I really appreciated DeYoung's handling of the subject matter. He starts the book off by pointing out that many young people in today's society are having a hard time growing up and moving into Adulthood. I couldn't agree more with that thought. I really liked the thoughts DeYoung put behind that, it has a lot to do with the overload of information, overload of decisions to be made and the paralysis of not wanting to make a mistake. Thus DeYoung comes to the comment, "Just Do Something!"
In chapter two he gets down to the basics of the question, what is the will of God. Here is a quote from DeYoung, "The `will of God' is one of the most confusing phrases in the Christian vocabulary. Sometimes we speak of all things happening according to God's will. Other times we talk about being obedient and doing the will of God. And still other times we talk about finding the will of God. The confusion is due to our using the phrase `the will of God' in at least three different ways, typified in the previous three sentences." DeYoung then goes on to talk about these three differences and why they cause so much grief. His book is filled with good Theology and very practical advice.
As a pastor who works with many college age and young adults I know that they are struggling with this topic. How do I know whether God wants me to take this job, or go to this school or date this person? Those are big questions and they deserve answers. What I am really happy about is the fact that young people do want to know "The Will of God!" That is refreshing.
DeYoung gives very practical advice on the subject and plenty of thoughts for us to kick around in small groups. I think he very correctly points out that often times we need to "do something" and get off our worry chair. To often we feel that we can't proceed because we don't know what God wants. His point, very simply, if you love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and are seeking to do God's will then move ahead and make some decisions.
Now, before you make the decisions, do pray about them, do seek the advice of others, do go to Scripture and do some research. But once you have done that don't get nervous that you didn't hear a voice from heaven given you point blank direction. Take a step and move out. God will direct your steps. He will, as long as you are seeking His help give you gentle nudges that help you proceed in the right direction.
I really enjoyed DeYoung's treatment of this subject. I personally will keep copies of this on my shelf and when I have others coming asking advice about what God's will is I will be happy to share this book with them and go through it with them so that we can learn together.
Thank you Kevin for your insight and help.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Fire Season, by Philip Connor
A small disclaimer. Normally I only post the Christian books that I have read on this site, but this particular book I found very fascinating. So, I thought I would share the review with you all.
When I got this book I was thinking it would be interesting to hear the exploits of a man who spends half of his life in isolation sitting in a "lookout" tower in the middle of the forest keeping an eye out for fires. In the past I have hiked passed a couple of towers and met those who man them and thought they had the coolest job in the world. But just a few days in the wilderness leaves me wanting civilization. So, how do these men and women handle the isolation? That's what I wanted to learn.
Well, I got more than I bargained for. The book doesn't just talk about the job of being a fire lookout but Philip does a wonderful job of giving you the history of the forestry service, the history of lookouts and the history of how the government has grown over the years in their view of how to manage wildfires and why nature uses fire to 'restore' the forest to it's unique beauty.
Philip and his dog (Alice) take their five mile hike into their station and go to work. With that comes the chore of cleaning the two room cabin and evicting the many creatures that have taken up habitation over the winter (some wonderful citizen came along after fire season last year and broke into the place and left it open to the elements). They also have to care for themselves. Being 9,000 feet in altitude means the nights are very cold at the beginning of the season. The fire needs to be stoked and water needs to be treated and oh, there is snow to be dealt with.
The hours of solitude can be demanding on the psyche. Some people survive and some don't. Philip shares that he spends ten days on station and then a relief comes and he has four days in town, then back to the station. But his first relief this year proves to be not up to snuff. When Philip returns the young 18 year old is packed and ready to leave and Philip asks if he will see him again in ten days. The answer was not encouraging. So, instead of getting relief in ten days no one comes and Philip has to wait for his boss to find another employee to act as relief.
But that doesn't really bother Philip as he and Alice learn to live and adapt to their surroundings. On their off time they take hikes to trout filled streams, the peaks of surrounding mountains and sometimes to just about the furthest away spot they can get from civilization.
