Book reviews for Autumn 2024
Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness
Gavin Ortlund (Crossway, 2023) 102 pp.
More than anything else, missionaries need to love and be humble. Ortlund, who runs the popular YouTube channel Truth Unites, defines humility as “self-forgetfulness leading to joy” (p. xxvi). In Part 1, Ortlund shows how we can cultivate personal humility. His chapter on ten practices to kill pride is full of specific and practical advice on growing in humility.
Part 2 looks at cultivating humility in church life. Humility in leadership means creating a culture of freedom, and he looks at five strategies to do this. Ortlund says that “if you are in a position of authority, you will become either a servant or a bully. Your authority will be experienced by others as either freedom or oppression, depending on whether it is marked by humility” (p. 46). Humility among peers is overcoming envy and competition. The final chapter looks at humility towards leaders and what submission really means. Each chapter ends with discussion questions. The epilogue shows the importance of humility in social media engagement. Throughout the book, Ortlund demonstrates how humility is a life-giving virtue that brings joy.
Reviewer rating is 5 of 5 stars ★★★★★
The Surprising Genius of Jesus: What the Gospels Reveal about the Greatest Teacher
Peter J. Williams (Crossway, 2023) 130 pp.
Williams, principal of Tyndale House in Cambridge, England, wants readers to have renewed awe at the depth of Jesus’s words and for everyone to see his genius. Much of the book is about the longest story Jesus told, the story of two sons in Luke 15:11–32. Williams shows how this brilliant story reflects the mind of a genius. He looks at those who heard the story, especially the Pharisees and scribes, and then at the layers of deeper meaning in the story and how it all connects with the Old Testament. He connects the story with Genesis and explores the echoes of Genesis found in Luke 15. In chapter 3, Williams looks at more stories Jesus told and how they were inspired by the Old Testament. Williams ends the book showing that Jesus is much more than a storyteller. “If the storyteller Jesus Christ is God himself, who made the world, invented language, oversaw history, and then became human to tell us about God and to rescue us from our alienation to him, then his wisdom and genius make sense. And if he is that smart and if he also loved us enough to die to save us, the only sensible thing to do is to accept him unreservedly as our teacher, guide, and Savior” (p. 113). This short book is full of wisdom and deep insight. A book you will not want to put down!
Reviewer rating is 5 of 5 stars ★★★★★
Before You Share Your Faith: Five Ways to be Evangelism Ready
Matt Smethurst (10Publishing, 2022) 126 pp.
Every missionary should read this little book, which is full of wisdom about how to share Christ. In fact, it will help every believer tell the good news. There are five ways to be ready: grasp the gospel, check your context, love the lost, face your fear, and start to speak. What drove Paul to be flexible, to adapt, and to sacrifice (1 Cor. 9) was his passion to see lost people brought to Christ. Smethurst reminds us that “life’s two greatest privileges are to speak to God on behalf of others, and to speak to others on behalf of God” (p. 74). The appendix has 12 verses for fighting fear. Smethurst has a helpful list of recommended resources for cultural apologetics and evangelism. I would love to see this book translated into Japanese and read by all believers.