A Living Faith: A Devotional Journey through James

Stanley Gale | Reformation Heritage Books, 2023, 96 pages, $12 | Reviewed by Meg Spear

Written by PCA teaching elder Dr. Stanley Gale, A Living Faith is a concise and insightful devotional study through the epistle of James. In two-page chapters, the author helps the reader examine the eminently practical and relevant themes of James. Each chapter concludes with two thought-provoking questions for reflection or discussion.

James focuses on the outworking of Christian faith, starting in a difficult place: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” Very few of us joyfully anticipate the trials God brings into our lives, as these trials often test our faith in unforeseen and uncomfortable ways. The provided questions encourage the reader to delve into his own experiences and to see God’s hand and purpose in them.

Dr. Gale pastorally guides the reader through faithfully facing trials, developing steadfastness, taming our hearts and tongues, putting off sin and putting on Christ, living openly before the face of God, resisting partiality, cultivating wisdom’s fruits, denying worldly ambition, resisting the devil, drawing near to God, holding our plans loosely, growing in patience, appreciating God’s preservation of His saints, praying powerfully, and pursuing truth.

The author uses numerous helpful analogies and illustrations in his writing, making the epistle even more vivid and relatable. Gale compares the pervasive, devastating effect of a computer virus to our lives when they are infiltrated by “earthly, sensual, and demonic wisdom.” Both result in disorder and deep-seated frustration until the offending cause is completely rooted out. In addition to helpful illustrations, the author skillfully weaves in a wealth of other Scripture passages, which helps set the words of James in the context of the whole counsel of God.

In discussing our response to unwanted struggles in life, Gale writes, “Wisdom is not static; it is dynamic. As the saying goes, you can’t steer a parked car. Wisdom is the firm hand on the steering wheel that acts and reacts with respect to God. Oriented around the fear of the Lord, wisdom negotiates the twists and turns of life in recognition of the sovereign Lord, in deference to His secret will, and in compliance with His revealed will” (p. 80).

This book would be especially beneficial in a small-group discipleship setting, rather than simply for individual use. It could also be very useful in counseling or mentoring relationships. Due to the brief chapters and reflective nature of the questions, this devotional is not particularly well-suited for large-group class settings. Although younger audiences could glean from the messages, it is probably a better resource for mature middle school students and older.

Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age

Rosaria Butterfield | Crossway, 2023, 368 pages, $29.99 | Reviewed by Meg Spear

As someone who has greatly appreciated Rosaria Butterfield’s previous books, I was excited to begin her newest publication, Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age. Dr. Butterfield is the wife of Kent Butterfield, pastor of First (Durham, N.C.) RPC. As a former radical lesbian feminist, Butterfield brings a unique perspective to the lies of progressivism that have rapidly gained traction and shifted the moral landscape we inhabit.

She examines our culture through the lens of Scripture, clearly desiring to see biblical truth permeate our hearts and our minds. As she deftly quotes from both orthodox and progressive authors, some ancient and many modern, she analyzes the seismic effects of recent Supreme Court decisions that have codified unbiblical standards of morality into the law of our land.

Her cultural critiques are rooted in the basic principles of the creation ordinance of Genesis 1, which she describes as authoritative; relational and noble; establishing a gender binary; and revealing pre-fall guidelines for marriage and work.

With this foundation, Butterfield identifies five lies that have infiltrated our culture and have impacted both the culture and the church in disturbing ways. The book is filled with examples of people she knows who are experiencing various aspects of these culturally acceptable, increasingly visible sins.

The first lie she addresses is that homosexuality is normal. She reminds us that God sets the standards, not us, and that repentance from sin is the only way to God. When the church accepts the misnomer “gay Christian,” it actually denies that individual the opportunity to repent of sin (since homosexuality is viewed as normal in this unfortunate scenario), thereby crippling the crucial process of sanctification in that person’s life.

The second lie that our culture promotes is that spiritual people are kinder than biblical Christians. Many “Christians” have unconsciously accepted a paganized form of the gospel that simply makes us nicer versions of ourselves, losing sight of the glorious fact that the true gospel gives us a new nature and the power to live for God. The reprinting of Ken Smith’s lecture “Summary of the Bible” is pure gold in this section.

The third lie Butterfield addresses is that feminism is good for both the world and the church. She commends God’s created order as good, with male headship as a key element of that order. A feminist “rescue” of Scripture is at odds with the plain reading of Scripture.

The fourth lie she confronts is that transgenderism is normal. She argues that transgenderism is rooted in the sin of envy, a predatory longing for something that belongs to someone else. Her social and spiritual examination of the subject is insightful, and her exhortation to use Jeremiah Burroughs’ spiritual practices to fight the sin of envy is practical for all.

