Review by Jimmy Stallard

Except Ye Repent By Harry A. Ironside

The book has been reprinted by Soli Deo Gloria Publications in recent years under the title Unless You Repent and the text has been changed from the King James Version to the NIV. I got my original copy (which can also be downloaded at some places on the internet) and prefer it to the newer reprint. However, there is a publishers commentary in the back of the newer version which discusses why Ironside wrote his book on repentance. The history lesson found there is worth the price of the newer version of the book.

The book itself has seventeen chapters and begins with an explanation of the nature and importance of the subject. He goes on to discuss what Jesus, John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, and other biblical writers say about repentance. He deals with major repentance texts in scripture including 2 Corinthians 7:10, 11; Hebrews 6:1; Revelation 2:21-22; 3:3, 19; 9:20, 21; and many others. An excellent chapter is Chapter 11 “Does God Ever Repent?” which deals with the idea of the meaning of the word as it relates to God Himself. Chapter 16 (The Preaching That Produces Repentance) and Chapter 17 (But Is Repentance Desirable?) provide tremendous material for pastors, preachers and teacher of the Bible.

In the current theological climate, repentance tends to be deemphasized or replaced with a meaning that is inaccurate. It is this reviewer’s position that repentance should be emphasized and explained as a change of mind or a change of inner disposition which ultimately leads to a change of action. Repentance is not works or promising to be the best person you could possibly be. But without the attitude of repentance a person will not believe on the Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved. With this Dr. Ironside would agree. Attention given to Dr. Ironside’s writings, especially those dealing with salvation topics, would help bring balance back into the church. This emphasis might be the key to a much needed revival.

Precious In His Sight By Roy B. Zuck

Several years ago I thought about writing a book on the subject of the family and children. Rather than some simple fluff that sells in the bookstores, my thought was to write something comprehensive that would serve as a study manual for those interested in what the Bible had to say. Then came a book on children that was just what I was looking for. The title is “Precious In His Sight” with a subtitle “Childhood & Children in the Bible.” While not dealing with marriage directly, it does deal with the subject of marriage in relationship to the children in a powerful way. I found this book to be the comprehensive manual that a believer could use as a guide in studying the Bible for himself/herself.

The author, Roy B. Zuck, is a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary and is an accomplished author. His major credentials for writing this comprehensive book on children might be his six grandchildren pictured on the dedication page! The thirteen chapters on the table of contents page include many Bible verses that serve as the basis for that chapter. For example chapter one is “Let the Children Come to Me” – the Challenge of Children. Other chapter headings include the topics “Children Doomed to Misfortune”, “To Whom Shall We Go”, “You Shall Not Murder”, “In the Way He Should Go”, and “Honor Your Father and Mother.” Especially interesting were chapters three, five, and six. In chapter three Zuck deals with the issue of which authority we must turn to in order to discover how raise children.

He rejects the government as the answer and tells us to get back to the Bible. In chapter five he deals extensively with what the Bible says about abortion. He gives a brief history of abortion and a detailed examination of many passages of scripture. Chapter six deals with the size of the family and has the title “Full Quiver.” He includes in this chapter a study of the extended family. Included in the book are several chapters about Jesus and His teaching on the subject, Christ’s attitude toward children, and an examination of Christ’s own childhood.

I found the book to be very thorough, helpful, and thought-provoking. At the end of the book is a lengthy scripture index that enhances its value for Bible study. I highly recommend this book to anyone desiring to find out what the Bible says about children and how we should relate to them. It is worth its weight in gold for the mother or father who would be willing to study it through to find answers to the questions they have within their family.

     Racism. This sinful attitude has reared its ugly head throughout the course of human history. From the death camps of the Holocaust, to the slave plantations of antebellum America, racism has been a stain upon the human soul for far too long. As with every sin, the Bible condemns racism, and Christians should model a better way of life.

     That is the subject of Ken Ham’s excellent book One Blood. Co-authored by Carl Wieland and Don Batten, this pivotal work seeks to provide the biblical answer to racism. In particular, the authors make an effort to demonstrate that modern manifestations of racism can trace their historical roots to Darwin’s theory of evolution.

     Ham and his colleagues begin at the beginning: with the very first marriage. They answer the question “Where did Cain get his wife?” by reminding us that every human being is descended from the first husband and wife: Adam and Eve. Since the Bible describes Adam as the first man, and Eve as the mother of all living (Genesis 3.20), the biblical view of history allows for only one race: the human race.

