Phil A. Newton. Elders in Congregational Life: Rediscovering the Biblical Model for Church Leadership. Kregel, 2005. 176 pp.
Phil Newton’s book is not long but it is definitely helpful those thinking about making the change from congregational governance to elder governance. Even though the book is written from a Baptist perspective, it really is insightful for anyone thinking about this issue. He spends the first two parts of the book addressing eldership in the Bible. His exposition of Acts 20 is what got me thinking about Paul’s address to the Ephesian elders. And this text is quite important to the role and necessity of biblical eldership. Of course he also deals with Paul’s letter to Timothy and Titus and then the Hebrews writing on elders in Hebrews 13 and the final words from Peter on eldership.
Reviewed by Sam Shin.
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J. Ed Komoszewski, M. James Sawyer, Daniel B. Wallace, Reinventing Jesus: How Contemporary Skeptics Miss the Real Jesus and Mislead Popular Culture. Kregel, 2006. 352 pp.
This book is a very good introduction to the topics of Contemporary Issues, Apologetics, and Textual Criticism for the dedicated layman or the serious-minded Bible study leader. I was surprised by the popular level approach to these topics brought by some of the top-shelf names in Christian scholarship. When life-long church members can say things such as “No one can really know what happened two thousand years ago,” the pastor must know that their knowledge is lacking and wonder what is the object of their faith. Their theological training from Sunday School classes has not prepared them for current challenges to the faith, and to their own faith. For pastors with members that are interested in the subject of how we know what we know about the faith, this would make a good gift to show your appreciation for their commitment to the task of teaching the Word. This book, though good for a lay introduction, does not suffice for the seminary student.
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J. Sidlow Baxter. The Master Theme of the Bible: A Comprehensive Study of the Lamb of God. Part One, pp. 15-157. Kregel, 1997. 204 pp.
Baxter presents a volume on Jesus as the Lamb of God, a theme he believes to be The Master Theme of the Bible. This work is not technical, and most laymen will find its contents straightforward and understandable. These essays are simple Bible studies rather than academic or professionally theological treatises. Based on a collection of messages preached at Bible conferences, the contents of this book are “meant for the general public and average reader” (11). As such, the original languages occur only rarely, always accompanied by translation and explanation. Baxter’s style is often conversational, but this is intentional. Permeating the pages is a definite devotional demeanor. These reflections on the glories of the Lamb are sure to warm the heart of any reader.
The book divides into two parts. The first section explores the doctrine of the Lamb while the second peruses the dimensions of the cross. This review will cover only the first section, dealing with the person of Christ. The chapters are as follows: (1) The Revelation of the Lamb; (2) The Centrality of the Lamb; (3-5) The Sovereignty of the Lamb: Pre-incarnate, Post-resurrection, and Never-ending; and (6-7) The Finalities of the Lamb: Lord and Savior, and Judge and King.
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