In The Foremost Problems of Contemporary Dogmatics, Herman Bavinck highlights the primary challenges facing Protestant theologians in the early twentieth century. The edited translation by Gert de Kok and Bruce R. Pass is smooth and clear, making Bavinck’s ideas easy to follow. Originally delivered as a series of lectures at the Free University shortly after Bavinck’s move to Amsterdam in 1902, the work explores the theologies of the Reformation. Of particular interest is Bavinck’s insightful analysis of Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, offering compelling contrasts. Neo-Calvinism as a Championed Worldview Bavinck also engages with the ideas of Kant, Schleiermacher, and Hegel, revealing how they frame their faith in terms of moralism, mysticism, and rationalism. The final lectures delve into the influence of art and science on various theological frameworks. A rigorous yet rewarding read, The Foremost Problems of Contemporary Dogmatics offers a rare glimpse into the mind of an exceptional thinker, teacher, and theologian. Reading this book is like catching Bavinck candidly in the classroom, taking Neo-Calvinism to work and passionately presenting it as a championed worldview. I received a media copy of The Foremost Problems of Contemporary Dogmatics and this is my honest review.

How do sinners become saints? In Unloved, Elyse M. Fitzpatrick presents the rejected saints God calls beloved. Fitzpatrick begins the book by asking if we see our Christian faith as a meritocricy – thinking we can gain favor with God by living the correct way. Fitzpatrick argues that we cannot work hard to earn God’s love, and that his grace reaches even the messiest of sinners. She tells stories from the Bible to prove her point. Sin is Met with Grace The featured Bible characters are Hosea, Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Judah, Tamar, Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, David, Bathsheba, Joseph, and Mary. Fitzpatrick writes in a way that highlights the reality of the scandals, abuse, and evil in their stories. These are not stories that you would find on a children’s flannelgraph! Through examining these men and women of the faith, Fitzpatrick concludes that our standing with the Lord does not depend on our performance, but on the grace of the Father, the love of the Son, and the work of the Spirit. After reading this book, I am thankful that the Bible is full of these stories where sin is met with grace, and where sinners can have hope in God. I received a media copy of Unloved and this is my honest review.

In Reading the Psalms as Scripture, James M. Hamilton Jr. and Matthew Damico open your eyes to the beauty and brilliance of the psalms. This book reveals the intricate patterns and unique features of the Psalter, ultimately drawing attention to its divine Author. A Cohesive Collection One of the key strengths of the book is how it encourages us to view the Psalms not just as individual poems but as a cohesive collection. I found it particularly thought-provoking how David often described himself in ways that evoke the past while also pointing toward the future. He recognized himself as a prefiguring type of Christ, a theme that resonates throughout the Psalms and adds layers of meaning to his words. One of my favorite encouragements from the book was to read multiple psalms in a single sitting. I had always thought it was best to read one psalm at a time, limiting myself to just one per day. While that method has its merits, reading more allows readers to appreciate the interconnectedness of the Psalter, helping us see how the various psalms speak to one another. It’s perfectly okay to “end up lost in its narrative and at home in God’s word.“ Shaped by Song Another moving point the authors make is how God has shaped his people through the singing of the Psalms, a practice that continues today. This insight reaffirms the enduring power of these texts to nurture our faith and community. By engaging with the Psalms, we participate in a tradition that connects us to God’s people throughout history. Reading the Psalms as Scripture is a wonderful resource that encourages a richer engagement with one of the Bible’s most beloved books. God shaped his people by singing the Psalms, and he still does so to this day. I received a media copy of Reading the Psalms as Scripture and this is my honest review.

In The Church, Brad East provides a thoughtful guide to the people of God. The book begins by using the figure of Mary to show how the church is chosen by God to share His Son with the world. This idea highlights the amazing truth that God has come close to us, becoming one of us. The church exists to spread this good news to everyone. The Family of God A key theme in the book is election, or being chosen by God. East explains that God’s choice is rooted in love, referencing Deuteronomy 7:6-8: “It is because the Lord loves you.” This emphasizes that the church is not just a group of people but a family brought together through the gospel of adoption. The message of Jesus invites us into a close, loving relationship with the Lord. East also addresses the enemies of the church, introducing the “unholy trinity” of sin, Satan, and death. He portrays sin as a powerful force that controls our lives (Romans 3:9). This dark backdrop makes the church’s mission even more important, showing how it works to counter these forces through the gospel. East likens the world to a stage, with a divine playwright telling a grand story. Each chapter invites readers to rethink their view of the church through the lens of grace. East points out that the church must live out the rest and peace that Christ offers. Every believer plays a part in being part of Christ’s bride. The Bride of Christ Holiness, East argues, needs to be visible in the life of the church. He connects ordination and anointing, noting that “the faithful shepherd is a slain lamb.” This phrase captures the sacrificial and humble calling of Christ, reminding us that true leadership reflects His example. Throughout the book, East celebrates God’s powerful and unwavering love for His church. He discusses the unity and adoption that the church represents, highlighting its responsibility to uphold and share the Gospel. The Church isn’t just a theological book; it’s a beautiful look at the church’s significance. This book is one of the most wonderful explorations of the church I’ve ever read. Engaging and thought-provoking – it left me with a deeper appreciation for the bride and a greater love for the bridegroom. I received a media copy of The Church and this is my honest review.

