Counterfeit Grace by Joseph Prince

Counterfeit Grace
by Joseph Prince

ISBN-13: 9789811417610
Paperback: 86 pages
Publisher: Media Pte
Released: 2019

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
For there to be a counterfeit, there has to be a true and genuine grace. True grace transforms lives. It saves and liberates people. It breaks bondages and has the power to help us live a victorious, God-glorifying life. Because of this, the enemy has thrown up many controversies and misconceptions surrounding grace. Find out what true grace is, and what it is not. Delve into Scripture to uncover much-needed answers to questions like: Does grace give people a license to sin? Does grace mean everyone is automatically saved? Does being under grace mean I no longer have to confess my sins? Is holiness important under grace?


My Review:
Counterfeit Grace looks at what the Bible has to say about grace to counter wrong ideas about grace, like grace means people are free to sin. The author answers common objections to teaching about God's grace. His answers were clear, Bible-based, and didn't take long to read. This is a good book for anyone, but especially to help legalistic Christians to better understand true grace as taught in the bible.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

NKJV, Word Study Reference Bible

NKJV, Word Study Reference Bible

ISBN-13: 9780785292784
Hardcover: 1952 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Released: Jan. 17, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
The NKJV Word Study Reference Bible balances deep study of the biblical languages with clear application to help transform the way you live. Includes in-text subheadings and 2,000 easy-to-use word studies with select Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek words explained in every chapter from Genesis to Revelation. Topic-by-Topic studies give a practical framework for understanding scripture, along with more helpful resources.


My Review:
This is a New King James version of the Bible with the typical study Bible resources, like cross-references and maps. Some words in the verses were underlined, with a nearby box briefly explaining the meaning of the word and how it's used here and other places. Since they only address the selected words once in detail, often you're simply told where the word meaning box is located. Some of these word meanings did help clarify the word's meaning in English (for words that don't translate well), but others didn't really add much as the meaning seemed clear to me in context or the comments weren't clear because they tried to cover all the ways it's used rather than just the current context.

Many pages also had a box with a short commentary covering a verse or two from that page. The commentary sometimes covered verses that could be confusing and added insights toward understanding. Other times, the commentary pointed out ongoing themes in the Bible, especially Old Testament problems that are solved in Jesus in the New Testament. The commentary wasn't difficult to understand. It didn't directly address controversial topics, but it implied that God really did create everything, Noah's flood did happen, and people were scattered after the languages were confused at Babel. I agreed with the (conservative) theology present in the commentary. Overall, this could be a useful study Bible.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

50 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know

50 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know

ISBN-13: 9781496481948
14 pages
Publisher: Rose Publishing
Released: June 6, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Amen! We often end our prayers with this ancient Hebrew word, but what does it really mean? Shalom, another common Hebrew word, is usually translated as “peace,” yet it infers so much more! 50 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know is a treasure trove of information that helps readers explore the Hebrew meaning of important words in the Old Testament. Straightforward and accessible, this reference pamphlet and Bible-study aid offers the basics in each English transliteration and Hebrew spelling, a key Scripture, pronunciation and definition, a short explanation, and relevant Scripture references.

Sharpen your Bible knowledge by mining interesting facts and fresh, nuanced meanings that we often miss in our English translations. The compact pamphlet format is perfect for tucking into your Bible or sharing with your Bible study companions.

Enjoy having an easy-to-use Bible reference source you can carry with you or hand to a friend. Learn how to pronounce, define, and understand Hebrew words like: Amen (surely, so be it, etc.)
Halal (praise, boast)
Ruach (spirit, breath, wind)
Satan (adversary, opponent, and more)
YHWH (personal name of God)


Includes 6 full-color charts with easy-to-read headers and summaries that are designed to help you find all the information you need at a glance.


My Review:
This is basically a chart format containing 50 common Hebrew words. The first column is the English transliteration of the Hebrew word (listed in alphabetical order), how to pronounce it, and the word in Hebrew. The second column is a brief definition of the word. The third column is one verse where the word is used and under that are a few more Scripture references for the word that you can look up. The final column provides insights: basically a paragraph-long word study on how it's used in the Bible and related words that might provide deeper understanding. This isn't an in-depth study on these words or even devotional-style insights as it's too brief. But it is a beginning point for some word studies and a quick way to learn a bit more about these common words.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Justification by Thomas R. Schreiner

Justification
by Thomas R. Schreiner

ISBN-13: 9781433575730
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Crossway
Released: June 6, 2023

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
When we see the fallenness of the world, it is often challenging to understand how sinners can stand before a holy God, but the gospel gives hope―justification that comes through Jesus Christ. This doctrine is essential to the gospel but has sparked countless academic and theological disagreements throughout church history, even contributing to the Protestant Reformation in the sixteenth century.

