Suffering and Sovereignty

I am currently preaching a series of sermons through the Book of Job. Not surprisingly the subject matter of Job--God's sovereignty in suffering--brings up heart-felt questions. I am going to try to deal with some of those questions here as I have opportunity to write. Of course, more significantly, I will be dealing with those questions as I preach through Job.

As a Teaching Elder in the PCA I hold to the confession of faith of my church: The Westminster Confession of Faith. Chapters Three, Five, and Six are particularly applicable to questions about God's sovereignty over suffering and evil.

If you would like to read more about the relationship between God's sovereignty, suffering, and human responsibility (and hope in the midst of it all!), the following books are quite helpful:

Suffering and the Sovereignty of God  edited by Piper & Taylor
Why Do I Suffer? by John Currid 
Is God Really In Control? by Jerry Bridges 
How Long O Lord? by D.A. Carson 
Big God by Orlando Saer 
Deserted By God? by Sinclair Ferguson
Holding On To Hope by Nancy Guthrie
Be Still My Soul by Nancy Guthrie
When God Weeps by Joni Earickson Tada & Steve Estes
A Place for Weakness by Michael Horton

A World of Difference

In this morning's sermon I mentioned Dr. Peter Jones' excellent book One Or Two: Seeing a World of Difference.

Walking around in a blur? Afraid to talk about Jesus? Not sure how Christians fit with other religions? One or Two will help you see a world of difference between the only two worldviews: the worship of the creation (what this book calls One-ism) or worship of the Creator (Two-ism). Using the apostle Paul’s structure in Romans 1, Peter Jones shows why your choice affects everything you think and do: how you think about God (theology), what you worship (spirituality) and how you live your sexuality. Seeing a world of difference and distinctions will help you make a world of difference.

Endorsements:

“Peter Jones has no peer in exposing the bankruptcy of the New Age and Neo Gnostic thinking.  This work is a tour de force.  I encourage Christians to read it and become aware of how this New Spiritualist thinking is negatively affecting our every day lives.”
— R. C. Sproul, Founder and Chairman of Ligonier Ministries

“Please read this book! The church in America is desperate for believers who understand our present battle and are equipped to respond.”
— Francis Chan, Pastor, Cornerstone Church, Simi Valley, CA

“One or Two offers a provocative, accessible, and urgent message that we ignore to our peril – and that of our non-Christian neighbors.”
— Michael Horton, Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary, CA

Also, I would encourage you to check out Dr. Jones' ministry TruthXchange.

You can find out more about Peter Jones HERE and HERE.

 "A scene in The Lord of the Rings, shows the band of heroes hopelessly surrounded by orcs in the Mines of Moriah. Then, miraculously, the ugly crowd, in a squealing frenzy, dissolves into the shadows. Relief registers on the travelers until... a far more fearsome enemy emerges from the depths of the earth: a Balrog, demon from the beginning of time. Christians were relieved when secular humanism, long-time enemy of biblical supernaturalism, scurried off into the shadows. Little did we realize that a demon from the beginning of time threatens our Fellowship of the King. That demon comes in disguise, offering spiritual help from the one place where it cannot be found: within the human soul."
- Peter Jones, from One or Two

Books for Graduates

Recently over at Ref21 I posted a list of recommended books for graduating high school seniors. Each of the titles in this post have my enthusiastic recommendation. There are others that could easily be added to this list, but the following will get us started:

Taking God At His Word by Kevin DeYoung
This title earned my coveted and highly publicized "Most Important Book of the Year Award." Seriously, though, it's a must read and very accessible.

Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung
Outstanding little book on guidance.

Thriving At College by Alex Chediak
From the Publisher:
"In a nutshell, the book is about how college students can launch into responsible, fruitful adulthood for the glory of God against the backdrop of a young adult culture that often values perpetual adolescence and the avoidance of responsibility. It explores topics such as loving God with all your mind, growing in character and maturity, striving for academic excellence, balancing work and recreation, finding your calling, establishing godly friendships, handling the transition from high school to college, time management, financial discipline, and honoring parents while pursuing functional/economic independence."

