Tender Warrior but A Real Man

I had not heard of this book until I read Eric Blehm's Fearless which details the life of Adam Brown -- a Navy Seal who gave his life to Christ and, ultimately, gave up his life for the cause of freedom.  In that book, Adam mentions the book Tender Warrior; so when given the chance to read and review Stu Weber's classic work, I jumped on it.  If that Adam Brown, who was a rugged and inspirational soldier, could speak so highly of it, then I just had to explore its thoughts as well.

Normally, when I blog for books, I read through books quickly, underline them, and then blog about them.  For this book, however, I took a different approach.  I slowed down, read it thoroughly one chapter a day, answered all of the study questions, pondered its thoughts, studied other parts of Scripture, and gleaned as much as possible from this first read.

Weber challenges the cultural norms of manhood and says that real men follow the pattern revealed in Scripture.  When men are no longer godly men, the entire culture suffers.  In Scripture, the man is to lead the home but that does not elevate  him above a woman.  Weber says it well:  "function does not equate value."  Men are to head themselves first before they can ever expect to lead in the home.  Therein, though, lies the problem with our culture -- men have stopped leading themselves.  When a man acts like an adolescent, then why would a woman want to follow his leadership?  They would not.

Again, the Biblical version of manhood is not a tyrant but one that exudes a Christlike existence.  Lest we gloss over that fact, let's dig just a little and truly challenge your ideal of a man.  Jesus did the following:  lived a perfect life, loved others without a returned love, stood for the truth by rebuking error, acted sympathetically to those in need, poured His life into a small group, and surrendered His life to gain His bride (the church which consists of you and I).  As a man, do you live that way?  No, I don't either.  The power of this book is the Weber hammers away at you through the example of Christ and others in the Bible.

Simply, this book should be required reading for any man going through counseling in preparation for marriage.  It provides cogent insight for being a husband and a father.  Yet, the application does much deeper.  My son, when he becomes a teenager, will be given a copy of this book; and we will do a father/son book study to prepare him for the role that he will need to fulfill in God's world.

Men, get it and read it.  What a tremendous Father's Day present this would be to yourself!

 

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  For additional details, please visit http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

An Absolute Must Read!!!!!

Eric Blehm’s Fearless is one of the best books I have read in recent memory.  Adjectives that I would use to describe it are:  riveting, inspirational, gutsy, patriotic, and redemptive.

It is rare that I review a book and do not offer any sort of criticism, but, quite honestly, Fearless is one such book.  The author did a masterful job of weaving together the whole story of an American soldier that ultimately gave his all for you and me.  While the writing demonstrates clear skill of the author, the material is rich and engaging for any reader.  Clearly, the compelling life of Adam Brown carries the reader through a roller coaster of emotions and the story does not end with his all-too-soon departure from this earth.  

The story traces the life of Adam Brown and shows his intense love for his home state of Arkansas.  A reader comes to understand that his character was forged at an early age including his penchant for danger (i.e. reenacting a movie scene of jumping off a bridge from a moving car) and sense of justice.  Somewhere along the way, due to some “friends” he associated with, Adam was sidetracked through addictions.  The greatest challenge of his life was overcoming that addiction even though he had the woman of his dreams and pursued his life’s dream of becoming an elite Navy SEAL. 

You learn about the rigorous and grueling training that must be endured to become a SEAL team member.  Although training accidents slowed his progress, Adam’s determination moved him forward closer to fulfilling his passion.  He had to step back and retrain himself in many areas to overcome those obstacles.  The author interjects some interesting anecdotes about Adam that quickly reveal why others thought so highly of him – all I can say is “fire ants” and will leave the rest for you. 

Ultimately, though, Brown’s story is one of redemption.  After hitting rock bottom and sitting in jail, he gives his life to Christ and accepts the free gift of salvation.  Yet, the circumstances of his life do not become prosperous and rosy.  He still struggles with his internal demons related to drug addiction, and he faces multiple setbacks along the way of making it onto Seal Team SIX.  Love, commitment, and teamwork ultimately helped him overcome but the struggle still remained.

