This is one of those books that everyone interested in the Doctrines of Grace should read--at least once. It gives a very nice synopsis of the historical events leading up to the Synod of Dort in its "Introductory Essay." Much light is shown upon the career of Jacob Arminius and the rise of Arminianism. The actual findings of the Synod (the so-called "Articles" or "Canons" of Dort) are also quite interesting. It consists of five chapters, each one answering one of the five assertions that had been published by the Arminians in their "Remonstrance." These five answers to Arminian error gave birth historically to what we know today as the "5 points of Calvinism." I'll readily admit that this book is not the most exciting reading, but if you want a look at your theological roots, you need to read it.

This is Jerry's newest book, which he acknowledges is "Gospel 101". That is, it's just a simple, clear and straightforward presentation of the Gospel and how it impacts our lives. Topics such as Justification, the Atonement, Reconciliation, Sanctification, etc., are presented in an easy-to-understand manner. If you would a book to place in the hands of a lost friend that cuts right to the heart of what salvation and life in Christ is all about, I would highly recommend this title for your consideration.

I just had to throw this one in! This booklet is based upon an exposition of Rom. 9 by the well-known Memphis pastor. Although he makes some few key observations that are important, the main agenda of this booklet is to deny the absolute Sovereignty of God in salvation. Admittedly, there are many difficulties with which we must wrestle in dealing with this difficult subject. But, surely, there are better ways of resolving these problems than by resorting to such shaky and erroneous interpretations as Rogers gives in this booklet!

Available from Love Worth Finding

Although Hugh Ross's name is anathema in many Creationist circles (he's an 'old-earth' creationist), I've always enjoyed his scholarly approach to the discussion of origins. In this work he seeks to set forth the multi-dimensional nature of the present Universe, and seeks to find answers for Biblical paradoxes in these extra-dimensions. I didn't enjoy this book as much as I have some of his others. First, the book is rather difficult to understand. I have trouble thinking in the dimensions I face every day, let alone visualizing a few more! Second, it seems to me that Ross is trying to set forth a physical explanation for spiritual phenomena. I don't think certain doctrines, such as the Triunity of God, the Sovereignty/Responsibility question, etc., will ever be settled merely by resorting to extra dimensions as the answer.

This book seeks to address the phenomena of UFOs, close-encounters, alien abductions, etc., from a Christian perspective. I've not finished it yet, but it's a fascinating read. It reviews the history of this phenomena and of attempts to understand it. Rather than being filled with fantastic anecdotes, it looks at the whole question from a rigidly scientific point of view and then seeks to draw conclusions from the data. If this is an area of fascination for you--and it is for me--I highly recommend the book!

This fairly short (117 pgs.) work attempts to set forth the abiding validity of the "Moral Law of God" as found in the Ten Commandments of the Mosaic covenant. There are a number of things I can appreciate about this book. First, Barcellos makes clear that if God is a moral God, Whose morality cannot change, then what is God's moral imperatives upon some must be the same for all and at all times. I can appreciate this cry against "antinomianism". I also appreciate the "spirit" in which the work is done.

This is a good, accurate and readable (260 pgs.) account of the Battle of Gettysburg, as related by one of Memphis' own sons. It will interest any and all of you who long to know more about this epoch in our nation's history. Though Foote is personally favorable to the Union side in this war, this work simply lays out the details of the battle matter-of-factly with no sermonizing about who was right or wrong.

Barry loaned me this book about 3/4ths of the way through my recent series of sermons on the same subject. I wished I'd had it earlier, as Pink, as always, makes a number of relevant observations concerning this matter. Again, this is a fairly small, readable book that will edify anyone interested in a better understanding of what transpired at the cross of our Lord.

I did a lot of reading about Calvin in preparation for the Tues. PM class. At some point, I noticed that I had this particular book in my personal library, and that I had never read it. It turns out to be a highly readable and informative work. I found here what I also found in various histories, but related in a more readable style. Further, I found material here I found no where else. The more I study Calvin, the more amazed I am at this remarkable servant of God.

