What are deacons and what do they do in the church? Here in this booklet author and pastor Juan Sanchez answers this question. This booklet is part ofWhat are deacons and what do they do in the church? Here in this booklet author and pastor Juan Sanchez answers this question. This booklet is part of the Church Questions series put out by 9 Marks. I was helped by some of the titles in this series so I thought I read this one also. I thought this booklet was helpful. After the intro the booklet answers “What is a Deacon?” followed by a section titled “How Do Deacons Carry Out Their Job?” Five items are listed here. Next is a section answering “Who Can Be a Deacon?” that goes over the qualification of a deacon that is based upon 1 Timothy 3. Then this is followed by a discussion of the question of whether women can be deacons and a section of how deacon service shows us the character of Christ. This booklet ends with “So What Now?” that gives some application to all, be it to those who are not deacons and those that are deacons. A “Recommended Resources” list end the booklet. The author is a pastor and I appreciate that he wrote this pastorally. Those reading this review should know that the author does believe that women deacon is permitted and he communicated that this is in the context that deacons are not one that rule over others. Depending on your interpretation it is important to know the author’s perspective. Concerning the rest of the book I think there’s much that most Christians would agree with. I also appreciated the booklet’s closing applications as it helped me to think more better application to incorporate into my own teaching series on the qualifications of deacons. ...more
Do you feel you already know a lot about World War Two and still want to read a military history book on battles that are that not as well-known and wDo you feel you already know a lot about World War Two and still want to read a military history book on battles that are that not as well-known and where the book is filled with operational details? I recommend this book for you! Or if you just simply like a World War Two military history book to read I recommend this too. This book is about Operation Varsity, the largest airborne operation by the Allies. For some reason I always assume D-Day on Normandy was the largest combat airborne operation until I found this book. It is incredible to think of two thousand aircrafts and seventeen thousand airborne troops coming from the air to seize German land from the Nazis. This book tells their story. I really like this book for its different angles. The biggest thing I was blown away from the book is the account of glider troops. I have never really read much about them. It seems during World War Two they were not thought of much by others too, since glider troops did not have combat pay nor jump pay. They also did not have special symbols like Paratroopers nor did they have extra parachutes like other troops in other planes. Yet the risks these men faced was high. Paratroopers then and now are glamorized but after reading this book I felt glider troops should be given their due respect. The other thing I found fascinating is the book’s discussion about pilots. I learned that after a pilot land on the ground with their glider they have to head back to England but the military never gave them instructions or plans of how that is supposed to happen. It is amazing to read about pilots who did not want to go back to the rear right away and were fighting on the ground with the infantry. It takes also a special humility for pilots who are officers willing to submit to lower ranking ground soldiers in their fight against the Germans. The book also describe airborne artillery and the challenges they face logistically and operationally. Its amazing they had to put together their guns when they are on the ground and that’s not an easy feat after an airborne landing. Yet these guys play a critical role in the operation. The fight in Germany for the 17th Airborne Division was fierce and this book gives us a window into the battle once they got on the ground. The end of the book also defended the legacy and contribution of the 17th Airborne from early post-battle assessment that the jump was “needless” and didn’t contribute much operationally. I think the author defended the contribution of Operation Varsity well and it was contextually informed with the battle situation during that time. I recommend this book. ...more
Want to read something that stirs you to be more heavenly minded as a Christian? Author and preacher Maurice Roberts has written for us this booklet aWant to read something that stirs you to be more heavenly minded as a Christian? Author and preacher Maurice Roberts has written for us this booklet addressing this topic as well as the topic of spiritual conversations as part of Reformation Heritage Book’s “Cultivating Biblical Godliness Series” and my desire to read this book is motivated with how good three of the titles are in this series, namely What is Experiential Calvinism?, How Should We Consider Christ in Affliction? and How Can I Stop Worrying? While I enjoy the first three titles more than this present volume still this booklet is a helpful resource. The title is How Do I Develop Heavenly Mindedness and Spiritual Conversation? implying the author would address two related topic but I felt more focus was given to the former rather than the latter. In fact the first half was so good I wished the second half of the booklet could have matched the former! It was logically laid out and practical; I enjoyed the author’s point that obedience to God matter and thinking of the things of God should be our focus. It really fed my soul and though this booklet is brief it packed a lot in there; it was a spiritual reading truly! I do recommend this work though I do wish more is said about having spiritual conversations with others; I think that topic alone could be its own booklet in its own right. ...more
My kids and I want to read more comics of Batman but specifically from the world of Batman Animated Series. We finished the four volume comic series oMy kids and I want to read more comics of Batman but specifically from the world of Batman Animated Series. We finished the four volume comic series of Batman in the 90s. Fortunately we found some more under the series title of Batman and Robin Adventure! There’s great stories here that my girls and I enjoyed. The first story is a “Two Timer.” This story is told appropriately in two parts/two issues. This plot is about whether or not Two-Face is able to change or will his villainous side win over. The next story is “Christmas Riddle” where the Riddler is scheming during Christmas time. Then there’s the story called “Bird Cage” which my kids and I have already read before in one of the Batman Animated series comics; its about the Penguin scheming and he does so to protect rare birds. Following this is a story about the Joker called “Second Banana” and my girls really like this one and they even laughed. I like the next story of Round Robin which a tabloid wrote a fake news story that Batman needs a new Robin and there’s all these wannabe Robins that start appearing and trying to do things to get Batman to want them. It is a pretty good story line. Next is “His Master’s Voice” and after that “Harley and Ivy and Robin?” followed by a two part story concerning Ra's al Ghul and his daughters. I really enjoyed these stories and the same screen writer for the Animated Series cartoon is also the writer with these stories and the quality shows compared to some of the newer Batman stories today put out by DC. I love how you see the characters in these stories and they fascinate you and there’s no need for woke propaganda that feels like someone is preaching at you. I recommend this volume!