This book is not just for military enthusiasts.  It can be used to help those battling with addictions.  It can be used to teach leadership lessons.  It can be used to engender a better appreciation for our men and women in uniform.  It can be used to show the powerful meaning behind the words often contained in wedding vows:  “in good times and bad.”  It can be used to impart tough love needed as a parent.  It can be used to encourage those going through difficulties.  It can be used to provide the importance of enjoying every waking moment of life and those that you love.

Please, get a copy of this book.  Read it and share it with others – you will not be disappointed!

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  For additional details, please visit http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Forgive Me....

In concluding the Truth About Series, John MacArthur picks up the theme of Forgiveness.  The progression of this series is quite logical – the Lordship of Christ establishes the fact that His offer of forgiveness can only be accomplished by the grace of God.  The three topics are highly intertwined and their connectedness only begins with the deity of Jesus Christ.  If His deity is not clearly established, the remaining pillars cannot rest upon a firm foundation.  

 

Why has this occurred?  The modern world is consumed with the philosophical beliefs of betterment and value.  Betterment teaches that our physical universe is improving so the “old paths” are of less importance that our enlightened ways.  Yes, you got it – that means the teachings of Scripture are not needed either.  Value teaches that we are worth something and our self-esteem should be stroked at every opportunity.  In other words, our self-worth is tied up in promotion and earning things which can easily be transferred into salvation.  Do you doubt that fact?  Then, think of people that believe they are getting to heaven because they are a “good person.”  

As humans, we are confronted with two salvific choices:  earn your salvation through extreme rules and good works or depend totally upon God for sin’s atonement.  The Pharisees, like contemporary culture, have chosen the former by trusting in self for eternal security.  The life of Christ is filled with examples of His challenge to their choice – the wrong one – but they were unrelenting in changing their opinion.  Currently, our modern “Christianity” is replete with works oriented salvation and philosophies that exalt man’s role in forgiveness.  We have adopted a modern version of ancient Pharisaicalism and are paying a deep spiritual price.  As a Christian who lived the life of a Pharisee before understanding my need for Jesus Christ, this book resonates very well with me.

As is the case with any MacArthur work, he provides cogent analysis with a deep theological understanding.  Although the “serious academics” would disagree with me here, a great teacher’s mastery of complexity is revealed in this fashion – they can present the idea in a written and simple format.   The analysis is packed with Scripture which further reinforces our need to stand upon the only source of unchanging truth in the world – God’s Word.

Being quite frank in my rating, this is the strongest of the three books in the Truth About Series.  As I have said about the others, any Christian should own the trilogy and new Christians should get these in their discipleship programs.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Pleasing Work so that we Please God

The Pleasures of God by John Piper is another engaging and deep work produced by a true American scholar.  If you are looking for some light reading, then do not grab this book; however, if you are looking for a theologically challenging and spiritually inspiring treatise, then, by all means, read this book.  It is not a work that should be read quickly but slowly and methodically.  When the author cites a Scriptural passage, it is incumbent upon the reader to investigate those words of God more deeply.

This work continues the theme that Piper has advanced at every opportunity – God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.  He opened the book by providing a glimpse of his own personal journey and how this book was “born.”  He cited a quote by Henry Scougal that he could not escape:  “the soul of man….hath in it a raging and inextinguishable thirst.”  He weaves this throughout the introduction in that mankind has a thirst but fails to follow the words of Christ to the Samaritan woman – “but whoever drinks of the water that I give him will never be thirsty again” (John 4:14).  Instead of seeking the all-satisfying Savior, we turn to the ways of the world.  

Piper then goes through a variety of topics and shows how God has pleasure in these events (just a few are listed):  His Son, creation, election (he does a magnificent job in two chapters on this Calvinistic discussion), obedience, prayer, and punishing Jesus on the cross.  While many other topics are considered, chapter 10 – God revealing Himself to the simple rather than the wise – is the ultimate culmination.  Lest I give away his consideration of the chapter, I will summarize it by saying this:  everything God does is to promote His infinite worth in the eyes of His children.  

Our trust, faith, and reliance upon the Creator of the Universe provides a shining example to the world of something totally different that what is normal in this depraved world.  That difference, then, is what will lead others toward His light.  In a sense, Piper’s work expound greatly upon Matthew 5:16 that demands we shine as lights in this dark world so that others see Him and glorify Him, not us.