Just after Pearl Harbor, about 2000 citizens of the nations at war with Japan, residing in China, were herded into a compound and held there--most until the war's end. They ranged from businessmen, bankers, missionaries, teachers, and prostitutes. Gilkey, one of these internees, kept a diary chronicling the attempt to bring some sense of civilization and order to this cross section of humanity. It is one of the most fascinating accounts I have ever read, and I highly recommend it to one and all!

The sequel to this book is:
The Darwin Awards II: Unnatural Selection

Anyone who has e-mail has probably already been entertained by the Darwin Awards, honors that stand out from the miasma of e-humor for several reasons: they are often genuinely hilarious and they are supposedly true. For those unfamiliar with these awards, they are given to people, mostly now deceased, whose actions reveal an astounding lack of common sense. The awards go only to those who have either died or rendered themselves unable to breed, confirming Darwin's belief in the survival of the fittest. Among the winners: terrorists who set their bombs on daylight saving time and delivered them on standard time, thus blowing themselves up; and a lawyer who crashed through a skyscraper window while demonstrating its safety.

A wonderful account of a seven-year old boy’s experiences while growing up on a cotton farm in Arkansas during the early 1950s. It brought back many memories for me. My wife read it and complained that the story moved too slowly. I replied that if you really wanted to see "slowly", you should have actually been on a farm in those days! I don’t remember it being nearly as fast-paced or as exciting as what Grisham relates. If you grew up on a farm, you’ll love it; if not, I’m not so sure!

Pastor Tom Wells of Kings Chapel, Cincinnatti, Ohio, is a collector of P.G. Wodehouse’s books. During a recent visit in his home, Tom kindly slipped me this book (a duplicate of one already in his collection). No doubt he was attempting to get me addicted to Wodehouse as well. I can’t say that I’m hooked, but the guy can certainly spin a wonderful and wacky yarn, if this book is a representative sample! Wodehouse’s command of the English language is quite remarkable, and makes me feel even more like the unschooled, country-bumpkin I am! By the way, Tom will be the speaker at our Spring Bible Conference held May 10-12.

A rough and raw account of a British Special Ops team inserted into Iraq during the Gulf War. The sheer stamina and toughness of these men blew me away. I’ll warn you that it contains some cursing and vile language (Noel, who gave this to me, was kind enough to go through it and ‘white-out’ the bad language. But with a mind as wicked as mine, I’m not sure that helped!) These guys are certainly not the most moral and upright of men. They are the warriors of our day, trained to do the "dirty work" of war—and they are very, very good at what they do!

This is the definitive study of the "mountain man" era in the old west. Having lived in Wyoming and heard many stories of their exploits, I’ve long been fascinated by this very different "breed of cat". Utley’s book covers it all in great detail. My only complaint is that the way he unfolds his material sometimes left me confused. Maybe that’s just because of the way these men’s lives crossed and intertwined with each other. There may well be no better way to unfold their history. Even so, it’s a book that begs for a second reading. I think I could make a lot more sense of it the second time around.

A very good analysis of the way men’s minds work and why they work the way they do. The book lays out the intimate thought life of a man in a very clear fashion and then dissects and analyses it in a helpful way. It’s especially written with the Christian in mind, and seeks to set before us a Christ-centered, Biblical model of male behavior. Extremely valuable and helpful for every man, and also for the poor woman who’s trying desperately to understand her man.

If you can get past a pastor with the name of "Ichabod", you’ll find a real treasure here. The author pastored the Second Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn, New York during the mid-1800s, and was known as "the Bunyan of Brooklyn". His "sketches" are a collection of anecdotes and conversations involving his attempts at directing the lost to faith in Christ. It addresses a wide variety of objections, obstacles and hindrances with which the sinner wrestles prior to conversion. Sadly, the book reminded me of a day—long gone—when even lost men had a great deal of knowledge about the scriptures and Gospel truth.

Available from HeritageBooks.org