Want to have a journal for your reading of Scripture? This is great, from the publisher Crossway. This particular journal uses the English Standard VeWant to have a journal for your reading of Scripture? This is great, from the publisher Crossway. This particular journal uses the English Standard Version (ESV). There were copies of this ESV Scripture journal at my work and I picked up a copy. After a Preface on the Bible and the ESV translation the rest of the journal has the Pastoral Epistles of 1-2 Timothy and the book of Titus. If you open up the book the page on the right is the text of the ESV and the opposite page on the left is blank and has dotted lines for the readers to take notes and journal. I love that this is thin and also its with good quality paper that doesn’t bleed over the next page which has the text of Scripture. I also enjoyed the black cover of the journal and the golden font of the journal in the front cover. Its great that Crossway has it for different books of the Bible and in this case a collection of only the Pastoral Epistles. I took notes of my own observation of the reading from the ESV and also notes of the Greek from my own personal study that I thought was insightful. Later some of these notes were used for my lessons in teaching through a Greek exegesis course on 1 Timothy. I took this overseas when I went to teach my course and I was glad I did since I normally use the NASB for my English translation but then it turn out the students use the ESV for their English translation; it was great that this thin volume journal came along with me! Its small enough to carry with you for traveling and not also invite attention! That was a big plus. I recommend this. ...more
Want a book that cover the topic of the problem of knowledge that arises from unbelieving worldviews? If you want to approach this topic from a biblicWant a book that cover the topic of the problem of knowledge that arises from unbelieving worldviews? If you want to approach this topic from a biblical worldview this book might be for you. The author Rousas Rushdoony does a good job summarizing the major themes of apologist and theologian Cornelius Van Til when it comes to apologetics and things that are epistemological. There are eleven chapters in this work. The first chapter is about facts and epistemology and the second one addresses the topic of circular reasoning. Chapter three is on facts and epistemology and the next is on faith and knowledge. This is followed by chapters on the “Epistemological Man,” “Irrational Man” and “The Death of God Debate.” Chapters eight and nine then look at the issues of authority: “Authority and knowledge” and “ultimate authority.” Chapter ten goes over what is a valid epistemology with the last chapter on the flight of reality. There are four appendices as well that should not be missed. This book was originally copyrighted 1965. This was written some decades ago! Yet it is amazing to see how Rushdoony’s discussion about the problem of human autonomous reasoning is timeless and relevant with today’s social and cultural climate in the West. This is a work that is worth reading; if you are familiar with Presuppositional Apologetics, it is worth reading to sustain one’s consciousness to think biblically and if you are new to Presuppositional Apologetics, while I recommend you start reading other introductory work still it is worth reading to see how it applies to the question of the problem of knowing things in a non-Christian worldview. ...more
Do you want to read a book on the importance of Church membership? This is a helpful book by a Pastor that loves the local church. The subtitle of theDo you want to read a book on the importance of Church membership? This is a helpful book by a Pastor that loves the local church. The subtitle of the book is “9 Biblical reasons why You should commit to a Local Church.” The first chapter is “Why Covenanting with Christ’s Church is Essential?” Chapters two through ten are the nine biblical reasons to be a member of a local church: 1. Covenanting to Follow Christ, the Head of the Church 2. Covenanting to Be a Part of a Specific Local Church 3. Covenanting to Meet Physically and Regularly with the Church 4. Covenanting with the Church to Practice Biblical Regulations 5. Covenanting with the Church to Practice Biblical Virtues 6. Covenanting to Be Morally Accountable to the Church 7. Covenanting to Serve the Local Church 8. Covenanting with the Church to Guard the Gospel 9. Covenanting with the Church to Be a Part of its Mission After that chapter eleven asks the question “Why People hesitate to Covenant with a Church?” followed by three appendices going over how the author’s church practically implement church covenant, how to choose a good church and a discussion of why pursue a local church that is geographically nearby. I really enjoyed this book. One of the compelling information in the book was the author’s observation from the New Testament: “Of the 27 New Testament books, 21 were written as letters addressed to local churches, with a few directed to specific individuals within those congregations” (39). I thought that was a powerful point. Two pages after this quote the author stressed that the importance of the local church isn’t only for regular Christians but also for those busy with doing the Lord’s work: “Regrettably, some well-intentioned Christian workers and preachers busily reach out to many places and people yet remain uncommitted and unaccountable to a local church. Some superficially attend churches where they bypass ful- filling the membership duties commanded in Scripture” (41). I am reading an updated edition of this book (2024) and I’m glad I did since a difference between the two editions when I look at both is