The Reason for God by Tim Keller
There is a good reason why this book finds its way onto so many similar lists.

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Champaign Butterfield.
This gem does so many things well. It is a compelling biography of a radical conversion to Christ. It is also an effective explanation of the centrality of the church and God's Word in the life of the believer. Along the way the author presents one of the most effective explanations of biblical sexual ethics you will ever read.

Magnificent Obsession by David Robertson
Robertson is a highly effective and winsome apologist. This book easily serves dual purposes. It helps bolster the faith of the Christian and quite ably points the genuine seeker to Christ.

Reasons Of The Heart by William Edgar
Dr. Edgar is one of the finest apologists out there. This slim volume addresses not only the mind but the longings of the heart.

What's Your Worldview? by James Anderson
From the Publisher:
"Cast in the mold of a classic "Choose Your Own Adventure" story, What's Your Worldview? will guide you toward finding intellectually satisfying answers to life's biggest questions--equipping you to think carefully about not only what you believe but why you believe it and how it impacts the rest of your life."

Rebels Rescued by Brian Cosby
This terrific little book is a clear explanation of and winsome apologetic for the Reformed Faith.

Get mom a good book

Mother's Day is coming up. How about you get mom a good book? Often times when we buy books for women we buy "women's books." Don't misunderstand there are a lot of terrific books written specifically for women. In fact, there are few on my list as you will see. But there are also books on doctrine which would be a blessing for any Christian to read.

Housewife Theologian by Aimee Byrd  
18 Words by J.I. Packer  
True Beauty by Carolyn Mahaney
Holding On To Hope by Nancy Guthrie  
The One Year Book of Hope by Nancy Guthrie
In Christ Alone by Sinclair Ferguson  
Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung 
Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full by Gloria Furman  
Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves 
Treasures in Darkness by Sharon Betters

The Constant Reader

I recently posted at Ref21 a list of excellent reading options for Holy Week (or any week). Check it out HERE.

Leon Morris - An Appreciation

The good folks at Matthias Media have posted a nice little article on Leon Morris on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth. Quite simply, Dr. Morris was one of the most important New Testament scholars of the 20th century. In my own study, Leon Morris is one of the first people I look to for insight. The first time I read The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross I realized that all the hype was well deserved. His The Cross in the New Testament is also what I would consider essential reading as are his outstanding commentaries. If you are looking to read something a little less scholarly but rich in depth then I highly recommend his The Atonement.

For all of Dr. Morris' academic prowess it must not be forgotten that he was a Christian, a defender of biblical orthodoxy, a preacher, and a churchman. May the Lord bless His church with others like Leon Morris.

A small sampling of Dr. Morris' 50 books:
The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross  
The Cross in the New Testament  
The Atonement
New Testament Theology    
The Biblical Doctrine of Judgment 
The Gospel of Matthew  
The Epistle to the Romans 
Galatians   
Revelation

Devotional Reading

Recently I posted at Ref21 my thoughts on Sara Young's Jesus Calling. Two thoughts have
followed:
1. I want to thank my Covenant Presbyterian Church family for their response. It has been so refreshing to be treated with respect in light of my concerns about the book. This was a new experience for me.
2. Many have asked me for a list of alternative devotional reading.

The good news is that there are a lot of wonderful devotional books available. Here are few:
The Bible
If you are not regularly reading the Bible then don't worry about reading some other book. Please read your Bible every day. Work through a particular book chapter-by-chapter. Check out Journibles as a great aid to your reading and meditating upon God's Word. Also, D.A. Carson's For the Love of God Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 are very helpful daily reading guides through the Bible.

