Good stuff from Kruger and White
18 January 2021
09 December 2020
TULIP Study Week 5
On to week 5 and our final installment of our TULIP study. You can go back to week 1 here to begin review the complete study.
07 December 2020
04 December 2020
02 December 2020
29 November 2020
TULIP Study Week 1
Want a better understanding of the Reformed faith? Follow along in this 5 week study of TULIP. Of course, TULIP is not an al encompassing study of the Reformed doctrines but it is a good place to start. Follow along as we study these important points of doctrine.
12 September 2020
Commentary Review: ESV Expository Commentary: Romans–Galatians Volume 10
There are a myriad of commentaries on the market today. For the layman or pastor one must do their research to find those that employ sound exegesis, excellent theology, and readability. Crossway's new commentary series has them all. Volume 10 of the series, ESV Expository Commentary: Romans–Galatians, is enjoyable, instructive, and pastoral.
Contributions include Robert W. Yarbrough (Romans), Andrew David Naselli (1 Corinthians), Dane Ortlund (2 Corinthians), and Frank Thielman (Galatians), all well known names in their field. Each author has an engaging style that is easily readable yet scholarly.
Each book begins with an introduction and every passage studied has a section overview, section outline, comment section, and response. This commentary is fully engaging and helpful.
This would be an outstanding addition to any library. Its usefulness cannot be overstated for teachers, preachers, and layman. ESV Expository Commentary: Romans–Galatians can be purchased at Amazon or at WTS Books.
30 April 2020
Start Your Library With These Three Works
13 February 2020
Book Review - Galatians: Freedom through God’s Grace by Phillip J. Long
31 December 2019
2019 Year End Reading in Review
24 January 2019
Book Review: Can We Trust The Gospels? by Peter J. Williams
29 November 2018
Geerhardus Vos Biography
23 July 2018
Bible Review: The ESV Archaeology Study Bible published by Crossway
- Archaeology articles of interest
- Glossary
- Bibliography
- Sidebars (with an index)
- Concordance
- Table of weights & measures
- Timelines
- Maps (with an index)
- Background of the OT
- Background of the NT
- Author Bio’s
- Copious notes
- Cross references
- Did I mention maps?
10 April 2018
Book Review: Kiss the Wave: Embracing God in Your Trials by Dave Furman
“I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.”
As many know, this is a Charles Spurgeon quote. Spurgeon suffered much in his own life from depression and several physical ailments as well. He was fully aware of the pains of this life and thus we have this famous quote from which the title of this book was taken.
In thirteen easily readable chapters Furman addresses the many aspects of suffering. Whether it be a physical difficulty, emotional distress or from many other issues, he takes us through and offers endless encouragement and many Biblical helps to sustain the reader.
Furman points out that we too often look for our significance from the world, depend on our circumstances for happiness, beg for physical and emotional healing all the while we may be missing God's point.
Rather with great pastoral care and love the author directs us to "...embrace the reality that God is using your pain to make you more like Christ." That's difficult to fathom but Furman explains this truth. "...The way to fight through our trials and grow in holiness is what we've talked about all through this book. Growing in holiness doesn't start by trying harder, but by believing better. We need to hope in the future grace we have in Christ..." God uses weakness to show our need for dependence upon him." Because ultimately, "This is why we kiss the wave. Our trials are an endless buffet table with opportunities for us to grow and look more like Christ. As you struggle through your pain, be comforted that God is not wasting this trial but is doing a good work in you..." (All quotes from Kiss the Wave: Embracing Your Trials by Dave Furman.)
Furman never minimizes the pain the reader may be going through. He knows of it all too well. But he equally knows he easy it is to let frustration rule, to feel self pity, and to give over to sin in our darkest moments.
Furman's final chapter and conclusion are most encouraging. I'll leave that for the reader to explore. The appendix includes helpful recommended resources, a general index and a scripture index.
Give this book a read. You'll find it most helpful and encouraging.
Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through Beyond the Page.
27 October 2017
Book Review: How to Read Understand the Old Testament Prophets by Peter J. Gentry
This is not a scholarly work. It is written in simple language that even the newest of believers will understand. It will open the door to some of the most difficult passages to wrap your head around and perhaps provide a new perspective on some of those same passages.