What fundamental truths about God’s nature and our relationship with him are illuminated through the lens of Scripture? In Reformed Covenant Theology, Harrison Perkins helps us know God through his covenants. Covenantal Presence This book helped me understand the covenants in a new way. I was most moved to consider the Covenant of Works as a covenant of love. To obey God is a way to express our love for him. And through the Covenant of Works, God makes his blessings known to man through features of everyday life. True spirituality is to walk and fellowship with God and his people, in regular affairs. We were made to commune with God in a relationship. What makes this book and the arguments within particularly reformed is revealed when Perkins describes the Father, Son, and Spirit’s love for the elect. The Covenant of Redemption relates God’s infinite inner triune love to the immense love God had for his people. He is personally involved in our lives, and grants us the Spirit’s ongoing presence. Covenantal Community I was most interested to learn how the Covenant of Grace impacts reformed preaching. As the redeemer of God’s elect, Christ should be preached from every portion of Scripture. The Covenant of Grace defines the blessings we receive in Christ, guaranteeing our everlasting life in relationship with God. The already-not-yet nature of the covenant of grace calls us to patience, endurance, and hope. The end of the book examines the unfolding covenants, and details what it means to live in a covenantal community with the church and with God. It is the family where we belong to each other, but ultimately to God. Through the covenants, I have come to deeply see and appreciate the rich rewards of fellowship with God and his people. I received a media copy of Reformed Covenant Theology and this is my honest review.

How does God use preaching to shape his people? In More Than a Sermon, Douglas D. Webster writes on the purpose and practice of Christian preaching. Reaching Hearts The first half of the book tackles the purpose of preaching, and Webster relays that preaching is harder and easier than we imagine. He considers the spiritual, intellectual, social, ethical, and pastoral dimensions of preaching. But preaching is a good kind of hard - one where you can find your labor to not be in vain. I was most moved to read how preaching is tethered to a lifelong commitment and partnered with life-on-life discipleship. I thought about how my own preaching has impacted my personal life and how reaching hearts with the Word of God is not restricted to the pulpit. Webster sees preaching clearly as a way of life - being utterly devoted to the primacy and sufficiency of Scripture. Renewing Minds The second half of book focuses on the practice of preaching. Different seasons of preaching are presented, including preaching Advent/Christmas sermons, Easter sermons, weddings, and memorials. I was most interested to read on preaching crisis sermons and preaching with social impact. While I might not be called upon to preach in these special circumstances, I can still prepare my congregation with biblical conviction. The book concludes with seven theses on good preaching, beginning with the fact that good preaching is dependent in every way on the Bible – and ending with good preaching helps believers think for themselves so that they are no longer “conformed to this world” but “transformed by the renewal of [their] mind” (Romans 12:2). I am challenged to proclaim Christ with power, and moved to speak with practical wisdom from the Word. I received a media copy of More Than a Sermon and this is my honest review.

How can you be sure of your salvation? In Finding Assurance with Thomas Goodwin, Andrew S. Ballitch brings the doctrine of assurance to battle doubt. Lived Theology As a part of the Lived Theology series by Lexham Press, this book explains the doctrine of assurance alongside the life of Thomas Goodwin. We journey with him as he comes to discover the joys of knowing you belong to the Lord. What I most appreciated was how the book explains what the applying the doctrine means to us today. For instance, the struggle for assurance is said to be caused by a lack of church, discipline, a refusal to profess the truth, and reliance on past experience in the lives of believers. Ballitch is insightful, and you can see how he challenges our contemporary culture. Sealed by the Spirit I was most interested to see Ballitch examine Ephesians 1:11-14 along with Goodwin. He walks us through Godwin’s exposition of the passage, shedding light on what it means to be sealed by the Spirit. It is wonderful to read and will strengthen your soul. I was most moved to see how assurance comforts those who are suffering. To die with full assurance of faith is admirable and beautiful. This book will guide you to have full assurance in the God of the Bible, who is faithful to his word. I received a media copy of Finding Assurance with Thomas Goodwin and this is my honest review.

