This is a great middle ground book in terms of accessibility and conciseness. Although it is a compilation of articles written by some of the most highly regarded teachers and theologians, it's not filled with insider language and over your head analysis of scripture. It's a book written for the express purpose of understanding what the bible is all about.
For a lot of Christians, the bible is a huge, sweeping work of history, theology, and poetry. What Wayne Grudem and his team have done is painted a simple picture of the bible by breaking it down into unifying themes. They use a "how-to" approach for reading the bible and understanding common threads throughout each section.
For example, my favorite chapter, "The Time between the Testaments," does a great job of parsing the political, social, and religious structures surrounding the world of Middle Judaism. After reading this chapter, you can study the N.T. with a deeper appreciation of what the writers were living through during the first century. You can feel more clearly the weight of the religious, political, and social tensions of the time as Jesus is teaching His parables or when Paul confronts the outsiders infiltrating the Galatian church. There is a wonderful mixture of history and and practical theology in every chapter of this book.
I appreciate the fact that this book focuses on teaching the reader to get the most out of their bible study. It is a great study aid and includes some very helpful timelines and summary guides.
{I received this book for free from Crossway for this review.}
Saturday
Love, Sex, & Happily Ever After (Review)
Craig Groeschel doesn't hide behind an "I've got it all together, so let me tell you the answers," facade. That's what I like about his style. He is honest enough to say, "I'm sorry to say we compromised...Eventually we crossed some physical boundaries, never 'going all the way,' but we definitely went too far." He takes an honest look at some really tough (and some wildly unpopular topics) that most couples choose to gloss over or ignore completely.
The most dangerous thing for most couples is their "learn as we go" approach to their relationship. Because they think that love should always be melting hearts and giddy laughter, they are unwilling to do the hard work of love. In the end, disillusionment sets in, and the "I guess he's just not the one for me" conversations start happening. Groeschel does a good job of tackling this type of "fuzzy logic" and others like: test-driving marriage, misplaced priorities, and mutual leadership.
This is one of those books that you keep on the bookshelf for quick reference. It's packed with great illustrations and well written explanations of some of the most confusing issues that couples face. For those about to get married or if you are currently sitting in the middle of a mucky marriage, this book takes the edge off of some very sensitive subjects while at the same time sharing the hard truth about what a marriage submitted to God and to one another really looks like.
The study guide in the back is a great addition to the book. It's not filled with vague generalities like most study guides. It makes the topics in the book very personal and applicable. The questions force you to personalize and honestly give an answer for each topic. It would be a great book to study in a couple's small group.
{I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.}
The most dangerous thing for most couples is their "learn as we go" approach to their relationship. Because they think that love should always be melting hearts and giddy laughter, they are unwilling to do the hard work of love. In the end, disillusionment sets in, and the "I guess he's just not the one for me" conversations start happening. Groeschel does a good job of tackling this type of "fuzzy logic" and others like: test-driving marriage, misplaced priorities, and mutual leadership.
This is one of those books that you keep on the bookshelf for quick reference. It's packed with great illustrations and well written explanations of some of the most confusing issues that couples face. For those about to get married or if you are currently sitting in the middle of a mucky marriage, this book takes the edge off of some very sensitive subjects while at the same time sharing the hard truth about what a marriage submitted to God and to one another really looks like.
The study guide in the back is a great addition to the book. It's not filled with vague generalities like most study guides. It makes the topics in the book very personal and applicable. The questions force you to personalize and honestly give an answer for each topic. It would be a great book to study in a couple's small group.
{I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.}
Pray & Give Thanks
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray
without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus for you.” (ESV)
This is one of those scriptures that is much easier to “Amen”
than it is to live out. But this rejoicing isn’t just in circumstances, it’s
rejoicing in God and His promises. It doesn’t mean that when things are going
horribly wrong we just naively turn a blind eye and act like there is no
problem. You can only truly rejoice when there is hope, and the only true
source of hope in hard times is God’s Word.
Just like in this verse, throughout the bible we are told to “pray and give thanks....pray and give thanks.”
But how do you know what to pray for? And what am I supposed to be thankful for
when everything seems to be coming against me? Well, we had better know,
because it’s during those times when we are at our weakest, which means the
only way out is to draw strength from somewhere else.
