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New & Notable Book Reviews

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I love writing book reviews and I love reading them. Since I cannot possibly read and review all of the interesting books out there, I publish occasional round-ups of reviews written by other writers. Here are a few notable links I’ve collected over the past few weeks.

The Betrayal by Douglas Bond. Reviewed by Tony Garbarino. “This novel faithfully portrays Calvin’s brilliance, and character, but more importantly, his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The chapters are brief and direct, written in a style that moves the story forward and keeps the reader wanting more.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon or Westminster Books)

A Woman’s Wisdom: How the Book of Proverbs Speaks to Everything by Lydia Brownback. Reviewed by Staci Eastin. “All the book is solidly biblical and helpful. The final chapter on Proverbs 31 was, in my opinion, the strongest chapter in the book. This chapter is often boiled down to a giant, unrealistic “to-do” list, but Lydia managed to bring out the heart issues behind the actions, all while grounding it in the gospel.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Matthew Henry: His Life and Influence by Allan Harman. Reviewed by John Brand. “If, like me and many others, you are thankful to the Lord for Matthew Henry’s Commentary and perhaps some of his other work, you will want to learn about the man himself and there’s no better way to do that than to read this biography.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon or Westminster Books)

The Roots of the Reformation: Tradition, Emergence, and Rupture by G. R. Evans. Reviewed by Carl Trueman. Here’s a book that didn’t live up to its promise. “The Reformation section is unfortunately replete with errors of historical fact, some of which are very serious, even if a few are possibly the result of typos. The sheer number of these errors renders the book a liability in the classroom and undermines its stated purpose as a textbook.”

Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb. Reviewed by David Steele. “A fine piece of work that is honest, transparent, and accurately unpacks the baggage that tragically has been laid at the feet of so many people in this country. … Their aim is to offer hope to victims of sexual abuse; hope that is found in the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross and the gospel.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Different by Design: God’s Blueprint for Men and Women by Carrie Sandom. Reviewed by Priya Samuel. “As a married woman, this book has renewed and strengthened my desire to pursue godliness by the grace of God which enables me to say “no” to the worldly and sinful idea that submission is a sign of weakness or timidity and embrace the truth that being a helper in submission to my husband is indeed an act of faith and courage.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Shame Interrupted by Ed Welch. Reviewed by Bob Kellemen. “I recommend Shame Interrupted because [1] it is a biblical theology of the gospel way of movement from shame to reconciliation. … [2] because Welch makes it clear that the cross is the best summary of what God says to unworthy people. … [3] because Welch does not stop with looking to the cross. … [4] because Welch does not pretend.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon or Westminster Books)


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    A La Carte (November 21)

    A La Carte: Lessons from Trump’s and Harris’s social media campaigns / What is my spiritual gift? / The messages we receive / 10 mistakes I’ve made in preaching / Big Kindle and book sales / and more.

  • Finn

    I’m a Grandfather!

    Yesterday Abby and Nathan welcomed their first child into the world: Finnegan Safir Nicholas Elfarrah. Because they live just minutes away, Aileen and I were able to be there shortly after his birth to rejoice with them and to meet our first grandchild. We are thrilled beyond measure. And he is cute beyond belief. They…

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    A La Carte (November 20)

    A La Carte: Pray till you pray / Do children need to consent to puberty? / Pleading for Sodom / A thought experiment / 10 mistakes when reading the Bible / Kindle deals / and more.

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    A La Carte (November 19)

    A La Carte: Good night, my son / The longing for justice following sexual assault / Daughter of encouragement / Mistakes I made as a theological student / The dangers of disordered love / Kindle deals / and more.

  • What Grieves the Heart of God

    What Grieves the Heart of God?

    What pleases God? What delights his heart? And what displeases God? What grieves his heart? If asked, I think most of us would assume that if we ever grieve the heart of God it will be through denying the gospel or committing a grave moral scandal. Or if we do so as a local church,…