Having read other works by Mounce and enjoyed his methodical and well-paced walkthrough of biblical languages with an audience who understood the need to care about the subject, I had some good confidence that this book would match his previous books. This is the case here. If you've read or gone through Mounce's probably more well-known book on the subject Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar this is going to be familiar and is in the same vein. Where that one is a focus on the grammar, Greek For the Rest of Us is a focus on the grammar as well as the syntax. Just as a note, I did read this in conjunction with a weekly church study that was using this book along with class activity and the use of Logos software to give an understanding of Greek in a more than surface-level undertaking and utilizing the Bible software to do a good amount of work for you as well. So individual results may vary. Mounce starts off with the basics such as letters and Greek words to memorize are at the end of most chapters. Then the push to understand English grammar that will help the reader of non-native Greek understand the concepts of what will be talked about throughout the book. So, this study suddenly becomes a chest-clenching double study as you curse the government schools that failed to impress upon you your own language. Where Mounce's previous book had a chapter dedicated to that, this book has almost introduction chapters of English language to set the stage for the Greek of that same type. Mounce also sprinkles in Concordance software (as he has a controlling interest in that software) but the use of some type of Bible software capable of assisting with the learning is very helpful. The layout in the chapters are methodical and well-laid out. The use of a sub-numbering system to make going back through easier for reference. This section does a good job of showing biblical examples and here's where I would say is a negative of the book. While an example is given, it is usually a simple one and a few more examples showing different appearances of the syntax in question would have been really helpful to almost triangulate you into what you may be missing or helping find a relationship between the examples and your understanding of the section. Also, there are times where a concept is defined and the example is given, it may have been helpful to add a line or two going over the example and really driving home the point to help the reader understand the concept. Here are there, there are grammar and syntax concepts that need to be looked up if you don't understand it, and some circling back to previous points or definitions would have been helpful. This isn't a book you'll be able to read passively and be good overall. Going through examples and making this a study will be the most beneficial use of this resource and your time. Having the benefit of struggling with a group and being dedicated was a huge benefit to me. I also had the benefit of a teacher who was far enough along in seminary and knew Greek well enough to develop the curriculum around the use of this book. So the recommendation and grade should be understood in light of that interaction with the book. Final Grade - B

If you're used to only reading Schaeffer for his apologetics, you are missing out on one of his biggest contributions to Christendom - the encouragement for Christians to make Jesus Christ Lord of all - that also includes in the culture and the arts. During Schaeffer's day, he was the one answering any question thrown at Christianity. He was going to the youth and college students (and they were coming to him). He was an adopter of indie documentaries like "How Should We Then Live?" He would have fit right at home in the online video space. And this book is a prime example of Schaeffer writing succinctly and proficiently. After stating his premise that Christians are to be great artists for the glory of God, Schaeffer splits the book into two parts to make his case. The first part is a look back into the Scriptures to show all the ways art has played a part in the carrying out of God's plan of salvation. It's easy to say that he stays here a bit too long but to not draw on the examples he gives would do a disservice of the purpose of his whole book and premises. Schaeffer points to God being a Creator and us being His image bearers, we can engage in non-idol making art. Art that is not just paintings but architecture, jewlrey, painting, etc. are given. A stellar point of how even the Song of Solomon points Christians to being good romantics and engaging in good sex should not be undersold. All points are reflections back to the main Souce of our Creator. The second part of the book is what most of us are use to today - the call to action. Schaeffer has grounded his call in Scripture and so the motivation in how should we now live becomes one of inspiration and details. Schaeffer doesn't only talk about being good artists but also being good intakers of art. Things like technical abilities should be displayed and those same abilities should be appreciated for it. Of course, Schaeffer has to talk about the worldview being reflected in the art. Amazing points all around for this for those who read Schaeffer for his presuppositional apologetics. Other points worth highlighting is that not all good, Christian art has to be "religious" art. The art can still be Christian art without putting a baby Jesus in it or footprints in the sand. An interesting cultural aspect that Schaeffer discusses is one of how one's culture and society should be seen in the art. The music or the sculpture from Japan is going to be recognized as such because the style and technical aspect that makes the music or sculpture from the UK different. Schaeffer makes some interesting points that are being discussed and debated today. One aspect that I would have liked to have read more on was Schaeffer's take on objective beauty. Beauty is discussed here but I feel like Schaeffer would be able to express a positive case for objective beauty in about six pages (an inflation rate of 120 pages by today's authors). This is a book to pick up and discuss with others. Jesus Christ is Lord of all - even the arts. Christians should have no excuses for making bad art. Final Grade - A-

