09 December, 2012

The Truth About the Lordship of Christ, by John MacArthur

This book is second in a series titled "The Truth About", in which Pastor John MacArthur wisely unpacks biblical doctrines essential to confident and God-glorifying Christian living. In it we study the Lordship of Christ.

I love how chapter one begins:
"Christians have many reasons for rejoicing. The primary one is based on who God is - He is sovereign. That is the single greatest truth about God. Nothing is outside His control, and He controls everything to work out ultimately for our good."

Pastor MacArthur then continues a paragraph later, "The believer who doesn't live in the confidence of God's sovereignty will lack his peace and be left to the chaos of a troubled heart. But our confident trust in The Lord will allow us to thank Him in the midst of trials because we have God's peace on duty to protect our hearts and minds."

This little book delves into practical application of this essential theological truth. It teaches how God is both Lord of the Universe AND Lord of our lives. Incredible! Pastor MacArthur guides us to see its application in daily submission, holy living, confession and restoration. Then he ties it all up be redirecting our focus to our ultimate destination - with our King, Lord Jesus, who reigns forever and ever.

*This book was gratefully received by me from Thomas Nelson in exchange for this unbiased review. I am thankful to be part of their BookSneeze program.

04 April, 2012

Then Sings My Soul

I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers so that I could review it. I'm so excited about it! Similar in look and theme as the previous hymn story books, each short chapter gives a specific hymn and then gives the background behind it and tells us of the author.

I was captivated my many included in this particular edition. The well-known hymn "It is Well With My Soul" is highlighted, as well as some newer and much-loved hymns by current writers such as the Gettys' "In Christ Alone."

I appreciate how value was given to newer authors as well as to those of generations past because I fear that too often the approach is that only one or the other are an asset and encouragement to today's believer (depending on the circle you run in!). All hymns that ring pure in doctrine and biblical truth are worthwhile and wonderful and I'm so glad the authors captured that with this edition!