Book Review

Articles

GUEST POST: Book Review of “On Pastoring”

May 2, 2016
By H.B. Charles Jr.
The following is a guest post written by Kyle Robertson from NetGalley in review of my new book "On Pastoring" published by Moody Publishers (Available June 7, 2016). Pastor Charles has delivered a fascinating and well written book regarding pastoral ministry. I will begin by letting you know I am not a pastor. I work in the medical field, but I have served as a deacon in my church for the past two years. I try my best to encourage and support my pastor in his ministry and personal life, and I thought that reading this book might help give me...

Book Review: Bloodlines by John Piper

October 1, 2015
By H.B. Charles Jr.
The following is a guest post by Cameron Triggs, Pastor of Youth and Young Adults at the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL. He blogs at camtriggs.com. Racism: an explicit or implicit belief or practice that qualitatively distinguishes or values one race over other races.  That simple definition presents a complex challenge in this nation and around the world. Racism and all its wicked symptoms are not easily cured. If you want to see all of its horrific effects look no further than today’s headlines and breaking news stories on CNN. Ironically, the only thing that appears to be different is that the...
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REPOST: The Church Is Not Our Cadillac!

July 31, 2012
By H.B. Charles Jr.
During his tenth anniversary, Garrison Keillor told a story (he said it was true) about an experience he had as a teenager. Walking down the sidewalk one day, he saw this unbelievably beautiful woman coming toward him. A stunningly beautiful woman. What could he do? He spied a large, white Cadillac parked next to the sidewalk. Strolling over to the Cadillac, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a dime, put it in the parking meter, and leaned confidently against the Cadillac, smiling at the approaching woman. To his delight, she returned the smile. She moved toward him, spoke to...
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Maintaining Spiritual Warmth

May 5, 2012
By H.B. Charles Jr.
Philip Henry's advice to his daughter: "If you would keep warm in this cold season (January, 1692), take these four directions: 1. Get into the sun; under his blessed beams there are warmth and comfort. 2. Go near the fire. "Is not my word like a fire?" How many cheering passages are there! 3. Keep in motion and action - stirring up the grace and gift of God that is in you. 4. Seek Christian communion. "How can one be warm alone?" Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Feathers for Arrows, p. 237
Articles

Why Johnny Can’t Preach

April 14, 2009
By H.B. Charles Jr.
On and between flights today, I read T. David Gordon's little book, Why Johnny Can't Preach (P&R Publishers). And it was wonderfully disturbing. Playing off the titles of several classics, Why Johnny Can't Read and Why Johnny Can't Write, Gordon argues that media (in the general sense) has shaped the pulpit. Consequently, Gordon argues, many pulpits in America are filled by men who cannot preach. That is, many pastors do not know how to read texts carefully or how to communicate clearly or distinguish between the significant and the insignificant. And the pew is malnourished because of it. I was...
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On Being A Servant God

January 14, 2009
By H.B. Charles Jr.
As we begin this new year, I will begin recommending a Book of the Month for our congregation to read, which we will also make available to our members in our church's resource center. I was considering which book to start with, and in a conversation with our deacon chairman, he mentioned a book that the deacons read in training: On Being A Servant of God by Warren W. Wiersbe. And as soon as he mentioned it, I had my book for January. This book is also a good work for us to read this month as we are gearing...
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When Grace Transforms

June 27, 2008
By H.B. Charles Jr.
Matthew 5:3-12 records the “Beatitudes” of Jesus Christ, which introduce the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7). These eight declarations pronounce divine blessings on those who possess the characteristics of citizens of the kingdom of God. Specifically, Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. These eight brief but potent statements describe what it means to right with God. They teach what it means to be righteous, rather than merely being religious. In...
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"Watermark: An Explanation of Baptism" by Bob Franquiz

May 13, 2008
By H.B. Charles Jr.
Baptism and the Lord's Supper are symbols of salvation. No, they cannot produce salvation. We are saved from our sins by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. But baptism and Communion are meaningful illustrations and reminders of how God gives sinners new life in Christ. They are not mere memorials. They are fundamental statements of faith, essential acts of obedience, Christ-ordained expressions of devotion, true acts of fellowship, and biblical elements of worship.Unfortunately, many Christians do not take baptism and the Lord’s Supper seriously. Some churches do not even have Communion. Others share the Lord’s Table infrequently. Still...
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The Pastor’s Public Ministry

February 8, 2008
By H.B. Charles Jr.
I have just finished one of the most helpful and challenging little books on pastoral ministry that I have ever read (For the record, it always seems that whatever I just finished reading is the most important book I've ever read.): The Pastor’s Public Ministry by Terry L. Johnson (published by Reformed Academic Press). Terry Johnson pastors the Independent Presbyterian Church of Savannah, Georgia. I first heard of Johnson when I was given a free book he had written at a conference I attended several years ago (Footnote: For a bibliophile like me, there are few things in the world...
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Good News for Life’s Dead Ends

September 6, 2007
By H.B. Charles Jr.
Here is the book review I wrote in our church newsletter for our August book of the month. I have some books that have shaped my life in powerful and significant ways. I also have some authors who have shaped my life – with practically every book they write or have written. Ron Mehl is one of those authors. In fact, I consider Mehl a good friend who I have only met through his writings. I was introduced to Ron Mehl some years ago through his book, "God Works the Night Shift." Honestly, I bought the book just for its...
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Facing Your Giants

August 1, 2007
By H.B. Charles Jr.
Young David was just minding his business. Doing his duty. Obeying his father’s orders to take food to his brothers who were soldiers and to find out how the battle with the Philistines was going. But David got more than information. He got involved. With great jealousy for God’s reputation, David faced Goliath when none of Israel’s army dared to accept the giant Philistine’s challenge. Not his big brothers. Not the best of Israel’s fighting men. Not King Saul himself. How could a little boy like that ever hope to defeat a giant like that? Simple. Or is it? You...
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The Expository Genius of John Calvin

June 22, 2007
By H.B. Charles Jr.
I am a big fan of the writing and preaching of Dr. Steven J. Lawson – the senior pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama. I was introduced to Lawson’s work more than ten years ago, when I read a book of expositions he published on the book of Job. Since then, I have followed his writing ministry closely, purchasing and reading nearly every work he has produced. And I have always been challenged and edified by Lawson’s writings – both in my personal walk with Christ and my public ministry for Christ. I have equally benefited from...