The Glory of Penal Substitution

There is a big push away from the Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA) of Christ in many Emergent and even Evangelical circles. This doctrine simply states that Jesus Christ, in his death on the cross, was not only our substitute on the cross but also paid the penalty of sin for us, taking upon himself the wrath of God that we deserved.

Many have called this an unloving doctrine and some have even gone so far as to say PSA is a form of ‘cosmic child abuse’.

Growing up in a PCA church and in a conservative, biblically-minded family, I have always thought this was just a doctrine that was understood as a universal truth in Christianity. There is just too much Scripture to dispute PSA. However, as I have said, there are many who are in dispute - from Brian McLaren to Steve Chalke to William P. Young (author of The Shack).

So, I have borrowed Jeffery, Ovey, and Sach’s Pierced for Our Transgressions: Rediscovering the Glory of Penal Substitution from my boss to better educate myself on PSA. From the outset, I can tell this is going to be a great read. These authors have apparently covered every base. Not only are they prepared to back up the doctrine of PSA with Scripture, but they are prepared to present each dispute against PSA and offer a Scriptural rebuttal. So far I am only in chapter two, as it is a lengthy chapter, but I have already learned so much. I have been taken through an Old Testament tour of PSA, found in the Exodus, Leviticus, and Isaiah.

I wish I had time to give a full review of this title, but I will be posting some of my favorite quotes from the book along the way.

At the first Passover, the Jewish people were delivered not only from the tyranny of Pharaoh, but also from the judgment of God on their idolatry. It was through the substitutionary death of a lamb, whose blood marked out the Israelite households, that their firstborn sons were spared. These events occurred at a key turning point in salvation history, and were integral in God’s faithfulness to his covenant with Abraham. Moreover, the ongoing celebration of the Passover served to implant the notion of salvation through penal sacrifice in every faithful Israelite mind. The New Testament writers see Jesus’ death as the fulfillment of the Passover: he suffered in the place of his people in order that they might be marked out by his blood and thus spared from God’s wrath.

(pp. 41, 42)

Book review: 'It Happened One Autumn' by Lisa Kleypas

When Lillian Bowman and Marcus, Lord Westcliff meet each other first in Lisa Kleypas’s Secrets of A Summer Night, their dislike for each other is palpable. Lillian finds Marcus arrogant, haughty and boring; Marcus views Lillian as loud-mouthed and improper. And Marcus doesn’t hesitate to quickly lump her in with friend and fellow wallflower Annabelle as little more than a “husband hunter” — one of the countless women on a quest to marry a rich, titled Englishman, no matter the cost.

But things change in It Happened One Autumn, the second book in Kleypas’s Wallflowers series. As Lillian — the daughter of a wealthy Americans who made their fortune in the soap industry, but lack the “blue blood” so demanded to be accepted in privileged circles — returns to Westcliff’s Stony Cross Park with her family, she begins to see Marcus more in his natural element . . . and, in turn, he begins to let his guard down. While the two first avoid one another in mutual annoyance, Marcus surprises Lillian and her sister Daisy by joining them in a game of rounders. Shocked that Marcus could have fun for even one moment, Lillian’s surprise gives way to interest . . . and quickly to infatuation. Marcus returns the sentiments, though he adamently refuses to acknowledge them. Until . . . one kiss from Lillian keeps Marcus up at night, wondering how he could possibly have feeling for someone he despised just days ago. Until . . . another wealthy suitor shows an avid interest in her — and she in him, hoping to get her parents’ demands that she marry a wealthy man off her shoulders. And until Marcus realizes he could lose her forever — if he doesn’t just lose that stodgy, straight-lipped English demeanor and do something about his feelings.

Like Secrets Of A Summer Night, I really got into this story. I never thought I would be so into historical romance, but this series has totally changed my opinion of what a great romance novel should be. I loved the interplay between sisters Daisy and Lillian, and so enjoyed the constant banter between Lillian and Marcus. Readers can see from the get-go that for all their feigned indifference to one another, they can’t help staring at each other sidelong from across any room. But the build-up was great and believable, and I loved getting to know all of the characters from Kleypas’s first novel better. I thought the dramatic turn of events toward the end was a bit odd . . . and had to chuckle a bit at the antics. But I guess it fit well into the greater whole, and I’m willing to suspend my belief a bit to enjoy a great story!

