The Sovereign Grace of God

James White does a good job on these doctrines as usual but I would rather someone read The Potter's Freedom than this book, although it is a bit more gentle in its approach since it is not a rebuttal to another book like the Potter's Freedom was with Norman Geisler's book. White does a very good job to guide the reader to a presupposition of the total sovereignty of God by writing an entire chapter on it, calling it the 6 petal TULIP...making it STULIP...great thought since many don't really understand the call of the true and complete sovereignty of God.

The best part of this book is also the worst part of the book...James White doesn't do as much as I am accustomed in the original language breakdown. If this book were read before his other books, then one would pay no attention. But since I have read White's other books that DO emphasize breaking down the Greek and Hebrew, I was at first caught back by the lack of attention placed in this book. But, this also makes it an easier read for first timers.

Another strong point of emphasis was an appendix dedicated to Process Theology and then a dissertation on Isaiah 40-45 which was very good...and should he, James White, be compelled to write an entire text on Isaiah 40-48 that would be a great read as well...just a suggestion.

I would recommend the book to those who are not familiar to the Doctrines of Grace and who are also questioned by Process Theologians, but then move on to White's The Potter's Freedom for a good original language exegesis of some of these same points. Link to Buy

Their God is Too Small

Great starter on the subject on Open Theism, this is the logical outcome if you are an Arminian and is really a view of early Pelagianism.

The open theist to myself makes absolute no sense whatsoever, so for me the first chapter was enough to understand that I completely disagree with everything they stand for. If you have yet to study anything on Open Theism this is a great quick read to get you started.

Please read if you are an Arminian as this will show you where that thought process should and will take you...and that is Open Theism with God having to play guessing games with the human "free will." This view really questions God' sovereignty and gives all the power to the human race in deciding the future. If you are questioning how much God is sovereign check out this post and comment on any agreements or disagreements. Also, if you are in the Seattle are click here and you will see that the author of this book is coming to the area March 2007 to speak on this very subject. Link to Buy

Famine in the Land

This book is a must have for every preacher, in all places, for all times. Steven Lawson has emerged as a pastor that is known for one thing: Passionate Expository Preaching. This book I was expecting to be a mirror of Dr. Lawson's message at the Shepherd's Conference titled, "Bring the Book." But what I found was that this book was an expansion of that sermon and not one could replace the other. I did enjoy the book more, I believe, because I heard Lawson's sermon on the topic first, as I could hear the passion that Lawson preached while reading his words.

The book exposits The Priority, Power, Pattern and Passion of Biblical preaching. Lawson accomplishes this through the story of Jonah, Ezra, Paul and Timothy focusing on the passages in the book of Jonah, Ezra 7:10, Nehemiah 8:1-8 and 1 Timothy 4:13-16. Lawson is very clear and I don' t know if it was because I did hear his sermon but it seemed as though the admonishing and exhorting teachings were leaping from the pages to my mind in how I could change the way I teach and preach. This book along with the sermon, "Bring the Book," should be given to every preacher whether seasoned or new to the ministry. Link to Buy

Martin Luther's Basic Theological Writings

This work is a great compilation of the works of Luther. It is fair and and also a great start in understanding and reading Luther's works. The one thing that I really like about the editor is that he gives a small introduction to each writing, the when and why the particular writing was written.

The book starts off with Luther's major theologies in the 97 Theses, 95 Theses and the Heidelberg Disputation. This compilation of the 97 theses was nice to see since it is so unfamiliar to most people but was Luther's first cry against Aristotle's theology. Most people have heard of Luther's famous quote, "Reason is a whore!," well the 97 Theses: Disputation against Scholastic Theology, gives you the full reasoning for this cry.

The book then materializes Luther's thoughts on the Power of the Word of God, The righteousness in Christ (which includes excerpts of his famous work, The Bondage of the Will), The promise of the Sacraments, The Reform of the Church, and the living and dying as a Christian. These are all done as not only formal works but also in some of his sermons.

I would definitely recommend this book as it will start the reader off on the right foot of Luther's theology and then you can decide where you would like to find further insight. Link to Buy

Family Worship

This little pamphlet from Donald Whitney is a great little read. It goes over the importance of returning the spiritual leadership and discernment to the home by the father and/or husband.

