The Christian Lover

"The Christian Lover" by Michael A.G. Haykin with Victoria J. Haykin is a compilation of love letters written by believers. It contains the correspondence of  Martin and Katharina Luther, Adoniram and Ann Judson, along with many others. 

The idea of the book is extremely interesting, it allows the reader to see a different perspective of people like John Calvin through the letters he wrote to friends and family about the death of his wife. It grants one to see closely what a marriage whose center is Christ ought to look like- to see the husband loving his wife as Christ loved the church and also to see the wife submitting to her husband as Christ submitted his will to the Father's. 

The outline of the book is simple, each chapter is a different marriage and begins with a brief history of each writer, which is then followed by a few personal letters. The writing style is uncomplicated and gives a very brief overview- almost a little too short. The difficult thing about reading letter's written by and to other people is that at times it is difficult to understand the context behind the letters. Although that is perhaps one of the negative things about this book, it could be used in a positive sense as well- to encourage the reader to look into other biography's about the marriages found in "The Christian Lover". Although it is filled with many famous believers that you might have heard of before, there are few that I didn't recognize and was in fact encouraged to look into the lives of the couples to find out the background of the letters that I was reading.  

It is a shorter book and will only take a little time to read through the letters. I would recommend the book to any couple as it is encouraging and uplifting.

*I will receive a hard copy of the book for writing a blog review. 

Are We Together

"Are We Together" by R.C. Sproul analyzes the relationship between Protestants and Catholics. With the formation of the term "Evangelicals" both are commonly grouped together, so are we together? This book attempts to prove the differences between the two groups and the importance of why "evangelicals" need to know what they believe and why they believe it.
Sproul begins with the introduction; At Stake: The Gospel. Strong words for a topic of utmost importance. It is not just a talk about differing denominations there is something at stake in all of this- the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is divided into two sides, subjective and objective. The objective side envelopes things, such as, the divinity of Jesus or the virgin birth- to this side there is no disagreement between Protestants and Catholics; however, the subjective side envelopes how the benefits of Christ are applied to the believer and this is where the disagreement exists.
The disagreement begins with the question "What must a man do to be justified?" Both the Protestant and Roman Catholic would answer that justification is through faith; however, the Protestant would say through faith alone while the Roman Catholic would say that a person can have real faith but not be justified, that a person's justification depends on their sanctification. Whereas, the Protestant believes that justification is based on the imputation of Christ's righteousness to the believer.
R.C. Sproul argues against the idea that the Reformation has ended because he defines the Reformation as "a commitment to biblical truth, and as long as there are departures from biblical truth, we have to be involved in the task of reformation." (pg.8).
In Chapter One: Scripture, the topic underlined is the formal cause of the Reformation. Although the disagreement focused on justification, it began with a more serious argument. What or who has the authority? This issue is not easily described in a few sentences and the author has worked hard to show clearly why the two side differ in matters of canon, inspiration, and authority.
Chapter Two: Justification takes a closer and more in-depth look at the crucial difference between Protestants and Roman Catholics.
Chapter Three: The Church seeks to emphasize the different beliefs that Roman Catholics and Protestants have over the relationship of the church to salvation.
Chapter Four: The Sacraments highlights the variance between the Roman Catholic view and Protestant view of the sacraments. However, the author is clear to point out that even admist Protestant churches there is disagreement over the nature, function, and significance of the various sacraments.
Chapter Five: The Papacy covers the formal definition of papal infallibility. It contains valuable information on the history and beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church.
Chapter Six: Mary speaks of the agreements and disagreements that Roman Catholic's and Protestant's have about Mary the mother of Jesus.
The book is filled with valuable historical and doctrinal information about Protestants and Roman Catholics. In a world that desires to put all "Evangelicals" it is always important to remember the differences that are between the two groups. Although there may be important social views that are held in common, but for those we cannot sacrifice the truth of the gospel.


*I will receive a hard copy of the book for writing a blog review.

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.

A Life- a Legacy...