If you're used to only reading Schaeffer for his apologetics, you are missing out on one of his biggest contributions to Christendom - the encouragement for Christians to make Jesus Christ Lord of all - that also includes in the culture and the arts. During Schaeffer's day, he was the one answering any question thrown at Christianity. He was going to the youth and college students (and they were coming to him). He was an adopter of indie documentaries like "How Should We Then Live?" He would have fit right at home in the online video space. And this book is a prime example of Schaeffer writing succinctly and proficiently. After stating his premise that Christians are to be great artists for the glory of God, Schaeffer splits the book into two parts to make his case. The first part is a look back into the Scriptures to show all the ways art has played a part in the carrying out of God's plan of salvation. It's easy to say that he stays here a bit too long but to not draw on the examples he gives would do a disservice of the purpose of his whole book and premises. Schaeffer points to God being a Creator and us being His image bearers, we can engage in non-idol making art. Art that is not just paintings but architecture, jewlrey, painting, etc. are given. A stellar point of how even the Song of Solomon points Christians to being good romantics and engaging in good sex should not be undersold. All points are reflections back to the main Souce of our Creator. The second part of the book is what most of us are use to today - the call to action. Schaeffer has grounded his call in Scripture and so the motivation in how should we now live becomes one of inspiration and details. Schaeffer doesn't only talk about being good artists but also being good intakers of art. Things like technical abilities should be displayed and those same abilities should be appreciated for it. Of course, Schaeffer has to talk about the worldview being reflected in the art. Amazing points all around for this for those who read Schaeffer for his presuppositional apologetics. Other points worth highlighting is that not all good, Christian art has to be "religious" art. The art can still be Christian art without putting a baby Jesus in it or footprints in the sand. An interesting cultural aspect that Schaeffer discusses is one of how one's culture and society should be seen in the art. The music or the sculpture from Japan is going to be recognized as such because the style and technical aspect that makes the music or sculpture from the UK different. Schaeffer makes some interesting points that are being discussed and debated today. One aspect that I would have liked to have read more on was Schaeffer's take on objective beauty. Beauty is discussed here but I feel like Schaeffer would be able to express a positive case for objective beauty in about six pages (an inflation rate of 120 pages by today's authors). This is a book to pick up and discuss with others. Jesus Christ is Lord of all - even the arts. Christians should have no excuses for making bad art. Final Grade - A-

Ya, again, every time I read anything by Schaeffer, this written in 1970, the more I proclaim him a prophet - in both declaring God's Word and being an onlooker on what the future (our present) needs. It's always a loving, kick in the pants too. That's why I read theology! Schaeffer takes the words of Jesus in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" and runs with it. Schaeffer systematizes all the different details to see here. He looks at being accused by the world by not being loving in a proper way that we are called by God to be loving, by telling what is true on the basis of God's revelation. Then he covers when the world calls us unloving because we are unloving - unloving towards others and especially unloving towards other believers. Schaeffer's very striking point he terms "The Final Apologetic" warns Christians that being truly unloving and having the world see it undermines Christ work so much it would be valid to have the unbelieving world declare "God did not send Jesus Christ into the world as an atonement". Schaeffer is not being harsh, he's being challenging. And when he is challenging, he also shows the other avenues of this passage. The believe will fail and with failure we are able to be forgiven and then go and ask for forgiveness - that too is showing love for others and other believers. Then believers are also called to be forgiving of others especially those seeking forgiveness. He provides a very challenging story of post-WWII Germany of believers on both sides of the line and a truly beautiful story about the redemption Christ provides the world after a monstrosity of hatred and death experienced there. There are so many other points that it would just be the book here instead of the review. So, Christian, go pick this up and be challenged especially with how you respond to others on places like Twitter and especially how you are called to love other believers. Final Grade - A+