One of the highlights of the volume is acquiring an understanding of the difference between modern western literature and that of ancient Hebrew literature. There is a vast chasm between the two that most readers today are unaware of. Moreover, Hebrew authors employed the recursive approach.
The normal pattern of Hebrew literature is to consider topics in a recursive manner, which means that a topic is progressively repeated. Such an approach seems monotonous to those who do not know and understand how these texts communicate. (Kindle Location 172). Crossway.
Grasping these two points will do much to enhance the reading and study enjoyment for the modern Bible reader.
As Gentry continues, he offers specific and valuable examples from the O.T., often from Isaiah. These examples will do much to increase the reader's grasp of the prophets. Word pairs, triplets, typology, metaphors, symbolic language and especially apocalyptic language are subjects covered with enough clarity that the reader will derive an enhanced ability to engage with the OT authors.
Of most import, why was this written for us? What was the ultimate purpose?
...one major purpose of the Old Testament prophets was to bring the people back to faithful love and loyalty to Yahweh in the covenant relationship established at Sinai (Exodus 19– 24) and renewed at Moab (Deuteronomy). (Kindle Locations 446-447). Crossway.
I can recommend this book with great enthusiasm. Not all of Scripture is perspicuous and this book will be an indispensable aid to those who wish to delve further and more deeply in the study of the O.T.
Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through Beyond the Page.
For further reading and study
Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament: Exegesis and Interpretation by G. K. Beale
Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by D. A. Carson & G.K. Beale
26 October 2017
Reading Luther - Best Recommendations
Martin Luther: Selections From His Writing
27 July 2017
Authors Dr. Carl Trueman and Dr. T. David Gordon speak on the Reformation
Authors Dr. Carl Trueman and Dr. T. David Gordon spoke at the recent Remembering & Renewing Reformation Conference in Hudson, Ohio. Click here for the audio and please share. Don't forget to check out their books, too.
27 May 2017
A Brief History of Sunday
A Brief History of Sunday is the latest from author Justo Gonzalez. Gonzalez has written numerous works on church history and this appears to be another worth while read. Watch the author interviews and see what you think.
More from the author.
11 April 2017
Book Review: ReSet: Living a Grace-Paced Life in a Burnout Culture by David Murray
Author David Murray, is a pastor, teacher, speaker, and blogger at headhearthand.org. Within the pages of ReSet he reveals the origins of burnout and as the reader progresses through the work is taught methods of effectively dealing with it. Murray calls it living the "Grace-paced life." We spend much time and effort in many worthwhile pursuits, but are they always beneficial?
Early on Murray calls the reader to a Reality Check as we miss many of the warning signs, Murray provides us with a list of warning signs to beware of or perhaps already experiencing. One should carefully review the warning signs and realize that part of the grace-paced life is slowing down from the "over-paced life."
In the following chapters Murray covers an array of areas wherein the reader should focus:
-What the cause(s) may be
-The need for sleep
-The need for routine mixed with play
-The need for exercise and rest and quietness
-Realizing our true identity
-The value of failure and the necessity to accept change
-Rethinking our purpose
-Eating right
-The need for proper and regular devotions
And much more.
Burnout is real and can affect any of us differently. My suggestion is to take this book seriously and consider the implications on your life. Consider if you are burned out. Murray offers much sound biblical advice from his own life experiences and from those he has counseled. I firmly commend this book to all men, especially those who are weary. There is much hope and value to be gleaned from its pages.
David Murray is also the author of Christians Get Depressed, Too and Jesus On Every Page. I can heartily recommend both of these works to the reader as well.
Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through Beyond the Page.
31 December 2016
God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ (Foundations of Evangelical Theology) By Stephen J. Wellum
God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ (Foundations of Evangelical Theology) By Stephen J. Wellum
I want to point Evangelicals towards Stephen Wellum’s new book on Christology. I would say that this is easily the Evangelical book of the year if one is looking for a volume that both makes an important contribution and is likely still to be read with profit ten years from now. Wellum is not one of the high profile Evangelical leaders but, for my money, he is one of their best systematicians and deserves to be widely read and listened to. - Carl Trueman
This is Carl Trueman's book of the year. Have you got a choice for book of the year? Let's hear about it.