     The second and third chapters of the book delve into the relevant scientific issues. The authors use the study of genetics to combat Darwin’s famous views on natural selection and the adaptation of the species. While Darwin contended that one species could morph into another (given the miracles of time and chance), these creationists believe that the variation of the species is consistent with the biblical account of origins.

     Ham and his colleagues point out that the Bible starts with various animal families (much as modern science does). However, contrary to evolution, these animal families were created by God. Using the science of genetics, the authors demonstrate how the basic dog (created by God) could eventually produce offspring that closely resemble a poodle. This is possible because the original dog kind would have the latent genetic information that was necessary for all the various kinds of dogs.

     As the authors point out, the science is no different from poodles to people. God originally created one race of humans who share the same bloodline (Acts 17.26). After the dispersion of the people at the Tower of Babel, humans formed nations and various subgroups. After persistent interbreeding within these groups, various genetic features would have risen to the forefront. This would have produced the “racial markers” that we identify with diverse ethnic groups.

     If God created one race of humans, and we all share the same bloodline, why have we persisted in propagating the sin of racism? It is clear that a spirit of animosity and distrust developed at the time of the Tower of Babel. In our modern era, however, we see that racism has been fueled by evolutionary propaganda.

     As the authors of One Blood pointed out, the theories of Charles Darwin were racially explosive. His original book was entitled The Origin of the Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life. For Darwin, certain races were favored. These stronger races would survive; hence, the survival of the fittest. It was Hitler who took these views to their logical solution, when he proposed the Final Solution to the “Jewish Problem.”

     As Christians, we should reject all such pseudo scientific theories as unbiblical. Furthermore, we should set the standard for ethnic reconciliation between the members of our one family: the human race. Most importantly, we should demonstrate that the gospel knows no bounds. The gospel transcends gender, culture, language, skin color, and social status. Ken Ham and his colleagues reminded us that all humans beings are descended from the first Adam, and therefore we all share his sin nature (which has produced racism). But thankfully, we can embrace the Last Adam, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to save us from our sin. He is the One who can set us free from sin and death. He is the One who empowers Christians to live above the petty racism that ensnares our world.

     I highly recommend One Blood. It is a gospel centered, concise treatment of the biblical, historical, and scientific issues surrounding racism. And this little book accomplishes what its authors intended. It provides the biblical answer to racism: Jesus Christ.

A Primer For Pastors                              by Dr. Austin B. Tucker

     Pastors today are in need of simple, yet biblical help in doing the work of the ministry. No greater help could be found than that in the book published by my friend and former professor Dr. Austin Tucker. The book titled A Primer For Pastors published by Kregel publications gives a complete overview of the ministry in 211 pages. The subtitle “A Handbook for Strengthening Ministry Skills” says it all. This is exactly what the book accomplishes for the reader.

     He begins with an introduction explaining the “noble task” of pastoring and then takes us on a journey of fifteen chapters covering everything from the first pastorate, counseling, pulpit work, leadership skills, managing conflict, doing weddings and funerals, and the ethics a pastor should live by. He also deals with such issues as the bivocational pastor and the special ministries the pastor performs as a teacher, evangelist, and leader in observing the ordinances. He closes the book with two final chapters that exhort a pastor to be a good steward of his time and to arrange his private life properly.

     Dr. Tucker was my homiletics professor when I was in seminary thirty years ago. I can still hear his voice on every page. The book is astoundingly simple, yet perfectly profound. He takes us through the mine fields of issues that face pastors such as the relationship a pastor has with other pastors, the question of divorce and remarriage, or how to get an evangelism program working in your church. The precision and clarity with which the author writes will warm the pastor’s heart and challenge his mind. I believe that no matter how much experience a pastor has in the ministry, he will never outgrow his need to learn and apply lessons of leadership and pastoring. Any help he can get will be a benefit to him personally and to his congregation.

     I would recommend A Primer For Pastors to every Bible-believing pastor in the country. It should occupy a special place near his desk so that he can easily and quickly get help for a time of need. Dr. Tucker has done his fellow preachers and pastors a great service with a fabulous book that should be a blessing to multitudes.

Review by Jimmy Stallard.

