Brief notes on three books I’ve read recently:
Orphanology:
Awakening to GospelCentered Adoption and Orphan Care
Tony Merida and Rick Morton (New Hope Publishers)
My Rating: *****
Christians do not approach orphan care as mere humanitarians but as people adopted by God through the work of Jesus Christ. Orphanology provides the burgeoning orphan care movement with a gospel-centered theological foundation as well as a comprehensive plan for getting involved at many levels, including adoption, orphanage restoration, foster care, and transitional assistance. Between adoption stories, Tony Merida and Rick Morton offer a compelling picture of how the gospel motivates us to action on behalf of the fatherless.
Our Triune God:
Living in the Love of the Three-in-One
Philip Ryken and Michael LeFebvre (Crossway)
My Rating: ****
Our Triune God is a pastoral treatise on the importance of the Trinity for the Christian’s life and faith. The book lays out the biblical support for a Trinitarian view of God, and then delves into practical ramifications. The result is a sustained reflection on the joy of fellowshiping with God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Perspectives on Tithing: Four Views
Edited by David A. Croteau (B&H Academic)
My Rating: ****
Leery of appearing self-serving, many pastors hesitate to preach on giving. However, the fact that the issues surrounding tithes and offerings are controversial is a sign that we need more teaching on this subject, not less. This book provides four evangelical perspectives on the relevance of the tithe for New Covenant Christians. The contributors appeal to Scripture, showing how tithing is described and prescribed. Christians may be divided on whether tithing is mandated today, but the authors are united by a strong desire to honor the Lord in matters of stewardship.
These reviews first appeared in Christianity Today, July 2011.
