Who is Jesus?
Greg Gilbert Review by RuthAnne Irvin
Many people today, including those in church pews each Sunday, struggle to answer a simple question: Who is Jesus? In his new book, Greg Gilbert explores the historical and biblical accounts of Jesus not only as a person but as the Son of God. Gilbert opens Who Is Jesus? with a foundation for readers to discover who Jesus is and why he came to earth.
“And then you tell the world!” he writes. “This is who Jesus is. He is the One who saves people just like me. And just like you!”
Who is Jesus? is a great book for people who know little about Jesus or who want a refreshing overview of Jesus’ life and ministry and what Scripture says about him. Gilbert closes the book with an exhortation for readers to come and know this Jesus.
The Daring Heart of David Livingstone: Exile, African Slavery, and the Publicity Stunt That Saved Millions
Jay Milbrandt Review by Jeremiah Greever
The life of English missionary and African explorer David Livingstone is well-known, but in The Daring Heart of David Livingstone, Jay Milbrandt presents a side of Livingstone largely hidden from the general public, describing the renowned missionary in an immensely personal manner. Through Livingstone’s own journal, Milbrandt presents Livingstone’s personal emotions, struggles, and insecurities.
Perhaps the greatest achievement of Milbrandt’s book is his depiction of Livingstone’s truest calling and life pursuit — the abolition of the East African slave trade. Ultimately facing either the desire for fame or giving his life for the abolition of slavery, Livingstone paid the greatest sacrifice in his pursuit for freedom in East Africa.
John Frame’s Selected Shorter Writings
John M. Frame Review by Scott Corbin
Reformed theologian John Frame’s written corpus is deep and wide, well-known for his Theology of Lordship series as well as his recent Systematic Theology. Yet for many, his work can seem daunting. In his first volume of collected essays, John Frame’s Selected Shorter Writings, Frame sharpens his theological focus and illumines his personality.
In the opening chapter, “A Primer on Perspectivalism,” Frame provides concise definitions of multiperspectivalism and triperspectivalism. Other essays help readers understand where exactly Frame “fits” on a theological map.
Readers will walk away from with a better understanding of Frame’s construal of theological method, ethics, apologetics, as well as some short bits on his personal life. With a readable style, short chapters, and a buffet of options, this book will surely help those seeking to understand one of the greatest Reformed theologians of the 20th century.
Shepherding God’s Flock: Biblical Leadership in the New Testament and Beyond
Benjamin L. Merkle and Thomas R. Schreiner, eds. Review by Andrew J.W. Smith
Shepherd the flock of God,” wrote the apostle Peter to church elders, urging them to pattern their lives after Christ so that “when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:2,4). Christian pastors are shepherds under Christ himself, the Good Shepherd (John 10) who appoints men to guard and care for his church.
In Shepherding God’s Flock, edited by Benjamin L. Merkle and Thomas R. Schreiner, Southern Baptist scholars trace the biblical, theological, historical, and practical issues involved in shepherding the church of Christ. The scholars, many of whom are Southern Seminary professors, offer biblical principles rather than generic tips encouraging pastors to shepherd their flocks more effectively.
From the field of biblical studies, James M. Hamilton Jr., professor of biblical theology at Southern, outlines the theme of eldership in the Old Testament and demonstrates that New Testament eldership was a distinct program which did not emerge naturally from an OT precedent. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, traces the role of elders and deacons throughout the Pastoral and General Epistles of the New Testament, observing that the chief requirement of both offices is godly character.
A pair of chapters show what an abuse of leadership in the church can look like, as Southern professors Michael A.G. Haykin and Gregg R. Allison focus on the development and history of the Roman Catholic papacy. The chapter contributed by Shawn D. Wright, assistant professor of church history, observes the history of elder plurality among Particular Baptist churches starting in the 17th century. Bruce A. Ware synthesizes the biblical teaching with a robust theology of church leadership.
