McKinley is a pastor out in Portland, OR, and in this text, he writes in a winsome, engaging style that will show the reader the clear teaching of Scripture, draw you into the overall narrative of God’s redemptive plan and challenge you to take your place in it. This book is the best I’ve seen that does justice to both the Kingdom and the Church, so check it out.

Exploring everything from Augustine and Calvin to Edwards and Kuyper, Smith deftly displays the wider treasures of the reformed tradition beyond what Calvinism has been known for. The reality that Calvinism is a “world- and life-view” and that its orientation is about worship, not lectures or picky doctrinalism are just two fine examples of the points that Smith makes with these easily-read, finely-written, and often amusing letters. Whether you consider yourself reformed or Calvinist is beside the point. This book is well worth reading.

My hopes, unfortunately, were dashed. While she gives token attention to the history, theology, and importance of the Eucharist throughout the book, The Sacred Meal really serves more as a memoir of her lifetime of experiences with Communion. She has had a broad diversity of exposure to various Communion practices across traditions, cultures, and theologies, but has shifted the focus from the Lord Who instituted this practice to looking at everyone you’re taking it with. Instead of being the celebration of Jesus offering Himself, it becomes an emotional experience that gives you a bond with other human beings, regardless of their commitments (Muslim, Jewish, Christian, etc.). The Sacrament is important and vital to the life of any church, and looking to Gallagher for counsel on it will do nothing for the healthy practice of Communion.

Chittister sets out to describe the whole liturgical year in its seasons, symbolism, history, and best practices as experienced in the Roman Catholic tradition. She does this, but when she tries to make the connections to the Gospel and maintaining Jesus as the center of the Liturgy (because He is), the ambiguity in her mind about Who Jesus is and what He accomplished ( in other words, the very Gospel himself!) comes to the forefront. And it does much to muddle the quality of her work. There is some good material about the history and meaning of the liturgical year in this book, but rather than hearing unclear thoughts about Who the Lord of Time is, I would commend experiencing the Liturgy of a local traditional church instead.

Dr. Whaley’s desire is commendable. His concept of how it should be done is also good. My sense, is, however, that this book is more influenced by his Baptist roots than an informed exegesis and understanding of Hebrew or Greek (there are a number of “errors” in the language references) Scriptures. This is not to say that his principles for worship are wrong, but they are wrongly derived. It would be my hope that some would benefit from this book and others, seeing its weaknesses, would write a more sound, exegetically-responsible biblical theology of worship. If you’re looking for valuable reading on worship, Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin would be my recommendation.

“God has no grandchildren” as the saying goes and Mark shows convincingly the need for believers to not depend on their parents, churches, friends, or books and music to be their source of experiencing Jesus. Believers need to be in their own intimate walk with the Savior Who bought them with His own blood and will bring good, lasting fruit into their lives. For anyone who considers themselves a disciple of Jesus, this book is highly recommended as a helpful resource as you pursue Christ and get to know the One and Only Jesus Christ.