Whitney goes through Family Worship in the history of the Bible, Church and modern day denonminations. This book, or better put, pamphlet, is crucial for your family if you are not currently doing a time of worship with your family daily.

Whitney outlines how to do Family Worship, from the studying of Scripture, singing, prayer, catechizing and memorization of Scripture. He helps outline a specific time depending on the family structure, whether you are married w/o children, with young children, older children, grown children, and divorced families with single moms.

I highly recommend this small little pamphlet on the issue, and highly commend our brothers in the Presbyterian and Reformed traditions who remain to keep this as one of the heights of their duties. Following is a quote from the book on the Presbyterian's demand for this daily worship:

If the father failed (in not doing family worship), they were to be
admonished privately. And for any husband or father who continued to neglect his
spiritual responsibility to his family, The Directory of Family Worship gave
these instructions:

He is to be gravely and sadly reproved by the session(that is,
the elders); after which reproof, if he be found still to neglect Family-worship,
let him be, for his obstinacy in such an offence, suspended and debarred from the
Lord's supper, as being justly esteemed unworthy to communicate therein, till he
amend.

Link to buy

Debating Calvinism: Five Points, Two Views

This debate wasn't too fair. James White is far more superior in knowledge of Scripture and history than Dave Hunt.

Dave Hunt's eisegesis of scripture and drawing up of straw men leave the reader lacking in gaining any perspective of the Arminian camp (even though he states he isn't one, his theology speaks differently). I will also admit that most from the Arminian camp are calling "foul" because Hunt represents their theology and view of Calvinism so skewed.

James White on the other hand deals with Scripture how any Christian should, with complete authority. He exegetes Scripture and gives answers to common questions about Calvinism. If you would like to see more on the happenings of these two before the book was written you could be entertained for hours but I will link that here or here. (Scroll down until you see the interview with Dave Hunt regarding his publication against Calvinism in the Berean Call; it is #490)

The best part of this book is that you get direct answers to the claims that both Hunt and Geisler have brought out in their books against Calvinism, through a new unfounded method in America...the Bible...wow...who would think that you could find answers to these questions in the Bible?...kidding of course...but this book was well worth the read so that the CORRECT view of Calvinism could be shown in light of its' critics. If you have read "Chosen But Free" or "What Love is This" please read this book so you can get a full picture and answers to the Calvinism camp. Link to Buy

John Calvin: His Life & Influence

Have you ever seen a movie trailer, watched the movie and wondered: Why didn't I know what was coming, the trailer was clear? That is how I felt with this book. It is titled perfectly: His life and influence. Reymond stays focused on giving a great biographical look at this renowned reformer. Much is dedicated to who the man was apart from his theology. Most of the things that I read on or have read on Calvin are always focused on his theology; not this book. It gives great detail to his schooling, his professors, his break off from Rome, his friends, his writings and basically walks you through his life from beginning to end. Much appreciated work.

Reymond also does what many don't do: explains the burning of the heretic, Michael Servetus. I really appreciated this last part of the book that gives the background and actual facts of what happened. Reymond does not give excuses nor does he excuse the burning, but lays out what actually happened instead of some of the garbage that is out there on the internet and also in writing of anti-Calvinistic theology. Some seem to hold on to this one mistake in Calvin's life to refute all he stood for and wrote on. If they only had all their mistakes make headlines I wonder if their views would change on the matter?

I would highly recommend this to any reader as it is a great little biographical sketch of the reformer and what he meant for all of Protestantism. Do not stay away from this book if you are an Arminian as this book shows what this Reformer did for us all in the break off of the government and church and what he did as he placed holiness back into the church's ideals. Again, this book does not focus on his theology but on his life. Must read for anyone looking for insight to this great theologians life. For a look on the burning of Servetus check this out, for another post on Calvin; check this out. Link to Buy

Made in Our Image

Steve Lawson has become one of my favorite preachers in America, besides my own Jason Katen of course. Lawson's undeniable love for the truth is inspiring to say the least and convicting at most. I have enjoyed listening to his sermons online as we are separated by the entire continental United States, as he is in Alabama and, I, in the state of Washington.

In this book, which I really feel is mis-titled, Lawson draws on the characteristics and displays the greatness of our infinite God. The reason I say that it is mis-titled is because Lawson spends more time on describing who God actually is (the Biblical God) than who He isn't (the user-friendly god). Lawson spends very little time on the user friendly God and more on the true awe inspiring sovereign Creator. This doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy the book, but I felt that Dr. Lawson would spend more time "outing" this movement of those who make God our "buddy" instead of our Yahweh.