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All of Grace                             by Charles H. Spurgeon

     I have often called Charles H. Spurgeon my favorite dead preacher. He lived during the 1800’s and was the famed pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle Church in London. His writings were voluminous and deeply spiritual, and continue to be in print throughout the world. No one before or after could turn a phrase like Spurgeon. One of Spurgeon’s books that has been mightily used by the Lord has been the little book about salvation entitled All of Grace. Originally published by Dwight L. Moody through Moody Press, the book is now published by Whitaker House. Amazingly, All of Grace has been continuously in print since the time of Spurgeon’s death. His goal in writing the book was to “lead many to the Lord Jesus.”

     The book contains twenty short chapters and is written with a view to causing the reader to contemplate his or her need of salvation. Here we find teaching that expounds the doctrines of salvation in a practical way so that the simplest of souls can find rest in Christ through reading its pages. As is typical of Spurgeon, it is full of Scripture and riveting illustrations of grace. Though he wrote in a 19^th century style, he can still be understood by early 21^st century seekers.

     All of Grace is eminently personal. The reader gets the sense that Spurgeon is sitting across the table from him as he reads. Throughout he asks simple but vital questions. What are we at (or, in modern English, where are we with God)? What is faith? How may faith be illustrated? Why are we saved by faith? Why do saved people persevere? All of these and more are answered by Spurgeon. The reader will discover that all of Spurgeon’s answers center in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

     Especially helpful to this reviewer were the opening chapters which deal with how God justifies the ungodly and remains just. He further communicates the truth that salvation changes a person in the direction of his life. Also, the chapters at the end of the book dealing with repentance will clear up any misunderstand that modern day struggles over this doctrine have caused. He has one who chapter on the relationship of repentance with forgiveness and it is an eye opening chapter.

     His concluding chapter is a direct word to the person who has read the book all the way through, and who might be entertaining the possibility of becoming a Christian. Spurgeon pleads with earnest passion to the lost soul to come to Christ saying “I beseech you, do not turn away from your Redeemer!” Spurgeon also prays for his reader and implores him... “To receive all as a free gift preserves the mind from self righteous pride and from self-accusing despair.” He closes the book with a powerful declaration... “Meet me in heaven! Do not go down to hell...Remember, O soul, it may be now or never with you. Let it be now; it would be horrible if it would be never. Again I charge you, meet me in heaven.” This is one of the most powerful books on salvation ever written. Every Christian should digest it so as to become an effective witness in presenting gospel truth. Copies of this simple book should be distributed to our unsaved friends who desperately need the Savior we already know.

Review by Jimmy Stallard.

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Behind a Frowning Providence                                    by John J. Murray

     The old saying is that the best gifts come in small packages.  Never has this been evidenced any better than in the small thirty page booklet by John J. Murray entitled Behind A Frowning Providence.  The thesis of the book is taken from William Cowper’s famous hymn with the lines “God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform”. The hymn also goes on to proclaim “Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.” On every page the author deals with trouble, tribulation, and trial.

    The booklet clearly explains the Providence of God at work in the lives of Christians.  But more importantly the author expounds on what he calls “Dark Providences”.  He calls for every believer in Jesus Christ to study the sufferings we have to go through in this life.  The design of God in these times of our lives needs to be understood more clearly if we are to bring glory to God in the midst of our suffering.  However, the booklet recognizes that God can bring comfort into our lives even when there remains a mystery to what is going on.

     The author is no armchair theologian who lives in an ivory tower insulated from the cares of the world.  The booklet, written in 1990, is dedicated to his daughter Lynda Joan who died in 1980 at thirteen years of age.  The author has walked the path before us and has faced dark providences of his own.  However, throughout his presentation the Word of God maintains the final authority for our understanding. 

    One major source of encouragement comes from the quotes of famous men of God throughout church history.  Found here are words from Thomas Boston, Charles H. Spurgeon, C. S. Lewis, Andrew Fuller, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Robert Murray M’Cheyne, Martin Luther, Warren Wiersbe, J. C. Ryle, and others.  He has brought forth an impressive array of helpers in explaining the dark providences that come our way.

     This little booklet is a must read for any believer that goes through hard times regardless of the reason.  If a believer will meditate on the truths written in Behind A Frowning Providence his spirit will be lifted and faith will rise in his heart.  The booklet can be ordered from your local Christian bookstore or directly from the publisher – The Banner of Truth Trust, P. O. Box 621, Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013.