But the job is not without some visitors. Thru hikers (those walking the continental divide (a 3,000 mile hike) come through every so often. They need to walk 20 miles a day so they don't often stay for more than an hour, but it is enough time for Philip and Alice to get their fill of human companionship. There is also always the radio. Checking in each day keeps them in touch with their boss. Also when they call in a fire they have lots of interaction with other lookouts and the fire crews.
But apart from the stories of how they spend their day I was most intrigued by the lessons learned both by the lookout and the forestry service. Some fires need to be left to burn, that way the undergrowth is thinned out, old dead trees are burned and new trees are able to get the sun they need to flourish and thrive. Also the grass grows back thicker and greener when it is thinned out by fire every now and then.
Then there are the stories of the wildlife, the hunted wolf that has been decimated and that allowed the deer population to grow to large and cause massive problems. So, the government reintroduced the wolf to the area (after trying so hard to eradicate it). Now the ecosystem is getting a bit back in balance.
I was very pleased with the details in the book and the mix of personal and history, the mix of the present and the past, the mix of man's interaction with nature and natures response. I enjoyed every minute of the book. I think that Philip does a great job of holding your interest while also educating you about the work of lookouts and the forestry service.
Enjoy!
When I got this book I was thinking it would be interesting to hear the exploits of a man who spends half of his life in isolation sitting in a "lookout" tower in the middle of the forest keeping an eye out for fires. In the past I have hiked passed a couple of towers and met those who man them and thought they had the coolest job in the world. But just a few days in the wilderness leaves me wanting civilization. So, how do these men and women handle the isolation? That's what I wanted to learn.
Well, I got more than I bargained for. The book doesn't just talk about the job of being a fire lookout but Philip does a wonderful job of giving you the history of the forestry service, the history of lookouts and the history of how the government has grown over the years in their view of how to manage wildfires and why nature uses fire to 'restore' the forest to it's unique beauty.
Philip and his dog (Alice) take their five mile hike into their station and go to work. With that comes the chore of cleaning the two room cabin and evicting the many creatures that have taken up habitation over the winter (some wonderful citizen came along after fire season last year and broke into the place and left it open to the elements). They also have to care for themselves. Being 9,000 feet in altitude means the nights are very cold at the beginning of the season. The fire needs to be stoked and water needs to be treated and oh, there is snow to be dealt with.
The hours of solitude can be demanding on the psyche. Some people survive and some don't. Philip shares that he spends ten days on station and then a relief comes and he has four days in town, then back to the station. But his first relief this year proves to be not up to snuff. When Philip returns the young 18 year old is packed and ready to leave and Philip asks if he will see him again in ten days. The answer was not encouraging. So, instead of getting relief in ten days no one comes and Philip has to wait for his boss to find another employee to act as relief.
But that doesn't really bother Philip as he and Alice learn to live and adapt to their surroundings. On their off time they take hikes to trout filled streams, the peaks of surrounding mountains and sometimes to just about the furthest away spot they can get from civilization.
But the job is not without some visitors. Thru hikers (those walking the continental divide (a 3,000 mile hike) come through every so often. They need to walk 20 miles a day so they don't often stay for more than an hour, but it is enough time for Philip and Alice to get their fill of human companionship. There is also always the radio. Checking in each day keeps them in touch with their boss. Also when they call in a fire they have lots of interaction with other lookouts and the fire crews.
But apart from the stories of how they spend their day I was most intrigued by the lessons learned both by the lookout and the forestry service. Some fires need to be left to burn, that way the undergrowth is thinned out, old dead trees are burned and new trees are able to get the sun they need to flourish and thrive. Also the grass grows back thicker and greener when it is thinned out by fire every now and then.
Then there are the stories of the wildlife, the hunted wolf that has been decimated and that allowed the deer population to grow to large and cause massive problems. So, the government reintroduced the wolf to the area (after trying so hard to eradicate it). Now the ecosystem is getting a bit back in balance.
I was very pleased with the details in the book and the mix of personal and history, the mix of the present and the past, the mix of man's interaction with nature and natures response. I enjoyed every minute of the book. I think that Philip does a great job of holding your interest while also educating you about the work of lookouts and the forestry service.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Atheism Remix, by R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
The 3 star rating came because of my disappointment in what I hoped to get out this short book and in the fact that I think it could have been expanded a bit and made more of a tool that could be used by conservative Christians who are dealing with people involved in the New Atheism.
