So anyway, a few updates on Tim Keller’s new book, ‘The Reason for God’…

Firstly, TK is on a book tour and he got to speak at Google… they run an event called Authors@Google where authors come in and plug their books… this was supposed to be the best attended ever, with around 150 Google employees coming to listen to TK and do a Q&A. A guy called Justin Buzzard was also there and blogged about it…

Secondly, you can now buy the book in the UK, possibly this is the only, or at least one of the few places that you can get it… and that is from the Good Book Company. It’s the bargain price of £12, or if you have a UCCF Student Card, that’ll be £9! I’m going to get a copy, although I’m secretly hoping this plug along with a little business proposition will persuade GBC to send me a free copy - hey if you don’t ask you don’t get, right?

UPDATE

…also, Tim Challies, ‘The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment‘ is available, same price.

…and Bish thinks I should get a free copy of the book, review copies for bloggers - a good idea!

A lot of people don’t like Mark Driscoll - shock horror! But most of the flack doesn’t come from non-Christians, emergents or liberals, but rather from reformed evangelicals (of which he is one). Basically, many people don’t like his use of language, he doesn’t swear but does use words and phrases that if we’re all honest we may not use in front of our mothers.

Some would take the line that his use of risque language should disqualify him from ministry, on the basis of verses like Ephesians 5:4 - “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”

I think there’s always a balance, when you preach the gospel you should be relevant and contextualise to best communicate the truths of the gospel to the audience. For Driscoll in his demographic, his cool, informal, slang style is entirely appropriate. There is certainly a danger he can go too far, and I’m sure he has.

Tim Challies is never overly enthusiastic about Mark Driscoll, but he has written a fair and well-balanced critique in the midst of many unhelpful and self-righteous comments from others. TC seems quite discerning… might have to read his book “The Discipline of Spirtual Discernment“

Much has been written over the years about this book and the others in the Joshua Harris series… I myself was annoyed when JH wrote yet another book about dating, called ‘Stop Dating the Church’ - I later found out this wasn’t actually about dating! Anyway, I read this a couple of months ago…

A lot that has been spoken and written about this book and his other one (I kissed dating goodbye) has been a bit negative I think, particularly in the UK. I think that’s because we come with a basic misunderstanding about the book, that is we think “this is Josh Harris telling us how to do relationships the right way”, and also I guess people will have been told by their churches or families “read this book, this is the right way to do relationships”. I think we come with the wrong view, JH makes it clear that the book is advice based on personal experience, not a one-size-fits-all or legalistic approach… and if we’re not convinced then he makes the point again on his blog.

There is an issue I have with the book however, courtship as he describes doesn’t work here, or isn’t easy, unless you want to marry the girl next door - how are you supposed to ask someone’s parents permission before you know if they’re interested? Anyway, I think the courting model does work in home-school, Christian-right, parts of the USA… but probably not here.

What I do like however is the stories, after all it is a personal book, JH shares his story of how he got together with his wife as well as other stories about friends… I guess at heart I’m a bit of a romantic, I love the story of the little drummer boy in Love Actually for one, and the stories in this book, there’s one about ‘Rich and Christy’ which makes me get a little bit emotional, for about 10 seconds before my manliness kicks in again! Some of JH’s personal stories seem a bit over the top, a bit legalistic, but you can see that he’s all about doing the right thing, honouring God, respecting his sisters in Christ and not entertaining even a hint of immorality.

Personally I prefer a model of Christian dating, or ‘Dourting’, which is a bit more realistic to a more ‘normal’ situation - which Mark Driscoll has explained in his latest sermon along with some good humour (see Christian dating bubble), you can see that sermon here.

I still have a bit more to read, but I think the last bit is more aimed at engaged couples. Another book on a similar vein that I’m going to read is ‘Married for God‘, by Christopher Ash, it’s being plugged at church at the moment for £7.99 - fortunately I got a free copy at EMA!

Here’s a book that I’d like to read… Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and reflection of Tom Carson

Picked this up on Justin Taylor’s blog who quoted CJ Mahaney on this book. Here’s a few quotes from CJ…

“For pastors like myself with average gifts…” <- CJ is a humble guy

“this book will provide us with an eternal perspective of pastoral ministry”

“May every pastor and Christian who reads this book aspire to pass on such an ‘ordinary’ legacy.”

…and here’s a quote from the end of the book

When he died, there were no crowds outside the hospital, no editorial comments in the papers, no announcements on television, no mention in Parliament, no attention paid by the nation. In his hospital room there was no one by his bedside. There was only the quiet hiss of oxygen, vainly venting because he has stopped breathing and would never need it again.

