Books and Book Reviews

The posts below offer books reviews posted on Here I Blog and also includes quotes from different Christian books that readers may find edifying and helpful.

Win the Logos John Piper Collection!

Logos Bible Software is promoting their new Christian ebook service Vyrso! by teaming up with Desiring God to offer John Piper’s A Holy Ambition a free download until December 25. Logos is also giving away their John Piper Collection. This collection is a digital 24-volume digital set with a print value of $395! Each book [...]

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So You Want My Daughter?

I’ve always been intrigued about why a Christian would want to date or marry a non-Christian. A solid biblical case can be made that a Christian should only date or marry another Christian.1 In a mixed dating situation the Christian is not trusting Christ nor finding Him sufficient, but is looking elsewhere to satisfy certain [...]

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Book Review: The World-Tilting Gospel

Phillips, Dan. The World-Tilting Gospel: Embracing a Biblical Worldview and Hanging On Tight. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2011. 320 pages. Dan Phillips is probably best known to the Christian blogging world from his writing at Pyromaniacs as well as his personal blog, Biblical Christianity. Phillips, now an author, was more than just a blogger. He [...]

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Giveaway: Philosophia Christi Apologetics Journal

This is a giveaway of the latest issue of Philosophia Christi, the apologetics journal put out by the Evangelical Philosophical Society. It is the Summer 2011 issue Vol. 13, no. 1 which in includes the following content. Articles Intentionality and the Substance of the Self – Dallas Willard 7 Substance Dualism and the Argument from Self-Awareness [...]

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The SBC and Calvinism: Three Reviews of Whosoever Will

The Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry, Spring 2010, is out. This issues deals with “Baptists and the Doctrine of Salvation.” There are three reviews of two recent books by Southern Baptists dealing with salvation. Whosoever Will: A Biblical-Theological Critique of Five-Point Calvinism, editors David L. Allen and Steve W. Lemke, reviewed by: Gregory A. [...]

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Book Review: The Purity Principle

Alcorn, Randy. The Purity Principle: God’s Safeguards for Life’s Dangerous Trails (LifeChange Books). Sisters: Multnomah Books, 2003. Randy Alcorn is a well-known Christian author and speaker. He has written over 30 books which include both fiction and non-fiction. He is the founder and director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries (EPM) through which he has ministered to [...]

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Book Review: Why I Still Believe

Boot, Joe. Why I Still Believe: (Hint: It’s the Only Way the World Makes Sense). Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2006. 159 pages. The Christian faith is more than an intellectual or emotional assent to believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is an objective, rational faith in Jesus Christ. First Peter 3:15 calls upon [...]

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Giveaway: A Pastor’s Sketches by Ichabod Spencer

A PASTOR’S SKETCHES – Conversation’s with Anxious Souls Concerning the Way of Salvation two volumes in one by Ichabod Spencer. This giveaway is sponsored by Solid Ground Christian Books. They have some great titles. Check them out online: Website | Facebook | Twitter. Anyone I’ve talked to who is familiar with these volumes has nothing [...]

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Giveaway: Areopagus Apologetics Journals

Need help defending the Christian faith? This weeks giveaway may add to your arsenal. The giveaway three apologetics journals: AREOPAGUS JOURNAL – The Journal of the Apologetics Resource Center. The sponsor is Solid Ground Christian Books. Check them out online: Website | Facebook | Twitter. Some of you may find something on their Inventory Reduction [...]

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Giveaway: The Theology of Missions in the Puritan Tradition

Does Calvinism and Reformed theology kill evangelism and missions? This weeks giveaway THE THEOLOGY OF MISSIONS IN THE PURITAN TRADITION: A Study of Representative Puritans: Richard Sibbes, Richard Baxter, John Eliot, Cotton Mather & Jonathan Edwards by Sidney H. Rooy just may help answer that question with a resounding NO! This giveaway is sponsored by [...]

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Giveaway: Is The Mormon My Brother?

Note: This giveaway is closed per the comment on July 31, 2010 at 7:18 pm. The winner was announced in the comment following. This giveaway is sponsored by Solid Ground Christian Books. This week’s giveaway – Is The Mormon My Brother: Discerning the Differences Between Mormonism and Christianity by James R. White. The book is [...]

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Giveaway: A Theological Interpretation of American History

The giveaway is now over. Thanks to Solid Ground Christian Books I am giving away a copy of A Theological Interpretation of American History by C. Gregg Singer. Solid Ground is actually a publishing house. They sell and publish a variety of books that may not be easily found elsewhere. Solid Ground can help with [...]

