Book Reviews

Christ Alone - An Evangelical response to Rob Bell's Love Wins

Author: Michael E. Wittmer

Publisher: Edenridge Press

As you may well know, Rob Bell's recent book, Love Wins, has become a New York Times best seller. A professing evangelical, his view of heaven, hell and the eternal destiny of every person who has ever lived is contradictory to biblical teaching. In a recent FOM book review I gave to you a biblical response by Kevin DeYoung. This book by Michael E. Wittmer, Ph.D, systematic & historical theology professor at Grand Rapids theological Seminary, in greater detail uncovers the fallacy of such deceitful teaching. The "winds of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14) are blowing today with ferocious force and we must be attentive in warning those we care about from being tossed to and fro by every new teaching of lies that may sound like the truth.

--Maynard H. Belt

Visit this book's website: ChristAloneBook.com

Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived

Love Wins Recently a book review came to my attention which I think would be very helpful to you in recognizing a growing movement stateside, which eventually travels across the sea to countries far and wide.

I am sure that you have heard of the “Emergent Church Movement” that has been spreading its errant wings across the land for several years. One of the main spokesperson is Rob Bell, who pastors Mars Hill Church in Grandville, a Grand Rapids, MI, suburb. Since its inception, maybe ten years ago, it has grown into a mega church with some eight to ten thousand attending every week and another 50,000 that download Bell’s weekly podcasts.

Earlier this month, Bell’s newest book was released entitled, “LOVE WINS, a Book About Heaven, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived.” Maybe you have seen him reviewed and questioned about his beliefs on various national talk shows in the last couple of weeks. Attached for you is a review and critique by Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor of University Reformed Church, East Lansing, MI. DeYoung, a young and upcoming author, has also published, “Why We’re Not Emergent;” “Why We Love the Church;” and his latest book, “Don’t Call It a Comeback, the Old Faith for a New Day,” which received a full page ad in the most recent edition of World Magazine. At the core of Bell’s book are universal salvation and the questioning, if not denying, of the reality of hell. The devil is peddling his doctrine today (Eph. 4:14; II Cor. 2:17) and I am afraid that many of our younger pastors, and missionaries, are buying his merchandise. I hope it will be helpful to you.

Download: Kevin DeYoung's review of Love Wins (PDF)

--Maynard H. Belt

Preview this book at Google Books by clicking here.

Firestorm: Preventing and Overcoming Church Conflicts

Author: Ron Susek

Publisher: Baker

Firestorm is a good description for what happens in many churches. Chapters go like this: Life Cycle of a Firestorm, Causes of a Firestorm, Fighting a Firestorm, and Out of the Ashes. Ron Susek uses real illustrations that make the issues clear and plain. As you read the book, you can identify with experiences you have witnessed or have been personally involved in. His solutions are wise. I recommend all Christian leaders to read the book. Also, if someone is seeking to help a church in a firestorm, this should be required reading for the church leadership.

Reviewed by Dr. David C. Little

Preview this book at Google Books by clicking here.

Past Reviews

Book Reviews

“A Layman’s Guide to How We Got Our Bible.”

Following service as a missionary in Africa, the editor of this new book, J. B. Williams accepted the position of Baptist Mid-Missions’ Southern Representative. This book which chronicles the current Bible translations controversy is subtitled, “A Layman’s Guide to How We Got Our Bible.” Dr. Ernest Pickering commented, “Many volumes on this subject of manuscripts and translations produce m ore heat than light. Happily, here is a book that is filled with light and little heat” Order from Ambassador-Emerald Int’l, 1 Chick Spring Road, Suite 203, Greenville, SC 29609

General Editor J. B. Williams, former missionary and Southern Representative for Baptist Mid-Missions, has brought together a fine group of fundamental scholars to clearly explain issues involved in the current controversy concerning Bible translations. Dr. Les Ollila, President, Northland Baptist Bible College writes, "Much research and work had gone into this book with much prayer and hope that it will enlighten those who really want to understand the real issues in the matter."

Missions in a New Millennium"

Douglas R. McLachlan, President, Central Baptist Seminary comments, "this excellent collection will serve as a provocative and biblical manual of information and inspiration." General Editors W. Edward Glenny and William H. Smallman have done a masterful job of organizing this 411 page volume focusing on changes and challenges in world missions dedicated to Dr. C. Raymond Buck, former President of Baptist Mid-Missions and officer of the Fellowship of Missions.

"I Will Help Thee"

This 210 page missionary biography tells the story of Linda and Arthur Seymour, two pioneer missionaries who were called to take the light of the Gospel to Africa. Authored by Leigh and Carol Adams (President of FOM) will be followed by another volume depicting the ministry of Dr. Dave and Ruth Seymour in the Chad Republic.

"Breaking Down the Wall and the Gospel –
The Subversive Work of Evangelical Inclusivism"

Raymond Teachout, BMM short-term missionary pastor to Quebec, Canada. This is an excellent review of the slide toward inclusivism with valuable resource materials on ECT.