Review by Jimmy Stallard.

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Extreme Righteousness        Seeing Ourselves in the Pharisees                                   by Tom Hovestol

     It is not an easy thing to see ourselves in the Pharisees mentioned in the Gospel accounts, but author Tom Hovestol invites us to do this very thing in his book Extreme Righteousness:  Seeing Ourselves in the Pharisees.  We tend not to identify with them since they were the bad guys who opposed Jesus, but this book reminds us, as Bible believing Christians, that we have much more in common with them than we like to think.

The book deals extensively with what the Bible teaches about this sectarian group who lived at the time of Jesus.  It also gives an in depth look at the historical background of this group.  Such chapter headings as “A Common Caricature”, “When Rightness Leads to Wrongness”, “When Bible Knowledge Blinds and Binds”, “When Tradition Twists Truth”, “When Fences Become the Focus”, “When Separatism Leads Us Astray”, etc., reveal that the author wants to take us on a tour of issues facing Christians in modern times.  He does so, not only from a Biblical viewpoint, but tells us of his own personal pilgrimage in the mine field between Christian living and the culture we have to live in.

Out of the twelve chapters there are seven “right way” articles which amplify what is being taught.  These provide food for thought concerning the areas surrounding license, legalism, and liberty.  His conclusion:  we are easily led to become a Pharisee and we are  blinded into thinking we are “good” Christians by some of the good things that we do.  His greatest example, in this writer’s opinion, is what is dealt with in chapter eight.  This chapter gives us the essence of Phariseeism. This chapter, “When Fences Become the Focus”, details how the Pharisees (and many modern day Christians) build fences around God’s laws and standards.  Then they tell people that if they will stay within those fences they will be obeying God’s law.  This easily devolves into following the traditions of men rather than the commandments of God. 

As a Christian, this reviewer feels that much too much has been made in attacking “legalism” and much of God’s holy standards have been discarded under the idea that we should not be “legalists”.  However, one cannot seem to avoid the fact that many believers judge other believers needlessly expecting them to obey “their” standards rather than “God’s” standards.  This book published by Moody Press is well worth the price.  While I do not agree with everything in it, it is a thought-provoking kind of read.  It will greatly help believers understand the Gospels better and avoid being “extremely righteous” in the way the Pharisees lived.

Review by Jimmy Stallard.

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Forgiveness  How To Get Along With Everybody All The Time                       by Harold Vaughan & T.P. Johnston

     The great Nineteenth Century Evangelist, D. L. Moody, declared “The one sin that is doing the most to hold back the power of God in revival than any other sin is an unforgiving spirit”.  It is a difficult thing to forgive those who have wronged us.  In fact, it can be such an emotional struggle that we need help from someone else to overcome feelings of bitterness and resentment.  There is no better place to start than the book Forgiveness:  How To Get Along With Everybody All The Time! by Harold Vaughan and T. P. Johnston.  Harold Vaughan is an evangelist who heads up Christ-Life Ministries and T. P. Johnston is the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Smyrna, Georgia.

     The book is divided into three major sections:  Granting Forgiveness, Seeking Forgiveness, and Enjoying Forgiveness.  These sections give us steps to take to deal with forgiveness issues in our lives.  They explain how unforgiveness gives ground to Satan and they answer such questions as why we should forgive, why it is hard to forgive, and what to do if I don’t want to forgive.  Forgiveness is explained so that we can distinguish between false ideas of it and the true Biblical viewpoint we, as Christians, should follow.  A whole chapter is given over to the difficulty of returning to bitterness when we have already forgiven someone.  This one chapter is worth the book’s price.

     In the area of seeking forgiveness the authors explain how forgiveness relates to true repentance and a clear conscience.  Repentance is more than being convicted of sin, more than mere confession, and more than being sorry you sinned.  It is a complete heart change based on what is real and true in your life.  The authors point out this significant truth: “If you are looking for real repentance, examine love.  Forgiven people, repentant people love more. Not just in sentimentality, but in endurance, kindness, thinking the best of others, wanting what’s best for others, keeping a pure tongue, exhibiting patience with those who may have a hard time forgiving them (p. 77).

