Book reviews for Winter 2025

The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host

David Gibson (Crossway, 2023), Kindle version 184 pp.

Gibson, minister of Trinity Church in Aberdeen, Scotland, shows us “in the images, poetic beauty, and themes of Psalm 23 just how the Lord Jesus takes complete and absolute responsibility for those who are in his care” (p. 5). The book is the fruit of Gibson’s preaching and is a rich feast. He reminds us “who is doing the shepherding” (p. 11) and shows how Jesus leads and where he invites. Because of who Jesus is, we have everything we need. “The greatest of hosts himself prepares the most lavish of feasts” for us! (p. 111). “Jesus welcomes us, cares for us, protects us, and feeds us” (p. 115). “In all his ways with all his people he only ever sends goodness and mercy” (p. 134). This book will help you love and praise Jesus more. I will be reading it again and giving it to others.

How to Read a Book: Advice for Christian Readers

Andrew David Naselli (Canon Press, 2024) 206 pp.

Naselli, professor of systematic theology and New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, US, explores how to read a book by answering four questions that serve as the chapter titles. The titles are: Why should you read? How should you read? What should you read? When should you read? He unpacks seven guidelines on how to read skillfully. One of the guidelines is learning to read at different levels: survey, macro-read, and micro-read. He has seven recommendations on what to read and begins with reading “the Book by the Author of Life” (p. 89). We should read what helps us be vigilant about our character and doctrine, what helps us better understand reality, and what helps us excel at what God has called us to do. He looks at two common excuses for not reading and gives eight tips to make reading part of our routine. He has helpful appendices: his favorite books, tips for cultivating a culture of reading for children, and how to use social media. Every reader will benefit from reading this book!

Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human Flourishing

Jonathan Leeman (Crossway, 2023) 304 pp.

Leeman, editorial director for 9Marks and elder at Cheverly Baptist near Washington, DC, begins his book with a prayer of confession. All of us have misused our authority, and we must begin by confessing so we can learn to use the authority God has given us for the good of others.

In Part 1 “What is Authority?” Leeman shows that authority is God’s good creation gift for sharing his rule and glory. God defines authority as a moral right to make decisions or give commands (see pp. 24–25). Authority after the fall is Satan’s sinister scheme for supplanting God. Authority has been restored by Christ through his sacrifice. Christ provides the perfect example of authority as he sacrifices and bears the cost of our sin. In Part 2 “What is Submission?” Leeman demonstrates how submission is the path to growth and is never absolute and always has limits. In Part 3, Leeman gives five principles to show how good authority works. Good authority submits to a higher authority. “If you cannot listen and follow, you should not lead” (p. 95). Good authority is not self-protective but bears the cost. In the final part, Leeman looks at what good authority looks like in action. He distinguishes between the authority of command and of counsel and shows how they are different. Parents, the state, and the church have the authority of command, but husbands and elders have the authority of counsel. Leeman knows that some readers will disagree with him on some theological matters, but everyone can learn from his clear, biblical approach. The book will help those in leadership to learn what it means to use authority in a way that does good to others.