Very Helpful Books

I've had the opportunity in the past month or so to preach a couple of times at my church. On Wednesday nights, we are going through various parts of the Sermon on the Mount, Matt. 5-7. My texts have been Matt. 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart...", and Matt.5:13-16, where Jesus calls Christians salt and light.

As always, it is very refreshing to dig into Scripture in such a focused way. I have had several great aids in the form of books / commentaries.

Martyn Lloyd Jones preached for many, many months through the Sermon on the Mount, and these sermons are in book form. This has long been lauded as a modern-day Christian classic, and now I finally see why. This book is penetrating and masterful in dealing with the teaching of Jesus. It is a new favorite and I heartily (with all my heart; from the heart of my bottom) recommend it to all.

D.A. Carson rarely, if ever, disappoints. Almost 30 years ago, he wrote "An Evangelical Exposition of the Sermon on the Mount." This book is also very, very good. Carson is an excellent interpreter of Scripture and is very good in illustration and application as well.

I also relied a good bit on John Stott's exposition of the Sermon and on Kent Hughes, pastor at College Church in Wheaton, whose printed sermons are very helpful, especially for inexperienced preachers like me.

And, finally, for those eager to get the audio of my two sermons, I am in talks with Ligonier and Desiring God about putting together a collector's edition 'set', which promises to be released at a reasonable price soon.

I Loved Jerry Falwell

Yeah, so I’m late. But I’d still like to pay tribute to the man who founded my alma mater and who loved Jesus Christ.

It’s basically true – folks either loathed Jerry or appreciated and loved him. Christians are no exception. A few Wednesday nights ago, when my pastor asked me about Jerry’s passing, a brother who was listening quickly voiced his overall disapproval with Jerry Falwell. I don’t remember his words, but I gathered that he thought of Jerry as more of a hindrance to the advancement of the Gospel than a help.

And, in the judgment of charity (although, at the time I was a little put off), I must say that I probably would have a few negative things to say at the death of Jerry Falwell too….had I never attended Liberty University.

I’ve become territorial now that my College Chancellor has left this world. Strange thing, maybe. I’m no Johnny-come-lately when it comes to criticizing Falwell’s theology or his appointments of seminary deans.

But, a few things place me squarely in the camp of Falwell admirers.

#1 - Jerry Falwell’s life was an outworking of his childlike love and passion for Jesus Christ. Yeah, he had that ‘swagger’ before the public eye that could be interpreted as crass Christian triumphalism. But, much of that was boldness borne out of a robust fear of God – not man. He was a man of integrity. He was not, in my opinion, a great theologian or a great expositor. He was a gifted speaker and motivator who always preached the exclusivity of Christ. For my Reformed brothers, don’t forget that it was F. Schaeffer who ‘nudged’ Jerry into the public square to bring Evangelicals out from behind 13 levels of separation from the world.

#2 – Jerry Falwell was truly loved by thousands upon thousands of those who had any acquaintance with him. Jerry was a pastor of a church, and he possessed rare pastoral qualities. He loved his people. He loved his students. He continued to perform weddings regularly until the end of his ministry, he spoke as a man who knew the human condition, he had a remarkable memory and capacity for names, and many other endearing characteristics. People listen to someone they love and trust. I am thankful to the Lord for the life and ministry of Jerry Falwell. Excellent tributes and commentary on this Christ-like man can be found in World magazine (find part of it here) and at Al Mohler’s website (here) and radio program (both from a few weeks ago).

John Turns 26!

Thursday, June 14 is John's birthday!

The man who has earned every bit of my respect
and won every inch of my heart.

Happy 26th birthday John!