RFTG Editor Zach Kendrick was given the opportunity to ask Lucy S. R. Austen a few questions about her new book Elisabeth Elliott: A Life (Crossway, 2023). What follows are the author’s responses to questions submitted by the editor. Lucy S. R. Austen is a writer, editor, and teacher who has spent over a decade … Continue reading An Interview with Lucy S. R. Austen
When Peter Williams announces a forthcoming book, it’s an automatic preorder for me. I can’t think of an author that I’m more excited to read these days. You might not be familiar with Dr. Williams or his work. He is the principal and CEO of Tyndale House, Cambridge — one of the most prestigious Bible … Continue reading What the Gospels Reveal about the World’s Greatest Teacher
“Our goal is to explore how human reasoning depends on God,” states the Introduction to Redeeming Reason: A God Centered Approach, by Vern Poythress (Crossway, 2023). In 157 pages, the author builds his case that human reasoning is a reflection of the relationships within the Trinity. Although not a theology book, it relies on insights … Continue reading How Human Reason Depends On God
Is Christianity impossible? Do you feel like you are trying to live out the Christian life, but it’s impossible on most or even all days? In his book Impossible Christianity (Crossway 2023), Kevin DeYoung writes about why people may feel Christianity is impossible. My desire to review this book is because the Bible frequently uses … Continue reading Being A Christian When It Seems Impossible
Twenty-three years ago, Pastor John Piper stood before a massive crowd of college students and preached a sermon that has changed the lives of many. Originally titled “Boasting Only in the Cross of Christ” the sermon has affectionately become known as “The Seashell Sermon.” Three years later the sermon was expanded into a book titled Don’t … Continue reading Collecting Seashells for the Glory of God
As a seminary graduate trained in two different personality assessments (The Four Lenses and DISC), I found Personality and Worldview by J.H. Bavinck a welcomed insight into our culture’s obsession with personality. Having the book Forwarded by the late Timothy Keller helps as Keller always approached things in a thoughtful way that respects both theological … Continue reading The Gospel Must Shape How We Think and Act
The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men…’ (Luke 18:11) Are you a Pharisee? Of course you’re not! How do I know this? Because none of us think of ourselves this way. As Michael Reeves writes, “Nobody today is a self-avowed, card-carrying Pharisee, after all. … Continue reading The Gospel Is The Cure For The Church’s Hypocrisy
In his book, Friendship with God (Crossway, 2023), Mike McKinley closes his introduction with the statement, “God…deeply longs for fellowship with you.” It’s this concept, difficult for many Christians to come to grips with, that the author addresses. But admittedly his thoughts are not original. They are those of a famous 17th century Puritan. If … Continue reading The Triune Friendship of God
Knowing God. This is the single most important need of the human heart. Yet all of mankind is fallen, and we cannot know God apart from his revelation. But God. These two words thunder through the pages of the Bible, and lavish grace on sinners. God in his rich mercy has made a way for … Continue reading The Life-Changing Grace of Knowing God
A church is a family. That’s the main lesson in Megan Hill’s new book for kids, Meg is Not Alone (Crossway, 2022). Inspired by a real-life event in the childhood of the author, Hill tells the story of a little girl named Meg whose parents miscommunicate and accidentally leave her at church one Sunday morning. … Continue reading Teaching Kids About the Beauty of God’s Family
“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways…” (James 3:1-2a, ESV). So begins one of the most widely quoted scripture verses regarding pastoral ministry, and it is truly excellent advice. I have heard it said … Continue reading The Joy-Filled Journey of Pastoral Ministry
Attending a Baptist seminary, I became familiar with Leon McBeth’s book A Baptist Heritage. The 800+ page text teaches one about Baptist history while sharing insights about other denominations. Sure, it has its flaws, but no book is perfect. Despite its imperfections, it would be great if each Christian denomination had texts summarizing its history, like A … Continue reading The Heritage of Anglican Theology