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Book Review: The Divided States of America?

Land, Richard. The Divided States of America?: What Liberals AND Conservatives are missing in the God-and-country shouting match! Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2007. Richard Land is the president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. He holds an A.B. from Princeton and a D.Phil. from Oxford. In The Divided States of [...]

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Book review: Marks of the Messenger

Stiles, J. Mack. Marks of the Messenger: Knowing, Living and Speaking the Gospel. Downers Grove: Intervarsity Press, 2010. In Marks of the Messenger, Mack Stiles explains what makes up the fertile spiritual ground for a messenger of the gospel. He examines the gospel, evangelism, and what it is to live for Christ. He explores what [...]

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Book Review: Preaching that Connects

Galli, Mark, and Craig Brian Larson. Preaching that Connects: Using Journalistic Techniques to Add Impact. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994. Galli and Larson offer journalistic tools for preachers to help them communicate better in their sermons. Both authors have pastoral and journalism experience. Galli is a former pastor and senior managing editor of Christianity Today. Larson [...]

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Free book: Religion Saves by Mark Driscoll

For the month of February Christianaudio is giving away an unabridged audio copy of Mark Driscoll’s book Religion Saves: And Nine Other Misconceptions. Simply use the coupon code FEB2010 when prompted. To get your free audio book: http://christianaudio.com/free While you are here check out my review of Religion Saves. I like the concept of the [...]

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Book Review: The Trellis and the Vine

The Trellis and the Vine:The Ministry Mind-Shift that Changes Everything by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne. Matthias Media, 2009. 196 pages. The Trellis and the Vine focuses on doing the hard work of gospel living. That is, Christians giving of themselves through personal discipleship creating gospel growth. The trellis represents the structure of a church [...]

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Think you have a library?

I’m grateful for my library. It’s decent and growing slowly. Sometimes I think about what it takes to move all those books, but it’s a cake walk compared to moving Dr. Mohler’s library. Dr. Mohler shares some information about his library/study and books in general. I appreciate his insights and as a coffee drinker I [...]

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Do Scott Hahn’s Book Endorsements Offer Protestants Validity?

Covenant and Communion: The Biblical Theology of Pope Benedict XVI by Scott Hahn has a few Protestant endorsements. The biggest stir was caused by Michael Horton’s endorsement. People are asking – Why endorse such a book? Would the Apostle Paul have endorsed a book on metaphysics by Aristotle? Dr. Horton has responded in his post [...]

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Book Review: Christianity in Crisis The 21st Century

Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century By Hank Hanegraaff. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2009. 432 pages. Hank Hanegraaff has updated the 1993 edition of Christianity in Crisis to keep up with the “Word of Faith” movement and its teachers. The author exposes the continued growth and danger of these teachings. The book is divided into seven [...]

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Book Review: Fearless by Max Lucado

Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear By Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson, 2009, 224 pages. Fearless is a practical book addressing various fears in life by pointing to Jesus as the answer to those fears. The book is filled with real-life illustrations of fear and the things people do to run or hide from those fears. [...]

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Book Review: Dear Timothy Letters On Pastoral Ministry

Dear Timothy: Letters on Pastoral Ministry edited by Tom Ascol. Cape Coral: Founders Press, 2004. 384 pages. Many times in life we wish we had a practical “how to” guide for the various activities of which we are involved (i.e. new job, volunteer work). Dear Timothy: Letters on Pastoral Ministry edited by Thomas Ascol is [...]

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Religion Saves Free Book Giveaway

OK, I’m giving away a copy of Religion Saves: And Nine Other Misconceptions By Mark Driscoll. If you missed it and want an overview along with my thoughts on the book check out Book Review: Religion Saves By Mark Driscoll. I have friends that appreciate Mark Driscoll and friends that don’t. I know some will [...]

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Book Review: Religion Saves By Mark Driscoll

Religion Saves: And Nine Other Misconceptions By Mark Driscoll. Crossway Books, 2009. 287 pages. (I will be starting a drawing tomorrow for a free copy of this book.) Background After 343,203 online votes on the Mars Hill Church website, nine questions for Pastor Mark Driscoll emerged as the ones most urgently calling for answers. Inspired [...]

