Author: Jared Poulton

Book Review of Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund

“Who is Jesus?” There are many ways to approach this question. You may begin to think about the various indicative statements scattered throughout Scripture concerning Jesus Christ. He is the Word, the Light of the World, the Bread of Life, the Good Shepherd, the Alpha and the Omega. Some may instinctively begin to explore His nature as fully God and fully man and His relations within the Trinity. Others may answer this question by considering what we learn about Him through His works—His incarnation, active obedience, substitutionary atonement, resurrection, ascension, and continual intercession for His people. Continue Reading →

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Book Review of A Small Book for the Hurting Heart: Meditations on Loss, Grief, and Healing by Paul Tautges

Loss is an inevitable part of life in a fallen world. No one is immune to suffering. Everything we love is vulnerable. Loss intrudes into our lives in many different forms. We may lose a loved one, a relationship, a dream, an opportunity, financial security, a physical ability due to injury or age. While other living organisms may experience misfortune, loss leaves a unique imprint upon the human soul. Suffering can penetrate deep into our hearts. The wounded soul needs healing. Recognizing this reality, biblical counselor Paul Tautges recently published his latest work—A Small Book for the Hurting Heart: Meditations on Loss, Grief, and Healing—to help sufferers find healing and rest in the comforts of the Triune God. Continue Reading →

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Book Review of Loving Your Community: Proven Practices for Community-Based Outreach Ministry by Stephen Viars

In Stephen Viars’s latest work, Loving Your Community: Proven Practices for Community-Based Outreach Ministry, he walks readers through various vignettes in the life and history of Faith Church, sharing stories where his congregation faced unique opportunities to expand its ministry footprint in Lafayette, Indiana. After explaining how his church purchased run-down bars, started recovery homes, and saw families and communities transformed through the gospel, Viars pans the camera over to your local church ministry and asks, “How about you?” Continue Reading →

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Book Review of Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests by Edward Welch

Which biblical image best correlates with the ministry of a biblical counselor? Maybe you think of the counselor as an ambassador, who seeks the reconciliation of sinners with God and ministers on behalf of God in the transformation of sinners unto humanity’s God-ordained telos (2 Cor. 5:11-21). Or maybe you imagine the counselor as a shepherd, who tends to each sheep according to their individual condition and ailments (Ezek. 34:16). Perhaps you’re ready with the “slam-dunk” answer: Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor (Isa. 9:6). Ed Welch wants you to consider another biblical image when you search for an image to personify the biblical counselor. As a counselor, you are a priest. Continue Reading →

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Book Review of God, You, & Sex: A Profound Mystery by David White

“Do we really need another Christian book about sex?” (p. 1) Author and Pastor David White believes we do. While many Christian authors have published resources exploring Scripture’s teaching on sex and marriage, White focuses on the biblical connection between human sexuality and God in his latest work, God, You, & Sex: A Profound Mystery. Continue Reading →

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