Books

Updated Gift List

Twice a year, my wife gets asked what I would like for a present.  To make life easier for her, and for anyone else who may want to buy me something, here is a list of books that I am looking to add to my library.

60262: Doctrine of the Knowledge of God Doctrine of the Knowledge of God

By John M. Frame / P & R Publishing

“We tend to forget how often in Scripture God performs His mighty acts so that men will ‘know’ that He is Lord,” writes John M. Frame in this incisive volume. “We tend to forget how often Scripture emphasizes that although in one sense all people know God, in another sense such knowledge is the exclusive privilege of God’s redeemed people and indeed the ultimate goal of the believer’s life.” Frame explores our relationship with God as a knowing relationship. Reflecting his conviction that theology is the application of Scripture to life in all situations, Frame combines trenchant analysis of theological, apologetic and epistemological issues with refreshingly practical insights for living in the knowledge of God.

950491: The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism The Reason for God: Belief in God in an Age of Skepticism

By Timothy Keller / Dutton Adult

How could a loving God send people to hell? Why does he allow suffering? Can one religion be “right” and the others “wrong”? Responding to the questions of open skeptics and ardent believers, Keller draws from literature, philosophy, reason, and real-life conversations to explain how faith in a Christian God is a soundly rational belief.

05222X: Reformed Confessions Harmonized Reformed Confessions Harmonized

By Joel R. Beeke / Baker

Despite the acknowledged importance of confessional statements throughout church history, the most significant of these documents have never before been published in a single volume. Now Drs. Beeke and Ferguson have harmonized seven important Reformed confessions into a convenient parallel arrangement. 288 pages, softcover from Baker.

20142: Amos, Obadiah, and Jonah, New American Commentary Amos, Obadiah, and Jonah, New American Commentary

By Billy Smith / B & H Publishing Group

This is a volume on three of the minor prophet books of the Old Testament. Billy K. Smith and Frank S. Page seek to bring the message of these prophets alive and applicable to 21st century readers while also studying the context of the message to its first hearers. In congruence with other volumes in The New American Commentary series, this volume brings to light the theological significance of these seemingly insignificant minor prophets.The New American Commentary is for those who have been seeking a commentary that honors the Scriptures, represents the finest in contemporary evangelical scholarship, and lends itself to the practical work of preaching and teaching. This series serves as a minister’s friend and a student’s guide.

German for Reading Knowledge Jannach’s German for Reading Knowledge

By Richard Alan Korb / Heinle & Heinle Publishers

Learn to apply basic German grammar and vocabulary to reading and translating progressively complex texts with the sixth edition of JANNACH’S GERMAN FOR READING KNOWLEDGE. Recognized as the leading text for teaching reading skills, this text provides the tools you need to read specialized literature in your field. The Book Companion Website contains the readings that appear in each chapter, plus new comprehension questions and activities about the readings that are designed to let you practice specific reading skills.

21850: No Other God: A Response to Open Theism No Other God: A Response to Open Theism

By John M. Frame / P & R Publishing

The theological movement known as open theism is shaking the church today, challenging the Reformed doctrines of God’s sovereignty, foreknowledge, and providence. In this timely work, John M. Frame clearly describes open theism and evaluates it biblically. He addresses questions such as: How do open theists read the Bible? Is love God’s most important attribute? Is God’s will the ultimate explanation of everything? Do we have genuine freedom? Is God ever weak or changeable? Does God know everything in advance? Frame not only answers the objections of open theists but sharpens our understanding of the relationship between God’s eternal plan and the decisions or events of our lives.

380187: Salvation Belongs to the Lord: Introduction to Systematic Theology Salvation Belongs to the Lord: Introduction to Systematic Theology

By John M. Frame / P & R Publishing

Beginning students of theology and church leaders looking for a theological refresher or teaching tool will welcome this remarkably clear introduction to the doctrines of Scripture. In an almost conversational style, Salvation Belongs to the Lord explores all the major biblical truths, explains key terms of systematic theology, and reflects on their implications and connections under the lordship of Christ.”John Frame is not only one of the most productive theologians of our day, he is also one of the most lucid. Deceptively so, for behind every sentence in this extraordinary volume lies deep reflection. It is at once vigorously orthodox and sweetly pastoral. We can be grateful for such a powerful and clear exposition of the whole range of theology.”
-William Edgar, professor, Westminster Theological Seminary, author of Truth in All Its Glory

525083: Designed for Dignity: What God Has Made It Possible for You to Be Designed for Dignity: What God Has Made It Possible for You to Be

By Richard Pratt Jr. / P & R Publishing

Even as Christians, we can puzzle over our self-image. What has God made us? What have we made of ourselves? And what can we become in Christ? Richard L. Pratt shows from Scripture how God’s amazing design for humanity can be realized in his people. Solid biblical insights, vivid illustrations, and helpful questions for review and discussion make this a valuable resource for group study or individual use.

