Tried With Fire

Graciousness: Tempering Truth With Love - John Crotts, Reformation Heritage Books, 2018, 137 pages. In one word, how would you describe the way people handle disagreements today? What word would you use if those people were Christians? Unfortunately "gracious" wouldn't be my first choice, given what I've seen on social media of late, which is why this book by John Crotts is very timely. There is no question that we need to be people who zealously defend the truth. Yet the Bible charges us to speak the truth in love. When love is lacking, the message of the truth may be lost if our attitude, tone, and words are harsh. Does that mean we compromise the truth? Absolutely not! Pitting truth against love is a false dichotomy, for we need both and need not sacrifice one for the other. Graciousness is also more than just being nice. It is an underlying heart attitude that seeks the good of others and is a necessary component in ministry. It shows that we are trusting G...

Irenaeus of Lyon by Simonetta Carr, illustrations by Max Abraxas, Reformation Heritage Books, 2017,  64 pages. Simonetta Carr has written another biography in the Christian Biographies for Young Readers series. Her latest subject is Irenaeus of Lyons, the early church father and author of Against Heresies . Irenaeus lived around 130-200 A.D. He was a disciple of Polycarp who was discipled by the apostle John. The Roman Empire was still the dominant force in the world, and their polytheism and emperor worship were stark contrasts to Christianity. Thus the Christians' refusal to take part in pagan religion led to widespread persecution. Irenaeus' mentor, Polycarp, was one of the many martyrs for the faith. This time was also marked by the rise of false teachers who were distorting the gospel and leading people astray. With a desire to strengthen the church in biblical truth, Irenaeus began his work Against Heresies , which is still read today. He set about refuting the ...

Reformation Women: Sixteenth-Century Figures Who Shaped Christianity's Rebirth, Rebecca VanDoodewaard, Reformation Heritage Books, 2017, 152 pages. In three months, many of us will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. We are familiar with Martin Luther (of course!), Philip Melancthhon, and Ulrich Zwingli to name a few, but what about women? Were they involved in the Reformation at all? The answer is, "Yes." and you can learn about some of these saints in Reformation Women by Rebecca VanDoodewaard. This book contains biographical sketches of 12 reformation women most of whom were unfamiliar to me. These women came from different backgrounds and stations in life. Some were queens and princesses. Others were former nuns. They were wives, mothers, and single women who served tirelessly in the church. Many were well-educated and theologians/scholars in their own right. But what these women had in common was their conviction from the sc...

Martin Luther   by   Simonetta Carr, illustrations by Troy Howell, Reformation Heritage Books, 2016, 32 pages. For ages 7-12. I was wondering if Simonetta Carr would write a children's biography on Martin Luther, and she has! And it's just in time for the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation next year. This book traces Luther's life from his student days to becoming a monk, his pivotal role in the Protestant Reformation, and the subsequent years until his death. The author demonstrates her skill, once again, in being able to take a well-known figure in church history and condense his story so that it is appealing and understandable to the target audience. Beautiful illustrations and photographs augment the text and add visual interest. The book also includes a "Did You Know?" section containing interesting facts, a timeline of Luther's life, and excerpts from his small catechism. I've reviewed some of the biographies in the  Christian Bi...

Pentecostal Outpourings: Revial and the Reformed Tradition, Robert Davis Smart, Michael A. G. Haykin, Ian Hugh Clary, editors, Reformation Heritage Books, 2016, 280 pages. Most Christians would agree that we need revival today, but what does that look like and what are its fruits? If we are honest, an accurate assessment of modern-day revival is "a humanly engineered series of meetings to convert the unsaved and with a fanatical experience that has little to do with the gospel and biblical theology." 1 Sadly, this definition bears little resemblance to New Testament. Hence our ideas need correcting, and  Pentecostal Outpourings offers a   much-needed biblical and historical corrective. This book examines historic revivals of the past in the British Isles and America. The accounts are not confined to one particular denomination but cover a range of groups all within the reformed tradition. Thus what constitutes  revival is defined by that theological con...