The One Year Book of Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament by Nancy Guthrie
Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon
The Valley of Vision (a collection of Puritan Prayers)
Knowing God Devotional Journal by J.I. Packer - A devotional journal taken from one of my favorite books.
A Godward Life by John Piper
The Heart of the Matter  by the faculty of CCEF
Life As A Vapor by John Piper
Training Hearts, Teaching Minds by Starr Meade
Comforting Hearts, Teaching Minds by Starr Meade
Comforts from Romans by Elyse Fitzpatrick
Joy: A Godly Woman's Adornment by Lydia Brownback
Seasons of the Heart edited by Donna Kelderman
Voices from the Past edited by Richard Rushing

* Check out this great list of books from Nancy Guthrie.

There are few titles to get you started.

Reading for the new year

If you are looking for something highly profitable to read for the new year you ought to give serious consideration to Resisting Gossip by Matthew Mitchell.


"Resisting Gossip" [extended] Book Trailer from Third Brother Films on Vimeo.

On Hell

Over at Ref21, I have posted the following list of resources on the doctrine of Hell.

Articles:
The Importance of Hell by Tim Keller
Paul On Hell (pdf) by Douglas Moo
Francis Turretin on the doctrine of Hell 
Hell by Thomas Boston
Hell and Annihilationism by Sam Storms
Speaking Seriously and Sensitively About Hell by Ligon Duncan
A Review of Rob Bell's "Love Wins" by Kevin DeYoung
Hell: Remembering the Aweful Reality (Various Authors) 9 Marks Journal

Audio:
What Happens to Those Who Have Never Heard the Gospel? by John Piper
Universalism and the Reality of Eternal Punishment Sinclair Ferguson (Conference Messages)
The Echo and Insufficiency of Hell by John Piper
How Could a Loving God Send Someone to Hell? by Al Mohler

Books:
Hell Under Fire, Morgan & Peterson (ed.)
What Is Hell? by Morgan & Peterson
Heaven & Hell by Edward Donnelly
Is Hell For Real? by Christopher Morgan
The Other Side of the Good News by Larry Dixon

I know that Hell is an unpleasant subject for many. Some Christians struggle with the idea of Hell, wondering if it is truly just. Some prominent evangelicals have openly questioned and even dismissed entirely the Bible's teaching on Hell. Even the late John Stott opted for Annihilationism over the historic Christian understanding of Hell. The resources above will help you not only understand what the Bible teaches about the coming judgment but also to appreciate what the doctrine of Hell teaches us about the perfections of God.

Attraction, Temptation, and Lust

Desiring God has published an article by Nick Roen entitled "Is It Sin to Experience Same-Sex Attraction?" Roen believes there is a distinction between experiencing temptation and engaging in sin. I believe this is a helpful and, most importantly, biblical distinction. Our Lord was tempted in every way as are we yet without sin. Certainly, since we are fallen and "groaning" (Rom 8) we know what it is for temptation to give way to lust which then gives birth to evil deeds. But this does not change the fact that being tempted is not the same thing as being carried away by our lusts. Indeed, to equate the experience of temptation with sinful lusts and evil deeds is to place a burden upon our brothers and sisters that Scripture does not.

If are interested in reading more about Same Sex Attraction and homosexuality from a distinctively Biblical/Christian perspective, the following resources are helpful:

Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Champaign Butterfield
Is God Anti-Gay? by Sam Allberry
Love Into Light: The Gospel, The Homosexual, and the Church by Peter Hubbard
Out of a Far Country by Yuan & Yuan

Can you trust the Bible?

The following are some excellent resources addressing the doctrine of the Scripture's inerrancy:

Articles/Audio:
The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy

The Chicago Statement on Biblical Hermeneutics

The Inerrancy of Scripture part 1 (audio) - Wayne Grudem
The Inerrancy of Scripture part 2 (audio) - Wayne Grudem
The Inerrancy of Scripture part 3 (audio) - Wayne Grudem

Evangelical Self-Identity and the Doctrine of Biblical Inerrancy by John Woodbridge

Why We Believe The Bible (video/audio) from John Piper and Bethlehem Baptist Church

Books:
God Has Spoken by J.I. Packer
Taking The Bible At Its Word by Paul Wells
Inspiration And Authority of the Bible by B.B. Warfield
Thy Word Is Truth by E.J. Young
The Erosion of Inerrancy in Evangelicalism by G.K. Beale
Christ And The Bible by John Wenham
Do Historical Matters Matter To Faith?  Hoffmeier & Magary (ed.)
Inerrancy and Worldview by Vern Poythress

Is God's law relevant to Christians?

