“He Who Gives Life” by Graham A. Cole

“He Who Gives Life” by Graham A. ColeHe Who Gives Life: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit by Graham A. Cole
Published by Crossway on August 16, 2007
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover
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Publisher’s Description: Often the most misunderstood, and therefore ignored, member of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit deserves our attention and understanding. God the Father and God the Son rightfully garner much explanation and exploration, and God the Holy Spirit ought to be given the same studiousness, curiosity, and scholarship. In this addition to Crossway’s Foundations of Evangelical Theology series, Dr. Graham Cole has written a work that offers a comprehensive theology of the Holy Spirit. This book shows the ultimate selflessness of the Holy Spirit as the member of the Trinity who always works for the glory of God the Father and God the Son and the good of the saints. Ideal for pastors, teachers, and students of theology, this book is a superb theology of the Holy Spirit.

 
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My Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
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“Sex and the Supremacy of Christ” by John Piper and Justin Taylor

“Sex and the Supremacy of Christ” by John Piper and Justin TaylorSex and the Supremacy of Christ by John Piper, Justin Taylor
Published by Crossway on June 14, 2005
Pages: 288
Format: Paperback
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Publisher’s Description: The Bible has a way of shocking us. If Americans could still blush, we might blush at the words, “Rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love” (Proverbs 5:18-19). But, of course, sin always tries to trash God’s gifts. So we can’t just celebrate sex for what God made it to be; we have to fight what sin turned it into. The contributors to this unique volume encourage you to do both: celebrate and struggle. This book has something for all—men and women, married and single—from contributors like John Piper, C. J. and Carolyn Mahaney, Mark Dever, Al Mohler, Carolyn McCulley, and others.

 
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My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
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“Using Illustrations to Preach with Power” by Bryan Chapell

“Using Illustrations to Preach with Power” by Bryan ChapellUsing Illustrations to Preach with Power by Bryan Chapell
Published by Crossway on April 4, 2001
Pages: 208
Format: eBook
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From the Back Cover: If the apostle Paul had not punctuated his words with images of the armor of God or the racecourse, would we so easily remember his instruction? The march on Washington might have become nothing more than a ragged hike across a majestic mall if Martin Luther King, Jr. had not led us through a “dream” and onto a “mountaintop”…This book clearly affirms that illustrations are integral to powerful preaching—not because they entertain but because they expand and deepen applications in the lives of your listeners. They infuse your words with life without comprising the message, making the truth of the Word ring clearly in people’s hearts long after your sermon is done.

 
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My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
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“Total Church” by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis

“Total Church” by Tim Chester and Steve TimmisTotal Church by Steve Timmis, Tim Chester
Published by Crossway on August 21, 2008
Pages: 224
Format: Paperback
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From the Publisher’s Description: “Church is not a meeting you attend or a place you enter,” write pastors Tim Chester and Steve Timmis. “It’s an identity that is ours in Christ. An identity that shapes the whole of life so that life and mission become ‘total church.'” With that as their premise, they emphasize two overarching principles to govern the practice of church and mission: being gospel-centered and being community-centered. When these principles take precedence, say the authors, the truth of the Word is upheld, the mission of the gospel is carried out, and the priority of relationships is practiced in radical ways. The church becomes not just another commitment to juggle but a 24/7 lifestyle where programs, big events, and teaching from one person take a backseat to sharing lives, reaching out, and learning about God together.

 

This book was outstanding, and it really made me consider and reconsider my own views of the structures and goals of the local church. Continue reading →