The four chapters are what was claimed in the introduction, they are the text of 4 lectures given by Dr. Mohler at Dallas Theological Seminary. The four lectures are quite well done and the book reflects that. His background on Atheism and also on what he calls "The Four Horsemen of the New Atheist Apocalypse," Richard Dakins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens, is very good. Well thought through and well documented.
What I found disappointing was that there was some repetition in the 4 chapters. I think this happens because the four lectures are not done back to back, but one day after the other, so as any good teacher there is a bit of review and drawing on previous material as you build your thesis to the final conclusion. But in a book format you don't need to go back over material already covered. I think that the book could have been edited a bit for this and then some expanded material added to give more information to we the Pastoral community that don't have the advantage of being in the classroom setting to discuss these lectures.
Please, again, don't get me wrong. Dr. Mohler does a good job of presenting the material. It is interesting and laid out well.
My concern is that I was hoping for a bit more practical material that I could use in working with young people who I am running into who are buying into this New Atheism. I now have some historical background and better understand many of the intellectual players in this game and so I can better address those aspects, but I still need more information. This has been a good start but now on to some more material to get the rest of what I needed.
I do believe that if you want a primer on this issue that you will not be disappointed with Dr. Mohler's book. But keep in mind that it the essence of four lectures and only a short booklet at 108 pages in length.
But do enjoy!
The four chapters are what was claimed in the introduction, they are the text of 4 lectures given by Dr. Mohler at Dallas Theological Seminary. The four lectures are quite well done and the book reflects that. His background on Atheism and also on what he calls "The Four Horsemen of the New Atheist Apocalypse," Richard Dakins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens, is very good. Well thought through and well documented.
What I found disappointing was that there was some repetition in the 4 chapters. I think this happens because the four lectures are not done back to back, but one day after the other, so as any good teacher there is a bit of review and drawing on previous material as you build your thesis to the final conclusion. But in a book format you don't need to go back over material already covered. I think that the book could have been edited a bit for this and then some expanded material added to give more information to we the Pastoral community that don't have the advantage of being in the classroom setting to discuss these lectures.
Please, again, don't get me wrong. Dr. Mohler does a good job of presenting the material. It is interesting and laid out well.
My concern is that I was hoping for a bit more practical material that I could use in working with young people who I am running into who are buying into this New Atheism. I now have some historical background and better understand many of the intellectual players in this game and so I can better address those aspects, but I still need more information. This has been a good start but now on to some more material to get the rest of what I needed.
I do believe that if you want a primer on this issue that you will not be disappointed with Dr. Mohler's book. But keep in mind that it the essence of four lectures and only a short booklet at 108 pages in length.
But do enjoy!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Love Wins or Hell Under Fire I'm reading both right now
OK, my son Ryan asked me if I would ever review Rob Bell's book, "Love Wins." Well, actually what I am going to do is review both Bell's book and another book, "Hell Under Fire" edited by Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson.
Morgan and Peterson edited a group of related writings about the Conservative Evangelical Position on Hell. Their book was in response to questions from their students at the California Baptist University and Covenant Seminary. They wanted to set the record straight.
So, they deal with the topics of Universalism, Annihilationism and Conditionalism. What amazes me is that they brought these writings together in 2004. Rob Bell should have read their book before writing "Love Wins."
In "Love Wins" Bell tries to convince us that God is not a tyrant, not an egomaniac, nor is He someone who would ever send people into eternal torment in a place called Hell. He also takes to task our conservative protestant evangelicalism and calls it "toxic" and filled with horrible stories of torment.
Well, the answers to all of Rob Bell's views or questions can be found in the book, "Hell Under Fire." The group of author's who come together to pen this work deal very effectively with Hell, eternal torment, eternal punishment, God's love and oh yes, our need for a vibrant relationship with our Lord and Savior.
Sorry Rob, but they make you look like the misinformed misguided expositor of the Bible that you are.