The final lie is that modesty is an outdated burden serving male dominance and holding women back. Butterfield upholds modesty as a vital virtue for Christian women, not merely a personally held value for some. She pointedly asserts that social media promotes exhibitionism by blurring the line between public and private.

The introduction, afterword, and appendix give the Christian reader a practical framework for understanding the problems historically and addressing them biblically. While the reader might not fully embrace all of her arguments and applications, Butterfield makes astute and compelling cases targeting each of these lies. I urge you to wrestle with them as you prepare for spiritual battle in an increasingly hostile world.

Impossible Christianity: Why Following Jesus Does Not Mean You Have to Change the World, Be an Expert in Everything, Accept Spiritual Failure, and Feel Miserable Pretty Much All the Time

Kevin DeYoung | Crossway, 2023, 160 pages, $19.99 | Reviewed by Shawn Anderson

In his latest book, Kevin DeYoung addresses a pervasive issue within modern Christian culture—the overwhelming pressure to be more than God requires. DeYoung challenges the dual extremes—a lofty view of the Christian life and a diminished view of self—leaving many feeling inadequate. He poignantly captures this struggle, noting, “Sometimes you feel like a winner, but mostly you feel like you are an average to below average believer. You aren’t ready to quit being a Christian…the only trouble is, Christianity seems impossible.”

DeYoung disputes the comforting yet misleading notion that “God loves us even though we are spiritual failures,” arguing that it is “unbiblical, inaccurate, and unhelpful.” Instead, he advocates for the “possible,” even victorious Christian life portrayed in the Scriptures, where, despite the inherent challenges of self-denial, cross-bearing, and humility, believers in Jesus have overcome the world (1 John 5:5).

At 160 pages, Impossible Christianity offers a brief yet practical exploration of common spiritual dilemmas, making it accessible and engaging for readers and audiobook listeners (3h, 23m). DeYoung sets up seven guardrails against potential misunderstandings about Christian entitlement or presumption, setting the stage for a deeper dive into assurance, prayer, evangelism, financial stewardship, corporate guilt, and environmental stewardship.

The book’s strength lies in its commitment to biblical literacy and light. While DeYoung enriches his narrative with anecdotes and historical insights that resonate with everyday believers, he continually anchors his considerations in Scriptural truths. He skillfully addresses common misinterpretations that contribute to unrealistic expectations and spiritual exhaustion, advocating for a recognition of our limits as a path to a more fulfilling Christian walk.

While the book excels in connecting biblical wisdom with practical issues, some readers may desire more in-depth guidance on specific challenges. Nevertheless, Impossible Christianity is an invaluable resource for anyone overwhelmed by the demands of apparent Christian perfection, as we are reminded that our worth in Christ is not contingent upon our accomplishments.

Kevin DeYoung invites readers to rediscover the joy and peace from genuine, simple obedience to Christ. Impossible Christianity is a clarion call to reject the burdens of false perfection and discover the freedom offered by Christ’s light yoke (Matt. 11:30). This book serves as a comforting medicine for the weary believer and a compelling invitation to embrace the blessed balance between zeal and wisdom, trial and rest in the Christian life.

The Last Exchange

Charles Martin | Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2023, 368 pages, $18.99 | Reviewed by Sam Spear

Editor’s note: This review feature has not taken up any works of fiction in recent memory. We decided to take a look at what Christian fiction writers are offering in today’s market.

Charles Martin is a New York Times best-selling author, with 17 novels to his credit, along with a handful of Christian nonfiction books. Like many of Martin’s novels, The Last Exchange runs across several genres, mixing elements of suspense, romance, and courtroom drama into one story. It is a quick read and has a quick pace.

The main character, the curiously named Maybe Joe Sue, is sketched in detail both as an overcomer and as a weak and flawed person. She is drug-addicted, driven by and led astray by her desire for children, and attached to a man who hurts her. At the same time, she is shown to be generous, selfless, relatable, and empathetic.

The other lead character, Kelly MacThomas Pockets, is less complicated. He is a hero’s hero. Quiet, patient, duty-driven, self-controlled—he has been to the top and is not full of himself. He sometimes acts in a way that is controversial, immoral—even criminal, but is always motivated to help and preserve.

The structure of the book lends itself to an unusual and interesting method of character development. The chapters are not arranged in chronological order—forward or reverse—or in a clear flashback manner. Each of the chapters is titled “Before” or “After,” and it is left to the reader to determine the final sequence of events. The reader discovers how the character responds to different situations but is not given much insight in terms of how one inclination is tied to another.

If you are given to spend time reading James Patterson or Francine Rivers, then looking to The Last Exchange may be a move up for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a new Dr. Elwin Ransom or Lord Peter Wimsey, you will be disappointed, I fear.