527963: The Doctrine of the Christian Life The Doctrine of the Christian Life

By John M. Frame / P & R Publishing

“The Christian life is not only a matter of following rules of morality, but a dynamic experience: living in the fallen world, in fellowship with the living God. So in this book I will discuss not only ethics (the normative perspective), but also the culture in which we live (the situational perspective) and the resources of redemption on which we draw daily (the existential perspective).” -from the author’s preface

French for Reading French for Reading

By Karl Sandburg / Prentice Hall

Programmed text for acquisition of reading skills for beginning courses or rapid review.

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Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 Books, Theology No Comments

Book Review - The Complete Worship Service: Creating a Taste of Heaven on Earth

The Complete Worship Service: Creating a Taste of Heaven on EarthThe Complete Worship Service: Creating a Taste of Heaven on Earth
by: Kevin J. Navarro (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005)

How many churches take the time to develop a theological purpose for their church services?  How many books on worship look at each aspect of the worship service, from arriving in the parking lot, to the lighting, music, and teaching and apply a theological framework to evaluate the experience?

It seems that most of current conversation on worship services focuses on the style of music, cultural relevance, or the incipient influences of modernity.  Navarro tries to step away from this type of discussion and focus on what he sees at the overarching purpose of our weekly gatherings as the church: to give a taste of Heaven to a world that is desperately in need of it.

In the first part of book, Navarro sets up the analogy of a worship service as a rehearsal dinner for the great Wedding Banquet of Matthew 22.  He uses this theme throughout the book to help frame his questions and discussion.  The second part of the book deals with preparing for a taste of heaven.  This section deals with the importance of quality and hospitality.  Navarro is unashamedly an advocate of churches pursuing quality in all that they do.  This does not make him someone who seeks a professionally produced entertainment event, but he rightly points out that the purpose of a wedding rehearsal is to pay attention to the way that we do things—to eliminate mistakes.  At the heart of it, Navarro argues that churches who do not pursue quality are less likely to have members who are embarrassed to invite friends and family.  From his point of view, the issue of hospitality belongs before the service, whether in the invitations issued or in the experience when a guest arrives at the service.

The meat and potatoes of the book is a discussion of experience a taste of heaven during the worship service.  Navarro covers all of the bases: music, teaching, and communion.  He also spends time on the appearance of the worship center - addressing issues such as lighting, color, and clutter.  While some of the suggestions appear obvious (avoid clutter on the platform), others are more thought provoking.

As an evangelical, I put a significant emphasis on applying teaching to my life.  Navarro points out that sometimes the point of a sermon should be the implication of a passage, rather than the application.  He does not forget to remind his readers that the music and the teaching should be theologically grounded in the truth of the Word of God.  Navarro also makes a strong argument for more regular celebration of the Eucharist.  He sees this as the dessert for the rehearsal banquet, as well as a central reminder of the Gospel.

Navarro concludes with a discussion of the thanksgiving that should flow out of a complete worship service.  As people conclude worship, they should feel joy that they have had a foretaste of Heaven.  They should feel like they have been welcomed into a family environment, and that they have been nourished spiritually.  If the church seeks to reach these goals, people’s lives will be changed, and they will invite their loved ones to come to the worship service so that they, too, can have the taste of Heaven.

At 164 pages, the book is not a treatise on all aspects of a worship service.  It is an easily read book, intended to reframe our thoughts on the worship service.  Navarro asks more questions than he answers, because he understands that each church will need to reach its own conclusions based on their community, priorities, and people.  The book serves its purpose, but could use more details.  While it is helpful to explain the ability to match lighting in a service, for example, with the purpose and theme of the service, he doesn’t give enough substance to help someone know where to start.  While it would not be practical for Navarro to answer every question that might arise, he could easily give a list of resources on several issues that he addresses to help direct further inquiry.  This approach would allow deeper inquiry into some of the topics, without weighing down the discussion.

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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 Books, Worship No Comments

Prince of Hollywoode

An old friend has written a novel - a modern interpration of Hamlet based in Hollywood, California.  It will be available through Amazon.com this Spring.

Here is the promo:

Pick up a copy.

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Friday, December 19th, 2008 Books No Comments

Christmas Present Ideas

Twice a year (Christmas and Birthday) I get asked for ideas for presents.  Apparently, it is somewhat hard to shop for me.  Below is a starting list of ideas that would make a good present.  So far, most of these ideas are books.  Some are books that I anticipate using in the classes that I am taking in the theology, others take learning in some new and broader directions for me.