From J.I. Packer's introduction to Antinomianism by Mark Jones:

Antinomians among the Reformed have always seen themselves as reacting in the name of free grace against a hangover of legalistic, works-based bondage in personal discipleship. Characteristically, they have affirmed, not that the Mosaic law, under which Jesus lived and which was basic to his own moral teaching, does not after all state God's true standards for human living, but that it and its sanctions have no direct relevance to us once we have closed with Christ. Distinctive to Reformed theology from its birth has been its insistence that salvation, both relationally in justification and transformationally in sanctification, is ours entirely by virture of our grace-given union with Christ in his death and resurrection -- a union that God the Holy Spirit creates and sustains. Within this biblical framework, the key error of antinomianism in all its forms has been to treat our union with Christ as involving in effect some degree of personal absorption into Christ, such that the law as a voice from God no longer speaks to us or of us directly. From this starting point, the phalanx of antinomian teachers has spread out, celebrating different aspects of the assured confidence and joy in Christ that this supposedly biblical move of muzzling the law is thought to have opened for us.

The Constant Reader

On my Christmas list this year is From Heaven He Came And Sought Her.

The book even has its own website!

One of the most beautiful doctrines in Scripture is that of Christ's substitutionary and definite atonement (You cannot have one without the other!). When Christ died he did more than make salvation a potentiality. When Christ died, atonement was gloriously accomplished for all the elect. And yet even though the doctrine of Christ's definite atonement is quite clear in Scripture it is routinely rejected. This volume seeks to accurately explain and winsomely defend what the Bible teaches about the question: For whom did Christ die?

From the publisher:

Includes contributions from Michael A. G. Haykin, Paul Helm, Lee Gatiss, Carl R. Trueman, Paul R. Williamson, J. Alec Motyer, Thomas R. Schreiner, Donald Macleod, Robert Letham, Stephen J. Wellum, Henri A. G. Blocher, Sinclair B. Ferguson, John Piper, and more.

There is a palpable sense of confusion—and sometimes even embarrassment—with regard to so-called limited atonement today, pointing to the need for thoughtful engagement with this controversial doctrine.

Incorporating contributions from a host of respected theologians, From Heaven He Came and Sought Her stands as the first comprehensive resource on definite atonement as it examines the issue from historical, biblical, theological, and pastoral perspectives.

Offering scholarly insights for those seeking a thorough and well-researched discussion, this book will encourage charitable conversations as it winsomely defends this foundational tenet of Reformed theology.

 “I cannot imagine that this book could have been published twenty-five years ago: there were not at that time enough well-informed theologians working in the Reformed heritage to produce a volume of such clarity and competence. Whatever side you hold in this debate, henceforth you dare not venture into the discussion without thoughtfully reading this book, which, mercifully, makes argument by stereotype and reductionism a great deal more difficult. Above all, this book will elicit adoration as its readers ponder afresh what Jesus achieved on the cross.”
—D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“For whom did Christ die? This volume makes a fresh and impressively comprehensive case for definite atonement as the answer true to Scripture. It shows convincingly, through multi-authored contributions, (1) that the issues of the extent of the atonement and its nature cannot be separated—penal substitution, at the heart of why Christ had to die, stands or falls with definite atonement; and (2) how definite atonement alone provides for a gospel offer of salvation from sin that is genuinely free. In engaging various opposing views on this much-disputed topic, the editors seek to do so in a constructive and irenic spirit, an effort in which they and the other authors have succeeded admirably.”
—Richard B. Gaffin, Jr., Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Emeritus, Westminster Theological Seminary

The Constant Reader

I am excited to see the publication of Thy Word is Still Truth.