I encourage you to get a copy of this book and really consider the deeper truths mined.  It will not be an easy read, at times, but it will provoke thought.  You will leave pleased and will be able to, in turn, offer a life more pleasing to God.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  For additional details, please visit http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A Graceful Consideration of Grace

In continuing the Truth About Series, John MacArthur tackles a much discussed but little understood tenet of Grace – in this second installment of the three part series.  At times, he adopts a historical lens while at other times he incorporates a theological lens.  Regardless of the approach, this book serves as a solid primer for any believer that wishes to gain a better understanding of God’s grace (including common, special, and sovereign).

MacArthur’s short book focuses on the salvific aspects of grace and, in doing so, offers a rather interesting interpretation of “grace by faith alone” (Ephesians 2:8-9).  His interpretation is not new, but he states it in such a simple to understand manner – grace is the work of God and, without grace, there cannot be faith.  As he says on page 18, “Salvation only comes when we receive by faith the gift of God’s grace.”  It is all about Him and His work that we, in turn, accept.  Without His grace, I would not have faith.

Later on, MacArthur takes on those that promote an easy belief mentality or the “seeker sensitive” approach.  In discussing the grace of God, he shows how God has done all the work but that, like the apostle James says so clearly, our works should reveal the work of grace in our heart.  He packs his work with Scripture after Scripture, which is the foundation of all of his books – the truth that we need in our lives can only be found in God’s Word. 

Someone may want to offer a criticism that he continually references the same passages over and over.  I do not view that as a problem because the Scripture is powerful in its tenets.  For instance, MacArthur constantly goes to Romans 6:1 to attack those that say the following:  since we already have grace, we can sin as much as we want because it cannot diminish God’s grace.  This belief slides into a “no lordship” idea of salvation because, if there is no lord, we can live as we desire.  Such a belief reveals a woeful misunderstanding of the power of grace in justification and sanctification.

Simply put, this second part of the Truth About Series is a must read because there is so much to these 105 pages.  While it does not offer a lengthy manuscript discussing the depths of grace, it sure does break complexity down into simplicity.  My suggestions are simple – get it, read it, and grow from it.  After reading the book, go back a second time and circle all the Scriptural reference; and then, spend time just reading and meditating upon them.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Life that Should be Filled by "Days with Jesus"

Before launching into my review of Jim Jackson’s book Days with Jesus, I need to offer full disclosure – I have not yet purchased this book and did not receive it from any publisher websites. The author found my book review blog and asked that I read and review a PDF version of the book, which, obviously, I agreed to do. Without giving away too much of what will be said below, I do want anyone reading this review to know that I have placed my order for an actual copy of the book.

Jackson tells any readers that his book is a little different because he references it as a “docuvotional.” The author offers short sections to be read on a daily basis – a devotional – while also using it (along with videos on his website) to provide historical, cultural, philosophical, and social context to the events of the selected Gospel account – the documentary.

He purposefully selected the Gospel of John for this intimate look at Jesus Christ. As a trained historian, I would have selected Luke’s account because he utilized eyewitness accounts and placed them in the proper order (Luke 1:1-5). Jackson, however, took a different approach and simply explained his rationale – John was one of the inner circle of disciples and is referenced as the “one whom Jesus loved.” Thus, Jackson wanted the details of this individual who was directly there during the ministry and did not forsake his Lord during the crucifixion. It is one thing to piece together a historical account but another to write the direct biography from personal experience.

The format of the manuscript makes it easy to read by the utilization of humor; yet that format, at times, was where I struggled. For instance, I thought the chunks were too big to gain a deeper understanding of the passages. The author’s subtitle says “Part 1;” so we know other pieces are coming – just not how many. Not understanding the exact intent (is this going to be 2 books or 3), I am somewhat perplexed in what to say. Although I did not write the book, I can see this being a wonderful tool in the hands of a believer; so I would love to see this stretch to at least a 90 day “docuvotional.”

There is also a “FYI” section all the way at the end of the book, and the reader is keyed into more information through the use of an asterisk (*). I am the type of person that reads the footnotes of every book, so I would love to have seen this information at the bottom of the page rather than all the way in the back. Also, some of the info in the FYI section did not really add to the understanding of the concepts but was more about interjecting humor (i.e. the Jesus steak recipe…which was quite good!). This section needed a direct tie into the examination of “days” or it should have been stricken totally.