But on the other side all the trumpets sounded. Dad won entrance to the only throne room that matters, not because he was a good man or a great man—he was, after all, a most ordinary pastor—but because he was a forgiven man. And he heard the voice of him whom he longed to hear saying, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Lord.’

If I’m ever one of the finest Biblical scholars of my day, or have enough skill and credibility to get a book published maybe I’ll write a book about my dad… think he’s probably safe from that dubious honour of me writing a book about him!

I know it’s sin to dislike “joyful Christians”, but sometimes it’s hard not to, particularly when occasionally you do meet the ‘Ned Flanders’ type who is constantly rejoicing, always joyful - maybe I’m too English and reserved, maybe I should be seeking some experience to give some joy, maybe I’m just a grumpy old man, maybe I’m typical, maybe I’m in need of some more sanctifying…?

Sometimes I really dislike John Piper also… “God is most glorified in you, when you are most satisfied in him”… he makes joy, and satisfaction in God sound easy and normal. Really? Maybe it’s just me but I find it hard to be joyful a lot of the time… life is stressful, sometimes I wonder if God is gonna answer my prayers, sometimes sin just gets in the way, sometimes sin seems more attractive than God,

On a side note there’s some interesting discussions about JP’s theology and the subject of Christian Hedonism in the blogworld, Ed Goode has given some thoughts with a few other references here.

However, before I slate Piper too much, he does also write books to flesh out his ’slogans’, they kindof explain and defend his ‘brand’ of Christian Hedonism. I just read this little book ‘When the Darkness will not lift’, which as I understand is pretty much the last chapter of a slightly bigger book ‘When I don’t desire God’. It’s thinking about the topics of depression and suffering and how we can find joy in the midst of these.

Piper clearly and concisely takes us through a variety of what I guess you’d call ’stumbling blocks’ to joy. Depression, suffering, sin - Piper takes these and honestly and helpfully shows us the issues, gives us some encouragement from scripture and helps us to see that joy is attainable because it rests not on our feelings but on the grace of God ministered through Christ. Although Piper can be blunt as well, in one chapter he says “Do your duty”, basically just get on with life… not quite that blunt, but he’s right isn’t he, apathy and idleness is a place for sin and temptation, whereas getting on with life, getting on with serving and worshipping God (even when we don’t feel like we want to, when we don’t feel joyful) is how we can fight for joy - and in that to pray that God would give us joy.

This is a small book, and JP recommends obviously his bigger version as well as some big old books for further reading such as; Lloyd-Jones - Spiritual Depression, John Owen - Overcoming Sin and Temptation, Richard Sibbes - Bruised Reed, Richard Baxter - The Cure of Melancholy, and some others…

Interestingly the end of this book includes the story of William Cowper, who was deeply encouraged by the ministry of John Newton who shared his life and the grace he had found in Christ with him. Right up until his death Cowper was troubled by depression and attempts at suicide, but authored many hymns testifying to the grace of God.

You fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

from ‘God moves in a mysterious way’

The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;
and there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away.
Wash all my sins away, wash all my sins away;
and there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away.

from ‘There is a fountain filled with blood’

I say it’s interesting that the book concluded with this testimony because not long before I saw his story here…

Tim Keller’s book came out last week. Looks really good.

Check out the ‘Reason for God‘ website, there’s a little video interview with TK explaining the book and also some links to some audio available for free.

I’ll have to grab a copy some time, although Wesley Owen didn’t even have TK in their database, because they are rubbish… on a side rant 1) WO failed to deliver my books in time, got lost in the post or something… 2) WO is full of awful books, they are all about selling books and seem to have no discernment in what they stock, the best sellers includes lots of Osteen, Meyer and other bad books… not good!

Read this book while on the train to Budapest… this book is the story of Mars Hill church in Seattle, along with some insights into various aspects of missiology and ecclesiology from Driscoll along the way.

The Criticisms

The two main criticisms I’ve heard about this book, and Driscoll’s ministry are; 1) the chapters are all based around the size of the church, 2) there’s lots of inappropriate things that Driscoll has done that he refers to.

Having read the book I think these are flawed criticisms - first, the book is about the growth of the church, and a vision for more growth, having targets is healthy for mission and focus, in one of his sermons Driscoll says about his church “Is it all about numbers? Well yeh it is because numbers are people and we want to serve as many people as God gives us.” Second, the book is called Confessions not everything here is presented as the right way to do things and Driscoll often talks about the times he has come to repent of his mistakes in ministry.