“The embattled title casts this book as an apologia for Westminster Seminary’s stand in a recent internal debate. Yes, it is all of that, but it is a great deal more. It is a massive array of extracts from major writers over five centuries, demonstrating both the breadth, strength, clarity, humility, and rootedness of international Reformed bibliology according to its historic confessional self-understanding, and also the insightful energy with which Westminster’s own scholars have labored to vindicate the Reformed position as catholic Christian truth. The book excels as a resource for study and a witness to Westminster’s integrity.”
- J. I. Packer, Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia

“We have needed this book for a long time. In Thy Word Is Still Truth, Peter Lillback and Richard Gaffin have drawn together the comprehensive witness of the church on behalf of the total truthfulness and inerrancy of Scripture. No serious reader can doubt the case for inerrancy made so consistently and clearly in these pages, and no serious defender of Scripture can be without this vital volume that amounts to the most massive arsenal of documentation for the inerrancy of Scripture ever assembled in a single book.”
- R. Albert Mohler Jr., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY

“Since its founding in 1929, Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia has specialized in the doctrine of Scripture. Nearly everyone who has taught there over the years has made some contribution to the subject. The Westminster faculty published three collections of essays on Scripture: The Infallible Word (1946), Scripture and Confession (1973), and Inerrancy and Hermeneutic (1988). The present volume, however, is a contribution of a higher order. It not only republishes some of the best articles from the previous collections, but contains important writings on biblical authority from the Reformation and post-Reformation periods (including the churches’ creedal statements) down to the present day. There are articles from the faculty of Old Princeton, from which Westminster takes its bearings, articles on controversial matters, and articles describing the rationale for Westminster’s distinctive emphasis on biblical theology. And the volume is honest in facing up to the recent controversy over Scripture at Westminster itself and the seminary’s forthright response reaffirming biblical inerrancy. Throughout the years, I have been moved again and again by Westminster’s willingness to stand against the world and for the Word of God. The issue before the world today, as in the garden of Eden, is ‘Has God said?’ I know of no body of literature that can be of more help to people wrestling with this vital question.”
- John M. Frame, J. D. Trimble Chair of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando

Reformation Reading

Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorite books related (perhaps indirectly) to the Protestant Reformation:

The Consuming Fire by Michael Reeves
This is my favorite introduction to the Reformation. It is rich in historical detail and theological reflection. Highly Recommended.

Living For God's Glory by Joel Beeke
The contributors of this wonderful book trace the history of the Reformed faith exploring its key doctrines, such as the Doctrines of Grace and the five solas of the Reformation. This volume is rich in devotional appeal as well; exploring Reformed piety and worship.

The Grace of Godliness by Matthew Barrett
Without a doubt, Matthew Barrett's book is one of the best explanations of the Doctrines of Grace. He traces the historical background of the Canons of Dort and demonstrates the biblical justification for the Doctrines of Grace. But this book is also an exercise in theology as doxology. A must read.

Here I Stand by Roland Baintan
The classic biography of Martin Luther.

Reformation: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow by Carl Trueman
Dr. Trueman traces the lasting significance of the Reformation for the church today. Required reading.

Chosen For Life by Sam Storms
Outstanding explanation and biblical defense of the doctrine of unconditional election.

God Has Spoken by J.I. Packer
The Reformation was a Word-driven movement. You cannot understand the Reformation if you do not have an adequate understanding of the doctrine of Scripture. This little volume by J.I. Packer is one of the best introductions to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.

A Quest For Godliness by J.I. Packer
In this excellent book, J.I. Packer examines the lives and piety of the Puritans. This is my favorite introduction to the Puritans, their theology, and their approach to Christian living.

Reza Aslan - Giving History a Bad Name

John Dickson is an Australian pastor, historian, and evangelist. Denny Burk has called Dickson's review of Reza Aslan's book on Jesus "the most devastating" he has read. After reading it myself, I must agree. In fact, if you read only one review of Aslan's best-seller, Dickson is the one to read. Incidentally, Dr. Dickson is a fabulous preacher and apologist. His books are worth reading and the programs he has produced for Australian TV are outstanding.

Check out his review HERE.