     The last section of the book describes how to enjoy forgiveness.  It deals with reconciliation issues, revival, joy, and peace and further explains the five stages of forgiveness:  

     (1) Refusing to admit we are hurt.

     (2) Blaming others for hurting us.

     (3) Setting up conditions which must be met before we will forgive.

     (4) Blaming ourselves for letting others hurt us.

     (5) Learning to look forward to growth from hurt (See pp.98-99).

     This book will be of real value to those going through hurts (which means all of us!!).  It is a Christ-Life Publication and can be obtained by writing Christ Life Ministries, P. O. Box 399, Vinton, Virginia 24179.

Review by Jimmy Stallard.

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Lies Women Believe                              by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

       Lies Women Believe - and the Truth that Sets them Free is written by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Miss DeMoss is a popular women’s conference speaker, director of publications and women’s ministries for Life Action Ministries, and the editor of Spirit of Revival Magazine. As the title suggests, the book deals with lies of the Devil that women believe, and the Scriptures that counter these lies. The author has taken her years of counseling experience and condensed them into eight major topics that women deal with: God, themselves, sin, priorities, marriage, children, emotions, and circumstances.

     The initial chapter, and each section opening, begins with a “diary” by Eve. Satan began his work of deception on the first woman, and has continued this strategy because it is successful. This first attack was against God’s Word, His character, and the consequences of disobedience to God. The second chapter gives details of some of the ways Satan assaults God’s goodness, love, sufficiency, etc. The succeeding chapters expose more lies and how they affect our relationships and other areas of our lives.

     We have been studying this book, dealing with one lie weekly. Many of the lies covered have been things that we have faced in our own lives. DeMoss brings relevant Scripture to bear on each of the falsehoods, showing the superiority of God’s truth. She deals with a broad range of subjects, and does not shrink from some that are controversial or tough.

     Our counseling experience is not as extensive as the author’s, but we have also seen women, both young and old, devastated by these lies. This book would be beneficial to put in their hands as it directs them to their only source of help in this spiritual warfare - God’s truth.

     We would also recommend this work for all Christian women, since no one is exempt from Satan’s attacks on God and His Word. We have been exposed to these lies through false teaching, our culture, or past experiences. God’s truth is needed to counter this deception so that we can all be set free from the Lies Women Believe.

Review by Rebekah and Eileen Stallard.

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Living Purely in an Impure World                                      by Jim Binney

     One of the best books to come on the market in recent years that deals with sensual sins is the book by Jim Binney titled Living Purely in an Impure World.  The author has an established counseling ministry called L.E.A.D. Ministries, Inc. located at The Moorehead Manor in New Concord, Ohio and also edits the Issues of the Heart Journal. The stated philosophy of the counseling ministry at Moorehead Manor is that the Bible is sufficient to address every need.  As one reads Mr. Binney’s book it becomes obvious that the Word of God is the central focus.

     Grappling with this difficult topic would pose an intimidating task to any author.  However, the author has taken up the challenge, has written well, and counseled all of us in this difficult area.  His extensive experience in ministry has given his writing a “real world flavor”. The chapters include discussions on overcoming sexual immorality, finding hope in the midst of temptation, how to have lasting change, the role of God in moral victory, our forgotten enemy, the devices of the devil and how to resist him, and many other topics.

     Especially helpful is the chapter on  the filling of the Holy Spirit.  Many books on counseling leave out the work of the Holy Spirit and how walking in the Spirit and being filled with the Spirit can give us victory.  This chapter alone is worth the price of the book.  The last four chapters deal with special topics which include a primer for a theology of sexuality, how to experience absolute forgiveness, a role of accountability in pure living, and finishing strong is what counts. A special appendix gives help for the counselor in restoring those who have fallen into sexual sin.

     This is the kind of book that should be read over and over.  It is a spiritual feast filled with nuggets of truth that, if internalized, will aid every believer who will meditate on them.  Mr. Binney pulls no punches and does not gloss over sin. He gives clear justification  on how to guard the heart and how to guide the believer through the maze of temptation he or she may face in this area. But at the same time he writes with a genuine love and spiritual understanding that can help break the bondage of sin in a person’s life.  This makes this one of the best books on the subject and well worth the price as an investment for each Christian family.  It could easily be used as a textbook for discussion between parents and children or for pastors and congregations.  The book costs $ 12.95 and can obtained by contacting L.E.A.D. ministries, P. O. Box 267, New Concord, Ohio 43762.