The book spends time in showing us His wrath, sovereignty, love, holiness and much more, and then also takes a look at how we should respond. Because of the strong preaching Lawson brings I was hoping that he would call some of these "pastors" out or give better examples of these movements in the United States. But, he did not. I do believe that if any of these "pastors" or congregants of these churches picked this book up they would see their fallacies, and for that I commend Dr. Lawson. If you are looking for an exhaustive look on particular subjects on God, like fearing Him, or His holiness, this isn't the book for you. But, if you are looking for an expansive look at our true God in one volume, then this is a great book. I liked the reading and liked the many subjects he looks into about God. I also can notice the impact it would have giving it to someone who is caught up in the user-friendly movement, so for those reasons I would recommend it. The better title might have been, "The True God of the Bible."

Link to buy

The Five Points of Calvinism

Does the title give it away? This book is an update from the highly acclaimed book from Steele and Thomas and is great primer on what exactly Calvinism is. It is not exhaustive and was not meant to be but seems to be more a "dictionary" of sorts for reference on the 5 points. For each section it gives the defense and expalantion of the point, then gives you reference material for more reading.

This book is great to keep on your book shelf to reference verses in the Bible for the different doctrines, but if you are looking for a complete defense of the doctrines of Grace you will be disapointed.

The works that I especially found interesting was the appendix which went of a lot of tough questions that are posed to Calvinist based on Scripture and also those questions that are asked outside of the camp of Calvinism.

In my humble opinion if you know very little on these doctrines pick up this book alongside "A Journey in Grace" and you will at least be introduced to where you should go next. Link to Buy

Preaching that Changes Lives

This book concentrates a lot on the life a pastor should lead and really emphasizes that if you, the pastor, aren't the example how will they follow? Then he moves into some practical ways to set up your outline, prayer and accountability that will move from a sermon that people don't just listen to, but start to truly change their lives from.

He speaks of both the calling of both the pastor and the congregants in preparation for the Lord's Day.

Mr. Fabarez doesn't believe that it is his words that changes anyone but only God who is sovereign, but gives us tips so that we can be shown as "workman...accurately handling the Word of truth." 2 Tim 2:15

Very convicting message from someone who prepares sermons and also is a congregant. Preparation is key but apart from the Spirit it is just a man made speech. Link to Buy

Charismatic Chaos

John MacArthur does a very good job in being gentle yet truthful in showing where the charismatic movement leads to, and that is when you have the no-holds barred "pastors and churches" that can do anything that "God has told them" The bible is our only authority and because "God has given us everything pertaining to life and godlines" we rest assured on this that He has given us the " faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" This book is a little outdated but still shows what was happening even in the early 90's. I believe this movement has truly blown up since then and now considered almost "main stream" even though the teachings have been proven to be completely heretical. (i.e. Benny Hinn and Kenneth Copeland)

Even if you are a Charismatic I would encourage you to pick this book up to see some of the things that are happening in your own "movement." MacArthur spends most of his time to talk about the "hyper Charismatic" but does so becuase this is where eventually the Charismatic movement has led to. MacArthur not only gives actual events and theology preached but defends everything in light of Scripture which for most in this movement it gets tough for them to defend since they believe the canon is still open and God doesn't only speak through the Word.

Tough subject, but very much needed. Link to Buy

Light in the Shadow of Jihad: The Struggle for Truth

I thought this was going to take more of a stand against Muslims and Islam. But what I found is really a fight against evil and really against what the "extremists" believe in Islam. If I hadn't read or listened more of Ravi than just this book I would think he was partial to the "peaceful" Muslims. He did talk about the Islamic countries in bits and about their oppression but never really came down on the crux of this religion that, based on their own Koran, they are told to be "killing machines" to all those who are not Muslim, to wait in the bushes to ambush the infidels. So what happened on 9/11 shouldn't have been a shock to those educated on what Islam stands for.

The book was good in parts but left me wanting more arguments for why Christianity is based on love and Islam is based on a vengeful and hateful allah to even his own people. Instead all you get is more generalities and universal arguments from a worldview standpoint instead of a point by point argument or discussion on basically "Why Christianity and Why not Islam" Because truly Christ is the only Light in any shadow.

