New Book Reviews

The Song of Songs by Iain Duguid (TOTC)

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Here is a jewel of a commentary by a writer always worth reading–Iain Duguid. He writes in venerable Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series (TOTC) on a book of the Bible, Song of Solomon, where many commentaries are disappointing. This volume, for me, was a breath of fresh air.


It is a specimen of succinctness while still speaking on all the important issues that larger volumes tackle. (You can do as I did and take a glance at Duane Garrett’s WBC for meticulous detail on interesting subjects raised here). While the old Tyndale volume on the Song by Carr was a good commentary, I found this one more helpful.


For one thing he respects the allegorical approach (or as he explains, a typological approach). He gently discusses where there might be problems, but he also does on the natural approach. He finally comes to a natural interpretation, minus sexual excess, with a dash of typology. I personally would have more a typological approach with a dash of natural interpretation, but I was enriched by this outstanding volume. 


For another, he is talented as a commentary writer wrestling with the text. He has other commentaries out there worth getting too. I found a few places in the text where I disagreed with his conclusions, but again, he writes well and fair. Pastors and Bible students will be glad to get this wonderful, economical commentary. Five stars all the way.

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.



Romans 8-16 For You

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Timothy Keller here finishes his fine commentary on Romans in the “For You” series published by The Good Book Company. Each volume I have in this series has been a winner and this volume continues that high standard. Keller always reads well and that turns out to be maintained in commentary writing.

This volumes covers the great battleground of Scripture (Romans 9-11) and, frankly, I hold to a different viewpoint than him there. I will not rank this volume lower on that account as personal agreement is not always the first necessity in a good commentary. He writes respectfully, and though he did not change my mind, I appreciate his attempt and the thought provoking things he said at times.

Throughout the rest of the book he seemed less inclined to support a position and gave outstanding explanation of the text. Notice the fascinating discussion comparing a slave and a son on page 34 as an example. Or his discussion of disputable matters for Christians on page 145. There are many such examples.

The series as whole reaches from Bible students all the way to those who teach and preach it. It is a rare series that can effectively span that range and this one does. I highly recommend it.

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.

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Shepherding God’s Flock– A Book to Help Us Learn Biblical Leadership

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Here is a book on a hot topic in our day–what church leadership ought to look like. With a clear call to be a true shepherd, this volume also discusses church polity. It is written from a Baptist perspective, is kind to all viewpoints, and it it has no problem stating its own position. Eleven contributors join forces to give us a clear, worthwhile volume.

Beginning in Bible times, this volume discuss how much the church borrowed from a synagogue background of the times (not as much as some say it concludes). Chapters 2-4 masterfully guide us through the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles.

While the volume speaks passionately at times on ministry, it could as easily find a place on the ecclesiology shelves. Two chapters explain Catholic polity. Though I found that less interesting, a good case was made for the affect that has had on all Christianity. Next we have the Presbyterian model of church government well explained. Then Anglican thought is described.

Finally we have Baptist thought discussed. As a Baptist, I think the reasons we do not agree with the above options are well given. Then, the authors go on to show that they believe a plurality of elders are the correct biblical model too. I do not agree and was unpersuaded by the arguments given. They were fair and candid, however, in mentioning that there is little proof that this is the historic Baptist position. They work had at making their case and readers will do well in learning from them as they state issues well.

Chapter 11 is a superb conclusion about shepherding a flock today. We can learn from this volume.

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.

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Too Many To Jail–An Exciting Read

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Does it excite you to read of God’s mighty work going on in the most unlikely of places? Does reading of revival in places of intense persecution move you? You will, then, love this new volume by Mark Bradley, and published by Monarch Books, that tells the story of Iran’s new Christians.

The author holds to the theory that God often does His greatest work where persecution is strong. I fully agree. Iran would have made my top 5 hardest countries for Christian work based on my superficial understanding of that country.

Forces at work there are far beyond what I realized. The author explains quite well how Islam and its radical ways has turned many Iranians against it. The so called Revolution has hurt the people there in so many ways. Then the presidency of Ahmadinejad deeply hurt that nation financially, as well as corruption and abuse in the name of Islam only made it worse.

He shows how they in their pain are attracted to Jesus Christ. Many are turning to Christ fully realizing how great a price they may pay. In fact, many have paid it. Amazing, Christianity just keeps going.

The last part of the book shows how house churches are what is working there. There is no way visible churches could work in the current environment, but despite the authorities’ best efforts, house churches are thriving.