The answer, of course, is God’s Word. But specifically we need to
first know what God’s Word says about our circumstances so that we can pray in
faith (which means in agreement with His Word). And then we should begin to
give thanks for His promises. There is no greater expression of faith than to
thank God for your victory while you are still in the midst of the battle.
It’s during those times when an ordinary person would get angry
and depressed and discouraged, because they have no place from where they can
draw even an ounce of hope. But you have your roots planted somewhere else, and
the source that you are drawing up from cannot be depleted - the river of God
and his Word.
Friday
The Pleasures of God (Review)
John Piper's "The Pleasures of God" is an excellent follow up to "Desiring God." He makes an even more irrefutable case for his famous saying "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." God is fully satisfied in Himself, therefore, our joy is fully satisfied in Him.
He points out that you don't really know someone until you understand what makes them happy. Piper wants us to tap into an intimacy with God that few people even know they are able to pursue. If we don't understand the joy of God, we'll be tempted to pursue a relationship with Him that is based on works instead of resting in our justification, which reconciled us to a God who doesn't need us to please Him.
As always, his use of scripture to paint a picture of the character and nature of God is intuitive and fitting. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking to deepen their personal relationship with God.
Author's Site
He points out that you don't really know someone until you understand what makes them happy. Piper wants us to tap into an intimacy with God that few people even know they are able to pursue. If we don't understand the joy of God, we'll be tempted to pursue a relationship with Him that is based on works instead of resting in our justification, which reconciled us to a God who doesn't need us to please Him.
As always, his use of scripture to paint a picture of the character and nature of God is intuitive and fitting. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking to deepen their personal relationship with God.
Author's Site
Monday
It Is Finished
American culture is one of the main culprits that threatens our understanding of the gospel. We are the most self-reliant people on earth. We live in an "I got this" culture. Our unquestioned ambition says, "If it's going to be, it's up to me," and "If you want it done right, you've got to do it yourself." We've got this bravado that has served us well in business and has catapulted America to the top of the world's food chain. In fact, our self-reliance has served to define freedom for the rest of the world. We view ourselves as the freest people on earth, because in America if you work hard enough, you can do and be anything you want.
Putting on the bravado and displaying strong self-confidence might work in the business world, but it doesn't translate well into the gospel and our relationship with God.
There is absolutely no room for bravado at the cross.
Yet, that is exactly what we've done. We think that sayings like "God helps those who help themselves" and "God will never allow you to go through something that you cannot handle" are actually in the bible. In fact, the bible teaches exactly the opposite! God helps us because we cannot help ourselves. And while the bible teaches that "He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13), it never promises that we will always have the ability to be self-sufficient. I am constantly brought to the point in my life where I have to come to God and in surrender say, "I've got nothing left. I can't do this without You. Do in me what I cannot."
The biggest lie we believe is that we are in control. This is an illusion. What do we have control over that can't be completely undone by one phone call?
Because of all of this we have a tendency to look at the cross and say, "Surely it can't be that easy," and we feel compelled to help God out. We recognize that we are sinners, but our lack of confidence in the cross is replaced by our self-confidence.
A lot of times our over-confidence is fueled by guilt, and we busy ourselves with all this religious activity, because we want to be seen as responsible Christians. We think that if we can wear ourselves out in the church (like we do in business), the payoff will be increased favor with God. This illustrates an egregious misunderstanding of grace. God's not sitting there impatiently waiting on you to clean yourself up. Because we are powerless to heal ourselves, "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:24)
Grace means that there is nothing that you can do to earn favor with God, which also means that there is nothing you can do to lose it. It's His work that saved you, not your own efforts. Doesn't it make sense that it's His grace that will also keep you?
Paul asked the church at Galatia the same thing: "Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:2-3)
It's as if we are standing before the cross and we hear Jesus say, "It is finished," and we arrogantly respond, "Not yet."
Self-righteousness is an oxymoron (Isaiah 64:6). Our only appropriate response to the cross is unconditional surrender.
Putting on the bravado and displaying strong self-confidence might work in the business world, but it doesn't translate well into the gospel and our relationship with God.