I’m looking forward to the next installment and seeing what’s in store for another dear wallflower . . . and can’t wait to see the progression of Marcus and Lillian’s relationship from here.

4 out of 5!

ISBN: 0060562498 ♥ Purchase from Amazon ♥ Author Website

New Review for WFTR

I just got this awesome review from The Ebook Guru. Check it out!

 

Waiting for the Rain by M. Jean Pike - Fiction eBook Review

Here’s a book that anyone who enjoys a great Romance novel will not want to miss. It’s actually a Paranormal/Romance published by Champagne Books. The book is called Waiting for the Rain, by M.Jean Pike, and I am highly recommending this one to anyone who enjoys either genre.

 On a normal day I likely wouldn’t say that I am a Romance reader, but I did enjoy this book.

Waiting for the Rain tells the story of Willow Mackenzie. A woman who is suffering from, and possibly dying from, cancer and who is generally lost on what path her life should take. That is until she meets Darby Sullivan, and her life begins to take a turn for the better. I’m not going to give away the storyline. All I will say beyond what I already have is that this one is a Romance novel with a paranormal twist. The book contains just the right mix of suspense, paranormal, and romance to make it one that will appeal to many readers and not just romance fans.

This was another one of those books that I had trouble putting down. I finished from front to back in 2 days (I had to sleep somewhere in between), and with every page I found myself wanting to read more. All-in-all Waiting for the rain is a great read, and this is one book that I think anyone could enjoy. It’s especially one that romance readers won’t want to miss! An Excerpt from Waiting for the Rain

“This is it, an inner voice whispered. This is the home I have searched for. The home I have waited a lifetime to find. The thought came with an intensity that surprised her. She certainly hadn’t come up Baker’s Gully Road looking for a cottage to rent.

A crack of thunder tore through the quiet, pulling her from her thoughts. The dog barked. Gazing across the yard, she saw him waiting just beyond the house, at the end of a rutted dirt path, his tail beating furiously. Feeling the first drops of rain splash her face, she opened her umbrella and hurried toward him.

The path led through a grove of pine trees, then to a covered bridge that spanned a wide, chortling river. Just beyond the bridge, Willy could see another cabin, this one made of logs. Most of the dwelling was concealed by trees, but the thin curl of smoke escaping the chimney told Willy the cabin was inhabited. The dog stopped in mid-stride and pricked up its ears, then took off on a dead run toward the cabin. Willy followed at a slower pace, wondering where the old dog got his energy.”

 http://www.ebookguru.org

Dinner with a Perfect Stranger

I read two interesting books over the past few weeks for a blog review. Dinner with a Perfect Stranger and Day with a Perfect Stranger They were really quite interesting.  They were short little novellas and reminded me a tiny bit of The Shack.  Or at least that kind of “meet Deity in modern day life” kind of idea.  I actually have a few people I might pass these on to b/c they are so interesting, humorous and might create some interesting discussion about Christ in a non-intimidating way.  Below you will find descriptions of the book and the author David Gregory as well as links where you can buy these great books!

Book: Dinner with a Perfect Stranger and Day with a Perfect Stranger

Author: David Gregory

Dates: March 2-6

Summary Dinner with a Perfect Stranger:

You are Invited to a Dinner with Jesus of Nazareth

The mysterious envelope arrives on Nick Cominsky’s desk amid a stack of credit card applications and business-related junk mail. Although his seventy-hour workweek has already eaten into his limited family time, Nick can’t pass up the opportunity to see what kind of plot his colleagues have hatched.

The normally confident, cynical Nick soon finds himself thrown off-balance, drawn into an intriguing conversation with a baffling man who appears to be more than comfortable discussing everything from world religions to the existence of heaven and hell. And this man who calls himself Jesus also seems to know a disturbing amount about Nick’s personal life.