There are a few unusual aspects of the revival in places as one element of it seems to come from charismatics. The author seems to approve, but it is very little mentioned. Most great revivals I have ever read of seemed to be a little loose on the margins. Still, this is a fine volume.

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.

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The Bible’s Answer To 100 Of Life’s Biggest Questions by Geisler & Jimenez

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Looking for a book that would help newer Christians, or those seeking to get more up to speed as a believer? Here in a book with an ideal format of questions and answers, this volume by Norman Geisler, famed apologist, and Jason Jimenez, published by Baker, will be an asset to you.

The first 18 questions are superb in their succinct guidance on things like, “Who made God?”, or “If God, why evil?”, or even “What happened to the dinosaurs?” The answers sparkle with the kinds of things we need in this rough-and-tumble world. Think confronting the tough questions of others as a Christian.

Parts three through seven (questions 19-59) cover basic doctrine in areas of Christology, the Holy Spirit, sin, salvation, Heaven, Hell, angels and demons, the Church, and end times. Basic truths are given at a level essay to grasp, and though we might quibble over some statement, most pastors would be thrilled at folks learning these basics.

Next we have questions for the Christian life. A few are so basic, but still just perfect for a new Christian. Then in questions 71-78 help for difficult social issues are given. Part 11 on world religions, again Mr. Geisler’s specialty, could hardly be better. It is not an attack on them, just explaining where there are fundamentally opposite of, and incompatible with, Christianity.

The last questions on the family seem a little trite, but the book, for what it attempts to be, is a winner!

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.

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No Greater Valor–A Thrilling Read

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Looking for an exciting historical read that at least acknowledges that the Lord works in the affairs of men? You will love the fast-moving story given by Jerome Corsi on the Siege of Bastogne. The action vivid, the characters real, this story comes alive in its 300 pages.

It is not, in my opinion, a Christian book. It is respectful of Christianity, though it even makes no theological distinctions between, for example, Protestant Christians and Catholics. The heroes from both (particularly chaplains) are presented glowingly, just as they should be, though the differences that will always divide are never mentioned.

What makes this volume be published by a Christian publisher (Nelson) is its recognition that God made the greatest move and the heroes of the battle are the first to admit it. Most importantly the weather, followed by fortuitous developments that were clearly beyond just good planning, and finally some smaller unexplainable events, worked together to show God’s favor.

Much is made of the prayer that Patton pushed out among the men, who clearly embraced it, and that thankfulness to God that followed the results.

The story of the incredible soldiers involved was well told too. Eisenhower listened to all sides and made the big decision. He was moved by the sometimes reckless Patton, whose unorthodox ways were made for this battle. Patton, a living paradox who was obsessed with God’s favor and prayer and yet cursed often and worked reincarnation into his Christianity, was the man of massive ego who yet pulled off the most amazing pivot northward of an army on record. General McAuliffe, the understated commander in besieged Bastogne, was a model of courageous leadership. There seemed to amazing courage, and as the title suggests, no greater valor, in every group involved.

I think you will enjoy this book. I recommend it.

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.

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New Testament Theology by I. Howard Marshall

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This massive volume by highly-respected scholar I. Howard Marshall leaves few stones unturned in a scholarly presentation on New Testament Theology. New Testament theologies are usually written as either tracing theological themes across the entire NT or discussing theology book by book. This IVP published volume approaches theology by the latter method. I prefer the first method, but we surely need both approaches.

The strengths of this volume are that with distinct acumen Mr. Marshall tells us what modern scholarship thinks and always weighs in with his own thoughts. It almost seems encyclopedic in that way. His writing is clear and you leave knowing what the consensus of modern scholarship is.

The weaknesses include an exaltation of modern scholarship at the expense of previous generations. He puts modern scholars, apparently, as the final authority of biblical thought. Perhaps you would think me biased, but I do not agree with that thinking. So that can make for a mixed bag at times. Of course modern scholarship is an extraordinary asset to us, but some of the excesses–the certainty of the existence of “Q” or other conclusions by scholars repeated so often till some accept as fact though no concrete proof exists. Of course I have many volumes that speak of “Q” on my shelves, but this book makes so many conclusions on a certainty of what came from where that the section on the Synoptics seemed flawed to me. Other similar conclusions were made. At times I read more like a collection of NT book introductions than a theology too.

Despite the weaknesses, there are insights in many places. This volume will not hold the primary place among the theologies on my shelf, but it will be consulted. If your goal is learning modern scholarly thought, give this volume 5 stars. If it is a well rounded, spiritual you seek, give it 3 stars. So let’s average the scores and say 4 stars. Fair enough?

