The Work of Christ, by R.C. Sproul

An excellent, excellent book on the work of Christ, His active obedience and what it means for us. The chapters are short (this is, in fact, not a long book), very appropriate for an individual weekly Bible study, and also a great tool for a small church group. Dr. R.C. Sproul does a great job of presenting Christ and His work at various points in His life, explaining its meaning and importance for our life.

What is the importance of Mary’s song when she first learns God had chosen her to bear His Son? If Christ was perfect and sinless, why did He insist on being baptized? Is there any relation between the temptation of Christ and the temptation of Adam? What is the importance of the transfiguration? Was it even necessary? Why is the resurrection important to our justification? These and many more questions find their answer and simple explanation in this book.

If you are like me, you don’t only read books on theology and doctrine just because you like to read; you read them to learn, to grow in your knowledge of God and His Word, with the hope of retaining everything you’ve learn, so that you can remember it, make reference to it, and apply it in your life. If you’re like me, you will love the Study Guide at the end of each chapter in this book. It is very obvious that Dr. Sproul is much more than an author or theologian: he is a teacher. He takes great care in explaining even the most complex doctrinal issues in such a simple and understated way, that you find yourself amazed that you didn’t understand it before. And to make matters even better, Dr. Sproul not only writes with the intention of making things clear, he includes these great Study Guides with learning objectives, quotations, wonderful and detailed outlines, Bible studies, discussion guides, applications, and recommendations for further reading at the end of each chapter that drive the point home, in case you didn’t understand it the first time around. You are sure to understand, learn, and retain all this great information.

If you are not like me, and you have not read a theology book in your life, The Work of Christ is a good way to start. It is profound, but never difficult to understand. And you will grow in your understanding of Jesus, His work, His intentions and our need for justification.

5 out of 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, David C. Cook, through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. 

Temptation, by Jay Adams

Recently, I was given the opportunity by P&R Publishing through NetGalley to read two new booklets that were published earlier this year in exchange of an honest review. I must say, I thought they were both fantastic, as you will see.

Temptation, by Jay Adams

Review: Ok, full disclosure: Jay Adams is one of my favorite authors (right up there with R.C. Sproul). I think he is a great lecturer, great writer and great teacher of Nouthetic counseling.
That said, on to "Temptation": As a Christian, we constantly struggle with one very important thing: lack of spiritual growth. We wake up each day, go about our lives, day after day, month after month, and suddenly we realize that we are spiritually stagnant, and inside it feels like a dry, arid desert. We don't grow in the Lord as we should and we become impatient, sad, and desperate to see changes in us and hoping that others can see great changes in us too. Dr. Adams offers great insight into what's really going on, why this happens and what we can do about it. So, what can you do about it? Dr. Adams explains that leaving behind our sinful ways is not enough, we must replace them with righteous ones (Col. 3:5–10), and that this process of is what leads to Christian growth.
This short booklet (30 pages or so) will lead you in examining your life, and getting to the core of your problem; in knowing what to do and and how to do it. It gives you hope in knowing that as you do your part in living righteously, God works wonderful things in your life, and you will see it. It's very well written, in simple terms; everything well explain, and to the point. Full of biblical truths, biblical approaches and practical solutions.


5 out of 5 stars

The Joy of Calvinism, by Greg Forster

Overview (from NetGalley): The Bible’s command to “rejoice continually” seems impossible and, frankly, unreasonable. Yet despite the apparent difficulty in fulfilling this commandment, Gregory Forster argues that Calvinism holds the key—namely that “real Calvinism is all about joy.”

Forster passionately holds to this belief, and systematically demonstrates it by addressing popular misconceptions of what Calvinism is and is not. Dismantling negative expressions of Calvinist theology, Forster positively reiterates its fundamental tenents, showing how God’s love is the driving force behind every facet of Calvin’s doctrine of salvation.

Written accessibly, The Joy of Calvinism is an important addition to the conversation surrounding Calvinism and its advocates. Skeptics and those who have had negative perceptions of Calvinism, as well as Calvinists themselves, will find this a helpful resource for clearing up the controversies and grasping the winsomeness of the doctrines of grace.

Review: I was very excited to read this book. I had the opportunity of obtaining a copy from Crossway through NetGalley for reviewing purposes; not in exchange of a good review, but in exchange of an honest review. As a reformed Christian, I was very happy to see a book like this being published. And I must say I was very pleased. Forster does a great job of almost reinventing the "5 points of Calvinism". Distancing himself from what Calvinism denies, he explains what Calvinism celebrates, the joy behind knowing and understanding that God is really, actually, and actively in control of everything; that all he has done and does has a purpose, a reason behind it; that nothing that ever happens is by chance.
Forster's take on the 5 points is refreshing, and uplifting, centering on God's personal love for His people and how this love defines everything else for Him and for those whom He calls. This book is mostly aimed at reformed Christian (or Calvinist, a term I really don't like), but it really is essential for every one who wants a better understanding on this small part of the reformed faith, as well as skeptics and naysayers.
Although I think it's a great book, it does have a few flaws: an Introduction that could've been (if edited correctly) the first chapter; a "Detour" that (again, if edited correctly) would've been a great Introduction; and a few times when, trying to explain something more simply, the author ends up confusing the reader, only to have one more paragraph where it all comes clear again.
Those few misses aside, this book is a great tool for new believers, Bible school teachers and church leaders in reformed or Calvinists churches.
Finally, a quote from the book that I thinks sums it up perfectly: "Joy is not an emotion. Joy is a settled certainty that God is in control." It really is.
4 out of 5 starts