Thomas R. Schreiner examines the biblical and historical background of the doctrine of justification. Schreiner explores it throughout church history and analyzes both the Old and New Testament teachings. By examining the relationship between justification and other doctrines of salvation―such as redemption, reconciliation, adoption, and sanctification―Schreiner shows how it gives peace, assurance, and joy to sinners through Jesus and hope for life today.

Designed to be short and approachable, this text is an ideal resource for college students, pastors, and thoughtful laypeople.


My Review:
Justification searches throughout the whole Bible to explore what is said about justification. This is somewhat more academic in tone, but it's not difficult to follow his points. His basic premise is that we shouldn't limit ourselves to a word study on "justification" but should also look for where the concept is discussed, both in the Old and New Testament. This book isn't intended to show every example but simply shows that the concept is present throughout and what is meant by "justification." He also talked about how various Christians talked about justification during the early church period. I felt that the author clearly made his points and convinced me of his points. Overall, I'd recommend this book to Christians who want a better understanding of what justification means.

The author shows that "justification through faith alone by grace alone is not restricted to Paul, nor did it begin with Paul" (from page 41). He also demonstrated that "...it has to do with the law court, that it means that God as the judge declares sinners to be not guilty. The word 'justify' doesn't mean 'make righteous' but 'declare righteous'" (from page 73).

Also, from page 71, "All [people] sin, and thus no one can put God in their debt. No one faithfully serves God by their labor. Thus, the only hope is for God to justify the ungodly, and he does so for those who put their faith in Christ Jesus, and Jesus's atoning death satisfies God's justice and holiness. Justification is a gift, but it is based on Christ's sacrifice where he takes the wrath of God on himself for our sake and our salvation (Rom. 3:25-26)....If righteousness is obtained through keeping the law, then salvation is no longer based on God's promise and faith is emptied of its significance and distinctiveness....Works call attention to what human beings achieve, but faith looks to what God in Christ has done....Righteousness doesn't come by achieving but believing, not by doing but by resting in God's promises, not by performing but by trusting in Christ."


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Worthy by Sinclair B. Ferguson

Worthy: Living in Light of the Gospel
by Sinclair B. Ferguson

ISBN-13: 9781433583179
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Crossway
Released: May 3, 2023

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
While Jesus offers forgiveness for believers who sin, Scripture makes it clear that Christians are to pursue obedience and holiness. So what does it mean to walk in a manner that’s “worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil. 1:27), and how should that look in the life of a Christ follower?

In this short, accessible guide, theologian Sinclair Ferguson explains the importance of living worthy of the gospel, why the principle is often forgotten, and how it’s cultivated. Clarifying the difference between biblical obedience and legalism, Ferguson exhorts believers to pursue Christlikeness, offering practical examples from Scripture.


My Review:
Worthy talked about how we live in response to the good news of the gospel. From page 3, "So the gospel teaches us we are unworthy. We are saved by grace, not by worth. Yet Paul prioritized our responsibility to live in a worthy manner" (page 3).

The author started by explaining why this doesn't mean legalism and that the original word translated "worthy" in Phil. 1:27 means "in keeping with." "Such a life takes on a character that reflects the character of the Lord Jesus Christ" (page 8). And "...knowing Christ as Savior and knowing him as Lord can never be separated; nor can justification and sanctification" (page 7). He talked about how people in the USA hear his Scottish accent and know he's not from around here. Likewise, "...their real citizenship was in the kingdom of God; they should live that out....and if they did, people...would find themselves asking: 'Where are you really from? There's something about you...'" (page 13).

He also looked at Greek grammar and showed how we often get the fact and the command backwards. In the Bible, we're given a fact and the command flows from that fact. Not 'do your best' (command) leading to 'then God will save you' (fact) but the fact that "'Christ died for our sins' (1 Cor. 15:3), leads to the command, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved' (Acts 16.31)" from page 25. Anyway, I found that part very interesting and not difficult to follow, though it's hard to summarize. Overall, I found it very easy to follow the points that the author was making, and it's in a conversational tone. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in pursuing Christlikeness.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Awe of God by John Bevere

The Awe of God
by John Bevere

ISBN-13: 1400336708
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Released: February 21, 2023

Source: review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Fearing God is very different than being afraid of God. John Bevere invites you to take a fresh look at what it means to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. This healthy, holy, and largely forgotten virtue is the uncommon path to a more fulfilled and fruitful life. The Awe of God was designed to be read slowly and intentionally. At the end of each of the 42 chapters are five tools to help you deepen your understanding and apply what the Spirit of God is teaching you. With this compelling and convicting message, you can experience a revival in your relationship with God, whether you're new to following Him or have walked with Him for most of your life.