Ya, again, every time I read anything by Schaeffer, this written in 1970, the more I proclaim him a prophet - in both declaring God's Word and being an onlooker on what the future (our present) needs. It's always a loving, kick in the pants too. That's why I read theology! Schaeffer takes the words of Jesus in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" and runs with it. Schaeffer systematizes all the different details to see here. He looks at being accused by the world by not being loving in a proper way that we are called by God to be loving, by telling what is true on the basis of God's revelation. Then he covers when the world calls us unloving because we are unloving - unloving towards others and especially unloving towards other believers. Schaeffer's very striking point he terms "The Final Apologetic" warns Christians that being truly unloving and having the world see it undermines Christ work so much it would be valid to have the unbelieving world declare "God did not send Jesus Christ into the world as an atonement". Schaeffer is not being harsh, he's being challenging. And when he is challenging, he also shows the other avenues of this passage. The believe will fail and with failure we are able to be forgiven and then go and ask for forgiveness - that too is showing love for others and other believers. Then believers are also called to be forgiving of others especially those seeking forgiveness. He provides a very challenging story of post-WWII Germany of believers on both sides of the line and a truly beautiful story about the redemption Christ provides the world after a monstrosity of hatred and death experienced there. There are so many other points that it would just be the book here instead of the review. So, Christian, go pick this up and be challenged especially with how you respond to others on places like Twitter and especially how you are called to love other believers. Final Grade - A+

What Butterfield does in this book is not only give the biggest issues with identity and self-deception of sexuality today (2023) but also keeps it Gospel focus - which is the cure. First of all, it has footnotes so it's already riding high. Next, she defines most of her terms right off the bat. I had to remind myself that I already knew a lot on this topic and wanted to read this for the intended audience. There were maybe a few words where I thought it would also be good to include like "gender" in this first chapter. However, she did come to talk about the Freuding influence in mixing up sex and gender which is an important discussion point. The five lies she's identifying in her book are the following: 1) Homosexuality is normal 2) Being a spiritual person is kinder than being a biblical Christian 3) Feminism is good for the world and the Church 4) Transgenderism is normal 5) Modesty is an outdated burden that serves male dominance and holds women back Each topic is molded to a personal story or concerns her personal journey to faith which adds more than just looking at a collection of current event stories to shake your head at. For being at 300 pages, this book does a lot of work in a good amount of time. While this book seems to, at first, be one for a Christian to be informed about the current day issues, this also appears to be targeted at those wanting to see the full, Christian response to the topic at hand. While being spiritual and modesty seem like topics that don't necessarily belong in the camp with the other three, Butterfield does a good job of laying out the throughline that ties them all together. Butterfield is a skilled writer that shows here. You might read familiar passages from her previous books here of her personal story but that's also probably why you've picked up her book too. The solution of the Gospel tend to feel a bit longer in laying out the answer but one has to see that the audience isn't just for Christians but for non-Christians or Christians needing help with providing the world a full answer from a biblical perspective. This was very well done and very well balanced. Butterfield provides enough current events stories to inform someone who hasn't paid attention in the last seven years what the issue is. She gives enough personal anecdotes to provide actual situations that any of us may encounter. She, also, gives a full biblical perspective rooted in the Scripture of how Christians should respond and a worldview of why we shouldn't be surprised this is happening. A good book to mark up and give to others. Final Grade - A

I did not care for Otrland's last book Gentle and Lowly, and with this one he continues to have fine theology but terrible execution just like the last one. There really are some gems of points about the need to continue to hold the importance of justification as not just a one-time thing and dimensions of pruning as opposed to suffering ala James 1. Also, that Christianity cannot be piecemealed out to individual doctrines. However, my goodness, can you write a lot and say nothing. Ortland's prose again is filled with platitudes and not just once or twice per point but several times. There is a lot of "Christianese" in here. He also wrangles in those in Church history. He brings in three people and has to provide you with stories to the quotes he's mining (and not stories that add to what they're saying) to make one point. Fluff writing occurs around good points and the structure suffers for it. By the end of the book you may have gotten some good points (which there absolutely are here) but it took a lot of cotton candy eating to get there. In the final pages (p172-173) he summarized the purpose of each chapter of the book and even that is peppered with it. Chapter 4 is about "drinking down his undeserved love" or Chapter 6 "receive the anguish of this life as the gentle hand of God to help us rather than to punish us". Again, the points are good but you need a toothbrush to get out all that sugar. Deeper, is the name of the book because one has to get about halfway through this book to really start to find elements on the "how to" go deeper. The workbook is also, essentially, questions that are easy enough to ask yourself and could have been added to the book to make it one thing. Again, I tend to be in the minority with Orland's writing but this is a pass. Final Grade - D