that chapter four acknowledges the post-Covid landscape when the author tells us “Technology should only complement, not replace, the physical fellowship of a church. Our very creation by God as physical beings affirms that strong interpersonal bonds are forged through being in the physical presence of one an- other” (50). Later in chapter five Stephen David in talking about online sermon said “While online sermons are prevalent today, they cannot replace the significance of hearing God’s Word being preached and taught in the presence of the gathered church. The physical presence of fellow believers adds so- briety and depth to the experience of listening to God's Word, which is not easily replicated by online sermons” (59). As a pastor I have seen how divisive Covid was for the church but I also have seen how it negatively impacted some people’s spiritual life who neglected going to church for years. After finishing this book I thought the most powerful point that the author made for why one should be a church member and also commit to serving the local church is found in chapter eight: “Many are eager to serve the Lord Jesus but overlook the importance of serving His church. Serving the church is, in essence, serving Christ Himself. The failure to serve the church is, in effect, a failure to serve Christ. As emphasized by the Lord Himself, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40)” (87). That moved me to think about Christ and His love; it also moved me to love Christ and want to serve Him by serving the local church. I enjoyed and recommend this book. In the world of missions we see the task requires church planting and planting healthy churches. This book helps with that by offering biblically compelling reasons for people to be committed members of the local church and the author Stephen David addresses this pastorally and practically with also an awareness of contemporary challenges. ...more
Are you looking for a book on the preaching and the preaching methodology of Charles Spurgeon? This book would be important for you to read! Charles SAre you looking for a book on the preaching and the preaching methodology of Charles Spurgeon? This book would be important for you to read! Charles Spurgeon who is known as the Prince of Preacher is one of my favorite preacher that I have never heard in audio (obviously he’s before the time where the technology is available). This is not just a biography but an academic biography that examine primarily on his preaching and his method of preaching. I really enjoyed the book’s discussion about the hermeneutics of Spurgeon. There’s six chapters in this book. The book begins surverying books on Spurgeon and chapter one is titled “Echoes of Essex: Theological Education from Stambourne to Waterbeach.” Chapter two is on Spurgeon’s early years in ministry and chapter three and four looks at Spurgeon’s interpretation of the Old Testament and New Testament respectively. Chapter five examines Spurgeon’s later years of ministry and chapter six analyzes Spurgeon’s Pastor’s College and Bible engagement in pastoral training context. There is an ending conclusion that give honor to Spurgeon. There’s many things I enjoyed about this book. I most enjoyed the discussion about Spurgeon’s hermeneutics. Yes he’s a textual preacher (a single verse preacher) and he’s not the expositional preachers that many today might like for today’s preachers (though they might like Spurgeon despite him not being an expositors in today’s terms). Still it is good to think of how he preached. One thing is clear though that I love about Spurgeon: He's going to preach Christ! He’s always a gospel preacher, an example for us today. I thought it was good that the book situates Spurgeon in the 1800s and also the author considers Spurgeon in the context of so much higher criticism and liberal scholarship that was arising during that time both from continental Europe but also in his home in England. It sharpens for us the understanding of his commitment to the Word of God with a high view of Scripture. I’m grateful for this angle throughout the book. I really enjoyed the chapter on theological education. Spurgeon’s Pastor’s College train over a thousand students. The author does have criticism about Spurgeon here with things like the fact that the school does not test its students. Still the school did help train pastors to be preachers. Though I enjoyed the book I do have some criticism. In chapter three the author thinks Spurgeon is mistaken to think Psalm 22 is only exclusively about the Messiah; that happens to be my view. I think there’s some good arguments for that based upon the latest understanding of reading the Psalms in context of its five books; O. Palmer Robertson has been a great read in that regards. There’s time I wish the author could have spelled out his own hermeneutics but I know space does not permit room for much details. It is clear Charles Spurgeon is a Christ-centered preacher. This book does honor Spurgeon in that regards. ...more
