Review of D.A. Carson–The Cross and Christian Ministry

Mike Leake

Author: D.A. Carson

Pages: 137

Publisher: Baker

Price: 8.37 USD

Genre: Christian Ministry/Biblical Studies

Quick Summary:

This work by Carson is actually an overhaul of a series of four talks given at the ICAA (International Council of Accrediting Agencies). In it Carson hopes to show what the Cross of Christ means for preaching and ministering. He faithfully exposits the first four chapters of 1 Corinthians and then moves to 1 Corinthians 9:19-27.

Carson’s aim throughout this work is to show the centrality of the Cross in everything we do in ministry. From the central influence that the Cross has on biblical preaching to the mandate the Cross puts on our lives to take the gospel to the nations; Carson faithfully shows that the Cross is (and should remain to be) the center of all Christian ministry.

This book is not only for pastors; it speaks to every Christian in any form of ministry. This book will prove a much needed resource in the ever changing culture in which we live. If Carson’s advice is heeded we will come to believe that the Cross is central (and effective) in whatever generation it is proclaimed. “Christ crucified” is just as much the power of God unto salvation in our day as it was in Paul’s. As Carson says in his preface, this lesson “must be learned afresh by every generation of Christians, or the gospel will be sidelined by assorted fads.” This work by Carson stands in the way of such fad-driven ministries, and faithfully proclaims Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

What I Liked:

As always D.A. Carson does a wonderful job of biblical exposition. He not only teaches on the Cross and Christian leadership, but he faithfully exposits the texts with which he uses. This book could be used as much as a commentary as a book on ministry. Carson is a wonderful example of expository preaching.

Also of importance is the centrality of the Cross that Carson repeatedly lifts up. One will walk away from this book with a new resolve and confidence in proclaiming Christ and Him crucified. Wonderfully woven throughout this work are ministerial gems. Carson grounds everything in the Word and then applies it faithfully; with warnings and encouragements.

What I Disliked:

A better word than dislike would probably be disappointed. My only disapproval of the book is that it is not long enough. Carson has a wealth of insight on the Cross and Christian ministry; I was saddened after each chapter, as well as at the end of the book, that Carson did not share the depth of his insight with us. Nonetheless, it is a must have to any Christian library.
Should You Buy It?

I would most certainly buy a copy of this magazine. It would be especially effective for any young minister or newly appointed Sunday School teacher. A church could easily benefit by having its ministers go through a small group study with this book as its core. Also, I would be remiss if I did not encourage the reader (especially pastors) to pick up a copy of Arturo Azurdia’s Spirit Empowered Preaching as well as Bryan Chapell’s Christ-Centered Preaching.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

DG Pastor’s Conference

Mike Leake

I am very excited about this upcoming week. Early Monday morning my pastor and I will be heading off to the Desiring God Pastor’s Conference. We will be returning late Wednesday evening. I will certainly miss my wife and child but am very happy to be attending. I will be having lunch with David Michael on Tuesday (unless plans change); so, I am very much anticipating that. I will not be at youth group on Wednesday night, Chris will be taking my place again. I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow, and then again later next week. Be praying for safe travel and for the conference. Also, if any fellow bloggers are going send me a comment and let me know you’ll be there.

Review of Richard Sibbes–The Bruised Reed

Mike Leake 1 Comment

Author: Richard Sibbes

Pages: 128

Publisher: Banner of Truth Trust

Price: 5.99 USD

Genre: Puritan Paperbacks

Quick Summary:

On the back cover Martyn Lloyd-Jones comments on this work by saying, “…Richard Sibbes, who was balm to my soul at a period in my life when I was overworked and badly overtired, and therefore subject in an unusual manner to the onslaughts of the devil…I found at that time that Richard Sibbes, who was known in London in the early seventeenth century as ‘The Heavenly Doctor Sibbes” was an unfailing remedy…The Bruised Reed…quietened, soothed, comforted, encouraged and healed me”. Even if our situation is not as dire as Lloyd-Jones, Sibbes’ work will still prove to be balm to the soul.

In this excellent work Sibbes concerns himself with mining the depths of Isaiah 42:1-3. He skillfully teaches us about bruised reeds, smoking flax, and Christ’s victorious government. This work will prove helpful to pastors and lay persons alike. For the struggling believer it will comfort and calm your doubting. It will remind you of the mercy of Christ and leave you in the arms of our gracious Savior. Sibbes continuously reminds us that, “there is more mercy in Christ than sin in us”. (13)

This work will also be highly beneficial for the pastor. Sibbes is a wonderful example of the grace and mercy that a minister of Christ ought to be; it is no wonder he was called the “sweet dropper”. The minister will be reminded by Sibbes not to, “pitch matters to high” (26) nor to “kill a fly on the forehead with a mallet” (30).

Ministers and layperson alike are continuously brought to the foot of the Cross in this beautiful work by Sibbes. It has proved for centuries to be a “balm to souls” and will probably be so until the gracious Savior that it represents returns in victory.

What I Enjoyed:

Everything would be an overly simplistic, yet true, answer. Therefore, it would be most beneficial to say what I enjoyed the most. This book is very Christ-centered, that is sweet refreshment compared to the mounds of man-exalting literature of our day. Sibbes does a marvelous job of setting up for us to view Jesus Christ, the Crucified and Risen One. As Sibbes points us to the Cross, he brings out of that three profound applications: that Christ mercy is full, we should be merciful, and Christ will reign victorious.

If you find yourself discouraged Sibbes will point you to the Cross and therein give you profound encouragement. If you find yourself bitter, harsh, or arrogant towards others, then Sibbes will hold your hand to the Cross and remind you of our Saviors grand mercy. If you are in despair over your remaining corruption, Sibbes will cast a vision of the victory of the Cross and pull you out of despair. Jesus is truly exalted in this work.

What I Disliked:

Honestly, there is nothing in this book that I disliked. If I had one complaint it would be that I have finished reading the book, I want to sit further under Sibbes teaching.

Should You Buy It?

Absolutely. I would suggest buying one for yourself; one for your spouse and each child; one for each person in your neighborhood; one for each member of your church; and just in case, you should buy one for your dog.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Check it out at Amazon.com–Be sure to say whether it was helpful or not.