Free Stuff Fridays @ challies.com

This week Shepherd Press is sponsoring Free Stuff Fridays over a challies.com.  Five winners will be chosen to win a copy of Paul David Tripp’s books Broken Down House & Lost in the Middle.

We Love Jesus and So We Love His Mother:  How Can We Not?

Paul T. McCain shares his thoughts on why most Lutherans think that the Roman Catholic Church’s doctrines about Mary are off base.  He also explores the idea that “Lutherans have denied themselves their birthright as those who love Mary.”  A must read article, especially for Lutherans.

Latest 9-Marks E-Journal is available with a Focus on Missions

Take a few minutes to check out the latest 9-Marks E-Journal.  This issue focuses on missions.

What I’m reading….

Here are a few of the titles I’m currently reading and will be reviewing soon.

The folks at ChristianAudio.com are offering Francis Chan’s Crazy Love:  Overwehelmed by a Relentless God as their free download for July 2009.  Use the coupon code JUL2009 at checkout.  Click the graphic below to go to their order page.

Format:  Paperback
Page Count:  368
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication Date:  May 1, 2009
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310291534
ISBN-13: 9780310291534
List Price:  $16.99
Rating:  5 Stars!

Many thanks to the kind folks at Zondervan Academic for the opportunity to review Latayne C. Scott’s The Mormon Mirage, 3rd Edition.

As each of us goes about our daily business at the office, store, and elsewhere, it is likely that we will rub shoulders with a Mormon at one time or another.  Heck, sometimes they even show up right at the front door.  During these encounters, the conversation can at times be confusing at best.  While Christians and Mormons may use some of the same words, the theological meaning each side places on these words are often oceans apart.  In order to be better prepared for these occasions, I’d encourage you to educate yourself on the history, theology, and practices of the Mormon Church.  For an accessible, layman’s terms approach to the subject I highly recommend Latayne C. Scott’s The Mormon Mirage, 3rd Edition.  Latayne is uniquely suited for this particular writing task.  Unlike many authors who can only offer the perspectives of an outsider looking in, as a former Mormon, she offers the perspectives of a former insider.

The first part of the book is comprised of eight chapters.  Here, Latayne recounts her own journey into and later out of Mormonism.  In the midst of sharing her story, she also introduces the reader to Mormon founder Joseph Smith, various writings of the Mormon Church (Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, etc.), and Mormon theology.  The second part of the book is comprised of three chapters.  Chapters nine through ten discuss nine issues the Mormon Church must face today, including:

•    The Influence of the Internet
•    Mormonism in the News and the Public Eye
•    Race
•    Gender
•    Visibility of Polygamy and Splinter Groups
•    Mormons and Politics
•    LDS Academics and Intellectuals
•    Dealing with “Antis” or Oppositional Media
•    Ex-Mormons

Chapter eleven brings the book to a close with the final assessments of an insider looking back.  Ultimately, Latayne left Mormonism, because she came to the understanding that it is not Biblical Christianity.  It is her hope that the same truth that drastically changed the course of her life will change the lives of those standing where she once stood.  Following chapter 11, you’ll also want to read the addendum, Evangelizing Mormons in the Twenty-First Century.  If after reading this book, you would like to learn even more about Mormonism, be sure to consult the 41 pages extensive endnotes and 4 pages of materials listed under “For Further Reading” towards the end of this book.  Last but not least, I was very pleased to see a subject index, Mormon scripture index, and scripture index at the end of the book.  I’m always very appreciative of detailed indexes in books of this size.

I’d like to close by giving this book a five star rating.  Latayne takes on a subject area that could be dry and boring to read and presents it in a way that is both engaging and informative.  This book has just the right mix of personal stories and experiences interwoven with facts and research.  I sincerely recommend this book to the Christian with an interest in learning more about Mormonism.  This book would also be helpful to the Mormon who is struggling with their faith as Latayne was many years ago.  Readers who enjoy this book may also want to consider Latayne’s first work of fiction, The Latter-Day Cipher (Moody, 2009).

Latayne C. Scott is the author of fifteen books in addition to other poems and articles.  She lives in New Mexico with her husband Dan.  They have two married children.  You can learn more about Latayne’s writing and speaking at www.latayne.com and www.representationalresources.com.

You may download this review as a PDF: 

Buy this book on Amazon: The Mormon Mirage: A Former Member Looks at the Mormon Church Today

Author: Mike Thaler
Illustrator:  Jared Lee
Format: Softcover
Page Count:  32
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Publication Date:  February 1, 2009
Language: English
Reading Level:  Ages 4-8
List Price:  $4.99 per title

I wanted to extend my thanks to Lindsey Rodarmer at Zonderkidz for giving me the opportunity to review the first four books in Mike Thaler & Jared Lee’s Tales from the Back Pew series.

