The Lightlings

The newest book that I have been reading is The Lightlings by R.C. Sproul. It is a short children's story based on I Jn. 1:5, "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all." The story is well illustrated and has many pictures to entertain smaller kids.
The story's main character is Charlie, a little boy who finds he has a terrible fear of the dark. He asks his Grandpa to explain how he can conquer his fear of the dark. Quickly, he finds that not only are some people afraid of the dark, but that many people are afraid of- the light! This is where are story takes a twist and spiritual truths begin to appear in the story of the creatures called lightlings.
In R.C. Sproul's unique way, he begins to weave out the truth of redemption in a way that children can understand. He talks about the King of the Light and the creatures that he created. However, his creation would turn against him and disobey. Their action of disobedience would cause them to lose their light and be left in horrible darkness. However, their fear of the King would keep them hiding and stumbling in the darkness.
Will the lightlings ever be able to regain their light or will their fear and shame of their disobedience keep them paralyzed in the darkness? and will Charlie ever learn how he can overcome his fear of the darkness? As Grandpa continues his story you will be able to find the answer to these questions.
At the end of the story there are multiple questions to discuss further with children and verses from scripture that help to draw out the spiritual truths that are present in this delightful children's story.

*I will receive a hard copy of this book for writing a blog post.

Feed My Sheep: A passionate plea for preaching

The newest book on my blogging list is Feed my Sheep: a passionate plea for preaching. It is a compilation of various speakers, such as: John Piper, R.C. Sproul, and John MacArthur. It is written specifically for those in a Pastoral role and is an encouragement to continue in the role that God has called them.
The theme of the book can be seen in the first chapter with a quote by Martin Luther, "And even if there were no other sign than this alone, it would still suffice to prove that a Christian, holy people must exist there, for God’s Word cannot be without God’s people and, conversely, God’s people cannot be with- out God’s Word."
R. Albert Mohler, Jr. expresses that the first duty of a Pastor is to be a "servant of the word" he brings about a good point that usually when one describes a church the first things mentioned are various ministries, the missions program, the music, but rarely mentioned is the actually preaching. Yet, the preaching is the first priority of the Pastor. Christ will build his church but he will do it through His Word.
James Montgomery Boice reminds us that unbelievers think of preaching as "foolishness". They look at someone preaching the word of God and think of him as a fool because he has put himself into the box of absolute truth. He has closed his mind because he acknowledges that there is a Higher Being who has preserved His words to every generation, that He has a moral law and that man has broken his law and therefore are already condemned. Yet, the preacher also believes that there is hope because of the God Man, Christ Jesus who came to redeem those who were already condemned and through his death and resurrection that many would be brought to life through belief in this absolute and marvelous truth.
Derek W. H. Thomas writes about preaching using the expository method. His advice is practical and he offers a quote by John Calvin to summarize why preaching the word of God in this fashion is extremely necessary, "We owe to the Scriptures the same reverence as we owe to God, since it has its only source in Him and has nothing of human origin mixed with it."
R.C. Sproul stresses the aspect of the "teaching preacher" since this is a requirement of the pastoral office. However, many would rather have a Pastor who preaches entertaining sermons rather than one who teaches them the truth and doctrine of scripture. In order for the Pastor to faithfully teach the word of God then he must know it himself and also continue to be a constant learner.
I found this book extremely interesting to read because it reminds me how much we need to pray for those who are preaching in our churches. We must pray for the Pastor as he feeds the sheep that God has brought to Him. The job the Pastor has is extremely difficult because as we so most of the world looks at him as a fool and to often those in the church are looking for him to entertain them rather than to feed them. This book can easily be read by those who are not in a Pastoral role to remember to pray for their Pastor and then after reading it they can give it to their Pastor so it will encourage him to continue teaching and preaching the word of God.

*I will receive a hard copy of this book for writing a blog post.

Peace: Classic Readings for Christmas

The newest book that I have read recently is Peace: Classic Readings for Christmas by Stephen J. Nichols. With the holiday season soon approaching it seemed fitting to read a book with a Nativity theme. The writing is extremely creative and enjoyable. The book itself is a collection of small excerpts from writers, such as, Martin Luther, Augustine, John Piper, and R.C. Sproul.
The book begins with an introduction of the ideas, hopes, and wishes that many of us have during the Holiday Season. However, we are soon reminded that Christmas is just for a moment and that in just a few weeks January will begin and with it are left many of our unfulfilled expectations. The fact is the "peace" that so many search for is a peace that is only temporary and if we are to find a permanent peace, than as Stephen Nichols writes, "We must look to no other place than to a manger." (pg. 17)
The next part of the book brings us to the search of this permanent peace divided into three acts. The first act is the Promise. This chapter includes multiple excerpts from scripture that tell us of the Promised Redeemer. The second act is the Fulfillment. This chapter shows us in scripture how all the promises were fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. The final act is the Reflection. This chapter causes us to meditate and consider on what this promised Savior means to the world. This Promised Redeemer who was the only child to be born King.
The rest of the book contains two historical ways of celebrating the Christmas season- the first included is The Nine Lessons & Carols and the second included is the classic tradition of Advent. The section on Advent contains readings and prayers for the four Sundays before Christmas to contemplate and remember the only One who can bring us permanent peace.
The final section of this book contains a section for the reader to write his own family traditions for celebrating and keeping Christmas. Overall, the book is filled with beautiful pictures, hymns, historical writings, and passages from scripture. It is extremely enjoyable to read and also to have the opportunity to record your own holiday traditions to then pass them along to future generations. I also think it could be used for the four weeks of Advent to read small portions daily and meditate on each of the three acts that were accomplished by the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

*I will be receiving a free hard copy of this book for writing a book review.