I will try to add some more things to this list over the next few weeks.  I will also try to add some items in addition to books.

French for Reading French for Reading

By Karl Sandburg / Prentice Hall

Programmed text for acquisition of reading skills for beginning courses or rapid review.

Reading French Reading French: A Guide for Students of Religion and Theology

By K. Janet Ritch / Clements Publishing

Current textbooks which introduce students to a reading knowledge of French are usually designed for the Arts and Sciences. This textbook is designed to fill the gap for persons of religious persuasion. The exercises introduce vocabulary from Christian liturgy, various translations of the Bible and French religious history and theology. For research purposes, a comprehensive summary of French grammar and principles of translation are provided for accurate translation from French into English.

German for Reading Knowledge Jannach’s German for Reading Knowledge

By Richard Alan Korb / Heinle & Heinle Publishers

Learn to apply basic German grammar and vocabulary to reading and translating progressively complex texts with the sixth edition of JANNACH’S GERMAN FOR READING KNOWLEDGE. Recognized as the leading text for teaching reading skills, this text provides the tools you need to read specialized literature in your field. The Book Companion Website contains the readings that appear in each chapter, plus new comprehension questions and activities about the readings that are designed to let you practice specific reading skills.

21448: Modern Theological German: A Reader and Dictionary Modern Theological German: A Reader and Dictionary

By Helmut W. Ziefle / Baker

This all-in-one edition combines the Dictionary of Modern Theological German, Second Edition with Theological German: A Reader. The dictionary includes more than 20,000 terms, many of which are not generally found in traditional German dictionaries. The revised reader incorporates writings from several German theologians, including Martin Luther, Albert Schweitzer, Karl Barth, and Rainer Riesner. 648 pages, softcover from Baker.

2432: Apologetics to the Glory of God Apologetics to the Glory of God

By John M. Frame / P & R Publishing

Here John M. Frame unveils some of the “variety and richness of a biblical apologetic.” Defining apologetics as “the discipline that teaches Christians how to give a reason for their hope,” he distinguishes three main kinds of apologetic: PROOF - presenting a rational basis for faith; DEFENSE - answering objections of unbelief; OFFENSE - exposing the foolishness of unbelieving thought. Frame clarifies the relationships of reason, proofs, and evidences to faith, biblical authority, and the lordship of Christ.

527963: The Doctrine of the Christian Life The Doctrine of the Christian Life

By John M. Frame / P & R Publishing

“The Christian life is not only a matter of following rules of morality, but a dynamic experience: living in the fallen world, in fellowship with the living God. So in this book I will discuss not only ethics (the normative perspective), but also the culture in which we live (the situational perspective) and the resources of redemption on which we draw daily (the existential perspective).” -from the author’s preface

60262: Doctrine of the Knowledge of God Doctrine of the Knowledge of God

By John M. Frame / P & R Publishing

“We tend to forget how often in Scripture God performs His mighty acts so that men will ‘know’ that He is Lord,” writes John M. Frame in this incisive volume. “We tend to forget how often Scripture emphasizes that although in one sense all people know God, in another sense such knowledge is the exclusive privilege of God’s redeemed people and indeed the ultimate goal of the believer’s life.” Frame explores our relationship with God as a knowing relationship. Reflecting his conviction that theology is the application of Scripture to life in all situations, Frame combines trenchant analysis of theological, apologetic and epistemological issues with refreshingly practical insights for living in the knowledge of God.

502385: ESV Study Bible--Bonded leather, Burgundy ESV Study Bible–Bonded leather, Burgundy

By Crossway Books & Bibles

The ESV Study Bible includes more than 25,000 notes, written specifically for the ESV Study Bible. These notes focus especially on understanding the meaning of the text, giving answers to frequently raised questions, and providing theological, historical, and archaeological background—all for the purpose of helping readers to understand the Bible in a deeper way.

Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 Books No Comments

Intentionality - Marking the Transition from Childhood

About a week and a half ago, I posted about my plans to help bring my son from childhood to manhood. Tonight, we talked about the ceremony together. I explained to him the purposes of the ceremony:

  1. Mark his transition away from childhood and into young adulthood
  2. Define what it means to be a man and encourage him to that goal
  3. Chart a course for his becoming a man, including goals for the next year and beyond.
  4. Help him identify more closely with the men in his life than he has in the past, to begin the transition toward identifying with them as peers when he is an adult.

› Continue reading

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Wednesday, November 7th, 2007 Books, Faith, Family No Comments