Here is another roundup of 30 Minute Reviews. These are noteworthy books that I did not have time or opportunity to read from beginning to end. Instead, I tried to spend at least 30 minutes with each—enough to get a sense of what the book is all about.
At the Throne of Grace – At the Throne of Grace is a book of the pastoral prayers of John MacArthur. Here is what the publisher says: “For more than 40 years, John MacArthur has steadfastly committed himself to the careful and faithful teaching of God’s Word. A key outgrowth of his study of Scripture is the profoundly God-centered prayers that precede his sermons. John’s prayers are the offerings of a heart that is fully committed to honoring God, proclaiming and obeying His Word, and calling others to do the same. In this book, prayers and Scripture readings from across his years of ministry have been brought together to stir Christians toward more meaningful and edifying communion with God.” These are powerful prayers, chosen by his children, arranged topically, and printed for all of us to enjoy. We’ve all known MacArthur as a preacher; this gives us an opportunity to see him in his role as a pastor who prays.
A Life of Gospel Peace – We have waited a long time for a fresh biography of Jeremiah Burroughs and at last it has come courtesy of Phillip Simpson and Reformation Heritage Books. Here is a short endorsement I penned for it: “A man whose books are known and treasured almost four centuries after his death is a man worth getting to know. Phillip Simpson has done the church a great service in penning this long-overdue account of the life and impact of Jeremiah Burroughs. I am glad to commend it to you.”
Foundations for the Flock – Correct me if I’m wrong, but I do believe that this is Conrad Mbewe’s first book. Published by Granted Ministries Press, this book contains “Truths About the Church for All the Saints” (according to the subtitle). Here is the back copy: “The church of Jesus Christ has but one foundation, Christ Himself. But upon that stone must come basic and fundamental truths taught by the Bible. This book is a collection of writings produced throughout the fires and challenges of a quarter-century of pastoral ministry, being written with wisdom, insight, humility, and practicality, in order to instruct and equip the people of God.” And the first line of an endorsement that caught my eye: “If Conrad Mbewe’s preaching corresponds to that of Charles Spurgeon, his abilities at shepherding must approximate that of the puritan Richard Baxter.” That is high praise!
The Sovereignty and Supremacy of King Jesus – “What thoughts flood our minds when we think about God? Do we think of Him as King? If so, what kind of King? In this book Mike Abendroth seeks to address a twofold problem: most Christians do not consider God as any type of Monarch, and, if they do, they think about monarchs that are weak rather than reflecting on the utter Lordship of God, the ultimate King. In Part 1, Mike Abendroth demonstrates that the whole Bible reveals God as King. In Part 2, he describes the life-changing implications that flow from that revelation. Filled with insightful quotations, worshipful hymns, and thoughtful study questions, this book helps us to biblically embrace God as our King.” This one comes with endorsements by Steven Lawson, Richard Mayhue and Richard Phillips.