When it comes to church, kids sometimes think and say the darnedest things.  The Tales from the Back Pew series takes a light-hearted look at some of the misconceptions our children may have about church.

In Mission Trip Impossible, the main character is a bit concerned about the mission trip his church is about to embark on.  He’s not quite sure how he’ll deal with the wild animals, jungle, cannibals, bad weather, and other harsh conditions.  Much to his surprise, this mission trip only goes as far as the other side of town.  Even though his trip turned out to be much less exotic than he first thought, he still gets to tell his new friends about his best friend, Jesus.

In Preacher Creature Strikes on Sunday, the main character is wondering if church will be anything like the stories he’s heard.  There’s obvious cause for concern when you consider the fact that you may get drafted into the service, be forced to sit on smelly benches called pews, and deal with the guy up front they call the sermonator.  On top of all that, they actually make you pay to join in the singing.  Fortunately all his fears are laid to rest when he finds that the people are actually pretty nice.  Sunday school even ended with cookies and milk!

In Church Summer Cramp, the main character is trying to process all that the pastor has promised them about the youth group’s trip to summer camp.  He’s not quite sure how getting lost, becoming a mosquito burrito, and sleeping in tents are anybody’s idea of a good time.  In spite all his objections he remembers that God took care of the Israelites when they were in the wilderness wandering around lost and sleeping in tents.  If God took care of the Israelites, he can trust that He will take care of him too.  Besides, canoodling, throwing horses, and possibly running into Bigfoot sounds like it might be fun.

In Easter Egg Haunt, the main character is heading over to the Easter egg hunt at church.  In preparation, the kids paint all sorts of things on the eggs.  After the kids finish the decorating, their Sunday school teacher tells them the real story of Easter.  As it turns out, Easter is actually all about Jesus.  Eggs and bunnies were added later, much like Santa Claus was added on to Christmas.

Children ages 4-8 and their parents will enjoy the light-hearted fun found in the Tales from the Back Pew series.  As you complete each story, you’ll be able to talk about the realities of “church life” and how it really isn’t as bad as they maybe thought it was at first.  Be on the lookout for two new titles in this series (Walking the Plank to the Baptism Tank & The Three Wise Guys), both scheduled to release later this year.

Mike Thaler, known as the Riddle King of America, is the author of the popular Black Lagoon books and the Heaven and Mirth series.  He lives in Portland, Oregon, and travels nationally, speaking in schools, libraries, and churches.

Jared Lee is an accomplished illustrator with experience working for the likes of L.L. Bean, Procter and Gamble, Hasbro, Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, and the U.S. Postal Service.  He currently resides in Lebanon, Ohio.

You may download a PDF of this review: 

Buy these books on Amazon:

• Mission Trip Impossible
• Easter Egg Haunt
• Preacher Creature Strikes on Sunday
• Church Summer Cramp

Format: CD-ROM for Libronix Digital Library System
Page Count:  N/A
Publisher: Concordia Publishing House
Publication Date:  2008
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0758615515
ISBN-13: 9780758615510
List Price:  $29.99
Rating:  5 Stars!

Many thanks to Rosemary Parkinson & Paul T. McCain at Concordia Publishing House for the opportunity to review Concordia:  The Lutheran Confessions on CD-ROM – A Reader’s Edition of The Book of Concord.

Later this month on June 25th, Lutherans worldwide will be celebrating the 479th anniversary of the presentation of the Augsburg Confession and the 429th anniversary of The Book of Concord.  In honor of the occasion, I offer this review.

If you didn’t grow up in the Lutheran Church and you don’t rub shoulders in Lutheran circles, the question you’re probably asking right now is, “What exactly is The Book of Concord?”  Any guesses?  Could it be the long lost secret recipe for the concord grape wine used for practicing the sacrament of holy communion in the early Lutheran Church?  While that would certainly be interesting, it’s not even close.  The Book of Concord is a compilation of sorts, containing the authoritative statements of faith for the Lutheran Church that have been in place for the last four hundred plus years.  While many of us may have works like Luther’s small and large catechisms in our libraries, fewer of us will have works like the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, etc.  The Book of Concord has all of these and much more.  Below is a general list of the works included in this book:

•    The Three Universal or Ecumenical Creeds
o    The Apostles’ Creed
o    The Nicene Creed
o    The Creed of Athanasius
•    The Confession of Faith:  The Augsburg Confession
•    The Apology of the Augsburg Confession
•    The Smalcald Articles
•    The Power and Primacy of the Pope
•    Enchiridion:  The Small Catechism
•    The Large Catechism
•    The Formula of Concord:  Epitome
•    The Formula of Concord:  Solid Declaration