Want to read something devotional on the Holy Spirit and Christ? This is by Hensworth Jonas whom I heard someone I respect said he thought Jonas is onWant to read something devotional on the Holy Spirit and Christ? This is by Hensworth Jonas whom I heard someone I respect said he thought Jonas is one of the best preacher alive today. I was not going to miss the opportunity to read this! The publisher is Chapel Library and they sent it free to me; I’m grateful for their ministry. This twenty four page pamphlet looks at John 16:7-16. This work is based upon a message that Jonas preached. It has three section and a conclusion. The sections are based upon the text of John 16:7-16. Section one is “A Partnership of Power” and is based upon verse 7. Part two is called “A Partnership of Presuasion” and is anchored in verses 8-14. The last part then is “A Partnership of Praise” and is based upon verses 15-16. I can see from this booklet that Jonas is a Bible expositor. I appreciate how his three points are aliterated. It isn’t dry but heart warming spiritually speaking; that is, it made me think more about how lovely Christ and the Spirit is. I am grateful the Spirit points to Christ; how we need Him! I also enjoyed part three that pointed out three primary source of counsel in history and society today: The rules of society, the rights of self, the rejection of standards. It then goes over the problem of these if they are left to themselves and idolized. Then it looks to Christ and the Spirit and how they resolve the dilemma. This is ended with Gospel preaching. Excellent! ...more
I was looking for a book on the geography, culture, politics, and trade in an area that the Silk Road went through in history so with a book with thisI was looking for a book on the geography, culture, politics, and trade in an area that the Silk Road went through in history so with a book with this title it immediately caught my attention; I felt the book if it was going to just be about that would have been done in the first half; the second half did not seem related to the Silk Road but was more like a history of the relations between East and West, going over things like World War Two and American hegemony and the Cold War. There are twenty-five chapters and most of them are titled “The Road of…” or “The Road to…”. Overall, the book’s history is linear progressing from early history to later history. Though I began this review in a critical light I do think most readers will learn a lot from reading this book. Readers will be aware that globalism isn’t something new. I am fascinated of how people interact with other people from other culture, tribes and languages. The discussion of the various faiths in the old historic Silk Road is also fascinating; there’s discussion of the spread of Christianity and also of Islam in Central Asia and other places. Reading this book made me want to visit these areas and the author points out the various mores and ethics and values were different with these various people and that sometimes orthodox doctrines of the Great Religions doesn’t become the focus of the people in these regions. This isn’t a book to read in one sitting. Yet any moment to read it is interesting. Still I also think the book went pass the amount of pages it was needed; the second half I also fail to see how its really anything new in terms of interpreting history, contrary to the subtitle of this book. Though I say that, I think for most general readers there is a lot of new information to glean from this work. ...more
Are you looking for a good commentary on the book of Judges? I recommend this work and found the insights from the author to be very helpful in interpAre you looking for a good commentary on the book of Judges? I recommend this work and found the insights from the author to be very helpful in interpreting the book of Judges. I think if you are going to be a Bible expositor teaching through the book of Judges you need to have this book as a work you consult. After an introduction tot he book of Judges of about 55 pages the main portion of the book is commentary on the passages within the book of Judges (pages 57 through 229). There is also a third section in the book titled "theological reflection" that look at the book of Judges and Biblical theology (how it connects with previous passges and later passages, both Old Testament and New Testament). There's also discussion here on the book of Judges in relations to Systematic Theology and "Judges for Today" that talks about the issue of violence and treatment of women in the book of Judges. The book as a commentary is very good. There were things the author talked about and discussed that I didn’t see in other commentaries. The book is most helpful with the difficult passages in the book of Judges, such as the story of Jephthah, the story of the Levite and the Concubine and the chapter where the Benjamintes when to kidnap women for marriages. The author’s attention to detail with exegesis and also context and his consciousness of literary devices is extremely helpful for readers trying to discern what is going on with these passages. Having said that, I do think the book went on longer than it need to; the commentary was good and even the discussion about biblical theology and the book of Judges but I felt it started losing steam when it talked about the book of Judges in relations to systematic theology and especially the discussion about political theology. I think it went on too long when as a commentary it is already so good. With that said I must say I do found this book extremely helpful for me as I taught through the book of Judges for family devotions and also selected passages when I taught with my church. ...more
