REFORMATION DAY SERIES PART 1 - REPEAT BOOK REVIEW: CHRIST'S CALL TO REFORM THE CHURCH BY JOHN MACARTHUR

 Today is one week from Reformation Day. Forget the other thing people celebrate on this day. But I'm going to make the theme a focus on Tuesdays and Thursdays, plus a pair of Reformation themed Sunday blogs. How long? I'm not sure yet. But it will be a while. And maybe I'll save some for next year! 

I'm starting off with a repeat of a book review which was actually the first book review I shared this year.

Does the church need a Reformation? If Jesus was speaking to the church, what would He say? Would it be similar to what He had the Apostle John write to the seven churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 2-3)?

John MacArthur has been a solid voice encouraging believers to return to the sound teaching of Scripture and speaking out against modern trends that do not have Biblical grounding. This book is written to encourage today's church to do what Jesus commanded of the seven churches of Asia Minor: Repent!

This book starts off with how unpopular reforming the church is for the status quo. Chapters 2-9 are basically a commentary on Revelation 1-3, reading like a print version of a sermon series. 

The final chapter is titled "The Need for a New Reformation," and looks at the five solas of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone), Sola Fide (Faith Alone), Sola Gratia (Grace Alone), Sola Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone), and Sola Christus (Christ Alone). MacArthur points out most lists end with Sola Deo Gloria, but he chose to end his book with what he focused on: Christ and the Church.

To be honest, I was hoping MacArthur to talk about how today's church mirrors the issues of the seven churches and specific steps the church can take to reform. Maybe I should write a book about that. But this book is Biblically sound and challenges us to be the Chruch God called us to be. I recommend this book. This is a much needed reminder (and for some a rebuke) to a church that needs to regain their first love and to repent.

 

BOOK REVIEW - LETTER TO THE AMERICAN CHURCH BY ERIC METAXAS

 

 If we were in Germany in the early 1930's, would we have stood up to Hitler better than the churches of that time? Are we showing the same determination as men like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and William Wilberforce? Or are we focusing on parts of our Biblical call and having good excuses for ignoring the riskier parts?

Letter to the American Church is a call for pastors, churches, and Christians in the USA to stand up for truth and against evil. Most of the book looks back at the German Church and how they failed to stop Hitler's rise to power by either trying to appease the evil system or just keeping silent, as well as examining the American Church of today on how the same arguments for the German church's inaction against that evil are alive and well in dealing with the evils we face. 

Metaxas lists four ways our misunderstandings have put us in the present predicament:
1. A Misunderstanding on what faith is (leading to what Bonhoeffer calls "cheap grace."
2. What Metaxas refers to as the "idol of evangelism."
3. The "commandment" we're supposed to keep even though God and the Bible never gave it: "Be Ye Not Political".
4. Basing "being a good Christian" by the evils we personally avoid, not by the goods we could and should but often don't do. 

Being in a church where the pastor reminds us of the need to evangelize, the phrase "Idol of Evangelism" caught my interest. Reading it, I realize my church is not in that error. On one hand the "Idol of Evangelism" has us focusing so much on winning the lost that when they're won we don't get them where they can grow in Christ. But the greater danger is avoiding offending the sinner, so we don't call sin sin and allow those opposed to our faith changing definitions of words without challenging their deception. 

There are books that I'm so excited about, I'm encouraging everybody to read it. There are other books I want to get my friends to read so we can discuss it, noting the strong and not-so-strong arguments presented by the author, and evaluate how the book should impact our lives. Do you want to guess which one this book is? 

I glanced at some of the negative reviews. One is that we shouldn't be trying to force non-Christians to live like Christians. Maybe they missed the part in the book where Metaxas  mentions that some of this evil is opposed not just by Christians but other religions and sometimes even the non-religious. In addition, there is pressure from anti-religious activists for Christians to accept and even be celebrating of evil behavior. Plus, would these people want us Christians to be as silent on things like racism and human trafficking as they desire us to be on abortion and sexuality? 

The other negative comment is what makes the American Church so important? Good point. I think often the American Church makes an idol of patriotism and sees us (consciously or, more likely, unconsciously) as better than Christians in the rest of the world, who lack the resources we have (including literacy) and who are enduring persecution from religious and anti-religious governments/individuals. But whose responsibility is it to stand up for the truth in the USA, to preserve our freedoms that allow us to strengthen Christians not just here but overseas? How many think it's the American Church's job to be God's representatives in America? 

Yes, this book can stir up some controversy. Is that the reason I highly recommend this book? Or is it because it is a book that's trying to wake us up before it's too late? (Actually, if it is the latter, it will also be controversial.)