The text of the digital edition is based on the second edition of Concordia:  The Lutheran Confessions – A Reader’s Edition of The Book of Concord, which was released in 2006.  One of the strengths in this work is its accessibility for the modern reader.  The text has been updated to reflect changes in the English language.  Also, each major section begins with an editorial introduction, timeline, and outline.  In addition, there are insightful notes throughout the entire text.  These features go a long way in helping those less familiar with the material to better grasp the context and understand the content of what they’re reading.  A surprise feature in this volume are the more than one hundred beautiful illustrations that add to the overall appeal and beauty of the book as well as aid the reader in better understanding the material.  Regardless of your experience level with the Book of Concord; laypeople, teachers, and pastors alike will be educated and edified by Concordia:  The Lutheran Confessions.  This book is a must have for the library of every Lutheran home around the world.  If a digital edition is not right for you, you may want to consider buying this work in one of these additional formats:  paperback, hardback, bonded leather, and genuine leather.

Let me close with a brief word about digital books.  This digital edition of the Book of Concord is designed for use with the Libronix Digital Library System from Logos Bible Software.  Those of us who do a lot of reading and research tend to have mixed feelings about digital books.  While I don’t think digital editions will ever completely replace printed books, I do think digital editions have some important things to offer.  One of the best things about digital books is that they’re highly portable.  In fact, you can take a whole library’s worth of books anywhere you go on a single laptop.  This is especially important for students, seminarians, and pastors who by nature of what they do have a rather itinerant lifestyle and their “office” is wherever they are at the moment.  In addition to their portability, the ease of search and study that is possible when viewing this and other digital books in the Libronix Digital Library System can’t be beat.  As an added bonus, the digital edition of Concordia:  The Lutheran Confessions includes the ESV Bible, valued at $39.99.

Paul T. McCain is the general editor for Concordia:  The Lutheran Confessions – A Reader’s Edition of The Book of Concord.  He is an ordained pastor in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  Presently, he serves as Publisher and Executive Director of Editorial at Concordia Publishing House in St. Louis, MO.  Paul and his wife Lynn have been blessed with three children.  You can learn more about Paul at his web site:  www.cyberbrethren.com or by following him on twitter at:  www.twitter.com/ptmccain.

You may download this review as a PDF: 

Get Concordia:  The Lutheran Confessions for 50% off.  Click HERE.  (Sale price available for a limited time.)

If you can’t see this video, click HERE.

Trial Part 18: Faith in Your New Life 2 Pt. 1:5-15

Pastor Mark Driscoll | June 07, 2009 | 01hr:05mn 

In our passage today, Peter seeks to remind us of things that are of utmost importance in this sermon, that we would be sure of our calling and election by God. Pastor Mark Driscoll preaches from 2 Peter in this sermon from Trial.

Intrepid hearts indeed! What could possibly be so important that you would stake eternity on it? What gives a person such courage and conviction? Only one thing—the truth. This is what this book is all about, the truth of God’s Word.
God’s people have always spoken this way. For example, the psalmist wrote, “I will speak of Your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame” (Psalm 119:46). Peter confessed his faith when Jesus asked him what he believed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Paul wrote, “Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, ‘I believed, and so I spoke,’ we also believe, and so we also speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13).
Lutherans have used the Confessions of faith contained in this book for nearly five hundred years as their public witness and testimony of what the Bible teaches. These Confessions give clear, unambiguous, and certain witness to the Christian faith. They unite all those who bear the name Lutheran and wish to be—and remain—genuinely Lutheran. That is why this book uses the word Concordia as a title.

Concordia : The Lutheran Confessions. Edited by Paul Timothy McCain. St. Louis, MO : Concordia Publishing House, 2005, xiii

Format:  paperback
Page Count:  288
Publisher: NavPress
Publication Date:  May 15, 2009
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600063004
List Price:  $14.99
Rating:  5 Stars!

Many thanks to Michele Bennett and the kind folks at NavPress for the opportunity to review Paul Miller’s A Praying Life.