Currently I'm leaving aside any discussion on the author or his continuationist ideas, this review is about the book. While there is some good theology and history here, what Sobel attempts to do is tie a lot of saying, allusions, and typologies from the Old Testament into the New Testament. The biggest issue that when Sobel is attempting to tie them together he tends to just make the assertion without actually providing proof that we should view the link or better yet, that the original authors, audience, or speakers would be doing the linking. Discussion on the importance of Jesus doing His first miracle at a wedding is linked as importance to the original created order - but how? Other than the assertion there is no direct link to the first miracle being at a wedding. Some of the worst attempts to link ideas is through kabal-like numerology in counting Hebrew words which can be a thing however, in things like his discussion of John 3, Sobel asserts Hebrew letter numbering when the original text was in Greek. Where is the discussion that we should take the original language, translate it into Hebrew, and then take the importance of the number scale into consideration? Is this what Jesus wants to highlight when He's talking in John 3? There is also a focus on using Yeshua for Jesus and implementing Hebrew terminology throughout the book. This seems more like brand focusing than what's necessary. However, I will say there isn't anything outright heretical here. There is some good points made about faith and sanctification (again, I'm leaving any discussion of continuations out of the discussion and only focusing on the book). More focus could have been done of staying within the Old Testament to show the linking that Sobel is attempting to do. If you're looking for something along those lines G.K. Beale's Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament: Exegesis and Interpretation is a good introductory text into that. I wouldn't recommend this one. Final Grade - D

I am just not having a good year (2023) for modern-era theology books. Once again, this book is solid when it comes to the theology. There was nothing heretical or heterodox or anything along those lines. There is some good coverage on atonement and Messianic fulfillment of Old Testament Scriptures. What caused the nose dive was the organization and the prose. Glodo sets up his premise at the start which is to show the importance of the Aaronic blessing and how it is carried through to ultimate fulfilment of Jesus and His Church. Check. Got it. When I got halfway through the book I found myself lost as to the purpose of the book to the point where I thought I might have skipped over a massive amount of the book that kept tying it back to the purpose. I did not. Glodo seems to want to build off different key points like the importance of God's face or the name being on God's people but he zooms in and out of that point to hit on other parts he wants to teach on. Chapter after chapter go on until I was a quarter left where I wasn't drawn back to the main point of the writing. Again, lots of good and important theology here but he loses the focus or doesn't seem to want to go back to it as his touchpoint. He even, at times, goes back to various words in the blessing but it almost feels like a word study rather than making the point that it's the Aaronic blessing that is that origin source. I will keep the book for citation into points Glodo covers but this is sadly a mess of prose. Final Grade - D

Wow, I was really impressed with this book and Noble's taking on these sensitive issues. This is not a self-help book nor is it a "let go and let God" book. It is not a "name it and claim it" nor is it a "put on sack clothes and ashes it's you're fault" book. What this book is is a needed reminder that life is hard, we can go through hard times and live in hard ways, but God is God who has made promises we can trust and one of those promises is that He loves His children. This is a book about looking at depression, mental illness, panic attacks, or just feeling down through that lens and taking it on with the balance Noble gives it. I was so impressed with the balance here. Noble stands on the line of truth and understanding. He will caution against over-diagnosis but then caution against turning a blind eye to issues that one needs to find help. He tells painful truths like one needs to avoid reveling in the dower nature for the attention of others while also being lovingly kind to people who stay silent to not burden people who need to seek out help from others. The overall arch is that sometimes just doing one little thing, like getting out of bed, is a goal and then you find your next, right thing to do. Noble hangs the truth on a couple of different truths. 1) Being made in the image of God shows like our life is precious, 2) God has made promises we should believe in and one of the ways we can believe them is to show by actively doing so, and 3) we can biblically love ourselves, not in the worldly, superficial way but in the 1 Corinthians 13 way. This is a book that I finished and ordered a physical copy to mark up and lend out to others. I would call this book one of my "reverse highlight" books in that I would have made it through it quicker if I highlighted what I DIDN'T want to pay attention to on quick glance. Noble's care and love for those struggling is evident and not just as someone who puts forward the "I am one of you too" but in the "God is a God who keeps His promises and the ultimate goal is for us keep on living for His glory". I highly recommend this book (I ordered his other two as well because of this). Final Grade - A+