Review by Jimmy Stallard.

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The Deeper Secrets of Prayer                                 by Dr. Sam Wolfe

     It is always a blessing to recommend a good book, but it is a sheer delight to do so when the book was written by the person who led me and my wife to Christ.  Dr. Sam Wolfe of Evangel Ministries and Publications has written ten books and one of his best books is entitled The Deeper Secrets of Prayer.  This book of 183 pages is chocked full of golden nuggets of truth that open up the subject of prayer to the discerning believer. The seven chapters discuss the position, prerequisites, portraits, power, purposes, priority, and the problems involving prayer.

     Not only does the book tell us how to pray but it explains what God must do in us to get us in the position to pray.  As the author tells us “Before God builds a work, He builds the worker.  We cannot build a work of prayer without God’s work in us, shaping our character.”  He fleshes out the attitude check-up we need to take inventory of our own lives so we can respond to God’s work in us and through us.

     One of the keys mentioned is the identification of the believer with the Lord and his participation with God in the work of prayer.  The church today is shown to be anemic and powerless, not because God has lost His power in this modern world, but because God’s people do not avail themselves of the resources He has provided for them in this wonderful ministry of prayer.  In chapter six Dr. Wolfe talks about the Priority of Prayer and the secrets of intercession:

     One of the most misunderstood doctrines in the Bible is prayer.  Many of God’s people have not been taught the biblical principles of prayer, consequently, most Christians have had to learn about prayer by listening to others in public prayer. The ideas they have gained and the attitudes they have formed may or may not be supported by the Scriptures.  Many have missed the heart and purposes of prayer because they followed the wrong pattern (p. 121).

     The Deeper Secrets of Prayer is well written, thorough, and straightforward.  It should be read by every pastor, deacon, and layman who is interested in building a strong prayer life.  The book should not be sped read, but should be meditated upon over time.  The work of prayer in our lives will be enhanced, but like all spiritual work it takes time to develop within us.  The book can be obtained by writing Evangel Ministries, Inc., 129 Kingswood Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35806.

Review by Jimmy Stallard.

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The Serpent of Paradise                                  by Erwin W. Lutzer

     I have heard some people say that we should not study much about Satan lest he attack us and we become obsessed with evil.  This statement is an absurd statement.  One only has to see how much is in the Bible concerning this enemy of God to know what God wants us to know.  Many books have been written about Satan and his evil work but none better than Erwin Lutzer’s book The Serpent of Paradise.  The subtitle lays out the approach that Lutzer takes when it says The Incredible Story of How Satan’s Rebellion Serves God’s Purposes.  And in twelve great chapters this reviewer believes the author has done just that.  The chapter titles include Putting the Devil in His Place, The Star That Bit the Dust, There is a Serpent in Our Garden, The Serpent’s New Religion, The Serpent Strikes Back, The Serpent is Crushed, The Serpent – God’s Servant, What the Serpent Wants From You, Closing the Door When the Serpent Knocks, Neutralizing the Serpent’s Poison, The Serpent is Cast Out of Heaven, and The Serpent in Eternal Humiliation.

     The book is only 192 pages long and is easily read.  But it is chocked full of eternal nuggets of truth.  The whole gamut of Satanology is discussed but with a clear picture of the practical sides of these truths.  For example, in the chapter The Serpent’s New Religion the author discusses the five lies of occultism:  reincarnation, esotericism, pantheism, relativism, and hedonism.  He makes these concepts understandable to the average person and practical for their benefit.  In the chapter Closing the Door When the Serpent Knocks, he deals with how the devil attacks and tempts people with various stages of control.  He also deals with seven doors that every believer ought to keep shut when the serpent knocks.  But the major theme of the book can be seen in one chapter – The Serpent – God’s Servant.  He quotes Martin Luther who said that “the serpent is God’s serpent” and gives us his own quote: “He is not the devil you might have heard about.” Too often Christians feel that Satan is so powerful that he is almost as big as God.

     This lie (sometimes called Dualism) is destroyed by Lutzer in this practical chapter. He explains how God uses Satan to fulfill God’s will in dealing with the unsaved person, the obedient child of God, and the disobedient child of God.  In the last chapter, the author focuses on the humiliation of Satan.  He points out Christ who delivered the knockout punch will rule on Satan’s turf.  The victory of God and His people, while already a fact because of the Cross of Christ will one day be manifested on planet earth and Satan will be seen for what he is to the entire world – a defeated foe.