I would love to get a book club together, and read this, Rod Dreher's The Benedict Option, John MacArthur's Christ's Call To Reform the Church, and Anthony Forsythe's Caesar and the Church, and form a battle plan for Christians through that. Of course, my first choice is for it to be a local church book club as opposed to a Zoom meeting of friends all over the country/world. But the latter would be great as well.

I do find it interesting comparing this with Dreher's Live Not By Lies. Metaxas compares our current situation with the rise of Hitler, and Dreher likens it to the Communist takeover of various European countries. Either way, we're in trouble.

I really recommend this book, and I'd love to hear comments on this blog. Thanks.

One last comment. You notice that most non-fiction books have the title, a colon, and a subtitle? Did you notice there was no subtitle to this one?

 

BOOK REVIEW - CHRIST'S CALL TO REFORM THE CHURCH: TIMELESS DEMANDS FROM THE LORD TO HIS PEOPLE BY JOHN MACARTHUR

 Does the church need a Reformation? If Jesus was speaking to the church, what would He say? Would it be similar to what He had the Apostle John write to the seven churches of Asia Minor (Revelation 2-3)?

John MacArthur has been a solid voice encouraging believers to return to the sound teaching of Scripture and speaking out against modern trends that do not have Biblical grounding. This book is written to encourage today's church to do what Jesus commanded of the seven churches of Asia Minor: Repent!

This book starts off with how unpopular reforming the church is for the status quo. Chapters 2-9 are basically a commentary on Revelation 1-3, reading like a print version of a sermon series. 

The final chapter is titled "The Need for a New Reformation," and looks at the five solas of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone), Sola Fide (Faith Alone), Sola Gratia (Grace Alone), Sola Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone), and Sola Christus (Christ Alone). MacArthur points out most lists end with Sola Deo Gloria, but he chose to end his book with what he focused on: Christ and the Church.

To be honest, I was hoping MacArthur to talk about how today's church mirrors the issues of the seven churches and specific steps the church can take to reform. Maybe I should write a book about that. But this book is Biblically sound and challenges us to be the Chruch God called us to be. I recommend this book. This is a much needed reminder (and for some a rebuke) to a church that needs to regain their first love and to repent.

I will admit that I was hoping for something different.

DOES LOOKING BACK AT '22 AND FORWARD TO '23 CONVINCE US WE NEED A SACRED ASSEMBLY? (PART 6 OF 6)

Courtesy of Abolish Human Abortion, Ames, Iowa, 2016

"Blow the trumpet in Zion, Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly." Joel 2:15

In 2018, I read The Benedict Option, where Rod Dreher was warning of a coming flood and that we needed to build our Christian community.

In 2021, I read Live Not By Lies, where Rod Dreher interviewed several Christians who survived the Soviet Regime, in which all said the current climate in the U.S. was identical to when the Communists took over.

Now, in late 2022, I'm in the middle of Letter to the American Church, where Eric Metaxas is saying that the American Church is at the same place the German Church was in the early 1930's when Hitler rose to power. He stated some, like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, say the danger, while most did nothing.

A good friend of mine for 30 years unfriended me on Facebook in early 2021 because I committed the unpardonable sin: I voted for Trump in 2020. He considered Trump a threat to our democracy. He didn't want to hear that I was concerned by voting out Trump we could open the door for someone worse. And now, I'm pretty certain that we opened the door and that someone worse - or an ally of those worse than Trump in Congress - entered.

In other words, I do not trust our government. I do not trust our media to tell us the truth. And does it help my mood that I had recently finished another book pointing out that Christ is calling us to repent and to return to the five solas? That is, Scripture alone, Faith alone, Grace alone, Christ alone, to the glory of God alone?

Becky heard a pastor say that persecution of Christians can happen quickly, both in suddenness and in it being soon. Metaxas wrote that Hitler changed things in Germany quickly. I hope they're wrong, but I'm not expecting them to be.

What is the answer? Should Christians be developing strong communities/churches not unlike a monastic brotherhood? Should we be doing what we can to stop evil from rising to power? Should we be most concerned with turning from any idols in our heart or from complacency (which Zephaniah 1:12 describes as believing God will neither do evil or good) or from trusting in men and the word of men than in God and in the Word of God (the Bible)?

I am writing this on December 23rd, and setting it to be posted on December 31st at 6am EST (though the website might post it 3 hours earlier). Today at 12noon, Northside Baptist Church is praying in the New Year for two hours. I'm planning on being there.

No, not a cheerful blog to end 2022. But do we need to be encouraged 2023 will be better? Or do we need to be awakened that 2023 could be worse, and we either need to do something or be prepared for dark times? 

 

 

LOOKING BACK AT '22 - FAVORITE NON-FICTION BOOKS (PART 4 OF 6)

 

You ever notice how they save the biggest (or assumed biggest) for last? In tennis, the final match is the men's finals, in ice skating it's the women's. Well, as I mentioned yesterday, the question is which is the highlight of the year? My favorite fiction? Or my favorite non-fiction? If you asked me, it's the non-fiction books, especially Christian books.