Marie Durand by Simonetta Carr, Reformation Heritage Books , June 2015, 64 pages. There are many well-known figures in church history, and it is good that we know their stories. However, God has also worked through many ordinary believers we may never know this side of glory. Thanks to this biography by Simonetta Carr, we are able to learn about the life of one ordinary believer who showed extraordinary perseverance in the midst of persecution. Marie Durand was born in 1711 in France. During this period, it was against the law to be Protestant. If you were caught the penalties were very severe, even death. Because of her family's refusal to compromise their beliefs, Marie was imprisoned at the age of 19. There were opportunities for release, but only if the prisoners would recant their faith, take the mass, and embrace Roman Catholicism.  Marie refused and became a rallying point for the other women detainees. As she was literate, she wrote letters requesting aid and advocat...

Living Without Worry: How to replace anxiety with peace ,  by Timothy Lane, The Good Book Company , May 2015, 144 pages. If we're honest, who hasn't experienced worry at some point in their life? Sure, sometimes the small things get us down, but very often, worry can have serious effects. This is why I was very interested in reading Living Without Worry . The author begins by defining the term and distinguishing the difference between godly concern and worry. Worry is when we've crossed the line from a healthy, wise concern to over-concern which has the potential to lead to anxiety disorders, phobias, panic attacks, and other stress-related disorders. However the solution isn't going to the other extreme of indifference, which can often be mask for anxiety. Rather than lumping worry into one general category, Dr. Lane  breaks it down into the following categories: - The past including sins that may still haunt us. - Past experiences which we did not contribut...

Acts: Evangelical Press Study Commentary , Guy Prentiss Waters, John D. Currid series editor,  EP Books, 2015, 614 pages. This commentary on the book of Acts is the latest in Evangelical Press' Study Commentary series. It is written by Guy Prentiss Waters, professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. As stated in the preface, the purpose of this volume is to provide a concise resource for those who want to understand the text better for themselves. It also seeks to avoid two extremes - first viewing the book of Acts as a blueprint for church purity and secondly that it is solely historical with little current application. This commentary is also written from a Reformed perspective. Before jumping into the text, the introduction discusses basic information about Acts including authorship, title, genre, its purpose, the outline and motifs contained in the book. This is followed by exegetical commentary and application of the text itself,...

God's Battle Plan for the Mind: The Puritan Practice of Biblical Meditation , David W. Saxton, Reformation Heritage Books, January 2015, 160 pages. Meditation is a necessary part of the Christian life. Just read the Psalms and you will find verses such as "but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." (Ps. 1:2) Unfortunately Biblical meditation has become somewhat of a lost art. The word itself is now associated with the New Age and other forms of mysticism. Our high-tech, time-crunched, and entertainment-driven culture has shortened our attention spans and conditioned us to not think deeply about serious subjects. This is why God's Battle Plan for the Mind is such a timely book. Author David Saxton has done an excellent job of making a case for biblical meditation or the doctrine of Christian thinking, which is "to think personally, practically, seriously, and earnestly on how the truth of God's Word should...

Purity is Possible: How to live free of the fantasy trap by Helen Thorne, The Good Book Company, November 2014, 112 pages. In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness about the use of pornography by Christian men. But what about women? Are they purer by nature and thus immune to this temptation? While stereotypes may encourage this idea, Helen Thorne would disagree with this myth because she's been there. She was caught in the trap of pornography, erotica, and sexual fantasy. However, the solution wasn't to muster up self-resolve and stop through sheer will power. Helen found the answer in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Purity is Possible  takes an honest look at this temptation that many Christian women experience. Sexual sin is not minimized in any way and neither is the call to repentance. The author also digs beneath the surface as to what may be the underlying idols that fuel the fantasy. But there is hope because this sin is not beyond the scope of Christ...