Want a book for a Christian going off to College? This book is a must-read! Written by a Seminary president and a New Testament professor, this work iWant a book for a Christian going off to College? This book is a must-read! Written by a Seminary president and a New Testament professor, this work is accessible for everyday Christian college students, and I appreciate that! I have seen most presuppositional apologetics books written for the mature Christians and a few for the non-Christians but this is the first I have seen it written for those who are going off to college, so I appreciate the author fulfilling a particular niche that arose when his daughter went off to college. After the preface and introduction there's fifteen chapters addressing different objections and challenges a Christian student would face in the univerisities and the book closes with a postscript. Chapter one is titled "I'm worried about being a Christian at a Secular University--How Will I survive?" which is followed by a chapter "My Professors are really smart--Isn't it More Likely That They're Right and I'm wrong?" Chapter three tackle the issue of Christianity's exclusivism, the next chapter addresses the objection of Christianity's intolerance followed by a chapter on the issue of homosexuality. Chapters six through eight addresses the issue of hell, suffering and science respectively. Chapter nine addresses the issue of naturalism and anti-miracle worldview while chapter ten is on how do we know the Bible is from God. The next chapter covers whether there's contradictions in the Gospels, chapter twelve focuses on a textual criticism issue of whether the New Testament have changed while chapter thirteen is on Canonicity with whether there’s books left out in our Bible. The final two chapters addresses alleged morally troubling passages in the Bible and how to handle doubt respectively. There are many things I enjoyed about this book. I liked how the author pointed out the problem of moral relativism; it is quite silly and self-refuting, but it is a popular view on college campuses today. I also like how Dr. Kruger dealt with the problem of suffering in a presuppositional matter: Evil is not a good thing we want; but Kruger also presses the issue of where would someone have the moral standards to rage against God and what is the basis for the moral standard in the first place? This book wasn’t just a presentation of philosophical arguments, but Kruger also brought his area of specialization to bear with tackling issues about the New Testament and historical argumentations for the New Testament being historical, being dated around the time that is early and within the era of contemporary of Apostles. He gives historical arguments for why the names of New Testament books likely authored by the ones whom they are named for. There’s also discussion about textual criticism with how the New Testament is unlike any other Classical literature with copies we have being unparalleled compared to other works with the copies being closer to the original and the vast number of copies. I am glad these chapters are in the book as I do think presuppositional apologetics and discussion of historical evidences are not mutually exclusive which I have written about elsewhere. The book wasn’t just intellectual and academic but also pastoral, which is evident all throughout the book but cystalizes most clearly with the final chapter on doubt and the postscript. I appreciated that Michael Kruger wrote this book addressing his daughter being a freshman in the university; there’s something about it that makes it more personal and helpful. I recommend this book. ...more
Want to understand better the world we are living in with globalism and how things will be with the approaching end of globalism? This book by Peter ZWant to understand better the world we are living in with globalism and how things will be with the approaching end of globalism? This book by Peter Zeihan a geo-political strategist might be for you. Zeihan’s prediction is dark, for the larger part of the globe, though there’s more optimism with the United States geographically when globalism ends. I first discovered a lecture by him during 2020 and what a year that was when we saw the disruption of the global supply chain. He looks at the relationship of raw materials, geography and demographic and observe their trends and from that explore also how that impact the political dimension and I think that’s quite interdisciplinary of him to bring these areas together to help make sense of the present and make some kind of forecast into the future. I know some have faulted him for not exploring the role of ideology in political decisions that impact nations and therefore international relations but still I think there’s some hard facts of economic realities concerning resources and geography and demographics that should also be factored in with regards to how countries behave and the policies they pursue. This is a big book, coming in at five hundred plus pages. The chapters throughout the book are group into eight sections with the first ten chapters grouped in the first section titled as “The End of an Era” and it is nearly a hundred pages! Section two is on transport followed by sections on finance, energy and industrial materials. Section six and seven is on manufacturing and agriculture respectively. Every section is fascinating; actually every chapter is fascinating. There’s a lot one can learn and be mesmerized by the details the author presents. The most alarming section was the one on agriculture; if agriculture sector goes bad it isn’t like some of the other sector of the economy where quality of living goes down; rather with regards to food we have on our hand something far worst, starvation and death. This is probably the most sobering and he’s left the scariest for last. While the author talks a lot about “bad news” in a tone that wasn’t pessimistic (I appreciate it, it helps me understand more better with his humor to make this easier to understand) still there is some hope for those in North America compared to other parts of the world. I felt the author made some good observation here and it isn’t just patriotic nonsense talk since he talks about the mutual benefits of the United Stated with Mexico. I think one thing that I gain from this book is to think about demographics dynamic in thinking about geopolitical realities; he’s been helpful for me to be more conscious of that. Zeihan’s insight is fascinating and since then I thought I need to read a book or two from him. This is his fourth book though it’s the first book I read from him and I think I might read other books by him in the future. ...more