"The most disappointing thing about the fanfare accorded to a book like Zealot is not that it will undermine the Christian faith (it will not); even less that it poses a challenge to the consensus of working scholars (it certainly does not). It is that it chips away at the public's confidence in history per se.

"For a brief moment, Reza Aslan will be heralded as a breakthrough author. In a month or so, some other theory, equally unsubstantiated and certainly contradictory, will get the same kind of airtime. Such works are generally ignored by working scholars, who tend to be suspicious of anything that bypasses the peer review process.

"The general public, however, over time experiences breakthrough fatigue - an increasing contempt coupled with a decreasing curiosity toward any new claim about the man from Nazareth. The net effect is a weary scepticism that we can know anything about the historical Jesus or about history at all.

"The Jesus depicted in Zealot is certainly a figment of the imagination of a professor of creative writing, but he is likely to do concrete damage to the public's appreciation of a vast and worthwhile academic discipline. Aslan's Jesus is giving history a bad name."
- John Dickson

Questions Christians Ask

The Good Book Company (an excellent publisher) has released a new series of books with the enticing title Questions Christians Ask.

Titles in this series include:

Is God Anti-Gay? And other questions about homosexuality, the Bible and same-sex attraction by Sam Allberry

Did the Devil Make Me Do It? And other questions about Satan, evil spirits and demons by Mike McKinley

What Happens When I Die? And other questions about heaven, hell and the life to come by Marcus Nodder

Who On Earth is the Holy Spirit? And other questions about who He is and what He does by Tim Chester and Christopher de la Hoyde

Can I Trust The Bible?

The latest edition of the Mortification of Spin is up and running:

Todd and Carl interview Steve Nichols, author and professor of Christianity and Culture at Lancaster Bible College, and they respectfully dub their guest the "Peter Pan of reformed theology." While Steve may look young, he is certainly insightful when it comes to this episode's topics of discussion: the doctrine of Scripture and the current relevancy of church history. If you can put up with the hosts' frequent wise cracks, listen in to hear Steve raise what he calls the compelling question of the modern age.

Here are a few of Dr. Nichols excellent books:

The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World

Ancient Word, Changing Worlds

Getting the Blues: What Blues Music Teaches us About Suffering and Salvation

J. Gresham Machen: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought

The Constant Reader

Crossway has begun publishing an excellent series of what I would call spiritual biographies. It began with Fred Zaspel's excellent B.B. Warfield On The Christian Life. I am currently reading Bill Edgar's volume on Francis Schaeffer and am very much looking forward to Carl Trueman's contribution on Martin Luther.

Here are the current and future titles:

B.B. Warfield on the Christian Life by Fred Zaspel (March 2012)

Francis Schaeffer on the Christian Life by William Edgar (February 2013)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life by Stephen Nichols (June 2013)

John Wesley on the Christian Life by Fred Sanders (August 2013)

John Calvin on the Christian Life by Michael Horton (June 2014)

John Owen on the Christian Life by Michael Haykin and Matthew Barrett (June 2014)

Martin Luther on the Christian Life by Carl Trueman (August 2014)

Jonathan Edwards on the Christian Life by Dane Ortlund (February 2015)

John Bunyan on the Christian Life by Derek Thomas (April 2015)

John Newton on the Christian Life by Tony Reinke (June 2015)

Herman Bavinck on the Christian Life by John Bolt (August 2015)

J. I. Packer on the Christian Life by Sam Storms (October 2015)

Charles Spurgeon on the Christian Life by Michael Reeves (unknown)

The Constant Reader

Here are a few new titles worth checking out...

Living in the Light of Inextinguishable Hope
by Iain Duguid
The latest volume in the outstanding series The Gospel According to the Old Testament

Journey To Joy: The Psalms of Ascent
by Josh Moody

Rebels Rescued
by Brian Cosby
I really enjoy Cosby's writing. This is an excellent book to get into the hands of older high schoolers or university students.

66 Books, One Story: A Family Guide to Every Book of the Bible
by Paul Reynolds