If you were to ask the average Christian on the street for a list of the top five things they struggle with, I’m willing to bet that prayer will more often than not appear at the top of that list.  Some may say the busyness of modern life steals away too much of their time.  Others may say they feel like prayer just doesn’t make a difference.  While I’m willing to concede that time management challenges and feelings may affect our outlook on prayer, I’m not willing to accept these and other similar excuses as the sole reasons people struggle with or altogether avoid prayer.  All excuses aside, I think the reality of the situation is that prayer can be downright difficult.  Each of us attempts to approach God in prayer through the context of our own religious training and upbringing or for some, the lack thereof.  Many of us are able to recite from memory the rote prayers we learned during our childhood.  So many of these prayers are full of Biblical truth and deep theological meaning, but years of monotone repetition have left them feeling old and powerless.  On the other end of the prayer spectrum you will find what some call “vending machine” prayers.  These sorts of prayers consist of nothing more than our never ending list of wants and felt needs, addressing God like he is the proprietor of a heavenly candy store or a cosmic Santa Claus.  Like the rote prayers of our childhood, these too will leave us feeling disappointed and frustrated with prayer and ultimately with God.

If this sounds all too familiar, chances are you could be one of the many who have been living in the midst of a lifelong struggle with prayer.  Based on your experiences ‘til now, you may seriously wonder if there is any hope for long-term sustained change in your prayer life.  Like me, you’ve probably read other books on prayer, only to shortly thereafter end up right back where you began.  While I can’t speak to all of the reasons those other books might have come up short for you, I can recommend a new book that has the potential revolutionize your prayer life.  The author of this new book is Paul Miller.  Paul is the director for SeeJesus.net, a discipling mission and developer of interactive Bible studies.  As a part of his work for SeeJesus.net, he has developed The PrayerLife Study and Seminar, which were the basis for Paul’s new book published by NavPress titled:  A Praying Life:  Connecting with God in a Distracting World.  This book consists of thirty-two chapters, organized into six parts.  They are as follows:

•    Introductory material (Preface, Introduction, Chapters 1-2)
•    Part 1:  Learning to Pray Like a Child (Chapters 3-8)
•    Part 2:  Learning to Trust Again (Chapters 9-11)
•    Part 3:  Learning to ask Your Father (Chapters 12-18)
•    Part 4:  Living in your Father’s Story (Chapters 19-25)
•    Part 5:  Praying in Real Life (Chapters 26-32)

Paul shares what he has learned over a lifetime of pursuing God in prayer.  Much of what he shares is rooted in concrete examples from his own experiences, especially his experiences in the midst of the story God is weaving as Paul has been praying and caring for his family.  The many personal examples throughout this book give a ring of authenticity to what Paul is asking us to do in our own prayer lives.  This isn’t just something he put together for a seminar and reworked for a book, he is practicing what he is preaching.  There are many good things I’ve taken away from this book and have begun incorporating into my own prayer life.  Without giving too much away, I’ll list a few of the highlights below:

•    Approach God the Father as a child with boldness, honesty, and need.
•    Pray alone, but pray aloud.
•    Start out simple (5 minutes) and increase your prayer time from there.
•    Run away from cynicism and learn to trust God again.
•    Prayer is an integral part of all of your life, talk to God about the big things and the small things.
•    Understand that your life is part of a story God is weaving.  Prayer shapes both you and your story.
•    Keep praying when there seems to be no answer to prayer or even the “wrong” answer to prayer.
•    Prayer cards and prayer journals will be helpful tools to better focus your prayers and show you how God is working in the midst of your story.

In all honesty, this is one of the best books on prayer I’ve read in quite some time.  As I worked through the chapters, I began to evaluate my own prayer life and started to see quite a few areas where I was left wanting.  Paul’s personal stories helped me to see that there are many things I could do different and better when it comes to praying for my own family and other relationships.  On a practical level, I’m especially excited to try incorporating prayer cards into my daily prayer routine.  I highly recommend this book to anybody who has struggled with prayer or wants learn more about how God can work in the midst of a life filled with prayer.  This book will be beneficial for personal reading, but the length of the chapters also makes it ideal for a small group or Sunday school setting.  Readers who enjoy this book may also want consider Love Walked among Us (NavPress, 2001), also by Paul Miller.  You can learn more about Paul and his ministry at www.seejesus.net.

Paul Miller is the director of seejesus.net, a discipling mission and developer of interactive Bible Studies.  In addition to A Praying Life, Paul has written Love Walked Among Us (NavPress, 2001).  Paul and his wife Jill have six children, two daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren.  They live near Philadelphia, PA.

This review is also available as a PDF: 

Buy this book on Amazon:  A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World

“The truth is that unless the significance of what Christ did at the first Christmas shakes us, we can scarcely be said to have understood much of what it means, or of who He really is.”

Sinclair B. Ferguson, In Christ Alone (Orlando:  Reformation Trust Publishing, 2007), 18

If you can’t see the video, click HERE.

Trial
Part 17:  Faith in Your New Birth
2 Peter 1:1-4

Pastor Mark Driscoll | May 31, 2009 | 01hr:05mn

How do you know that you’re saved?  In this sermon Pastor Mark Driscoll preaches on the topic of your new birth.