Recently, I have begun re-reading one of my favorite books, "A Chance to Die" by Elisabeth Elliot, which is a biography about the life of Amy Carmichael. The writing style is not necessarily my favorite but the amount of information and insight that can be learned about Amy Carmichael is fantastic and engaging. Included in the book are many personal accounts and letters from Amy, helping one to see clearly what she was thinking and contemplating throughout different experiences in her life.
While reading I kept thinking, "What has happened to all the strong women?" Where are the women like our mother's, like our grandmother's, and like our grandmother's mothers? There is a strength that can be seen throughout tragedies and difficult circumstances in Amy's life but I have to wonder- where are women like Amy in my generation? Where are the women who will claim as their motto in every difficult situation that it is a chance to die to myself and a chance to live for Christ? This was Amy's theme and I think in many ways it was also the author, Elisabeth Elliot's theme because she suffered through the loss of her husband but later would find that God is strong enough to finish the plan He had begun. He used the death of her husband to bring many people to the knowledge of our beautiful Savior- Jesus Christ.
There is also a sweet lady in our church here in Costa Rica who told me a story about when she was carrying loads of laundry down to the river to wash with all of her children and while pregnant. When she got to the river she slipped and began to experience incredible pain in her abdomen, she hid herself behind a tree, gave birth to a tiny little baby that would never have a chance to take his first breath, wrapped him in a towel- finished washing the laundry and then would later bury the child with the help of her mother. After hearing such a story- how can one not pause and contemplate what great pain but what great strength?
Over and over I could recount stories from my Mother and from my Grandmother's generation- my Grandmother who had to struggle through the Great Depression and wonder how she and her family would eat with food being so scarce. Where, Where are the strong women of my generation? I'm so happy that facebook didn't exist when I was child or I can only imagine the amount of stories my mother could have posted about me- from splitting my lip open when I was little- and on Mother's Day of all days, to the fighting that would go on between the three of us as children. I have no doubt that my mother was exhausted or that there were days when she probably felt like breaking down but I can't name one- why? because all I knew as a child was that my mom loved me. I knew an incredible amount of security from my mother because I never heard her complain about me. Certainly there were exclamations of - "Danielle, why haven't you washed the dishes yet, like I asked you to do an hour ago?"- but even in that she was teaching me to help and be a servant to my family, to be willing to help others. My mother knew something that many women I think are missing in my generation, she knew an inner strength and peace. In times of doubt there wasn't a website to google or a post to put on facebook to ask hundreds of "friends" for their opinion. The only opinion they had was their own- and maybe a Doctor's advice but mostly they had to trust the inner wisdom that God gave them as mothers.
So where are the strong women of my generation? Women like Mary the mother of Jesus who had to carry an incredible amount of pain throughout her life as many believed she had birthed a child out of wedlock, that she had been unfaithful to her espoused husband, Joseph. You try explaining the miracle of the virgin birth to your friends and then think about how Mary must have felt. Yet, Mary had an inner strength just like great women of the faith before her, such as, Ruth, Esther, Bathsheeba.
So here is my challenge- why not read about these strong women and pray that God will begin to strengthen our generation. Let's not give in so easily to the philosophy of this age- that there are no absolute truths and that every problem we have is because of the environment we lived or were raised in. Certainly, many have experienced difficulties but let's look once again for the strength that can come only from Jesus Christ. He is our ultimate example and it is through him that we must receive this strength and peace.

The Donkey Who Carried a King

Today is a rainy day, the perfect kind of day to drink a delicious cup of coffee and grab a good book to read. Recently, I have begun teaching English classes to some younger students. So with that in mind- I decided to read a children's book. (I think all of us deep down inside still love to read children's book with all the colorful pictures and illustrations.)
The story I chose is called, "The Donkey Who Carried a King" by R.C. Sproul. I was extremely interested to read this book because some of my favorite books contain a theological theme so I was curious as to what a book written for children would look like by the renowned theologian, R.C. Sproul. First- the illustrations for the book were fantastic, from cover to cover it was filled with delightful pictures that would help to keep any child entertained. Second, the content- or story itself was well-written and also enjoyable. I was even surprised by a few twists and turns that the story took so it was far from the usual Bible story for children.
The main character of the story was Reilly, a little boy who was incredibly sad that he was being picked last for every game he wanted to play with his friends. The theme of course is something that many children could relate with so it is easy to follow along. Then Reilly's Grandpa begins to tell him a story about Davey the donkey and the disappoints this little donkey had to endure. Through twists and turns we follow the life of little Davey and learn a great spiritual truth in the process.
The theological content is very good and also written in a simple manner. Also a unique feature of the book is that at the end it contains questions for the parent to ask their child to discuss further the truth of Jesus Christ on a level that a child would be able to understand and to converse about.
I would recommend this book for any parent interested in teaching their child about spiritual truths- not just moral ones that you can find in any children's book. This book helps to point children to the most important book they can ever read- the Bible and the most important person they can ever hope to know- Jesus Christ.


- I will receive a physical copy of the book for writing a blog post.