15 September 2016
Book Review: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised

This book walks the reader through the Old Testament offering an understanding many Evangelicals, many Christians, just don't have. It was penned for everyone from the layman to the pastor. Everyone can glean knowledge from this work. The authors are scholars and teachers, past and present, that know their subjects well. They have written in a clear, simple fashion, defining terms and footnoting heavily. Undoubtedly, this was written for the seasoned Christian and new believer alike.
Countless questions on the Old Testament are answered within these pages. If you don't realize many of these questions are issues perhaps you should begin reading BTIOT now.
How do we know these texts should be in the O.T. canon?
Who wrote these texts?
Which book is at the heart of the O.T.?
Why doesn't the book of Esther ever mention God?
What is the difference between Kings, Samuel and Chronicles? Are the differences important?
Why are there different genres within the O.T.?
Why should you read and study the most depressing book of the O.T., Lamentations?
What's the connection between Ezra, Nehemiah and Chronicles?
Yes each chapter contains book background, authorship info, key themes, excellent bibliography and extensive footnotes.
This one gets 5 out of 5 stars. Friends, it is time to start studying.
Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through Beyond the Page.
other numerous connections to the New Testament. We live in an odd age where we have much information at our fingertips and we often choose to ignore it.
14 June 2016
Five Ways to Improve Your Reading
Read Slower
If you choose a work to read it must have some envisioned value to you. There's no need to rush through it. Take your time to read it. Slow down. Stop occasionally and ponder what you've just read and make note of it.
Take Notes
Many of us remember what we've seen, read or heard by writing it down. Read with a notebook at your side. Makes notes of the crucial passages you've just read. Write down what you want to take with you from the book. What you want to apply to yourself. I suggest a notebook or journal that you can shelve and refer back to repeatedly.
Write in the Margins
I know some of us are purists and don't like to write in our books. But a book is only a thing. It is the words on the page that are important, not it's pristine condition when we're through with it. Write in those margins! The next person who reads that book may profit from your marginalia.
Highlighting
Closely associated with the last suggestion I would add that highlighting makes it much easier to refer back to those portions that stand out to you. I often joke when I loan a book that all the important passages are already highlighted. So it is for yourself and the next reader, highlighting makes it much easier to go back and find that important passage the made you laugh, made you cry or simply something that you need to remember and apply to your life.
Review the Book When You're Done
Once you've finished reading, making notes and highlighting a book you've only completed the first step. Go back, review what you've read. Review your highlights and marginalia and your notes. Put it all together. Did you understand the thrust of the book? What exactly did you learn? How will you apply those ideas and suggestions from the author to your life and work.
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04 June 2016
Book Review: Spurgeon's Sorrows by Zach Eswine
Part two consists of some of the methods we may employ to comfort those who are suffering and also the necessity to avoid trite rebukes (Proverbs 25:20). Depression and suffering is varied and there is no one-size-fits-all-diagnosis or remedy. But God's grace allows many to press on under these trying circumstances. Lastly in chapter 8, we read that Jesus was a man of sorrows (Isaiah 53:4) and there is much we can learn from that.
Eswine offers some practical helps in part three. Writing down God's promises and carrying them with us to refer to in the darkness and remembering prayers such as from Psalm 103:13 can carry the sufferer through sometimes. Natural helps such as rest, food and medications (taking medicine is a wise act of faith, not of unfaith) are also covered in this section. Suicide, the desire to depart from this world as Elijah did, is discussed. Even Jesus was stricken with this desire as we read in Matthew 26:38. Yet we choose life. Finally, sorrow is exceedingly beneficial for with it we know more of God's grace.
Spurgeon’s Sorrows is for all of us for we know or someday will encounter someone who is down, sad, depressed. Perhaps it will be our self. We need to have the perspectives that are found within the pages of this book and know how to use them for our good and God's glory.