
    Point: Dreams can be life-like and life can be dream-like.
    Path: Originally told as a children’s story while rowing on the Isis river, this story was eventually written down and published. Carroll follows an inquisitive Alice down rabbit burrows, through animal homes, flamingo croquet games, under disappearing cats, and back home again.
    Sources: Many have suggested ideas for possible illusions and references in this work. The most likely is that Carroll was imagining what a dream would be like in real life.
    Agreement: I enjoyed the musings following the book more than the book itself. While reading it everything seemed so disjointed and combobulated – which is exactly the point. After completing the book I found myself pondering reality through through the eyes of a dream.

    Personal App: In a dream, extraordinary happenings make sense. Perhaps reality would be a little more exciting if I were to slow down and really think about what I take for granted. There is magic all around.
    Favorite Quote: “Alice looked at the jury-box and saw that, in her haste, she had put the Lizard in head downwards, and the poor little thing was waving its tail about in a melancholy way, being quite unable to move.” Moving its tail in a melancholy way! That is funny.
    Stars: 4 out of 5
    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.

    If this review was helpful, let me know here

    Christ-Centered Preaching by Chapell

    Posted on by
    Reply

    Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon 
    by Bryan Chapell

    Christ-Centered Preaching is an excellent resource for the study of homiletics. I found his development of the exegetical method to be very helpful and well illustrated. His book is divided into three parts including the principles for and the preparation of expository preaching, and the theology of Christ-centered messages. He also includes a valuable appendix including topics such as wedding and funeral messages, the reading of Scripture, and methods of preparation.’

    One of my favorite suggestions of the whole book is that of the “3 A.M. Test” (pg. 39). As a preacher prepares his sermon he should keep this simple test in mind. If someone were to wake him at 3 A.M. on Sunday morning, desperate to know what the sermon was about, he should be able to tell them in one sentence when awoken. The idea is that he must have the big idea clearly packaged and readily accessible to all. It must be easily remembered and accurate. This key aspect of a sermon is often neglected, to the detriment of both the preacher and listeners.’

    Chapell also gave an insightful story of one of his past professors (pg. 44). The professor, a former military serviceman, recommended that each student as he spoke, envision him sitting in the back with his arms crossed and brow furrowed asking, “So what?” This is such an important question. We may be able to give ten reasons why the Philistines were poor farmers, but what does that matter? The message of God’s Word must impact the hearers, and the preacher must prepare for that.

    ‘A brief comment was made in the author’s discussion of the priority of the text which caught my attention. He made the comment that at times the duty of the preacher includes “distilling the essence of a long passage or exploding the implications of a single phrase…” (pg. 52). This statement properly conveys the idea that not all passages require or deserve the same treatment. Each passage is unique. A historical narrative must be treated differently than prophecy, epistle, or psalm.’

    As Chapell addressed study tools he made the point that commentaries should be used as checks, not guides (pg. 68). At times it is helpful to read study Bibles or shorter explanations on difficult passages in order to save oneself from hours of misguided research, but in most circumstances this is not necessary.’

    Six critical questions were raised by the author in the chapter dealing with the process of explanation (pg. 100ff). It is easy to oftentimes focus on the single question, “what does the text mean,” without pausing to reflect on “what concerns caused the text to be written.” I also need to do much more work on what he calls the FCF (Fallen Condition Focus).’

    ‘Overall I found his book to be the best of those I have previously read, and look forward to using it in the future.

    If this review was helpful, let me know here

    How to Stay Christian in College by Budziszewski

    Posted on by
    Reply


    How to Stay Christian In College
    By J. Budziszewski

    Point: Attending college does not mean one must reject their faith or stagnate.

    Path: The author covers his topic by walking through an introduction, a synopsis on worldviews, a spattering of campus myths, suggestions on how to cope, and a conclusion.

    Sources: Budziszewsky writes from his own experience in college, his career as a teacher, and his nurturing of his children through their college experiences.

    Agreement: I thought that much of what he was saying would be helpful for a college student. He explained the Gospel. He encouraged involvement in a church. He challenged the reader to grow. 

    Disagreement: I think the title and some of the chapter titles are misleading. His actual work is not about “staying Christian” or “coping” but rather growing and thriving. Initially I groaned as I read the introductory material, because it was painted in a negative light (like, “you will slide, but here are some tips for stopping yourself from sliding really far”)
    This is more of a complaint about titles (which he may have not been able to choose). The actual work is much better.
    There were some other uses of Scripture that I would question, but overall it was fairly good.

    Personal App: We must be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

    Favorite Quote: “Though it always comes as a surprise to intellectuals, there are some forms of stupidity that you must be highly intelligent and educated to commit. God keeps them in His arsenal to pull down mulish pride, and I discovered them all.”

    Stars: 3.5 out of 5

    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it to someone planning on attending a university.

    If this review was helpful, let me know here

    Manalive by Chesterton

    Posted on by
    Reply


    Manalive
    by G. K. Chesterton

    Point: To be alive, to be truly alive, is much more than living by conventions and understanding the rules.

    Path: Chesterton knows how to write! The reader is catapulted into a fantastic mystery with twist upon twist. The lives of four unsuspecting English are forever changed by the appearance of an enigma, a Mr. Innocent Smith. He lands in the midst of their shadowy garden in order to dispel the darkness in which they exist. Will his demeanor and tactics be enough to imprison him before the great Dr. Warner, or the premier scientist, Professor Pym?

    Sources: Chesterton understood modernism. He felt the despair of nihilism. He captured the folly of socialism. And apparently he knew what it was to be alive. His storytelling abilities do not cease to amaze me.

    Agreement: This is one of the best books I have read all year. It is currently my favorite of Chesterton, although “The Club of Queer Trades” is great as well.
    I laughed more in this book than I have in any other that I can remember. His descriptions were captivating and his humor profound. 

    Personal App: Am I alive? Am I truly alive? Has the wonder of the drakes and spotted blinds caused me to thank God? Will I leave my home to find it? Will I find my wife to marry her? This book makes me look again at what is truly living.

    Favorite Quote: There are so many, but this one summarizes the book well.
    “The idea that Smith is attacking is this. Living in an entangled civilization, we have come to think certain things wrong which are not wrong at all. We have come to think outbreak and exuberance, banging and barging, rotting and wrecking, wrong. In themselves they are not merely pardonable; the are unimpeachable.”

    Stars: 5 out of 5

    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.


    If this review was helpful, let me know here