Book Notes
by Rev. William Shishko
Extracted from Ordained Servant vol. 6, no. 1 (January 1997)
With the recent fracas over the highly controversial statement entitled “Evangelicals and Catholics Together” a number of excellent volumes have become available to help remind us of the errors and dangers of Romanism. Roman Catholicism: Evangelical Protestants Analyze What Divides and Unites Us, John Armstrong, General Editor (Moody) is a comprehensive overview of historical and theological issues, followed by especially helpful units on common ground between the two great Christian traditions and thoughts on prospects for the future. Contributions by W. Robert Godfrey, Robert Strimple, D. Clair Davis, Alister McGrath, Michael Horton, and many others make this an important volume for pastors. The Church of Rome at the Bar of History, William Webster (Banner of Truth Trust) is a more in depth treatment of Rome’s distinctive teachings as contrasted with the Word of God. Salvation, The Bible, and Roman Catholicism by the same author and publishing company is an eminently popular and irenic presentation of the same theme, but designed virtually as an evangelistic tool for use with Roman Catholics. I highly recommend it for use in church tract ministries. Sola Scriptura, Don Kistler, General Editor (Soli Deo Gloria) is the first volume in many years that deals with this too much neglected Reformation theme. Selections by Robert Godfrey, R. C. Sproul, John Armstrong, John MacArthur, Sinclair Ferguson and others make this another valuable resource for the pastor’s library, and rich with seed thoughts for Reformation Day sermons. Pay attention to the article by James White ("Sola Scriptura and the Early Church"). White is a very accomplished and articulate apologist, and his material is of value to all who want to effectively “give a reason for that hope that lies within them” (I Peter 3:15)
The Reformation of Worship is an especially serious concern in our day of liturgical innovation and enthronement of the contemporary in the place of that which God prescribes for His worship. From Generation to Generation, John H. Leith (Westminster) opens up insights into church renewal from the perspective of one who has a good grasp of the historical tradition of Calvinism. Chapters include “The Church and Ministry", “Preaching", Teaching", and “Pastoral Care". Leading in Prayer: A Workbook for Worship, Hughes Oliphant Old (Eerdmans) is a complementary volume which gives insight into the elements of worship as understood in the Reformed tradition, and also serves as a practical guide to ministers as they prepare weekly worship services.
Popular helps on the subject of Biblical Churchmanship are always welcome for use in membership preparation classes, and for periodic treatments in Adult Sunday School Classes. Life in the Father’s House, Wayne A. Mack and David Swavely. (Presbyterian and Reformed) treats the concept of church membership, then opens up the standard areas of service, preserving unity in the body, mutual congregational responsibilities, etc. How to Behave in Church: A Guide to Church Life, Peter Jeffery (Evangelical Press) opens up the themes of 1 Timothy in a simple but very helpful manner. Jeffery’s volumes are of great use especially for young Christians. Both volumes treat the church from a baptistic perspective, however, so they will offer little to no help in the important question of the place of our covenant children in church life.
Two volumes on Biblical History & Geography will be helpful for church libraries and pastor’s reference shelves. Understanding the Land of the Bible, by O. Palmer Robertson (Presb. & Ref. Pub), integrates a basic historical geography of the land of Israel with the biblical theological themes connected with them. This is a uniquely valuable resource because of the theological competence of the author. Gateway to the Old Testament, by Noel Weeks (Banner of Truth) offers a thematic survey of the whole Old Testament with greatest attention to portions of the Pentateuch. Both of these comparatively inexpensive works will bring rich dividends for Sunday School classes and background work in sermon preparation.
Rev. William Shishko
William Shishko is pastor of Franklin Square OPC, Franklin Square, New York.