There is absolutely no room for bravado at the cross.
Yet, that is exactly what we've done. We think that sayings like "God helps those who help themselves" and "God will never allow you to go through something that you cannot handle" are actually in the bible. In fact, the bible teaches exactly the opposite! God helps us because we cannot help ourselves. And while the bible teaches that "He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13), it never promises that we will always have the ability to be self-sufficient. I am constantly brought to the point in my life where I have to come to God and in surrender say, "I've got nothing left. I can't do this without You. Do in me what I cannot."
The biggest lie we believe is that we are in control. This is an illusion. What do we have control over that can't be completely undone by one phone call?
Because of all of this we have a tendency to look at the cross and say, "Surely it can't be that easy," and we feel compelled to help God out. We recognize that we are sinners, but our lack of confidence in the cross is replaced by our self-confidence.
A lot of times our over-confidence is fueled by guilt, and we busy ourselves with all this religious activity, because we want to be seen as responsible Christians. We think that if we can wear ourselves out in the church (like we do in business), the payoff will be increased favor with God. This illustrates an egregious misunderstanding of grace. God's not sitting there impatiently waiting on you to clean yourself up. Because we are powerless to heal ourselves, "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:24)
Grace means that there is nothing that you can do to earn favor with God, which also means that there is nothing you can do to lose it. It's His work that saved you, not your own efforts. Doesn't it make sense that it's His grace that will also keep you?
Paul asked the church at Galatia the same thing: "Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:2-3)
It's as if we are standing before the cross and we hear Jesus say, "It is finished," and we arrogantly respond, "Not yet."
Self-righteousness is an oxymoron (Isaiah 64:6). Our only appropriate response to the cross is unconditional surrender.
The Fruit of Wisdom
What wisdom is or produces in your life according to Proverbs 3:13-26:
-Happiness (vs. 13)
-It's precious (vs. 15)
-Length of days (vs. 16)
-Riches & honor (vs. 16
-Pleasantness (vs. 17)
-Peace (vs. 17)
-Blessedness (vs. 18)
-Life (vs. 22)
-Grace (vs. 22)
-Safety (vs. 23)
-No fear (vs. 24)
-Sweet sleep (vs. 24)
-Confidence (vs. 26)
-Happiness (vs. 13)
-It's precious (vs. 15)
-Length of days (vs. 16)
-Riches & honor (vs. 16
-Pleasantness (vs. 17)
-Peace (vs. 17)
-Blessedness (vs. 18)
-Life (vs. 22)
-Grace (vs. 22)
-Safety (vs. 23)
-No fear (vs. 24)
-Sweet sleep (vs. 24)
-Confidence (vs. 26)
Saturday
Our Goal: Delight In God
One of the greatest things I like to teach is that we do not have to earn what was freely given to us through Christ. Unfortunately, my biggest fear with teaching against works in terms of them being necessary for a relationship with God is that it might cause some people to assume that I think that bible study and prayer, attending church and serving are unimportant.
All of those things are important, and they will always be present in the life of someone who has been truly saved. The problem is that somehow, almost instinctively, most of us use those things as a replacement for the pursuit of God.
Here's what I mean: Those things are vehicles we use to draw closer to God, not destinations in themselves. When you think of them as destinations, you will be tempted to point to all of the things you're doing and say, "I've arrived," as if you are satisfying within yourself some sort of obligation or duty. In fact, you haven't arrived; you've simply gotten in the vehicle.
If our destination is (as it should be) the glory of God and His kingdom (Matthew 6:33; Psalm 37:3-4), then our delight in and joy of God is the fuel that will get us there.
God is never glorified by our begrudging submission to Him. Think of it this way; how is God glorified in our worship and our service of others if we find no joy in it or if we're simply doing it out of duty? (1 Samuel 15:22)
Worship and service is borne out of our love and joy in God, not the other way around. A changed life doesn't bring about a love for God, but a love for God will always bring about a changed life.
This is more than just semantics.
The person who tries to "arrive" at God by merely doing things that seem godly is getting in a vehicle with no fuel expecting it to take them where they want to go.
The tragedy is that once they realize that the vehicle isn't moving them in the direction that they want to go, they'll simply "try harder" in order to push it and force it to go where they want it to go.