Key Points

Mission - Driscoll starts off with some of the themes of ‘Radical Reformission’, in all of the decisions he takes in Mars Hill he always makes sure that the focus is kept on the church mission - to reach Seattle with the gospel. Sometimes he has to “put dogs down” when there are people getting in the way of this mission.

Change - when a church grows from 50-4000 in less than 10 years there’s inevitably going to be some radical changes taking place. It’s interesting to hear about Driscoll’s personal change, distancing himself from the liberal Emergent movement and embracing Reformed theology, and how through preaching through Romans the church established this position. Driscoll makes some controversial, sometimes unpopular decisions, but is always looking to keep the church vision focused and ready to grow.

Management - a lot of what Driscoll does seems very experimental, but is always done under the authority of Scripture and the council of other pastors. Firstly, I like the basis of leadership, where rather than recruiting external leaders, that new leaders are raised up and trained within the church, and the idea of hiring staff slowly and firing quickly. And there’s lots of good thoughts about being a pastor, leading a church, leading an eldership team and managing staff, members, change and growth.

Questions - it’s not really a study guide, but at the end of each chapter Driscoll asks the readers some questions about their churches and their attitudes. Driscoll is on a mission and is constantly questioning why we do things, Driscoll brings us back to the Bible for the answers…

Overall…

You have to remember that this book is the story of a specific church in a specific place. And also that it’s a book of confessions… not everything is said and done is ‘good’. But, Driscoll’s passion for evangelism, for leading and building a church is worth the read alone, his thoughts on how to lead/pastor the church may seem a bit strange sometimes, but I love them, because he always goes back to the gospel mission and what the Bible says as his lead and guide.

As I understand the book is now out of date, the church has grown even more and has started multi-site services, with preaching streamed by satellite. Driscoll ends the book with a vision and strategy to see a church of 20,000, I suspect an updated edition will not be too far away!

As ever, it’s an easy read, full of humour and sarcasm, couldn’t put it down. Other reviews of the book can be found at… Reformissionary, Tim Challies, thebluefish

Gonna read about the ‘Cambridge Seven’ now…

It was commented at the EMA that all of Vaughan Roberts’ books have no more than 3 words in their titles… I paused for a moment, reading and counting through the titles in my head - it was true. Interesting but somewhat irrelevant fact… shouldn’t judge a book by the length of its title!

Anyway, sometimes when I hear Vaughan speak I find him a bit dry, a bit too conservative in his style and sometimes content. But his writing is altogether different, it’s much more accessible, concise, easy to read and take in, and of course like his preaching thoroughly sound, true and Biblical. I haven’t read all of his books yet, need to read his Bible overviews at some point, but True Worship and Distinctives (2nd Christian book I read I believe, after John Dickson’s ‘Hanging in there’) were both excellent.

His latest book which I’ve just read is called ‘Battles Christians Face’ looking at 8 issues, or battles that Christians face in life. From the start it’s clear that this isn’t some kind of self-help book, a certain solution to win the battles, or a ground-breaking new perspective on the issues. No, rather Roberts sets out a Biblical example of the battle in question, takes us through that example looking at what we can learn about us and about God in these situations.

Roberts takes us through the issues with a related Bible text, looking at; Image (Col 3), Lust (David & Bathsheba), Guilt (Psalm 32), Doubt (Doubting Thomas), Depression (Psalm 42 & 43), Pride (Mark 9), Homosexuality (Matt 19 and 1Cor 6) and Keeping Spiritually Fresh (Luke 7).

I love Roberts’ simplicity and honesty, his realism and gentle approach to hard issues. There’s no great detail here, it’s a small book, so he gets straight to the point, but there’s enough here to give us both a firm biblical grounding and some practical application. There’s also a challenge here, where we feel we don’t struggle with the issue Vaughan bring God’s word to rebuke us - are we proud of our humility? do we judge others for their struggles?

Well worth a read - currently £7 along with some more reviews at the Good Book Company

I’ve recently read a couple of books - which is good going for me! I’ve found that train journeys and sleepy Lake District towns are productive times for reading… some more reading awaits as it seems a productive use of my summer…

I started reading ‘Don’t waste your life’ just after Word Alive, was a customary book shop purchase in Skeggy (shove it in the hand of parents as they are buying some). Anyway, John Piper is really addressing the question of our purpose in life, where we invest our time, money, gifts, skills, our future, our whole lives??