One statement from "Hell Under Fire" pretty well sums up their argument, "We must either admit the endless misery of hell or give up the endless happiness of heaven!" In other words, you can't ignore the eternity of torment of hell unless you want to ignore the eternity of heaven and being with God. Rob states that all people will eventually make their way to heaven and thus spend eternity with God. But that is totally opposed to what Jesus teaches in the Bible when he states that the resurrected will go to either an eternity in heaven or an eternity in hell. Again, sorry Rob, but your theology is full of holes.
The book, "Hell Under Fire" is not an easy read, but it is one that every one of us should take the time to go through. It is set up well. There is an introductory chapter, then a chapter on what the Old Testament says about Hell. Then a chapter on what Jesus says about Hell. Then a chapter on what the Apostle Paul teaches on Hell followed by a chapter on what Revelation tells us about Hell. Then the editor's give a couple of summary chapters that deal with the exposition that has taken place in the other chapters.
If you are at all interested in the topic of Hell and whether it is real or not this is the book that you want to read. Or read through D.A. Carson's chapters on Hell in his book, "The Gagging of God."
But whatever you do, don't take Rob Bell's work as being truth. He misquotes scripture, draws wrong conclusions and waters down the word of God so much that we might as well throw the Bible out and claim that Christ never walked this earth.
If you really liked Rob Bell's book, well, then I guess you will disagree with me. For a good treatment on Rob Bell's book please go out and goggle Kevin DeYoung and read his twenty page review of Bell's book.
If you have comments, please let me know. If you want to read "Hell Under Fire" and then get together and talk about it I would love to do that.
God bless,
Dan
Morgan and Peterson edited a group of related writings about the Conservative Evangelical Position on Hell. Their book was in response to questions from their students at the California Baptist University and Covenant Seminary. They wanted to set the record straight.
So, they deal with the topics of Universalism, Annihilationism and Conditionalism. What amazes me is that they brought these writings together in 2004. Rob Bell should have read their book before writing "Love Wins."
In "Love Wins" Bell tries to convince us that God is not a tyrant, not an egomaniac, nor is He someone who would ever send people into eternal torment in a place called Hell. He also takes to task our conservative protestant evangelicalism and calls it "toxic" and filled with horrible stories of torment.
Well, the answers to all of Rob Bell's views or questions can be found in the book, "Hell Under Fire." The group of author's who come together to pen this work deal very effectively with Hell, eternal torment, eternal punishment, God's love and oh yes, our need for a vibrant relationship with our Lord and Savior.
Sorry Rob, but they make you look like the misinformed misguided expositor of the Bible that you are.
One statement from "Hell Under Fire" pretty well sums up their argument, "We must either admit the endless misery of hell or give up the endless happiness of heaven!" In other words, you can't ignore the eternity of torment of hell unless you want to ignore the eternity of heaven and being with God. Rob states that all people will eventually make their way to heaven and thus spend eternity with God. But that is totally opposed to what Jesus teaches in the Bible when he states that the resurrected will go to either an eternity in heaven or an eternity in hell. Again, sorry Rob, but your theology is full of holes.
The book, "Hell Under Fire" is not an easy read, but it is one that every one of us should take the time to go through. It is set up well. There is an introductory chapter, then a chapter on what the Old Testament says about Hell. Then a chapter on what Jesus says about Hell. Then a chapter on what the Apostle Paul teaches on Hell followed by a chapter on what Revelation tells us about Hell. Then the editor's give a couple of summary chapters that deal with the exposition that has taken place in the other chapters.
If you are at all interested in the topic of Hell and whether it is real or not this is the book that you want to read. Or read through D.A. Carson's chapters on Hell in his book, "The Gagging of God."
But whatever you do, don't take Rob Bell's work as being truth. He misquotes scripture, draws wrong conclusions and waters down the word of God so much that we might as well throw the Bible out and claim that Christ never walked this earth.
If you really liked Rob Bell's book, well, then I guess you will disagree with me. For a good treatment on Rob Bell's book please go out and goggle Kevin DeYoung and read his twenty page review of Bell's book.
If you have comments, please let me know. If you want to read "Hell Under Fire" and then get together and talk about it I would love to do that.