This book is highly recommended for anyone’s library.  Published by Moody Press it can be purchased at your local Christian book store or over the internet at many different sites.

Review by Jimmy Stallard.

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Unveiling the End Times in Our Times                                by Dr. Adrian Rogers

     If there is one preacher I would drive a thousand miles to hear preach one sermon that preacher would be Adrian Rogers.  Dr. Rogers is the pastor of the 27,000 member Bellevue Baptist Church near Memphis, Tennessee and the host of the television and radio program Love Worth Finding.  He has  compiled for us a devotional commentary on the Book of Revelation that is fit for any Bible student, teacher, or preacher.  In Unveiling The End Times In Our Times the reader will find a satisfying study of one of the most difficult parts of the Bible.

     The focus of the book is found in the subtitle – The Triumph of the Lamb in Revelation.  That Jesus Christ is the focal point is emphasized throughout Dr. Rogers’ study.  Beginning with the first chapter The Future is Here and finishing with The Lamb Has Overcome this book glorifies the person and work of the risen Lord.  The theme of God’s sovereignty over all His creation and all of His creatures, including man, can be seen on every page. 

There are several advantages to using this study guide as you study the Book of Revelation:

• The simplicity of Dr. Rogers’ presentation will greatly amplify understanding
  
• The sincerity of his interpretations gives fairness to the study as he deals with various views
• The clarity of the outline makes the book easy to follow.
• The certainty of Dr. Rogers’ faith shines through in every chapter and will engender faith in the reader.
• The saneness of his approach avoids the foolish and sensationalist impulses that so many bring to the study of the Book of Revelation.

 Dr. Rogers’ honesty is seen in this statement from his preface:

       In my younger years I had more certainty of the details of prophecy than I
       now have, but I have greater and stronger faith in the ultimate triumph of
       the Lamb than I have ever had (p. ix).

      Unveiling The End Times In Our Time will provide any reader with a great source of joy and understanding.  It should be a welcome addition to the library of every preacher, pastor, or Bible teacher and will become well worn by those who love to study the Book of Revelation.

Check your local bookstore for this great book!

Review by Jimmy Stallard.

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Ten Lies About God                                   by Erwin W. Lutzer

     Anything written by Erwin W. Lutzer deserves a place in any pastor's library or church library. Christian homes can be blessed by his writings. The senior pastor of Moody Church in Chicago and the featured speaker of the daily radio program Running to Win has written a book entitled Ten Lies About God with a sub­title And How You Might Already Be Deceived. This major work is much needed in our day.

There is a frightening fog in the theological world when many theologians speak about God. Our culture has transformed God into a big Santa Claus dishing out goodies for those who ask. He seems to be a God who would be afraid to ever judge sin and as some have recently declared He is so impotent that He does not even know the future! Lutzer's book addresses ten lies that misrepresent the God of the Bible. His unmasking of these lies gives clear direction and lifts the mist that has blinded so many. The ten lies he deals with are:

(1) God is whatever we want Him to be.

(2) Many paths lead into God's presence.

(3) God is more tolerant than He used to be.

(4) God has never personally suffered.

(5) God is obligated to save followers of other religions.

(6) God takes no responsibility for natural disasters.

(7) God does not know our decisions before we make them.

(8) The fall ruined God's plan.

(9) We must choose between God's pleasures and our own.

(10) God helps those who help themselves.

With one chapter on each of these lies he expounds a biblical viewpoint worthy of the God of the Bible. Each chapter could be a book all by itself. The epilogue asks and answers the question Can We Trust Him? In a ringing endorsement to let God be God, it ends with a stirring poem by S. M. Lockridge.

To Lutzer, to follow after God requires that we think truth and reject the lies that are being spread around about Him. In his preface entitled "From My Heart to Yours" he declares:

Armed with the knowledge of who we are, we will be better fitted to order our lives according to eternal values. The restlessness within will give way to the peace of knowing that at last we have discovered the reason for which we were created. Our pursuit of God will profoundly affect every aspect of our lives.

 This book is well worth the price. Published by Word Publishing it can be purchased at your local Christian book store.

Review by Jimmy Stallard.

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