…………..

“You’re bored, Nick. You were made for more than this. You’re worried about God stealing your fun, but you’ve got it backwards.… There’s no adventure like being joined to the Creator of the universe.” He leaned back off the table. “And your first mission would be to let him guide you out of the mess you’re in at work.”

………….

As the evening progresses, their conversation touches on life, God, meaning, pain, faith, and doubt–and it seems that having Dinner with a Perfect Stranger may change Nick’s life forever.

Summary Day with a Perfect Stranger:

What if a fascinating stranger knew you better than you know yourself?

When her husband comes home with a farfetched story about eating dinner with someone he believes to be Jesus, Mattie Cominsky thinks this may signal the end of her shaky marriage. Convinced that Nick is, at best, turning into a religious nut, the self-described agnostic hopes that a quick business trip will give her time to think things through.

On board the plane, Mattie strikes up a conversation with a fellow passenger. When she discovers their shared scorn for religion, she confides her frustration over her husband’s recent conversion. The stranger suggests that perhaps her husband isn’t seeking religion but true spiritual connection, an idea that prompts her to reflect on her own search for fulfillment.

As their conversation turns to issues of spiritual longing and deeper questions about the nature of God, Mattie finds herself increasingly drawn to this insightful stranger. But when the discussion unexpectedly turns personal, touching on things she’s never told anyone, Mattie is startled and disturbed. Who is this man who seems to peer straight into her soul?

Cover art:

Author Bio:

David Gregory is the author of the best-selling books Dinner with a Perfect Stranger and A Day with a Perfect Stranger, and coauthor of two nonfiction books. After a ten-year business career, he returned to school to study religion and communications, earning graduate degrees from The University of North Texas and Dallas Theological Seminary. A native Texan, David now devotes himself to writing full time.

And don’t forget to include a link in your post to learn more about or purchase these books at RandomHouse.com:

Dinner with a Perfect Stranger:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781578569052&ref=externallink_wbm_dinnerwithaperfectstranger_eaj_0129_01

Day with a Perfect Stranger:

http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400072422&ref=externallink_wbm_daywithaperfectstranger_eaj_0129_01

All the News (Cartoons) “Not-Fit-to-Print”: Editorial Cartoons Suppressed by the New York Times

“The Kissinger image [left] (by David Levine) is one of 320 illustrations – by 142 of the world’s most acclaimed contemporary artists – that The New York Times itself originally commissioned for its Op-Ed Pages, but then got cold feet about running, and eventually paid more than $1 million in ‘kill fees’ to hide from public view (sometimes for as long as 38 years).

“What didn’t the Times want you to see?

“Can you imagine illustrations so ‘blasphemous,’ so ‘politically embarrassing,’ so sexually ‘over the line’ that The New York Times gladly paid a fortune just to protect your delicate eyes from being exposed to them?

“You’ll find hundreds of such allegedly ‘not-fit-to-print’ illustrations – together with the bizarre and often ludicrous reasons for suppressing them – in a sly and deliciously funny new book called All The Art That’s Fit to Print (And Some That Wasn’t), by Jerelle Kraus, former Art Editor of the Times Op-Ed and Editorial Pages, who reluctantly quit her ‘dream job’ at the Times after 13 years in order to publish it. . . .

“Unfortunately, if you’re looking for more information about this book — don’t expect to consult a review in The New York Times. You won’t find one. For years the Times tried to discourage Ms Kraus from publishing this book, but now that it’s out, the Times is spitefully refusing even to acknowledge its existence, let alone actually review it. Since the Times‘ Book Section is a bible of the publishing world, not being noticed in its pages can often destroy a book’s chances of attracting a large audience.

“Which may be the the Times’s purpose — a publicity blackout might make the book quietly disappear.” (via AlterNet)

[The there's the New York Post, which had no problem running the Obama-as-stimulus-writing-monkey cartoon just last month. Seems to me both papers need to tweak their standards.]