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.

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A Theology For The Church, Revised Edition

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A Theology Of The Church, Revised Edition, edited by Daniel Akin and published by B & H Publishers, is a fine volume that no Baptist pastor can afford to be without. Sadly, I missed the original edition, but am glad to possess this revised edition.

This book is not so consumed with Baptist thought that it can’t on its own two feet as a quality systematic theology–it stands well. What it adds is that extra few pages in each section on how Baptists in particular have wrestled with that doctrine. I find that invaluable and something that can be found no where else.

Each chapter is written by a different Baptist theologian, and as is the common problem of such a setup, there isn’t always complete consensus. Still, that is no difficulty because the editor must have strictly enforced the notion of being kind and fair to other viewpoints, particularly other common viewpoints. There is variety in Baptist thought and this succeeds at being helpful to all. In fact, I believe even one not a Baptist would love this volume.

I must call out for special recognition the chapter by Kenneth Keathley on the Doctrine of Salvation. Since you may have guessed the possible bias, I will admit that I agree with his conclusions. Still, he so deftly defines issues and the points of debate. He confesses weaknesses in every viewpoint, including his own. He was charitable to all and I believe no matter your viewpoint you should read this chapter.

I did not read every page in reviewing this book, but took care to read enough to get a feel for what it taught. The chapter on Human Nature was another favorite. The chapter on Eschatology was less of what I expected ( he seemed to assume we started with a basic position and understood the main ones), but still gave wonderful material needed to grasp this issue in our day. Albert Mohler’s charge to the volume’s most likely users–pastors–was spot on too.

This volume is a new favorite for me.

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.

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Exodus by Duane Garrett (Kregel Exegetical Commentary)

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Exodus by Duane Garrett, the latest of the emerging Kregel Exegetical Commentary series, is a winner. As pastor-friendly as the earlier volumes, this commentary can stand without embarrassment beside the most scholarly of volumes.

The Introduction was a joy to read. He approaches the unfortunate waste of time in the study of source criticism and concludes it as having “contradictory conclusions and a general lack of clarity.” In further discussion of the documentary hypothesis, he speaks of some of the so-called varying sources and says, “That path is a dead end.” I love his approach!

He gives good background on Egypt as he feels that is one of the most glaring deficiencies of Bible students today. Finally, he approaches the hotly-debated subject of the date of the Exodus. I appreciate how he fairly represented all sides. He then ventured into the equally controversial discussion of the location of the Red Sea crossing and Mt. Sinai. I don’t actually agree with his conclusions, but what a wealth of information he marshals for us to decide for ourselves.

The commentary is helpful. It is always thought provoking. He seeks out natural explanations for the Plagues (though he believes in a supernatural God) that I feel does not do justice to how supernatural they seemed to Pharaoh himself. Nothing natural could have surprised him.

Check out the chart and Excurses on “The Hardness of Pharaoh’s Heart”. I have never read better.

All in all, this volume is a great commentary to secure.

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.

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The Good Shepherd by Kenneth Bailey

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The idea of the Good Shepherd is one of my personal favorites of Scripture. Here is a volume that really fleshes out that concept. The subtitle “A Thousand Year Journey From Psalm 23 To The New Testament” really captures what Kenneth Bailey has to say in this book published by IVP.

Mr. Bailey spent 40 years living and working in the Middle East including Egypt and Lebanon. Though he taught the Bible, he had plenty of opportunity to see culture not that far removed from Bible times. Merging those two–teaching and observation–has made this book a success.

His approach on the technical side is one where you will have to decide for yourself. His ideas of sequence and “step parallelism” are explained and traced in every passage he deals with. His ten themes well represent the items that we will find in shepherd passages, though all ten are rarely present in any one passage. In any event, I don’t find that the strength of the book.

The real value in this volume is the light it sheds on each passage it tackles. For example, as much as has been written on Psalm 23, he still had something to say. Check out the illustration he shares on page 42! How this shows God’s love and care for us is well drawn out.

Others passages include all the chief ones on the Shepherd theme. Jeremiah 23:1-8, Ezekiel 34, Zechariah 10:2-12, Luke 15:1-10, Mark 6:7-52, Matthew 18:10-14, John 10:1-18, and I Peter 5:1-4. They were all helpful, but the New Testament passages were especially rich. The last two were my favorites.

I recommend this volume.

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.

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