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Book Review: Brothers We Are Not Professionals

Brothers, We Are Not Professionals: A Plea to Pastors for Radical Ministry by John Piper. B&H Publishing Group, 2002. 286 pages. The Review Brothers We Are Not Professionals by John Piper is a very encouraging book. It is written to pastors as a call to for Jesus Christ to be the center of every aspect [...]

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Godology Book Giveaway I

This is the first giveaway for the book Godology: Because Knowing God Changes Everything by Christian George. Check out my recent review of Godology for more info about the book. I’ve got three new books to giveaway and this will be the first. The other two will follow within the coming weeks. To Enter Book [...]

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Book Review: Godology

Godology: Because Knowing God Changes Everything By Christian George. Moody Publishers, January 1, 2009. 176 pages. What first caught my attention about this book was the foreward by J.I. Packer. Right away this made me want to look further into Godology. Godology is a book explaining the attributes of God in more modern terms. The [...]

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Fourth of July Note and Blog Agenda

As I get ready to travel for the Fourth of July weekend I wanted to give an update on what’s coming up on the blog. I also want to make a brief note on the Fourth of July. By the way, prayers for our travel safety would be much appreciated. Fourth of July Note When [...]

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Book Review and Giveaway: Taking Three

Yesterday, I interviewed Mark McCallum, author of the novel Taking Three. Check out the interview if you haven’t. Today, I will provide a short review and a way for readers to get a free, signed copy. Review Taking Three by Mark R McCallum. Sense of Wonder Press. Rockville, 2008. 256 pages. Comedian Robin Williams once [...]

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Interview with Mark McCallum Author of Taking Three

Today we’ll be talking to Mark R. McCallum. He is the author of the new book Taking Three, a supernatural thriller about Death coming in threes. Mark is a brother in the Lord, friend and fellow church member. He serves us every Sunday morning by arriving extra early to make sure the coffee is brewed [...]

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Book Review: The Noticer by Andy Andrews

The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective by Andy Andrews. Thomas Nelson Publishers. The Noticer is a great story about a mysterious man named Jones. The story is set in a small town where Jones is about helping people with their lives’ perspectives. I appreciated how the story moved along. It [...]

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$5 Deal of the Day Giveaway

How’s your prayer life? Would you like to improve it? Wouldn’t we all! For the next 48 hours you can pick Paul Miller’s new book A Praying Life: Connecting With God in a Distracting World for about 5 bucks. This offer expires at 5 PM (EST) on Saturday, April 25th. Or it possibly might [...]

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Upcoming Book Review And Project

I have a few book reviews on the way. The next one up is not the typical book I would read. The book is The Noticer: Sometimes, All A Person Needs Is A Little Perspective By best selling author, Andy Andrews. I received my review copy from Thomas Nelson last week and will be releasing [...]

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How Is Your Marriage? Deal of the Week

When Sinners Say “I Do”: Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage by Dave Harvey looks like an excellent book. This week Westminster Bookstore has the book for only $8.37 which is 40% Off. You can purchase it at Westminster Bookstore online and read excerpts, an author interview and endorsements. Check out the table [...]

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Good Buys On Good Books

Someone buy the name of drpuritan is selling some very good Chrisitan books on ebay. As of now there are 379 titles available which include individual books and various volumes. Starting bids range from $.99 to $120. I don’t know why these books are being sold. Speculation leads to me think it may be due [...]

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Win a Calfskin Bibleball!

What’s a Bibleball? Well, I really don’t know since I just made it up. But what you can win is a Calfskin ESV Study Bible which sells for $239.99! So how do you get a chance at getting on of these fine Bible’s for free? Okay okay…here’s what you do. Just head over to A [...]

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LifeWay Reads With Discernment

Update: The Baptist Standard reported that LifeWay backs off ‘read with discernment’ label for books. Apparently the label was irrelevant to their customers. So all of the links below have been removed since they were dead. LifeWay, the Christian bookstore of the Southern Baptist Convention, has a new warning label out. It’s called Read With [...]

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Get Outta My Face! – Book Review

A review of Get Outta My Face!: How to Reach Angry, Unmotivated Teens with Biblical Counsel by Rick Horne. Wapwallopen: Shepherd Press, 2009, 176 pages. The book is divided into three main parts: I. What You Must Understand to Connect with You Teen, II. What You Must Do to Help Your Teen and III. How [...]