I was left wanting, and there was no message at the end that pointed people to Christ, just very vague. I did like the read and found some interesting points on topics and discussions I wasn't expecting. Link to buy

Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps, and Time Lines

This book is a great tool that walks you through the Bible from Old Testament to New. It has very nice pictures of different cities and sights of the Bible along with amazing timelines from kings to events throughout biblical times.

It has charts showing the various prophets, kings and timeline all on a matter of a couple of pages so that the reader can see the big picture. The book is also useful as it gives a quick timeline from the time of the apostles all the way to the modern day. The Maps are colorful and use various images for the reader so you can visualize different events and landmarks. So many tools in this small resource can't list them all. Great reference book for any student or teacher of the Word. Link to buy

The Keys to Spiritual Growth

I would definitely urge those who are new in the faith to pick up this book as it will guide you into a right understanding of what faith that isn't dead is really about. It really is for the new Christian, unless you are one who has "professed" faith but have really never followed up with any true fruit of the Spirit; then this book would be a great book to pick up as well.

This book is good for discipling and if doing so would be great to hand off to that new Christian brother and/or sister in Christ. Also, you get to expose them to some great teaching from one the country's great expositors of Scripture.

Good insight and has some good reminders for those who are more mature in their faith. MacArthur, as usual, draws most of his conclusions straight from the word of God so not to get off track. Link to Buy

The Joy of Fearing God

This book really puts into perspective who we are and who our Creator is. Jerry Bridges uses a lot of Scripture which is why this book was so convicting of how we draw close to our Maker. He draws out the correct view of the fear of God and not how some others see their god, such as the Muslims. They literally fear Allah in an unhealthy way where He will smite them at any time. Our fear of our Jehovah, is a reverential fear that is brought forth in this book.

Some feel as though there should be no fear of God anymore, the fearing of God is not being fearful of Him smiting you at anytime, the fear of God is an awe inspiring, reverential fear to know how holy and just He is, and how dirty and filthy we are. That will draw us close to His grace and wonderful love for such a worthless people.

This book should be read by all, for those who feel as though self esteem is everything, and also for those who feel as though we should be fearful of God's wrath even though we are saved. Jerry Bridges shows how to truly fear God as a Christian, in a healthy way. To know the greatness of God's wrath, like Nahum did, yet still say, "God is good" as Nahum responded in Nahum 1.

Very easy read, but don't make the assumption that because it is an easy read that it is not full of theological insight and depth. Link to buy

Spurgeon's Sermons

Comprehensive volumes on Spurgeon's sermons, even with date and place that he spoke them. Easy to navigate as there is a topical and Bible reference appendix so you can either read some subjects for the first time or review a whole sermon where you have heard quotes in the past.

Spurgeon truly was one of the greatest pastors, and he would be the first to tell you it was only by God's grace that he could bring us God's word. These volumes are very comprehensive and for under $50 it is a steal. I have enjoyed them and used them in many different ways and have enjoyed reading them in Spurgeon's venacular instead of some of the contemporary changes some have made. If you are a fan of Spurgeon this is truly a great set to have in your library. Link to buy

The Treasury of David

This is a great commentary series on the Psalms and has the same feel as Spurgeon's sermons. Great resource for any teacher and pastor to prepare in study for the Psalms.

Very detailed, which I can't say the same for other commentaries done during this same time period. The price once again shows how many people have lost interest in both commentaries and our past church saints. If you would like to learn more about the man you should definitely check out the Spurgeon Archive. This is what Phil Johnson has to say about the collection:

The Treasury of David is a superb literary achievement. Eric Hayden, pastor of
the Metropolitan Tabernacle a century after Spurgeon's ministry began there,
calls this work "Spurgeon's magnum opus." Spurgeon's wife said that if Spurgeon
had never written any other work, this would have been a permanent literary
memorial.

If you are going to be going through the Psalms in your own study or teaching
you should definitely have this at your disposal. Link to Buy

The Master's Plan for the Church

Very thorough and to the point in so many aspects of the church. From backing up why a plurality of elders to church discipline. A very good read that will point the reader of what God truly wants from His church based on the biblical model set forth in the New Testament. I extremely liked the area describing the elder; his qualifications and disqualifications based on what the Greek text provides.

