Short Simple Book Reviews

I now hold a dear precious Kindle as my own. I used to be anti-kindle... but after 4 days of usage, it has won me over. I recommend it with enthusiasm.

Well... here are some short, simple, to the point honest thoughts on the few books I read in the past few months. If you want an actual in-depth review of the content of the books - let me know and I'll be happy to tell you about it/borrow it.

1) Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson - D. A. Carson
Please read this. I've read biographies of many influential peoples' lives and been astounded by their extraordinary greatness and success. This was the first time I read a biography on a 'mere nobody'... and no biography has impacted me more. D.A. Carson does a great job portraying the life of his father in a genuine manner with stories of childhood, historical events, and journal entries. But what is so great about this book is that it shows the life of an ordinary pastor who has never been famous or well known (unlike his son, D.A. Carson). He is relatable because the heavy majority of people will be labeled among him as 'ordinary.' I was tempted at the end of the book to label Tom Carson as an 'Extraordinary Pastor.' He isn't ordinary! That was my reaction. But after I soaked everything in I realized that he was ordinary indeed. He was ordinary, but faithful. If there is anything to take away from this book, it is to be faithful. This book was refreshing, encouraging, eye-opening, and convicting. Even if you aren't in ministry, this book will give you a glimpse into the life of your pastor or quite simply the life of a Christian.

2) Humility: True Greatness - C. J. Mahaney
This is actually my 2nd time reading this book due to the nature of my.. well... pride. It's a short book and could be a quick read... but I took it slowly to reflect and think upon each chapter. And this time around I took the effort to apply some of the book's applications to my own life as I was convicted of my own pride and need for humility. It was convicting because it helped me see how great God is and how sinful I am.

3) Basics for Believers - D. A. Carson
I'll be honest - you probably won't buy this book. It's an exposition of Philippians. This was given to us at the start of my church's ministry class to help us preach through Philippians. It is short and simple. It was supposed to be some sort of commentary book we were going to use, but we stopped using it right away because our leader said it wasn't in-depth enough. But I read it and found myself very blessed by it. It is clear and simple exposition from D.A. Carson on the book of Philippians... and exposition of the word = blessings.

4) The Silver Chair (Narnia Series) - C.S. Lewis
Classic Narnia. Although... I have to say that I miss the original characters - Peter, Susan, and Lucy aren't in this one. Eustace (the annoying cousin from Voyage) is back with his friend and this is his adventure. As usual the quotes make great illustrations - "'You would not have called to me unless I had been calling to you,' said the Lion." I have to say... the books are all better than the movie series.

5) John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock - Iain Murray
This is a great biography - and the first I read on someone who is still alive. I can't believe Iain Murray (he is a great writer) wrote a biography on MacArthur. This was a fun encouraging read as I got to see the life and ministry of the man who may go down in history as the greatest expository preacher of our generation. The book takes you through the early days of John MacArthur, how he decided to go into ministry, the early days of Grace to You, and such and such. What was most encouraging was that MacArthur had and still has no ambition for fame - he only wants to simply proclaim truthfully the word of God and hold to the promise that God blesses his word. He has a clear love and confidence for the word which is something desperately needed today. I was very encouraged and respect the man and his ministry much more now and I encourage you all to read it. For all who went to Resolved and are wondering if there is a chapter on his wife - Yes... there is... but only 2 sentences on how he got her.. the rest is on how godly she is. And yes - there are pictures in this book (although I wish there were a few more).

Let me know what you guys think about these books if you read them. Or if you have any suggestions for me to read. Or.. if you want to borrow 2, 3, or 5.

Reflections on Resolved

I admire the speakers very much (as many of you know). I admire them because of their ministry and their zeal and passion for the word of God. I also love their work, whether it be their books, blogs, sermons, and what not. And so to have this opportunity for the second time to go to Resolved to hear and see these men live was a huge blessing to me.

I've met all of these men before and taken pictures with all of them with the exception of John MacArthur (he escapes me every time). Here are a few from this year:

In order: Rick Holland, Al Mohler, Phil Johnson, Bob Kauflin.












































The biggest reflection I've had on Resolved was not in the sermons, but in the opportunities and blessings given me by God. I walked around before a session and looked around to see the thousands of people who were gathered at this conference. Shocking - filled with excitement for the word and for worship. I looked to the front and saw some of my heroes in front of me. I realized I had gotten a chance to meet them multiple times and taken pictures with them. I looked in my bag filled with books that have spurred me towards Christ - some of them signed by their authors. I thought of all the books I had at home and how I was blessed to own them...though many remained unread. I thought of the sermons I had heard at earlier sessions, then to the sound teaching I get to hear week after week at my own church. Then I looked before me and saw my Bible, the very word of God, in my hands. I remembered the 5 other Bibles I had at home. I stood amazed and awed at how much God had given me - so many opportunities and resources to know Him more.

I am a Christian who is blessed beyond what I deserve. I can say that alone about just the mere fact that God has saved me. But to have multiple copies of the word, to have books a-plenty that spur my thoughts of Christ, to have met my favorite authors/speakers, to have sound teaching, to have consistent life-examples in my own life, to have conference opportunities like Resolved... these are gracious gifts abounding from God. They are meant to drive me more towards him and I am thankful. I don't want to waste any of it. I have been given these resources so I can use them and know Him more.

What good is it if I just own these books, meet these examples, attend these conferences, and forget about it soon afterwards? No - I've been given this opportunity that few people than we realize receive - why would I waste it? I will not waste it.

Been reading, praying, reflecting much. It has been good.

Resolved: To use all God has blessed me with - the Word (especially), the books, the examples, the sermons, the church family, the conferences, and whatever else he sends my way - to know the giver of these gifts more.