With my format criticism out of the way, let’s turn to the work itself. I can summarize my thoughts in this statement: the more I read, the more I liked it. His use of realistic examples resonates well with any reader and ties them into the specific passage. This easy-to-read language overcame the fact that the book started a bit slowly. Jackson then hammered home some tremendous points. In fact, look at this succinct statement of the God we serve – “While men want the pomp, power, and prestige that come with taking the presidency of a country or becoming CEO of a company, the God of the universe gets the unglamorous title of Lamb” (page 13). I will be using quite a bit of his commentary in my up and coming series for the Bible class I teach at church.

The author also has the ability to turn a short phrase with complex meanings. On page 19, he summarizes, in one sentence, what Mark Batterson spent an entire book discussing in his book Wild Good Chase – “Following God is serious business, but it is not seriously boring.” How true! God has promised to be there every step of the way on this adventure that will bring Him glory and honor. We make it through the serious journey and the frenetic pace by spending Days with Jesus.

I have been a Christian for quite some time but learned a great deal about the cultural context of this Gospel account, and those contextual frameworks add wonderful relevance to the words of Jesus. As an example, look at day 24 entitled “When the Son Shines.” Jackson points out that Jesus, in John 8:12, would have been speaking during the “lighting of the lamps” at the conclusion of the Feast of Tabernacles. The location of the Temple meant that this area would have been lighted for the entire city to observe. Thus, Jesus’ words on broadcasting light throughout the world gained additional significance through the immediate word picture at hand.

In rating Days with Jesus, I waffled between 3.5 and 4.0 stars. I did go with the 4 stars due to the novel “docuvotional” and the common sense language used throughout. Unfortunately, many Biblical works use scholarly tones written for Biblical academicians but that is not the case in Days with Jesus. As a reviewer, I can state with absolute certainty that you must check out the website videos that accompany many of the days. In doing so, you will come to understand how and why these short vignettes pushed me over the edge to the 4 star rating. You can find them at www.dayswithjesus.com.

The book is sound Biblically and can serve as a wonderful resource for discipleship ministries with new believers; so follow my example and get a copy. Clearly, the thoughts of Jackson can assist new Christians learn and grow while also adding additional context for more mature Christians. In conclusion, my title says it all – our lives should be filled by Days with Jesus. Those chosen Days with Jesus, along with this book, are an eternal worthy investment.

The Truth about the Lordship of Christ

I have often criticized smallish theological books for their size. Typically, I have equated light with shallow because some of the deeper conversations were omitted from the manuscript thus leading to the smaller work. Well, that criticism cannot be levied against John MacArthur's The Truth About the Lordship of Christ. In this instance, mini means mighty. In taking the lead on topics of truth in a society built upon relativism, MacArthur has created "The Truth About" series. The series is currently comprise of three books -- the lordship of Christ, grace, and forgiveness -- and my sincerest desire is that many more will be forthcoming. Technically speaking, the book on grace was the first installment of the trilogy; however, I believe the lordship of Christ must be the centerpiece of the series. After all, if you do not believe in the lordship of Christ, the offer of grace from His sacrifice on the cross will not matter to you. MacArthur does not provide a flowery or catchy introduction for the reader. He opens with three provocative sentences: (1) Christians have many reasons to rejoice, (2) God's sovereignty over all things it the major one, and (3) His sovereignty is the most significant truth about God in all of Christianity. There's no fluff in those statements and he has immediately launched into the truth about His lordship. Later in this opening chapter, he brings in tough matters and ultimately resolves them with philosophical simplicity: if you believe in God's sovereignty, then you recognize your own simplicity; so, since God's ways are higher than your ways, you must trust in Him and His lordship. The progression of the work is natural: Lordship of the universe and then our lives. This lordship in our lives leads to several present factors (daily submission, holy living, confession, and restoration) and a future reality -- the ultimate destination of an eternity with God. Clearly, the thoughts are well-reasoned, clearly defined in Scripture, and provocative. My favorite quote from the book overlaps pages 32 and 33: "spiritual passion is not the norm. The norm is not to let Christianity disrupt your lifestyle. If you follow that, your spiritual temperature will drop and you'll become apathetic." In those short sentences, he has diagnosed the problem with modern Christianity that the title of the book (Lordship of Christ) can quickly resolve. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”