God bless,
Dan
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Greener Grass Conspiracy, by Stephen Altrogge
Before the review starts, I again want to thank Crossway Books and especially Angie Cheatham for sending me this book to review. I very much appreciate them allowing me that privilege (yes that means I got the book for free)
Now for the review
Stephen Altrodgge has given us a great short book on the subject of “Contentment” or should I say our American Culture’s lack of “Contentment.” Even worse, our Western Evangelical Church (Christian) lack of “Contentment.” This book reminded me a lot about Richard Foster’s work on “Simplicity” and also the “Celebration of Discipline” when he addressed the issue of “materialism.”
Altrodgge gives us lots to think about in regards to our attitude towards God and our attitude towards “things.” His opening chapter deals with how we all play the “If Only” game. It goes like this, “If only I had the latest smart phone (or insert any other product you desire) I would be happy.” How many times have we all played this game? If only I was married, if only I had more money, if only I had a higher IQ. Why is it that we can’t be happy with what we have? Because we don’t “Trust” God.
He points out to us that scripture defines us well, Mark 7:21-23 states, “for from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” Further he quotes John Calvin and says that he nailed us, “Man’s nature, so to speak, is a perpetual factory of idols.” So what idol (or thing) are you worshipping or craving today?
Chapter three deals with our heart issue. On page 28 Altrodgge states, “Contentment is a disposition of the heart that freely and joyfully submits to God’s will, whatever that may be.” In summary, we are not content because we are outside of God’s will.
Chapter four deals with the fact that we are idolaters. He quotes Tim Keller, “If anything becomes more fundamental than God to your happiness, meaning in life, and identity, then it is an idol.” This chapter relates this problem to our societies push through commercials that we will only be happy if we drink the right beer, take the right medication, go to the right movies and read our e-books on the right e-book reader (ok, so I own a Kindle, is that so bad? Well it is if I end up worshipping it more than God).
Chapter five deals with the issue of Solomon’s riches and his finding that all of it was “vanity.” We strive after everything under the sun only to discover it is worthless. So, why do we do this? Because we believe that we deserve the best of all things. But is that true? Do we sinful humans really deserve blessings? The answer is NO, we don’t deserve that but God finds joy in giving us blessings.
Chapter eight is “In search of the secret.” Well, the answer is easy, the secret is found in Hebrews 13:5-6, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
That is a great summation of the entire book. There is more I could write and tell you, but why should I when Stephen Altrogge has done such a good job in this book.
I know you will enjoy it, but you will also be challenged by how you live your life and may walk away a bit angry at Stephen for pointing out to you how fruitless your life journey is in searching for more ‘things.’
Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Evangelical Convictions; a Theological Exposition of the EFCA Statement of Faith
In 2008 the Evangelical Free Church of America voted on a revised Statement of Faith at their national convention. This was the first revision in over 50 years. The EFCA is probably the only denomination to go through a change like this with very little difficulty. That is because the first SOF was so well done and the revision only strengthened it.
This book by Greg Strand and Bill Kynes is a terrific commentary on the SOF. They take each of the statements and give an extended exposition on the statement with plenty of Biblical references and historical background. They also take into consideration other dissenting views or heretical beliefs that are in contradiction to our SOF.
This book is a must read for anyone who is a member of an Evangelical Free Church. You will learn more about our SOF and find any answers you might have with any of our doctrine.
Finally if you are seeking credentialing with the EFCA you will find this book a great tool for helping you know what our doctrines and distinctives are.
By the way the book is written in a very readable format for Pastors and Laymen alike.
Enjoy!
This book by Greg Strand and Bill Kynes is a terrific commentary on the SOF. They take each of the statements and give an extended exposition on the statement with plenty of Biblical references and historical background. They also take into consideration other dissenting views or heretical beliefs that are in contradiction to our SOF.
This book is a must read for anyone who is a member of an Evangelical Free Church. You will learn more about our SOF and find any answers you might have with any of our doctrine.
Finally if you are seeking credentialing with the EFCA you will find this book a great tool for helping you know what our doctrines and distinctives are.
By the way the book is written in a very readable format for Pastors and Laymen alike.
Enjoy!
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