"Acts - EP Study Commentaries" (Guy Prentiss Waters)

TITLE: Acts (EP Study Commentaries)
AUTHOR: Guy Prentiss Waters
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: EP Books, 2015, (600 pages).

There are already many commentaries on the book of Acts. Is there room for another? According to Guy Prentiss Waters, Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, in Jackson, Mississippi who counted no fewer than four exegetical commentaries since 2009, the answer is a definite YES! In fact, Waters gives us three reasons why he wrote this commentary. First, he aims at "clarity and brevity." Second, each exegetical effort is done for the objective of exposition, for teaching, and for preaching. Third, the commentary is "Reformed" in which it follows the "hermeneutical footsteps of Geerhardus Vos, Herman Ridderbos, and Richard B. Gaffin." This means appreciating Acts in being both historically respectful as well as modern relevance and redemption. Based on his own sermons and lessons from 2009-11, this commentary covers a lot of ground.

He spends less than 5% of the book on the introductory matters like the authorship, the date, the title, the purpose, and the outline of the book. I appreciate his three outlines and note that the first is most often used by many.

1. Acts 1:8 where the focus is on the Pentecost, the witness, and the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing salvation through the gospel from the Jews to the Gentiles.
2. Various summary outlines that highlight the Jewish and Gentile missions; the Church as the people of God; and the persecuted Church.
3. Peter and Paul's ministry.

"Salt, Light and Cities on Hills" (Melvin Tinker)

TITLE: Salt, Light and Cities on Hills
AUTHOR: Melvin Tinker
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Evangelical Press, 2014, (150 pages).

Are Evangelism efforts and Social Action concerns related? Are Christians obligated to help the ungodly? How can believers live out the present while anticipating the future? In what concrete ways can the Church adopt to be the salt and light of the world? Beginning with Augustine's The City of God, author and vicar of St John's Newland Church puts forth an emphatic yes to all of them? Tinker argues the affirmative from many angles.

Historically, he reflects upon the intimate relationship between Evangelism and Social Concerns in the gospels, where even the controversial acts of Jesus are shrouded in plenty of compassion (social concerns) and conviction (evangelism). He mentions people like Charles Finney who was not only passionate about revival but also fervent in reforming the world through good works. He analyzes the two shifts in history that led to the dichotomizing of evangelism and social action. The first was between 1900-1910 when concerned Christians were fighting liberal theology which was often manifested in the form of the social gospel. The second was between 1910 to 1930 when the rise of premillenialist teaching causes many to become disengaged with social concerns. In both examples, it was clear that theology informs practical Christianity. Thanks to several initiatives since the 1960s on mission and gospel proclamation, the two have become more tightly integrated. One significant event was the Lausanne Movement which advocated "holistic mission." The other was Ronald Sider's Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger in America and Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones and John Stott in the UK, where they all preached an "evangelical social conscience."

Sociologically, the author notes the interpretations of sociologist David Moberg who argued four reasons for "evangelical withdrawal."

1. Disillusion after the Great War
2. Fundamentalist-Modernist controversy
3. Millenianism
4. Complexity of modernism and industrialisation on faith matters

"Worshipping with Calvin" (Terry L. Johnson)

TITLE: Worshipping with Calvin
AUTHOR: Terry L. Johnson
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Evangelical Press, 2014, (434 pages).

What comes to mind when we think about worship? Is it the continuing argument between contemporary vs traditional worship? Is it about music and song? Is it about the period just before the sermon during a Sunday service?

According to Terry L. Johnson, worship is more than all of the above, and in his own words, "worship is ministry." Choosing to avoid making the book about Calvinism which may dissuade non-Calvinists from the book, Johnson prefers a more open title, open enough to welcome other Christian quarters, and restricted enough to make the book about Reformed theology and worship. Lamenting on the current state of evangelicalism, which is too fragmented, and where many regarded as irrelevant to modern culture, Johnson is convicted that the way back is via "Word-filled Christian worship" which is Reformed worship. Reformed worship comes out of Reformed Practice among Reformed Churches. Reformed Churches is where Reformed ministry and Reformed people are cultivated which in turn develops Reformed piety. Of course, it is not always this linear but the point is that Reformation must be ongoing, and the way to do so is to learn from tradition via history; formation via liturgy; and biblically via exegesis of Scripture. Theologically, Johnson goes back to the Reformation calls for sola Scriptura to guide liturgical practice; sola Christus to reform the Eucharist; sola fide regarding the preaching and teaching of Scripture; sola gratia to reform prayer; soli Deo gloria toward "revival of confidence in the means of grace." These five emphases underpin the five thrusts of "Reformed worship and ministry."

"Growing Up God's Way"

TITLE 1: Growing Up God's Way for Boys (80 pages)
TITLE 2: Growing Up God's Way for Girls (80 pages)
AUTHORS: Dr Chris Richards and Dr Liz Jones
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Evangelical Press, 2013.

These two books are reviewed at the same time because most of the content are similar. Written by two practicing pediatricians, the books are aimed at an audience from puberty age to marriage awareness. It is essentially about growing up and looks at the physiological and biological changes going on in both boys and girls. Step by step, the chapters progress toward the physical growth in sexuality, often comparing the gender differences between boys and girls. At each step of the way, the authors are able to parallel the physical changes with biblical principles, reminding readers that as they change physically, they need to let biblical principles guide them in their thinking, their living, and their behaving.

Richards and Jones are both avid Church goers and passionate Christians desiring to help children grow up in a way that is honouring God. They designed the book in such a way as to make it as appealing and clear as possible. Even though one book appears to be for boys and the other for girls, the differences are minor.

Let me offer three comments as I read this book. First, the book is a useful book for kids. Looking at the way the diagrams and language is used, it is clear that the authors are aiming at child-friendly edition, so that children can read and learn the basics of what it means to grow up, in particular God's way. Though it may seem very elementary to adults, the information can be invaluable to growing children. The diagrams can be very graphic but also highly instructive.

Second, the book is suitable for parents. I know of many parents who find it awkward to share about things sexual and many choose the path of silence. With this book, parents can be guided stage by stage on how to educate their growing children. It can also be used to create opportunities for learning and bonding together as parent-children relationship.

Third, the book is for teachers and instructors, especially those who deal with children. Many books out there teach about sexuality and growth. Few approach it from a Christian angle, and few makes it simple enough to be understood.

Overall, the book is a gift for parents, teachers, and of course, the growing children concerned. May God use this book to guide the young toward becoming the children of God they were created to be.

Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me courtesy of Evangelical Press and Cross-Focused Reviews in exchange for an honest review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.