Telling Time - Tanya Godsey

Godsey shows that if you leave room for God, He still writes the best stories.

Telling Time

Artist: Tanya Godsey (www.tanyagodsey.com)

Label: Independent

Length: 10 tracks/45:35 minutes

The artistry in Tanya Godsey’s Telling Time sets it apart. It is a thoughtful engagement with life befitting a Christian artist. Truth and grace, struggle and hope are expressed in subtle but rewarding ways. Some of these treasures were gained in the darkness, which gives them more luster. The excellence found throughout adds to the beauty and makes this a pleasure to hear.  

Godsey deserves credit for great writing, which includes a few co-writes. She also gets the best possible support with musicians like Jerry McPherson, Blair Masters and Chris Donohue, studio players with long resumes. It helps too when you have Scott and Christine Dente of Out of the Grey and Chris Rodriquez singing background vocals. Scott Dente also plays acoustic guitar and shares the producer credit with Ken Lewis. Together they are known as Global Genius Productions.

The concept of story played a part in this release. In the fall of 2009, Godsey and her husband Jake read Donald Miller’s A Thousand Miles in a Million Years, which suggests that the elements in a great story also make for a well-lived life. Overcoming adversity to attain something is a familiar theme in the best dramas. Thankful for their comfortable life, but challenged by Miller’s thoughts, Godsey and her husband began praying for opportunities to live a better story not knowing what would come. A series of circumstances reinforced her calling to music but it also included a time of sickness, suffering and loss. It’s where lines like the following in “How to Be Thankful” come from: “Before I go to face my father's graves oh I pray ... Your storms would stay ... till they take what they came for ... take what You came for ... is this what you came for ... well take what you came for.” That maturity, which wants God to accomplish His purpose in the storm, informs the lyrics on this release.

The same confidence is found in the music. The opening “White Page” with its warm piano notes and snappy production sounds like a Top 40 song. It was the fourth track, “Daylight,” that took me by surprise. The tension in the stanzas is beautifully resolved on the chorus. Here and on the title track she sounds a little country, reminding me of Susan Ashton.

This release brings a new sound to the Christian market. The style and production is on par with the best mainstream recordings. You could hear these songs on the radio and not know they were by a Christian artist unless you were paying close attention to the lyrics. Ironically, there is more depth here than releases that have more explicit spiritual references.

There is not a bad song in the bunch. Hopefully, this will get the attention that it deserves even though Godsey is not well known and her last release, Nothing Less Than Everything (2005), was six years ago. If she qualifies, she deserves consideration for best new artist.

Godsey’s life experiences have given her plenty to share. No blank white page here. God has written some precious things that she shares in way that will appeal to a broad spectrum of people. 

Lutheran Theology - Steven D. Paulson

Martin Luther’s theology discerns between law and gospel.

Lutheran Theology

Author: Steven D. Paulson

Publisher: T & T Clark International (www.continuumbooks.com)

Pages: 292

The emphasis on our standing before God makes Lutheran Theology by Steven D. Paulson a significant book. “Luther said the ‘sum and substance,’ of Paul’s letter to the Romans ‘is to pull down, to pluck up, and to destroy all wisdom and righteousness of the flesh’” (1). Paulson goes on to state: “The second task of all theology is to make way for a completely foreign, new righteousness that has no law in it at all―‘we must be taught a righteousness that comes completely from the outside and is foreign. And therefore our own righteousness that is born in us must first be plucked up’” (2). The goal or meaning of life becomes a person, Christ (3). It goes beyond just imitating Christ. “It is a new life outside the legal scheme without law at all. It means to have a new life outside one’s self who is dead according to the law, and in Christ exclusively” (3).

Paulson goes on to make a valuable point: “The key to any theology, especially done the Lutheran way, is to ask what role the law plays in its system” (4). Distinguishing between law and gospel is a major theme in this book, which is organized as a commentary on the book of Romans. The focus is on key verses and ideas rather than a verse-by-verse explanation, which Paulson elucidates from a Lutheran perspective. Even so, 

Paulson’s outstanding scholarship makes this a unique and valuable commentary. His breadth of knowledge is evident in frequent references to historical events, the writing of others, and his understanding of Scripture.