In the back of the book in the appendixes he then tackles questions regarding different aspects of the church, such as major questions regarding elders and deacons. He defends many topics including having one of the elders being the lead (teaching pastor) to why the elders can, but not as a rule, be paid. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to reconfirm what the Bible teaches on the church and not our traditions passed on generation upon generation. Link to buy

Who Made God?: And Answers to Over 100 Other Tough Questions of Faith

The answers in this book are way too condensed and simple. Doesn't thouroughly answer the questions that are brought forth and takes snippets from other books on these topics for its' answers, such as "When Skeptics Ask" and "Case for Christ."

It seemed as though they were just wanting a book on the shelf that had Ravi's name on it, very poorly put together. If you are looking for answers to tough questions pick up "When Skeptics Ask" "Case for Christ" "Kingdom of the Cults" and/or "Evidence that Demands a Verdict"

This book leaves a lot to be desired and expected more being that Ravi was the General Editor of this book and also "Kingdom of the Cults" Link to Buy

What Angels Wish They Knew

This book reminded me a lot of "More Than a Carpenter" which I prefer over this book, because of the ways you can use "More Than a Carpenter" but this book was well put together, flows very easily and a quick read for those wanted some basic answers to the Christian faith. It goes over the basics of defending the faith to a pagan world. It uses both a presuppositional approach and also extra biblical finds to show the validaty of the Bible. The one thing that I do respect about Alistair Begg is that he does not pretend that the use of extra biblical findings will save anyone, where I think McDowell would disagree on. It seems as though Begg uses the extra biblical sources as information without leaning on them for a true "proof" of the Bible, again with my experience with McDowell, I think this is probably where they would find some differences.

As far as evangelizing, I usually use McDowell's books to answer questions but know that they will never save a soul, only the preaching of the Word and drawing of the Spirit. But McDowell's book is much more compact and a great tool to give away, and that is why I use it above Begg's.

Alistair Begg is a great teacher and pastor and this book is definitely a picture of how he teaches and that is making some hard subjects easy to understand. I would definitely listen to his sermons if you have yet to do. If you own "More Than a Carpenter" there is no need to pick up this book as they are very similar in content and defense. Link to Buy

Understanding End Times Prophecy: A Comprehensive Approach

Writer is a dispensational pretrib author and so he definitely bends his thoughts in that direction. He starts off by defining the covenants, again from a dispensational view, (Abrahamic, Palestinian, Davidic, New) and their history and goes into great detail about each thought on the Millennium and each thought on the tribulation.

Benware could have spent more time on the actual prophecies of the Old Testament and also the prophecies in Revelation, 2 Thessalonians, etc. Benware also has some timelines and charts for every echatological thought.

Overall felt it was well put together and fair to each disposition, just remember that he does write and refute based on his theology, which I really liked. If you want a book that shows all sides from their own theologians pick up Zondervan's "Three Views on the Millennium"

Link to Buy

The Kingdom of the Cults

This book is by far the best compilation of information on the Cults of today. Very exhaustive and researched and fair to the religions it is refuting. Very well footnoted and very well written. If you have any interest in other beliefs outside of Christianity this is a must buy before all other works.

To the people who give bad reviews because this book "bashes or attacks" and say that isn't God's side...Jesus plainly states in Matthew 10:34-37... Think not that I came to send peace on the earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law: and a man's foes (shall be) they of his own household.He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Please stop with your inexcussable and unfounded comments about what and who God is or isn't. And for those who say their friends and family aren't in a cult because they are "good people" Good to us is different than good to God, Romans 8:8...those in the flesh CANNOT please God and Romans 14:23..and whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Don't think that because we perceive people to be good or doing good that God sees that in the same light, for like Isaiah 64:6 says

For we are all become as one that is unclean, and all our righteousnesses
are as a polluted garment: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities,
like the wind, take us away.

and then again in Romans 3:12 says that "There is none who does good, there is not even one." If you want a serious look at cults this is great book, if you believe that there are many ways to heaven and your "good works" will get you to heaven this book will only frustrate you and cause you to throw it away. John 14:6...Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

The Works of Jonathan Edwards

Edwards is known for the greatest sermon ever told "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and most people stop at that sermon and don't read further. These two volumes are vast and comprehensive and not for one who wants to casually read Edwards.