A guy called Frank Turk describes this book as “the best apologetics book for unbelieving teens”, I think he’s right but it extends beyond that, in fact it’s a call for all those who have breath in them to see and acknowledge the glory of Jesus and to give their lives to his service. More specifically this is the best challenge to be distinctive in the secular work place that I have read, being realistic, and not simply saying ‘preach the gospel to your work colleagues’, which is usually unhelpful and unrealistic.

My only criticism of Piper’s writings is you feel he stresses the point too much sometimes - “God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in him”… “Worship is the fuel and goal of missions”… I think his ‘taglines’ like these are great, helpful, true and memorable, but just occasionally you feel he’s not able to articulate his points in any other way - so every now and then you feel like he’s writing exactly the same thing!

Nevertheless, this book is a well-written, passionate call to serve Jesus, to give your life to his glory. In the last chapter Piper gives a personal call to consider missionary work. I think this book confirmed and reinforced the aim of my life, to serve Jesus and consider the call to full-time gospel ministry.

‘The Radical Reformission’ is written by Mark Driscoll (and published by Zondervan), it’s £9 on Amazon, he’s also written ‘Confessions of a Reformission Rev’. Driscoll is pastor of Mars Hill Church, in Seattle, and leader of the Acts29 church planting network. If you haven’t come across Driscoll, then stop reading my pathetic blog, go and read his, and download some of his sermons. In particular there is a sermon he has preached titled “Reformission” in which he covers some of the themes in this book.

Anyway, the thrust of the introduction is to say that since we live in a post-Christian culture, mission isn’t just something that happens overseas, but starts just down the road. In the same way that overseas missionaries have to learn about the language and culture of where they are going, so we need to understand and engage with ours. The sub-title for the book is ‘reaching out without selling out’, describing his church as ‘theologically conservative’ yet ‘culturally liberal’. Driscoll has kept the main thing the main thing, but is radical, sometimes risque when it comes to the how, the practical steps in the goal of introducing people to Jesus.

Driscoll as ever is witty and sarcastic, I particularly enjoyed his list (over a page) of his prejudices, repenting against his hatred of boy bands and Canadians - my favourite chapter title is “The sin of Light Beer” - sounds silly, but is a serious attack on a culture of self-righteousness. Would highly recommend. Driscoll has lots of answers and examples from his ministry, though the basics are the same, it’s very American, this book will require some thought as to how we can do mission in our culture.

Have just started reading ‘Battles Christians Face’, by Vaughan Roberts which is looking like another little gem, also picked up a few bargains at the camp bookstall - Desiring God for £7! After BCF I think I shall read a copy of ‘The enemy within’ which I picked up, was recommended at Word Alive, so should be good!

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” - Philippians 2

Just read ‘Shining Like Stars’, a book all about students around the world holding out ‘the word of life’ in their universities and beyond. The book is published by IVP and written by Lindsay Brown, former General Secretary of IFES. The book takes us through the history of IFES (International Fellowship of Evangelical Students), from the first Intervarsity Christian groups in the 1920’s, to the formation of IFES, as 10 national groups in 1947, and the continued growth to the present day with IFES groups in over 145 countries.The book is easy reading and combines lots of two main things… biblical examples of courageous men and women, and a faithful God - particularly focusing on Daniel, and looking practically (and biblically) at the motivation and techniques used for mission. These two areas are consistently supported by examples of people all around the world involved in student ministry.The book has helpful things to say on; trusting God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, taking risks for the gospel, perseverance through trials, methods for reaching students with the gospel, honouring God in our work - and our whole lives. One really encouraging thing to come out from this book was stories of reconciliation, particularly from Rwanda and Yugoslavia, where the bond between Christians was stronger than racial differences and is an awesome witness to whole nations of the peace that comes from being in Christ.

One of my favourite stories from the book is that of a Georgian student - a Muslim, in a Muslim family. At an IFES conference he was so compelled by the love he saw that he gave his life to Christ. Soon after returning, his grandfather died, and many mourners came to his funeral. The student stood up to a community of Muslims and said:“My grandfather was a Muslim, my father is a Muslim and I have been a Muslim. I have searched the Koran, but I couldn’t find salvation in it. Now at my grandfather’s graveside I want to tell you that I have found salvation in Christ. How I wish that you could all believe in Jesus.”

There are loads of encouraging stories like this, not to mention the timelessly chalenging quotes dotted around from the likes of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Howard Guinness, John Wesley, and William Carey not to mention all the lesser known students and staff working to bring the gospel to students all around the world.