In relation to the latter, he is not afraid of controversy. Chapter 1 starts with the appropriate subtitle, “The Bombshell.” Predestination is central to Lutheran theology. “There is no free will, no choice, no decision, no acknowledgement, acceptance or any other verb you could try to give the human in relation to the Creator” (20). Presumably, this thought is drawn in part from Luther’s famous book on the subject, The Bondage of the Will.

Along with this idea, when the author repeatedly states that “everything happens by divine necessity,” (19) he not only puts a potential stumbling block before readers, he leaves me wondering how that relates to tragic events that occur. Does this mean that God was behind the terrible events of 9/11? As learned as Paulson may be and as skillful as he is with the Scriptures, I cannot help wondering about a doctrine that seems to imply that God causes horrific events. As controversial as this may be, it is educational to see Paulson’s defense of this teaching and to consider what is true. If you can get past this, there is much to appreciate in Paulson’s thought, but this doctrine is foundational to what he teaches in the rest of the book.

Though Paulson might in some ways be wrong on the issue, I appreciate how often his insights go deeper than what you typically find in churches, Bible studies and popular Christian books. Consider his thoughts about what Luther learned about faith: “Luther had discovered what made humans human―it was not thought, or will, or even love; it was faith alone. He learned that the heart is not made for itself; it is made to go outside itself and cling to that which speaks to the heart. Humans are therefore ‘hearing’ creatures whose heart is always clinging to some word or other. Unfortunately, words from the preacher are easily drowned out by other voices, and especially imaginary voices of what one sees or feels internally. Faith alone is what justifies us, but faith is never a virtue or attitude of a person, or some instrument or power which the person possesses. Faith goes outside itself, since faith requires something to believe in, and that something is God’s word as a promise―or else what faith grasps ends up being an accusing law” (57).

Typically, Luther is associated with thoughts like these and in particular the idea of being made right with God through faith. Reading this book helped me to realize how much more there is to Luther. His depth of insight is evident as Paulson walks us through Luther’s thought in relation to the entire book of Romans. 

Paulson points out that Luther recognized that God’s faithfulness is central to Romans. “For Luther the key teaching in Paul’s letter to the Romans is the certainty of faith. Faith is certain precisely because it is not a power of humans, but depends upon God’s faithfulness to the promise―precisely while the recipients are unfaithful. Hope does not yet see its glory, but faith already has Christ so salvation is secured in re―in fact” (220).

Lutheran theology is a theology of the Word. “The preached Word makes the church, which word is solely authorized by the law and promises of Scripture. Justification and church depend utterly on God’s faithfulness to that Word: ‘That thou mayest be justified in Thy words (deum justificare)’” (238). This is why Lutherans view the office of preacher as the highest in the church.

It is also why preaching is foremost in the signs of a true church: “Signs of (a) true church are therefore all acts of preaching: sermons that distinguish between law and gospel, baptism, Lord’s Supper, Absolution, the calling of a public minister from among the Royal priesthood, and suffering for the gospel―the exact opposite of any sign of glory or power in the world” (239). I appreciate the thought that suffering is the norm for this life (exaltation comes in the next), which challenges believers to cling to the promises despite seeing evidence that would seem contrary to them.

Lutheran Theology is but one in a series of books. The other titles and authors in the series are as follows:

Catholic Theology – Matthew Levering

Anglican Theology – Mark Chapman

Reformed Theology – Michael Allen

Methodist Theology – Kenneth Wilson

Baptist Theology – Stephen Holmes

If this book is indicative of the scholarship in the series, any of these volumes would be worth reading. 

N. T. Wright for Everyone Bible Study Guides: Luke

Let one of the world’s finest theologians lead you in a study of Luke.