Jonathan Edwards by Simonetta Carr, illustrations by Matt Abraxas, Reformation Heritage Books, 2014, 64 pages, for ages 7-12. Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) was one of America's greatest theologians and thinkers. Unfortunately, many know him of him only as the author of the sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." But there is much more to his life. In this biography by Simonetta Carr, you will learn about Edwards' childhood, his love of learning, and his love for God. He eventually became a pastor who was instrumental in the First Great Awakening. However, he was removed by his own congregation for taking a stand that the Lord's Supper was only for believers. Edwards pondered over the scriptures and wrote on such topics as original sin, freedom of the will, and religious affections, which are theological classics to this day. Carr's writing makes Edwards' life accessible and interesting, pulling out tidbits of his life that would appeal to c...

Can I Really Trust the Bible?: And other questions about Scripture, truth and how God speaks , Barry Cooper, The Good Book Company , 2014, 72 pages. Can I Really Trust the Bible? is the third book I've read in the Questions Christians Ask series from The Good Book Company, and so far I have liked them all. This particular book covers basic aspects of bibliology in a very readable and concise manner by answering the following questions: Does the Bible claim to be God's word? Does the Bible seem to be God's word? Does the Bible prove to be God's word? Author Barry Cooper covers issues such as the authenticity and unity of the Bible, inerrancy, historical documents, and why the canon is the way it is today. This groundwork would be very helpful for the new believer who is just learning the basics about the Bible. But this book doesn't stop here. He then encourages his readers to not just read the Bible but to taste it, to savor its words, and let it change...

How can I be sure?: And other questions about doubt, assurance and the Bible by John Stevens, The Good Book Company, 2014, 96 pages. We may not want to admit it, but Christians experience doubt. Remember "doubting" Thomas? At times, we may wonder… Have I stopped believing? How can I be really sure I am a Christian? How can I be sure God loves me? Where do I look for assurance of my salvation? How can I be sure? is a very practical resource that provides Biblical answers to these questions. Author John Stevens writes in a compassionate tone that encourages the struggling believer. Yet he is clear about the danger of doubt leading to unbelief. There is a very clear presentation of the gospel, what are evidences of salvation, and possible sources of doubt. Stevens also gives specific ways to strengthen our faith, which include a maintaining a personal walk, being part of a church family, remembering God's ways in dealing with us, and seeing His work in the lives...

China's Reforming Churches: Mission, Polity, and Ministry in the Next Christendom , Bruce P. Baugus - editor, Reformation Heritage Books, May 2014, 320 pages. China's Reforming Churches is a collection of essays which covers the history of Presbyterian missions to China, the current state of the church with its challenges and opportunities, and the potential indigenization of the reformed faith in China. The writing is more scholarly and theological than typical missions stories, but this gives the necessary depth to accurately depict the complex nature of China's church and culture. It's easy for Western Christians to see the Chinese church through the lens of one of four narratives: the   persecuted church , the   needy church , Christian China , or the missionary church. [99-103] While all these aspects are true, a single one does not give the whole picture, and to think those would distort the true nature of the Chinese church. This book offers a more in-dept...

Active Spirituality: Grace and Effort in the Christian Life , Brian G. Hedges, Shepherd Press , April 2014, 144 pages. What is the Christian life all about? Do we rest or run? Does any effort on our part conflict with the grace of God? How do we know we're saved? What about continuing struggles with sin? Have you ever asked these questions? I certainly have. In Active Spirituality: Grace and Effort in the Christian Life ,  author Brian Hedges provides biblical and pastoral answers to these and other questions. While there are many books on Christian growth, Active Spirituality has taken a unique tack. These topics of the faith are discussed in the form of 31 letters from the author to a fictional young believer. As far as the book's style, the letters are engaging and very believable. They are interspersed with scripture and quotes and are well-anchored in the gospel. As far as the content, Active Spirituality couldn't have come at a better time. Sanctification ...