This year, I will be giving my top dozen (for a change, the same number as my top fiction). I read 20 non-fiction books, which includes three I've previously read. As last year, I questioned whether I should count them in among the others I read for the first time, and as last year, I decided to mention them separately. These are:

1. Isaac Watts: His Thought and Life by Graham Benyon. Are you aware that Watts, besides being a great hymn writer, was a pastor, an apologist, and author of a book on logic and of catechisms? If this isn't my all time favorite biography, it's in the top three.
2. Superheroes Can't Save You: Epic Examples of Historic Heresies by Tod Miles. The most creative and entertaining apologetics book I've read. Miles looks at seven false teachings (Miles calls them bad ideas) about Jesus, and compares them with seven superheroes.  
3. When Faith Is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians by Todd Nettleton. I first read this 40 day devotional book last year, and did so again this year. Todd Nettleton had the privilege of interviewing persecuted Christains with Voice of the Martyrs, and shares some challenging stories.

Did you notice that I made the titles links? Well, since I had reviewed all the books I'm mentioning this year (except for one or two that I'll be sharing the reviews of the first week of 2003), I thought I'd give the link to those reviews if you want more info on any of those books.

Now to the list, which again is in alphabetic order.

1. Caesar and the Church: A Biblical Study of Government and Church by Anthony Forsythe. Short and excellent book dealing with Church, State, and Delegated Authority.
2. Christ's Call to Reform the Church: Timeless Demands From the Lord to His people by John MacArthur. We think that we Christians have God's blessing, but have we earned His rebuke? MacArthur deals with Jesus' messages to the 7 churches where the common theme is to "Repent", as well as reminding about the importance of the five Solas of the Reformation. (Title without link; look for the review on this very web-page on Tuesday, January 3, 2023).
   
3. Church Membership: How the World Knows Who Represents Jesus (9 Marks: Building Healthy Churches) by Jonathan Leeman.  One common question is whether a Christian needs to regularly attend church. This book does a great job on the importance of not just attending church but committing to a local congregation for mutual ministry.
4. Deacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the Church (9 Marks: Building Healthy Churches) by Matt Smethurst. I read this book to learn more about leadership. This definitely was an inspiration to me.
5. Embracing the Race: 40 Devotionals for the Runner's Soul by Lisa Harris. This was a very encouraging devotional. Even though I'm not a runner, it was an inspiration. Don't be surprised if you see this book (and When Faith is Forbidden, mentioned above) included as a re-read next year.
   
6. The Grand Canyon: A Different Perspective by Tom Vail. Great pictures in this book, and good arguments by the main author and other contributors on why the millions-of-years-of-erosion theory of the forming of this Arizona wonder is definitely not the only and maybe not even the best explanation. 
7. Lennon, Dylan, Alice, & Jesus: The Spiritual Biography of Rock and Roll by Greg Laurie and Marshall Terrill. This is a very interesting book dealing with the Spiritual Development of people in rock and roll from the '50's to present. Some are short segments, some artists have a chapter devoted to them.
8. Letter to the American Church by Eric Metaxas. The framework of this book is that the American Church is in the same place the German Church was in the early 1930's when Hitler rose to power. Metaxas encourages us to stand up against the evil we face as Dietrich Bonhoeffer did in Germany, like William Wilberforce did against international slavery, and like Reagan boldly saying, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" (Title without link: I would like to encourage you to read the view which will be posted Thursday, January 5, 2023. More often than not, the blog review is identical to the one on Amazon/Good Reads/Indianapolis Public Library, but sometimes I'll go more in detail on my blog, and that's my plan with this review.)
   
9. Missions: How the Local Church Goes Global (9 Marks: Building Healthy Churches) by Andy Johnson. How do we get involved with the Great Commission? This book gives some excellent ideas on reaching the lost through the local church.
   
10. Prayer: How Praying Together Shapes the Church (9 Marks: Building Healthy Churches) by John Onwuchekwa. There are a lot of good books on prayer, but this volume focuses on corporate prayer within the church, a much needed topic. By the way, this is the fourth of four 9 Marks books I read this year to make this list.
    
11. Thanksgiving: An Investigation of a Pauline Theme (New Studies in Biblical Theology) by David W. Pao. This was one of four books of the series I read this year. Each of them were great in intellectual development, but this was the most uplifting. 
12. When God Calls A Writer: Moving Past Insecurity to Write With Confidence by Deanne Welsh. Definitely an encouraging book for a writer who needs a push.

Have you read any of these books this year? Any catch your interest? 

Don't forget - next week I'll be giving the full reviews of the two books I don't have links for their review. I consider both books important, and they'll be posted Tuesday and Thursday.

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