Want to read something devotional on 1 Corinthians 1:30? This is from Chapel Library which reproduce here the writing of George Whitefield, a famous EWant to read something devotional on 1 Corinthians 1:30? This is from Chapel Library which reproduce here the writing of George Whitefield, a famous English preacher who lived from 1714 to 1770. Whitefield begins with the foundation and then goes each part of 1 Corinthians 1:30 that tells us what Christ is for believers: Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption. Then there’s a closing application in which Whitefield give application for unbelievers and also for believers. I love that he’s aware of nonbelievers who would be hearing him and their need for the Gospel. Yet there’s application also for believers too! Under sanctification there’s also three subsection with the first on “Christ is our sanctification,” part two being “Justification and sanctification” and part three is “experimental sanctification.” I thought that this is good to make clear distinction between justification and sanctification, since getting that wrong might show serious misunderstanding of the Gospel. A right view of justification and sanctification also fuel Christian holy living. Under Redemption there’s also three subsections with the first being “Christ is our Redemption” then “Redemption of our bodies” and finally “Redemption of our souls.” I was reminded that true wisdom is biblical wisdom and it starts with right view of Christ. I was also encouraged with this booklet with the truth that Christ will complete His Work in us in the sections under redemption; also I’m encouraged to know that He will redeem us not only with the spiritual part of us but also our physical bodies. What an encouragement when we get older and our body don’t act the way we would want! I like how this was laid out logically and it amazes me this was from the 1700s. Great read, I recommend it. ...more
Batman being anonymous has been a weapon to his advantage; criminals are afraid of him, being the “Dark Knight” and all. But what if Batman being anonBatman being anonymous has been a weapon to his advantage; criminals are afraid of him, being the “Dark Knight” and all. But what if Batman being anonymous is something that can be used against him? In this story written by Mattson Tomlin this angle is explored when someone goes around as a “second Batman” being an imposter of the Batman, all the while murdering criminals which prompt a big fear and strong reaction from Gotham police department. This is a fascinating story. I also like the fact that this story bring up modern questions about Batman in a world where technology dominate: Is it possible to track Batman and even find out his identity? In a world where there’s many security camera all over the city and where criminal forensics utilize financial tools, how does Batman operate in our contemporary time? Throughout the story we see that being raised and we see how hard it is for Batman. I also thought it was interesting we see a woman police detective involved with trying to figure out who is Batman and a woman mental health official; they bring out more details of the character of Bruce Wayne and the Batman. In fact the way the woman detective parallel Bruce Wayne is fascinating and she’s a foil for our understanding of Bruce Wayne with his endeavor to be Batman. Batman is often called the greatest detective and I lament how there’s not a lot of Batman stories told as a mystery. This story though does have mystery as the plot is to figure out who is Batman’s imposter. Readers will not find out until the end. Overall it was a fun read; DC should really have more mystery graphic novels with the Batman. ...more
Want to read a history book on a military hero and some of the context of his life and others in his unit? This book covers Alvin York and the soldierWant to read a history book on a military hero and some of the context of his life and others in his unit? This book covers Alvin York and the soldiers with him during a battle in World War One that made him famous. I got this since I have heard of Alvin York, I have even seen an old movie about him starring Gary Cooper but I realized I never read a book length treatment about him; this book was a further treat since it isn’t just about York but also the other men who served with him. Often the public wants to focus on one man as the hero when reality is that the Medal of Honor hero was serving with others that were also going above and beyond the call of duty. This book after the author’s note has twenty two chapters and the beginning few chapters focused on York and his upbringing and then it describe his time in the military, the actual battle account and also the last few chapters were about the post-war aftermath. I think I like that longer chronological period that is covered in the book as it gives us more contexts of his life and heroism. I think many military books on heroes can focus on the battle and the time the person served in the military but this bigger context was helpful. Also the fact that it did not focus on only one man but the others in the patrol hat famously captured many German prisoners was also insightful and contrary to the movie I learned that York did not capture prisoners of War by himself. The part that really stood out to me were the chapters after the war; the book’s discussion about York’s lack of anticipation of being seen as a hero was fascinating. Also it was interesting to learn about his challenge with becoming a celebrity and also his relations with the other men in his unit was also interesting. I think from reading this book I was amazed at how after the war most of the soldiers struggle in some way or another was also interesting. It seems that while World War One seems so long ago (over one hundred years ago!) the challenge of veterans remains the same and that really made me think about how what modern veterans of the War on Terror are not alone with their battles post-war. Worthwhile book, I recommend it. ...more