Gospel Assurance & Warnings , Paul Washer, Reformation Heritage Books, April 2014, 252 pages. Gospel Assurance & Warnings is the third book in the Recovering the Gospel series by Paul Washer. This series addresses the need to recover the biblical gospel in a day of easy believism, cheap grace, and man-centered preaching. Divided into two parts, this latest book addresses scriptural assurance of salvation and the warnings to those with false assurance. In the first part, the author uses the 1st epistle of John to answers the questions, "How can I know I have born again, that I am truly a child of God? How can I know that I have believed unto eternal life?" Washer makes it very clear that we are saved by faith alone, by grace alone, through Christ alone. But because of the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, we have been made new creatures, given new hearts, and new affections. This should result in visible fruit in our lives even though we still sin and do not...

John Knox by Simonetta Carr, illustrated by Matt Abraxos, Reformation Heritage Books, 2014, 64 pages. John Knox is the newest addition to the Christian Biographies for Young Reader s series written by Simonetta Carr. Before reading this, I knew very little about Knox's life other than "Give me Scotland, or I die!", his rather controversial pamphlet about women rulers, and the caricatures of this fiery Scottish reformer. Well my lack of knowledge has been well remedied. Having lived in a time of religious persecution and political upheaval, Knox's story is quite exciting. He acted as bodyguard for a minister who was eventually martyred for his faith. Knox then reluctantly agreed to take on the weighty task of preaching the Word of God after his gift became evident. He was imprisoned and forced to be a galley slave for the French, and eventually rose to prominence, preaching before kings and queens. After the successful Scottish revolution against France, Knox wa...

Seasons of the Heart: A Year of Devotions From One Generation of Women to Another , compiled by Donna Kelderman, Reformation Heritage Books, 2013, 416 pages. Seasons of the Heart  is a year-long devotional containing the wisdom of women from the past for women today. This book includes the writings of Susannah Spurgeon, Mary Winslow, Anne Dutton, Frances Ridley Havergal, Ruth Bryan, Anne Steele, and others. Although these women lived in different times under very different circumstances, they shared a devotion to Christ and a history of suffering, whether bodily or otherwise. Perhaps this commitment in the midst of trials enabled them to write as they did. This isn't a sentimental devotional but a spiritually meaty book. It reminded me of the Puritan devotional Voices from the Past , but with a woman's touch. These ladies weren't afraid to challenge their sisters regarding sin, holiness, and devotion to the Word. At the same time, their writings are full of gospel enc...

Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation , Joel R. Beeke & William Boekestein, Reformation Heritage Books, 2013, 108 pages. Why Christ Came: 31 Meditations on the Incarnation is great little devotional that looks at Jesus' mission and ministry beyond what we typically associate with Christmas.  Drawn from both the Old and New Testaments, the authors highlight different reasons why Christ came such as: - to die - to give us the spirit of adoption - to bring a sword - to bring peace - to fulfill the law and the prophets - to bind up broken hearts - to be the second and greater Adam - to reveal God's love for sinners You may think some of these reasons would be better suited for Easter, but our salvation hinges on God becoming man. Thus, the authors do an excellent job expounding these far-reaching implications of Christ's birth. The readings are scripturally based and rich in theology and heart-felt devotion. This would be a wonderful resourc...

The Golden Years: Healthy Aging & the Older Adult by Christopher W. Bogosh, Good Samaritan Books, 2013, 136 pages. The Golden Years is a very practical book that tackles a topic many of us avoid -  aging. Author, Christopher Bogosh, draws from his experience as a nurse and a minister to offer counsel on growing old for the glory of God. He discusses the aging process, tips for healthy living, managing one's health care, and common and chronic health problems. In the section on health care management, Bogosh covers the importance of making decisions about future medical care prior to any emergency. As Christians, we know that death is not the end nor is it to be fear. At the same time, we also believe in the sanctity of life. Hence we need wisdom to consider advance medical directives and such in a God-glorifying manner. The book also discusses financial and insurance issues specific to the elderly living in the United States. I wonder if the author w...