These two volumes are still in his original venacular and have not been contemporized like I have seen with other works. They include sermons, thoughts and letters that Edwards wrote on various topics, including his two most popular "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and "Freedom of the Will" and many, many more.

It is great to read from a man so dedicated to God's word and wanting to see his cold puritan peers come to Christ. Do not buy these volumes if you are a casual reader, these works are very deep on great theological issues but if you want to be challenged these would be a great addition to your library.

The only issue I do have is that it is hard to navigate through the sermons, they could have done a better job with an appendix to make it easier to find the info for reference. That shouldn't take away from the content though as you will be greatly encouraged in your study with Edwards. Link to Buy

The Islamic Invasion

Not the peaceful religion they make it out to be and most of us already know this. Morey does a good job in overviewing a lot of information in this book.

From the history of Islam to the the history of Muhammad, the Koran and the Hadith. Will open your eyes to some of the teachings that he quotes directly from the source of the Koran and Hadith, amazing to see the difference of what Muslims will tell you compared to what Muhammad actually taught. Great book to have in your library as you confront Muslims with their actual beliefs taught by their "great prophet." This book really does a good job to walk you through some very good specifics of what is taught in their major works and is a great resource if you are reading on the subject for the first time or if you need a refresher on the views of Muslims.

The Case for Christ

This book is great about using professionals in coming to conclusions about who Christ was. It is not intended to be a running debate so those who want another view besides the view that Christ is God isn't going to want to read this book.

This book gives the reader a perspective of leading theologians, historians and doctors that are well respected, not only in Christian circles, but also in secular ones as well. This is a great follow up book to McDowell's "More Than a Carpenter" and more sufficient in showing not just in the internal support of Christ through the Bible, but external support through medical professionals of what Christ went through on the cross. The chapter that goes through the specific physical trials that Christ went through, from the Garden of Gethsemane, to His scourging and then finally as He was on the cross, is truly a heart wrenching chapter to go through. Great book for any level of intellect. Link to Buy

Biblical Hermeneutics

This book has a lot of amazing information inside but very hard to get through...very technical. This book is more for a seminary student or someone who is looking for further education on biblical hermeneutics.

I am going to use it for a reference book when I need a reminder on issues regarding biblical interpretation but if you are a beginner, do not pick this book up before you pick up "Living By the Book" by Howard and William Hendricks. I would read that book first as it is comprehensive as well, but a much easier first edition to a library than this book.

That said, don't skip out on this book as it will give you a lot of very good insight on how to correctly interpret the word of God. It goes through not only the basics of interpretation but also looks at the different ways that the prophets, writers of the Old Testament books, apostles and Christ taught and put together their thoughts as they spoke in their day. Recommended but not for your first hermeneutical book. Link to Buy

Lights Shining in the Darkness

This small introduction is basically a cliffnotes version of these men. It is a good introduction but leaves much to be desired. I found it useful to me in being that it was good to get introduced and then also revisiting some of these men that I have learned in the past. The book is under 200 pages and covers men from Athanasius and Augustine all the way to Nettleton and Finney. I was shocked to see Finney in the book at first, but then as I read it was not a defense but a condemnation of his ways of "conversion." I would hope that people would read this book to at least see the fallacies of Finney's ways. I would recommend the book for the "cliffnotes" and easy read to introduce, but don't lean this book for a complete dissertation on the men and their theology. Link to buy

Drawn by the Father

This is actually a commentary on John 6:35-45 and is small, 63 pages, but these 63 pages are so full of exegetical content that it is hard to put down. White deviates from his other works where he will go into other arguments and point out different themes and arguments, where in this book he completely sticks to the commentary of the one great passage of John 6:35-45. There has been much discussion over this tiny passage of Scripture but in my mind Dr. White has slammed the door shut on discussion. I find absolutely no eisegesis in White's rendering of the text and he allows the text do what it should do: speak for itself. Like usual, White being very knowledgeable and fluent in Greek, allows those who are not, to completely glean from this very important text of Scripture.

Some try to say, "this text really means this" and then give no Scriptural proof of their argument, White does not fall into that trap. He masterfully guides the student and theologian alike through this text where we are finally shown the mystery of salvation by Christ Himself.