What does creation have to do with Christians? In Ordinary Splendor, Lydia Jaeger presents the doctrine of creation and what it means to live it out. Grounded in the Bible At just under 200 pages, this book is curious about what it means to live in a created world. Starting at Genesis 1:1, Jaeger explores what it means to be created and to have a creator. This book is not a defense for the doctrine of creation -- pitting faith against science. However, Jaeger is not afraid to interact with theologians, Greek, mythology, philosophers, and other creation stories from the ancient near east. She stays grounded in the Bible, showing the beauty of our God. Order and Structure I was most interested to see that our God is one of order and structure. This has profound effects on how we view our own knowledge and intelligence. And while our knowledge is derivative in nature, this is what gives us the possibility of actually knowing the true world. Hunan intelligence and nature are both created by God. This should give us confidence as we set out to explore the world. It’s remarkable how much can be learned from studying the doctrine of creation so closely. Jaeger speaks on human dignity, entering into God’s blessing, and accepting your limits. Of course, Jaeger also speaks on distinguishing between women and men, and embracing a fully human sexuality. God Cares About his Creation I was most challenged with the chapter on accepting your limits. Localization in space and time is an example of a God-given limit. No amount of technical progress can free us from the human condition. We have one life to live. But Christians have hope — the limit of death is done away with at the cross. The book calls us to enter into God’s rest. Jaeger assures us that God cares about our human condition in its entirety. Reading this book will help you see that God does care about his creation. Moreover, he cares to redeem his creation. I received a media copy of Ordinary Splendor and this is my honest review.

Are the Psalms simple poems, or do they carry theological significance? Edited by David M. Howard Jr. & Andrew J. Schumtzer, Reading the Psalms Theologically presents integrative approaches to the Psalter. This book is an academic yet rich biblical-theological study. Deep and Meaningful The 18 chapters in this book are all different essays by an eclectic group of contributors. There are senior, midcareer, and junior scholars from seven different countries represented. They all seek to understand the Psalter in a deeper, more meaningful way. While many of us have our favorite Psalms, it’s easy to lose sight of the book as a whole. This book argues for the interconnectedness of the entire Psalter. Reading the Psalms in this way draws out its critical themes, giving a perspective on David that emphasizes his own understanding of typology, while helping you better understand the individual Psalms themselves as well as how they fit into the whole of Scripture. The Unfurling of the Davidic Covenant Peter C. W. Ho’s essay “The Macrosstructural Design and Logic of the Psalter: An Unfurling of the Davidic Covenant” is a critical entry. His understanding of the Psalter reveals a design that establishes a metanarrative tracing the establishment and fall of the historical Davidic kingship and Zion temple, followed by the reestablishment of the ideal (yet afflicted) Davidic figure and Zion temple built by God’s own hands. The underlying logic of the Psalter is the unfurling of the Davidic covenant, weaved into God’s larger purposes for his chosen people from creation to consummation. It is a fascinating and rather brilliant revelation, and a landmark work in critical biblical studies. James Hamilton Jr. continues builds off of this thought, writing “David’s Biblical Theology and Typology in the Psalms: Authorial Intent and Patterns of the Seed of Promise.” He argues that David understood himself as a type of the One to come. This sheds light on Christ’s use of the Psalms in the New Testament, while highlighting David’s trust in the faithfulness of God. Seeing the Psalms as a Unified Whole The book deviates from the Psalter with an essay by May Young on “The Art of Lament in Lamentations.” The study uses a matrix approach to analyze the correspondence of the literary devices of the acrostic structure, parallelism, enjambment, change in voice, and repetition of lexemes and images. From an attitude of despair to one of greater hope, the message of Lamentations is itself a work of art. Many themes are covered in this book, including a theology of the cross and death in the Psalms, as well as a theology of the nations in the Psalms and the promise of inclusion as revealed in Psalm 87. Seeing these themes emerge in the Psalms was compelling, especially in regards to emphasizing the Psalms as a unified whole. Delight in the Law of the Lord The book ends with a series on Divine Presence and Sovereignty, including a captivating essay by Jerome Skinner on “A Theology of Glory: Divine Sanctum and Service in the Psalter.” He shows that God’s glory is intrinsically linked to sanctuary settings, and this has significance when Jesus reveals himself to the world. This book is an incredible work of academic excellence, and will change the way you read the Psalms and see them as a whole. You will find yourself delighting in the Law of the Lord. I received a media copy of Reading the Psalms Theologically and this is my honest review.

Where can new believers go as they begin their journey with Jesus? In I’m a Christian… Now What? Aaron Armstrong gives a guide to your new life with Christ. Although I’ve been a believer for most of my life, I was struck by how amazing it is to have access to God. He has given us his Word. We can come to him easily in prayer, and we can talk to him about anything. Healthy Churches, Creativity What I most appreciated were Armstrong’s seven signs of a healthy church. With many churches to choose from, these will help new believers be better prepared. Armstrong tells you to look for churches where (1) Jesus is the focus, (2) character is prioritized over skill, (3) the Bible is the standard, (4) people are known, (5) sin is taken seriously, (6) non-Christians are loved, and (7) compassion is a way of life. I was most interested to see Armstrong address the role of creativity in the Christian life. While many books for new believers discuss the spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible reading, not many talk about how we are to enjoy creativity the way that God intended it. A Book for New Believers Armstrong inserts his own experiences from when he was a new believer throughout the book. A chapter on the changes he had to make in regards to cohabitation was effective. Life is messy, but “grace abounds in the mess.” The book ends by looking at what type of Christian you want to be in this world as well as preparing to share your testimony. These are fitting ending chapters, with more than enough in the book for new believers to work through. I am encouraged after reading this, and will use it to encourage others. I received a media copy of I’m a Christian… Now What? and this is my honest review.