Want to read a short devotional that would warm your heart to love the Holy Spirit? This is based upon a message delivered by Charles Spurgeon on May Want to read a short devotional that would warm your heart to love the Holy Spirit? This is based upon a message delivered by Charles Spurgeon on May 28th, 1882 at his famous church Metropolitan Tabernacle in England. Charles Spurgeon message here is based upon two passages, John 7:38-39 and John 16:7. It is kind of unusual to see a sermon based upon two different passages from different chapters; but the content here is biblical and devotional. There’s five points in this booklet. The first is on our need for the Work of the Holy Spirit which is followed by a section on the Work of the Holy Spirit is Intimiately Connected with the Work of Christ. Next is the Work of the Holy Spirit is of Incomparable Value followed by a section on the Work of the Holy Spirit is of Marvelous Power. Finally there’s the Work of the Holy Spirit is Easily to be obtained by the Lord’s Children. I really thought it was good that Spurgeon tied the Work of the Spirit to the Work of Christ; these days a lot of problematic view of the Spirit is tied to the Work of the Spirit not tied to Christ. It seems Spurgeon hit on this way back in the 1800s, which is interesting to see this. Probably part three of the booklet really stood out to me with how Spurgon notes how great Christ’s presence was when he was physically on earth; this observation is to make the point that the Spirit’s presence must even be greater that Christ would leave so we can have the Spirit! There’s some memorable lines here about if Christ was to be physically here today many would not be able to flock to Him who are believers and even if He was in America there’s not enough ships to carry believers to the United States from the United Kingdom. This point is to make the point of how precious the Spirit is to be everywhere working in believers. Powerful point! This booklet wasn’t just theological but it has a practical ending that exhorted believers about what does it mean that the Spirit flows out of us like rivers. Excellent! I recommend this work. ...more
Do you have questions about things in the first five books of the Bible (the Law of Moses) specifically with the sacrifices, priesthood, the holidays Do you have questions about things in the first five books of the Bible (the Law of Moses) specifically with the sacrifices, priesthood, the holidays and the Tabernacle/Temple? This is a great resource to read and have in your library! This is true for pastors, teachers and general Christian Bible readers. This volume is part of a commentary series titled “The Gospel According to the Old Testament” published by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing. I have read five other titles in this series, all of which were very good. This one too is up there for me. There are nineteen chapters in the book group together under four parts. Part one looks at sacred space and the six chapters presents us a biblical theology of sacred areas, beginning with Eden, then altars, tabernacle, temple and ends with pointing towards Christ. Part two consists of four chapters and it looks at sacrifices, from the whole burnt offering to the tribute and fellowship offerings, to the sin and guilt offering and finally Christ’s sacrifice. The next four chapters looks at sacred people, beginning with a chapter on the rise of priesthood followed by a chapter on Levites and the priestly life style. There’s a chapter then on priestly service and another on Christ as the ultimate priest. Part four is on sacred time, looking at special days instituted in the Old Testament with the first two chapters on the Sabbath, then on the three pilgrimage festivals, another chapter on both the Festivals of Trumpets and Day of Atonement. The final chapter looks at Purim that was established during the events in the book of Esther. I love how the book points us towards Christ in a way that is not just a simplistic typology and forced allegory but rather informed by a serious study of the subjects through analyzing the trajectory of progressive revelation; there is a biblical theology presented here if you will, where there’s an analysis of how things unfold over time through God’s progressive revelation, climaxing with the coming of Jesus Christ in redemptive history. Its beautiful how the author does that. I think the chapters that I learn the most in the book is part two on the sacrifices. This was a good study and I think this section itself is worth getting the book. I know I will have this book as a future reference to go to when I preach and teach and have to talk about the different Old Testament sacrifices. In the past I personally did not agree with the author in some of the areas of his view of the Bible and interpretation, but this problem largely did not appear in this book. I think this might be because this is an older work from Longman. In this specific book he does make it clear he’s not a six-day creationists, for those who want to know, though it was not the main focus of his writing here. There are many things here that is good and one can learn from. I give this a five out of five. ...more
