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Reviews I Didn’t Write

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I love writing book reviews and I love reading them. Since I cannot possibly read and review all of the interesting books out there, I’ve decided to put together some occasional round-ups of reviews written by other writers. Here are a few notable links I’ve collected over the past few weeks.

The Biblical Counseling Movement After Adams by Heath Lambert – review by Bob Kellemen. “While not everyone will agree with all of Lambert’s contrasts and comparisons, especially those most loyal to Jay Adams and his nouthetic counseling model, the book successfully breaks down many still–existing stereotypes about the modern biblical counseling movement. More importantly, it articulates a robust, relational approach to one–another ministry while teaching about the history of the movement.”

Education or ImitationEducation or Imitation?: Bible Interpretation for Dummies Like You and Me by Curtis Allen – review by Aaron Armstrong. “I believe Education or Imitation will be a great benefit to anyone who reads it—especially those who think they’re not ‘smart’ enough to understand the Bible. ‘If you are a Christian, there is nothing standing in your way’ of interpreting and applying the Scriptures. Rejoice and be encouraged!”

Gospel Powered Humility by William P. Farley – review by Aimee Byrd. “After serving up a convicting gut check on intellectual pride, spiritual pride, selfish ambition, and pride in your giftedness, Farley offers up the most powerful part of his book: hope for proud Christians.” (I wrote an endorsement for this book some time ago and found it worth the recommendation.)

Gospel WakefulnessGospel Wakefulness by Jared Wilson – review by Matthew Kresge. “Overall, I highly recommend this book. I would encourage you to sit under Wilson’s passion and learn from a humble man who dwells in the Gospel. It will stir your affections and drive you to worship our King Jesus. I plan on reading it again in 2012.” He gives it 5 out of 5 stars.

Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchividjian – several reviews:

  • One by Aaron Armstrong. “It will be a great comfort to some and a challenging rebuke to others. But it will not leave you unmoved. It’s the scandalous grace we need to hear. Read carefully, read prayerfully and with your Bible close at hand.”
  • Another by Jared Oliphint. “Jesus + Nothing = Everything was written with admirable zeal and, I believe, the best of intentions to help the real presence of legalism within the Christian church. And there will come a time where we will be as worry–free and liberated as Tchividjian describes. But not yet.”
  • A third by Mark Jones. “It is not that there are no good points made in the book. I acknowledge that. … But this book does not set forth classical Reformed theology. We do have work to do. And that work involves trusting in Christ’s finished work. But we also need to ‘Pray more, Get more involved in church, [and] Read the Bible longer.’”

Note to SelfNote to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself by Joe Thorn – review by Erik Raymond. “If you are looking for resources on how to preach the gospel to yourself and to think deeply about its implications then this book will help you. … I give it 5/5 Stars.”

Real Marriage by Mark and Grace Driscoll – review by Susan Wise Bauer. “A misunderstanding of history, like sloppy exegesis, isn’t exactly unusual in evangelical literature. Despite these flaws, and a few too many condescending remarks about emotional and fragile females, Real Marriage contains quite a lot of thoroughly helpful material. ‘If you are married, you will have conflict,’ the Driscolls conclude. ‘You cannot avoid it because marriage is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person …. Sin is the problem. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer.’”


  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (February 18)

    A La Carte: Very cool birds / The way to combat anxiety / Do not hinder yourself / The sacred mundane / Thriving in women’s ministry leadership / Kindle deals / and more.

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    A La Carte (February 17)

    A La Carte: Wisdom for online dating / Anything can be an idol / The great danger / Unconfessed sin / Sins we love to ignore / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Quality Time

    Quality Time

    People of all faiths pray. Some pray to gods, some to ancestors, some to nature, and some to the universe, but all speak out words, all utter desires, all hope to be heard. But Christians pray differently and Christians pray confidently, for we pray to a Father. We alone “have received the Spirit of adoption…

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    Weekend A La Carte (February 15)

    A La Carte: Resisting temptation / Strange familiarity / The reluctant polemicist / A new Getty hymn / The power of one bitter thought / Better than a holy year / and more.

  • The Art of Disagreeing

    Keep Calm and Stay Friends

    It is hard to disagree with someone you love. It is harder still to disagree well—to retain genuine respect and true friendship despite differing opinions or convictions. And, as we all know by experience, there is just so much to disagree about.