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The Shack On Issues Etc

This week Pastor Todd Wilken took some time to review much discussed book The Shack. He plays the sounds clips from the audio version of the book and comments. I’ve provided the audio below. It’s definitely worth listening to Pastor Wilken’s excellent comments. While Pastor Wilken mentions a few good aspects of the book he [...]

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My Awesome Wife At Christmas

My awesome wife got me Richard Muller’s Post-Reformation Reformed Dogmatics for Christmas! Now, my wife isn’t awesome because she got me these volumes. It’s because she is awesome in more ways than I can count that she got them for me! What a great gift. For those not familiar with this set here’s the description [...]

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Christless Christianity Q and A With Michael Horton

On October 31 Michael Horton appeared live on washingtonpost.com’s Viewpoint. Horton was answering questions about his new book Christless Christianity that was released on November 1. The book has been doing well selling over 7,000 copies and the live chat at Viewpoint was the best so far. This is great news! It would be nice [...]

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Who Wants Free Books?

Who wants free books? I do! I mean…not to the point of coveting. I wouldn’t mind them, would you? Unfortunately, it’s a giveaway so everyone doesn’t get free books. Fortunately, it’s a giveaway so someone gets free books and it could be you. What you get is the 10 books listed below plus an ESV [...]

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Book Review: Knowing God

I recently had the opportunity to write a book review for our church newsletter. I was very appreciative to be asked do so. And a big thanks my wonderful wife for being editor who helped me condense the review from 1,200 words down to less than 800. Below is the review. Knowing God by J.I. [...]

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ESV Study Bible Giveaway!

Monergism Books is giving away 5 genuine leather ESV Study Bibles! All you have to do to enter the drawing is go to this page and fill-out numbers 1 – 4 below via email. 1) your name, 2) email address, 3) If you wish to opt in to our weekly newsletter and 4) a sentence [...]

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Roman Catholic Evangelism

My last post was to make folks aware of Michael Horton’s forthcoming book Christless Christianity. I believe this will be an important book for evangelical churches. This post is about another forthcoming book that I am not excited about. One that Horton’s book should be in opposition to. Frank Beckwith’s Return to Rome: Confessions of [...]

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Christianity Without Christ?

What happens when we take Christ out of Christianity? That’s the question Michael Horton asks in his new book Christless Christianity. This book follows this year’s theme of “Christless Christianity” on the White Horse Inn radio show. I was excited when I first got the email about the book. Then I read that this discounted [...]

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Fundraising Auction for AOMin.org has Ended!

Bidding is closed. We have a winning bid donation of $114 that will go directly to AOMin.org. Thanks to everyone who bid in support of this ministry. Update: For anyone interested this auction is ending this Sunday night at 10pm est. (I will leave this up as the lead post for the weekend.) I have [...]

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The Shack Is Only Fiction?

I wanted to take a few moments to respond to some of the comments from one of my posts The Shack Review. Interesting review. Unfortunately, I think it not only misses the point of the book but seems to find criticism for the sake of criticism. Advice to Christians to be discerning is excellent. However, [...]

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The Metaphorical Safety of The Shack

So far I have two reviews of The Shack posted. One, The Shack Review, by a dear brother and fellow church member Wayne Elliott. The other, Uncovering The Shack, by local yet widely known Pastor Michael Youseff. Now, I have another dear brother who I recently had a good Southern Baptist dinner with. For folks [...]

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The Shack Review

A friend from church wrote a brief review of The Shack that touches on some key points as to why we should be cautious about this book. Or maybe even disregard it all together. He gave me permission to share this review. SHACK ATTACK – OR A CALL TO DISCERNMENT? “Discernment is not simply a [...]

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Calvinism, Hyper-Calvinism and Arminianism

I thought this might be a good suggestion for the week with the continuous talk of Calvinism and Hyper-Calvinism, etc. This is a revised and updated version of this book written in 1985. Description: Confused about the differences between Calvinism and Arminianism? Tired of uneducated clergy and layman confusing “classical Calvinism” with the error of [...]

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Do Hard Things

The brothers Harris, Alex & Brett, who run the very popular teen blog, TheRebelution have written a very practical Christian book for teens, Do Hard Things. I recently picked up this book for my daughter. Of course, I had to read through it myself first. The book is easy to read and lays out a [...]

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Good Books from Goodwill

A few years ago a couple of good friends turned me on to shopping for Christian books at Goodwill. You can also find some good reference books for JWs and LDS too. Above are my recent purchases (I hope my wife doesn’t read this) which I got for $1.50 each. On top from left to [...]

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