Do you know of the missionary wife Ann Judson, the spouse of the famous missionary Adoniram Judson? This is a short biography of her life; and she livDo you know of the missionary wife Ann Judson, the spouse of the famous missionary Adoniram Judson? This is a short biography of her life; and she lived a short and turbulent life, living from 1789 to 1826. She died shy of thirty seven years old. An American by birth she was among those early in the new country who were called and sent to do the work as a missionary, where she and her husband first set off to India but ultimately ended up in Burma where they did their missionary work. This booklet is short, coming in at 23 pages. But the power of each page captivated me to read this all-in-one sitting. There’s three sections in this biography, the first goes over her early years. The second section is “Into India and Burma” and the third is “Later years.” There is in closing a conclusion of three paragraphs that put her life in perspective and what God has done with her life of suffering. I was blown away reading this to see how early was American modern missionary movement. Ann and her husband left on missions on February 18th, 1812. This was a few months shy of the start of the War of 1812, between the United States and the United Kingdom. During a time when the headlines was about a pending war here we see in God’s eye of history an important moment was occurring with one of America’s first modern missionaries was heading out to Asia. The amount of suffering in the life of the Judsons left me sobered; it reminded me how serving God does not mean God promise things will be easy nor does it mean we will not be suffering. Yet we see God using the suffering of the Judsons in ways that not see during their earthly life. O may we see things from eternal perspective, and may we trust in God even when things happen and we do not understand. I recommend this book; my wife actually read this before I did and she also used this booklet to go over it with my daughters. I think this is good for the kids to read too; one shouldn’t think this booklet is only for those who are thinking about doing missions (though they would benefit too!). ...more
Are you looking for books that contribute to the discussion of the canonicity of the Bible? This is a book on the New Testament canon from a theologicAre you looking for books that contribute to the discussion of the canonicity of the Bible? This is a book on the New Testament canon from a theological approach that takes it seriously what the Bible has to say about itself such as God’s Word being its own authority, etc., as well as seeing the importance for the place for scientific and historical investigation. The author was a famous New Testament scholar and Dutch Reformed theologian who taught and wrote on the Bible for decades. This particular work was originally written in Dutch in 1955 and translated into English and revised two different times. There is two chapters in to this book. The first one is titled “The Canon of the New Testament” and the second “The Authority of the New Testament.” In chapter one there’s three main section with the first on the question of principle, the second on Canon and redemptive history and the third on the recognition of the canon. The second chapter largely consist of looking at the authority of the New Testament through three main dimensions of what the Scripture is, namely the New Testament is proclamation what in Greek is called Kerygma, secondly the New Testament as witness and thirdly the New Testament as teaching. Last year I finished reading some Dutch Reformed authors and when I finished this book I thought about how Dutch guys write in a particular way where they are interacting with many scholars that they are disputing and their writing style is different than American theologians in that often when I read Dutch guys I don’t know who these people are that the Dutch guys are referencing yet as I read along there’s some great nuggets of insights that powerfully transcends the academic interaction with others in the writer’s moment of time. Those insightful sentences in the book are what I highlight and deem worth quoting for later and it impacts how I teach theology. This book’s impact on me is thinking about grounding the New Testament canonical development in the context of redemptive history and not just assume it in the context of Church history; for some reason I never explicitly and consciously thought about the Redemptive Historical dimensions before. Like Dutch theologians Bavinck and Van Til, here this insight is paradigm shifting. There’s many insights I got throughout the book. I really benefited from the discussion about the New Testament and tradition, it really was good and insightful of the times the New Testament talk about tradition in a positive way. This discussion can be found on pages 22-24. Also I appreciated the book careful and exacting nuanced point and reading this made me attempt to be more careful for articulating about the Bible’s canonicity such as the basis of the canon. The books for New Testament canoncity is based upon the self-evidencing character of Scripture as the Word of God, but we should not think of that as something subjective (the Spirit’s illumination of the Scripture) but objective in the characteristics within the contents of the books in the Bible. Yet when we say that we should be careful that we don’t think there’s a canon within a canon, or where only certain parts of the writings that is inspired, etc. Good work, I do recommend it and it gave me some perspective of the historical conversation within academia before some of the more recent works on canonicity. I do think for readers new to this topic it is worth starting with other authors first and one I highly recommend is Michael Kruger. ...more