Advice For The Wayward Biographer

Why should a biographer listen to my advice?  Because I am your prime demographic.  I ran through my reading list for ‘08 and counted 34 biographies and autobiographies, so ignore me at your peril.

If you are a biographer I know immediately if you are a sloppy or lazy researcher.  I know when the editor has not cleaned up the book.  I know when the book is too long.  I know when you still do not have a map of the person or time or place.  So here is my advice, read Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers: The Story Of Success.

Yes, I know that pat therories explaining life are best picked up when wearing protective gloves, but the book can set you thinking about your subject being at the right age to take advantage of opportunities beyond his control.  Being born in a generation that harvests what has never grown before recognizes  macro opportunities that only become clear in long perspective which should be your ace.  Being born to a family and cultural heritage that focuses on advancement and success, and a family that  makes extraordinary resources available is a powerful engine of motivation.  Building the magical ten thousand hours of training and education is not something an individual can ever do on his own.  So much for the self-made man.

Gladwell defines outliers as those individuals who combine talent and brains with fortunate opportunities to become achievers beyond normal or outstanding expectations.  He does not deny the importance of the individual; however, he insists the individual is not the full explanation, and wants top billing given to factors of time, place, family, location, culture, economic opportunity, and national events.

I would have enjoyed a chapter on material he found could not be used to support his case.  Authors who write ex cathedra often suffer from the infaillibility virus, and always assume no reader will notice.  Too bad.  I would have readily read another chapter speculating on why not all life stories fit his theory.  A little intellectual honesty and openness can cover a multitude of sins.  Charles Marlin

The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly

The Book of Lost Things

 

Author: John Connolly

Title: The Book of Lost Things

Publisher: Atria Books

Publication Location: New York

Publication Date: 2006

Number of Pages: 339

Recommended Age Group: 13-18

Review: 3Q, 3P, M, J, S

 

Cover:  The cover of The Book of Lost Things is basically the title in large white lettering with a thick vine of gold framing the letters.  Within the vines are small hidden items such as keys, hearts, a sword, and lanterns.  On the vine is a silhouette of a boy laying down reading and farther away a man hunched over with a sword.  The book cover eludes a sense of mystery and suspense- perhaps it’s the style of the lettering, or the fact that the reader only sees the silhouette’s of people and not their actual faces.

 

 

Annotation:

In The Book of Lost Things readers meet David, a twelve year old boy who struggles to accept the changes in his new life.  The story is set during World War II in England.  David toils to keep his very sick mother alive, but to no avail and of course is distraught when she passes away.  His father too, is upset but seems to move on faster than David cares for.  David’s father meets another woman and eventually marries her.  David is very upset by these turn of events and even more upset when he learns that his new step-mother is pregnant.  After the baby arrives, the baby that David resents very much, the family moves to the step-mothers house which is about fifty miles from London.  David is assigned Uncle Jonathan’s old room which is filled with books, some of which Jonathan wrote himself.  Very displeased with the way his real life is unfolding, David plunges in to the stories he finds surrounding him in his bedroom.  One day while out in the garden a German plane is shot down and crashes with a fiery blaze into the garden.  David escapes the flames by slipping through an opening, but on the other side is not the old world he was in before but a brand new one.  In the new land David meets a kindly woodsman who explains that they must get to the king in order for David to make it back home.  David also befriends a knight named Roland.  On the journey to the king many adventures and strange things take place and David begins to grow from a boy to an adult.  The kindly woodsman is killed on the journey by strange half-human wolves, but David continues.  David is plagued on his journey by the strange wolves and the Crooked Man.  Eventually, David reaches the castle, learns what became of Jonathan and his sister Anna, defeats the Crooked Man and returns back home to England.  David returns a changed young man with a grown up view of his family situation instead of the views of a jealous little boy.

 

Reaction:

The book was slightly slow until the seventh chapter when David is transported to the other world.  I enjoyed the varying characters and the make-believe elements of the new land that David enters.  I enjoyed the play on well known fairy tales and the general writing style that John Connolly presented.  I think the action and violence included in the story would greatly appeal to boy teen readers if they can get through the background story included in the first six chapters.