Like the Pharisees, they will then end up abusing the things of God, relying on false hope (John 5:37-42 esp. 39 & 42), or worse they will abandon the vehicle all together convinced that it doesn't work and that there is no hope.
This is the difference between living under "law" versus living under grace. Law wants to do where grace says simply receive.
Law assumes that what we do is somehow tied to our position with God. The more we do the more right our position is with God.
Living under grace means understanding and taking delight in the fact that we have already been made positionally right with God by no efforts of our own and nothing we do, right or wrong, will change that (John 10:27-29; Romans 5:1-2).
The things of God aren't commands that we are condemned or saved by (although we have been commanded to do them). They are invitations to experience and find satisfaction in the joy of the Lord (Psalms 51:12; Psalm 90:14; Isaiah 55:2).
God is inviting us to new delights not just new duties; new treasures, not just new tasks (Matthew 6:33). He wants to give us rest, not more work, because He's already accomplished the work. He wants us to wear an easy yoke, not a heavy burden, because He's already carried that burden for us (Matthew 11:28-30).
If you view this life as a burden (which it certainly is) and the things of God as a burden (which they never should be), where will you go for rest, satisfaction, or hope?
When our only goal is to rest in and delight ourselves in God, we will worship and glorify Him in everything we "do."
In the end, that is the only way that our worship of and rest in Him can extend beyond our efforts to glorify Him with our "works" and be that which also sustains us in our darkest times (Psalm 46:10).
All of those things are important, and they will always be present in the life of someone who has been truly saved. The problem is that somehow, almost instinctively, most of us use those things as a replacement for the pursuit of God.
Here's what I mean: Those things are vehicles we use to draw closer to God, not destinations in themselves. When you think of them as destinations, you will be tempted to point to all of the things you're doing and say, "I've arrived," as if you are satisfying within yourself some sort of obligation or duty. In fact, you haven't arrived; you've simply gotten in the vehicle.
If our destination is (as it should be) the glory of God and His kingdom (Matthew 6:33; Psalm 37:3-4), then our delight in and joy of God is the fuel that will get us there.
God is never glorified by our begrudging submission to Him. Think of it this way; how is God glorified in our worship and our service of others if we find no joy in it or if we're simply doing it out of duty? (1 Samuel 15:22)
Worship and service is borne out of our love and joy in God, not the other way around. A changed life doesn't bring about a love for God, but a love for God will always bring about a changed life.
This is more than just semantics.
The person who tries to "arrive" at God by merely doing things that seem godly is getting in a vehicle with no fuel expecting it to take them where they want to go.
The tragedy is that once they realize that the vehicle isn't moving them in the direction that they want to go, they'll simply "try harder" in order to push it and force it to go where they want it to go.
Like the Pharisees, they will then end up abusing the things of God, relying on false hope (John 5:37-42 esp. 39 & 42), or worse they will abandon the vehicle all together convinced that it doesn't work and that there is no hope.
This is the difference between living under "law" versus living under grace. Law wants to do where grace says simply receive.
Law assumes that what we do is somehow tied to our position with God. The more we do the more right our position is with God.
Living under grace means understanding and taking delight in the fact that we have already been made positionally right with God by no efforts of our own and nothing we do, right or wrong, will change that (John 10:27-29; Romans 5:1-2).
The things of God aren't commands that we are condemned or saved by (although we have been commanded to do them). They are invitations to experience and find satisfaction in the joy of the Lord (Psalms 51:12; Psalm 90:14; Isaiah 55:2).
God is inviting us to new delights not just new duties; new treasures, not just new tasks (Matthew 6:33). He wants to give us rest, not more work, because He's already accomplished the work. He wants us to wear an easy yoke, not a heavy burden, because He's already carried that burden for us (Matthew 11:28-30).
If you view this life as a burden (which it certainly is) and the things of God as a burden (which they never should be), where will you go for rest, satisfaction, or hope?
When our only goal is to rest in and delight ourselves in God, we will worship and glorify Him in everything we "do."
In the end, that is the only way that our worship of and rest in Him can extend beyond our efforts to glorify Him with our "works" and be that which also sustains us in our darkest times (Psalm 46:10).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)