Month: February 2025

The Giver of Life (WB) by J.V. Fesko

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This second volume in the We Believe (WB) holds up the high expectations established by the first one on Christology. Most major Christian publishers have a series of this sort covering various doctrines that together form a systematic theology and this one so far is standing out in a crowded field.

This volume gets two of the key topics of such systematic theologies—salvation and the Holy Spirit. I judge it far more passionate on the subject of salvation than that of the Spirit. My guess is that the author gets consumed with the Spirit carrying out the application of salvation and that swallows the discussion at large. The discussion on the Trinity and, for example, the gifts, almost seemed tacked on to get to the heart of what he really wanted to talk about—salvation.

On other quick caveat is that this book is overtly reformed. I could almost jokingly say that it is more reformed than it is Christian, but not everyone might appreciate my humor.

With that out of the way, that passion he has that I spoke of is quite beneficial and enjoyable in studying salvation in all its glorious beauty. Mr. Fesko comes across as a captivating teacher. You of necessity will learn. Isn’t that the target we’re aiming for in this type of series? You will often love what he’s saying too, and when you occasionally disagree, you’ll at least have the consolation that he’s having a good time.

I have a system of jotting brief notes and page numbers in the front cover of books where what’s being written really resonates with me. I have 17 such notations in this one of things that really rang the bell for me. In case you’re wondering, that means this one ranks high for me. I’ll consult it again too—that’s another dead giveaway for me that we have a winner here. I wouldn’t make him your only guide, but this author is a teacher at whose feet you should spend some time.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A Guide to Biblical Commentaries (11th Ed.) by John Evans

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Here’s a book I love and use regularly, at least I have for over a decade with previous editions. So I deliciously devoured this new edition when it arrived. I have personally reviewed several of the new entries here that have been published since the last release, but I really value his assessments.

He’s the best in the field for these kinds of recommendations and it isn’t even close. And, yes, I’ve seen all the others. His presentation is the most logically organized and his evaluations, though a bit complex, can be followed to advantage if you read his explanation a time or two.

His work is what Spurgeon’s was long ago and Cyril Barber’s works were a generation ago. Strangely enough, he denigrates Barber for being too dispensational. Methinks a few reformed/covenantal theology titles got extra stars for that alone here just as Barber flipped it before. And let’s don’t even discuss what Spurgeon said of Plymouth Brethren writers. But it’s no problem in any of them. Find their bias and adjust accordingly. The bias is real enough that not holding Mr. Evans’ theology may get more negative comments than, say, a very critical or liberal volume. I’ll never understand that, but the world has passed me by in many ways anyway . Still, I wouldn’t even think of not having and using this book.

He tries to write for pastors, but he’s just as interested, and maybe more, for the scholarly volumes. Pastors, don’t worry about that as you’ll know inherently how to adjust. If you compensate for the few biases, you will I think find evaluations easy to line up with. At least I did. You might occasionally disagree. For me, he’s far too harsh on the EEC on the Epistles of John (Gary Derickson). He drowned on the differing theology and overlooked the impeccable exegesis. But that is mostly rare.

This can really help you plan and build a library. Even if like me you have a fair number of the books reviewed, you’ll see something you’ve just got to have. I’ve just got to grab Morales on Numbers after reading here. Grab this book, read it, and let the fun begin.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.