My Review:
I've really, truly tried to finish this book, but I just couldn't get past 72%. It started okay. Basically, holy fear is deep respect of God; taking Him seriously in our lives. It draws us to God. In his words, from page 13, "Holy fear is not to be scared of God and thereby withdrawing from Him. It is to be terrified of being away from Him." The author talked about things like fearing God more than fearing man. Then I read Week 4 (each chapter is a "day" so it can be read like a devotional, if desired).

After reading the 7 chapters of week 4, I thought, "that sure sounds exhausting. How can he ever be sure he's doing enough?" The author tended to focus on a person's outward action as the problem rather than on their attitude. For example, chapter 23 was the need to obey God immediately. Ok, but most people don't have God speak audibly to them or have a known prophet of God come up to tell them God's wishes (as in the examples he uses). If I stop to make sure it's really God's prompting, did I instead wait too long? Or since you have to obey God completely or you're counted as in rebellion against God, can you ever stop? What if it wasn't enough? (He seems to miss that Saul's action reflected a rebellious heart, and that was the true problem.)

The author's message now came across to me as, 'Unless you put God first and you act in complete obedience, you miss out. God won't use you or be your friend.' And you can't complain mentally, either, even if it doesn't make sense or is painful. He misses that the core problem of the Israelites during the Exodus was ingratitude (instead of focusing on God's continuing protection and provision, they focused on things they felt they lacked and judged God). And Jesus was perfectly obedient and without sin, but he asked to not have to die on the cross. The holy fear comes in with the 'but not my will...'

So, anyway, we then get to the benefits of fearing God: we're His friend. The author apparently thinks this means that God comes to us for advice when He's undecided about something. He cites Genesis 18, when Abraham intercedes for the righteous people in Sodom, that the five cities be spared judgment if only __ righteous people are found. From page 204, "He (God) most likely responded, "Excellent point! Okay, I'll not destroy the two cities if there are fifty righteous people there. I'm so glad I talked to my friend Abraham." and "...[Abraham] helps God decide how He's going to do it." Yes, the author actual thinks God didn't already know He'd only save Lot's family from the destruction. He came to Abraham to allow him to declare God as just and to show his concern for others, not because God wanted Abraham's opinion. Maybe the rest of the book is great, but I just can't read anymore of it.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

ESV Expository Commentary (Volume 5): Psalms-Song of Solomon

ESV Expository Commentary (Volume 5): Psalms-Song of Solomon
by C. John Collins (Psalms),
Ryan Patrick O'Dowd (Proverbs),
Max Rogland (Ecclesiastes),
Douglas Sean O'Donnell (Song of Solomon)

ISBN-13: 9781433546440
Hardcover: 1216 pages
Publisher: Crossway
Released: September 6th 2022

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
A Passage-by-Passage Commentary on Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Designed to strengthen the global church with a widely accessible, theologically sound, and pastorally wise resource for understanding and applying the overarching storyline of the Bible, the ESV Expository Commentary features the full text of the ESV Bible passage by passage, with crisp and theologically rich exposition and application. This commentary's contributors include:

C. John Collins (Psalms)
Ryan Patrick O'Dowd (Proverbs)
Max Rogland (Ecclesiastes)
Douglas Sean O'Donnell (Song of Solomon)

This book features passage-by-passage commentary on the books of Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, taking a biblical-theological and broadly Reformed approach to interpreting and applying the text. It includes introductions to each book featuring an outline, key themes, author and date information, literary features, relationship to the rest of the Bible, and interpretive challenges.


My Review:
This is a (huge) commentary on Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. Each book first had an introduction section about when and who wrote the book along with the major themes. Then (going passage by passage) the section of text to be commented on was provided in the ESV version and the commentary followed. Each book was commented on by a different person. The first three were more academic in tone while the last was more conversational in the word choice and tone.

Psalms (which takes up over half of the book) is overly thorough. It has the usual overview of the book or the psalm and examined things like the meaning of questionable words. But it hasn't really improved my understanding of the Psalms. I felt like this was more focused on academic debates. For example, Psalm 1 verse 3 refers to "streams of water." The commentary explained a debate about if the stream is natural or artificial (a canal) based on the word used, though they admitted that it doesn't matter to the meaning of the psalm whether the stream is natural or not. So it's a lot of reading with little of it about improving my understanding and more about side issues (like assuring women that a promise to "a man" also applies to women).

Proverbs was basically a mini-sermon for each group of verses. The commentator linked in related verses from both the Old and New Testament but seemed more interested in telling the reader what to think about the theme in those verses than simply helping the reader to understand the words and context.

Ecclesiastes was still academic enough in tone that it wasn't a quick read, but the commentator did explain passages so the reader can better understand the intent of the writer.

Song of Solomon was much easier to read and did help the reader follow what was going on. The commentator interpreted the action as happening to a generic woman and man (her "king" rather than Solomon) as well as pointing toward the churches relationship with Christ.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.