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him..." John 6:44

Pick this book up and you will get to glean exactly what Christ meant when He spoke these mysteries to man. Link to Buy

Scripture Alone

Scripture Alone by James White is different than some other books you might read on the subject. He not only exegetes from the major texts on the subject: 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21 he also uses some fictional and actual conversations that he has had with Catholics and Muslims on the subject. He not only defends the rule of only using Scripture alone for the word and works of God, but also speaks of the closed canon and answers some Islamic fallacies on the subject as well. He goes into detail also on how can we know for sure that we have the canon that God wants? Don't we need an infallible church to decided this for us, as the Catholic would contend? James White does a great job answering all these questions. As usual I enjoy how White does not escape argument apart from Scripture. He always takes you back to Scripture alone to defend Scripture alone, which is vital in our post-modern society. This is another great book by James White and one that is not just a reprint of old thoughts on these issues but in actuality a different defense and thought provoking discussion. Link to buy

The Bruised Reed

This is a great little book by Puritan Richard Sibbes. Sibbes focus is on the gravity of sin in our lives and us REALIZING and being affected by that sin. Only when we truly realize this sin and hate it are we bruised and then gathered by our Creator for His salvation. If you have ever gone through your life and asked, "How could a perfect God ever love such a worm as I?" This is a great book for you. I thoroughly enjoyed the exhortations in this book as realizing I am not the only one that truly struggles over my sin. It is common, and has to be common in the Christian's life. Only when we struggle with sin and find hating it will we draw close the Saviour's side. This is Sibbes theses for this book, The Bruised Reed. Link to Buy

A Christian's Pocket Guide to Islam

Good overview and quick read on the subject. It is a great resource if you are just starting a study on Islam or if you need a quick review. Does not go into too much detail so that is where it is lacking but I think that was the purpose for writing this book. Really a cliffnotes version of Islam. Don't let your study stop here but it wouldn't be hurt to start here.

I recommend because it gives a fair understanding of Islam and I believe accomplished what it wanted to be. Link to buy

Reformation Sketches

If you are already a theologian in this area this is not the book for you, unless you would like a quick review. For those who would like to start to learn more about the reformation this is a great little book that will get you started in learning more about Luther and Calvin and the Canons of Dort.

The one thing I was excited about, that it wasn't as strong as I would have liked, was the confessions. I thought there was going to be a more thorough study on these. Still well worth the buy, it will be a quick read and a great review for those who are accustomed to the reformation.

The book goes through, not only Luther and Calvin but also goes through Melancthon and also goes through a subject I didn't know before, which was the 97 Theses. Link to Buy

Thought for Young Men

Amazing small "book" that should be given to any and all young men. The contents are as if JC Ryle were living today and his words are so pinpoint to admonishing our young generation.

I went through this book with a young man in my youth group and he hates to read, but by the end of our study he had so many highlighted portions it was hard to discern what WASN'T important to the young man.

JC Ryle, as usual, flows very well and his words are very poetic and well thought out. This book is not outdated so please don't think just becuase it was written in the mid 19th century that it doesn't have any value any more. Pick this up for any young man in your life. You won't be disappointed. Link to Buy

Living by the Book

This book is a great book and a must read for those who are new in the faith to understand not only how to read the Bible but how to study the word. The book goes through the steps of observation, interpretation and application in very good detail. Not only does it give you these specifics but it also has excercises as though it was an introductory class at a Bible college.

The book was actually a "fun" read for a hermeneutical book, I have used it to give to every single person that has asked, "how do I get more from my Bible study?" or "how do I study the Bible?" As I disciple them this is the book that I always make them read, so they will have a good foundation for when we get into more in depth study. Link to Buy

More Than a Carpenter

This is a great evangelistic book to give to a skeptic. It is small, compact and yet thorough read of extra biblical apologetics. I usually use this to give along with a New Testament.

More Than a Carpenter uses the theory first dreamed up by CS Lewis, namely, that Christ was either the Lord, a Liar or a Lunatic. He was either telling the entire truth and He is truly God, or Christ was just a bold face liar on what and who He claimed He was or even that He was just a looney that believed Himself to be God, just as someone would say that they were a tree.

The book then goes into manuscript evidence, archaelogical finds and the such. The only problem I have with the book, is the author. McDowell has done many fine works in apologetics but it seems as though he can rely on extra biblical proofs instead of just preaching the Gospel. I like to use this book but like I said only if it is used alongside the preaching and teaching of the word of God. I praise McDowell for his work but wish that he would reconsider his theology. Link to Buy