N. T. Wright for Everyone Bible Study Guides

Luke: 26 Studies for Individuals and Groups

Author: N. T. Wright with Patty Pell

Publisher: IVP Connect

Pages: 142

One of my earliest memories as a new Christian was answering questions in a bible study book. Back in the late seventies, branding of popular Christian authors was not what it is today where you have a multitude of bible studies tied to high-profile Christians. Nevertheless, my plain-looking booklet, covering the basics of the Christian life, accomplished the same purpose as its fancier modern-day relatives. It forced me to read and ponder the texts of Scripture that I might know and apply the meaning.

I wonder how many make use of this kind of resource? Most of the teaching we get is given to us without requiring much effort on our part. The potential payback of using a bible study guide is high. Finding truth through your own diligent study is meaningful and memorable. There is joy in discovery, and thoughts of what you learn linger.

Today there are a host of competent study guides that can be chosen. Each one will have some of the author’s distinctives, which is not necessarily bad but something to keep in mind. No person’s judgment is infallible. It is helpful, however, to learn from an experienced teacher, recognizing that what they see or highlight might be different from another teacher. This is why it can be beneficial to go through a study with others and even consult additional resources like a bible dictionary or commentary. It can serve to more fully bring out the meaning and possible applications of a text.

N. T. Wright’s Luke as the subtitle indicates is appropriate for individuals and groups. Each of the 26 studies starts with a creative open designed by Wright to get the reader thinking along the lines of the lesson. This is followed by a study section that includes questions and space for writing answers. Like a modern-day scribe, his questions lead readers to new discoveries. Along the way he interjects small bits of commentary. As a practical consideration, it may be easier to use a notebook or legal pad for writing and taking notes. Suggestions for prayer close each study.

Those who appreciate Wright’s ability to convey the larger picture will not be disappointed. His kingdom perspective that rightly sees Christ and His salvation as the continuation of one long story is an influence. Wright’s interest in how Scripture relates to history and social justice is also felt.

Wright has studies covering most of the New Testament books with the last four study guides forthcoming.

You can’t go wrong with a resource like this. If you can appreciate the scholarship of one of the finest theologians of our day, avail yourself of this or one of his other studies. It is helpful to let a favorite author, minister or teacher lead you in a study of Scripture.

Message in a Body - Joseph Anfuso

A life lived on the forward edge

Message in a Body (www.messageinabody.com)
Author: Joseph Anfuso

Publisher: Pediment Publishing

Pages: 247

The much-loved Baptist minister and prolific author, F. W. Boreham, wrote, “The man whose biography is not worth writing has never yet been born.” While I agree with the sentiment, most people will probably never get past the thought of such an undertaking. I do not want to discourage anyone from the attempt, myself included, but few can tell their story as eloquently as Boreham in My Pilgrimage. In Message in a Body, Joseph Anfuso approaches that rare company. He provides a beautiful account of his life and in the process imparts grace to the reader. 

It is a gift that is hard to resist. I was well into another book when I started Message in a Body. The former was no small source of pleasure, but once I began Anfuso’s book, it quickly became a contest, each vying for my attention. They both seemed to beckon from the table, “Choose me.” Wanting to be fair-minded, I determined to give them equal time. But my resolve began to wither as the Anfuso book drew even and then quickly overtook the other. Seeing that the race was lost, I gave in to the delight of reading Message and finished it in a matter of days.

I had forgotten how inspiring a biography could be. I frequently read and delight in books on doctrine and theology, but this reminded me of the pleasure that comes from reading a salvation story. It recalls an incident in the life of the famous London preacher, C. H. Spurgeon. Let me quote from his own words, “‘Leaving home early in the morning,’ he says, ‘I went to the vestry and sat there all day long, seeing those who had been brought to Christ by my preaching of the Word. Their stories were so absorbing to me that the hours fled without my noticing how fast they were going. I may have seen some thirty or more persons during the day, one after the other, and I was so delighted with the tales of divine mercy they had to tell me, and the wonders of grace God had wrought in them, that I did not know anything about the passage of time.’” “Their stories were so absorbing,” Spurgeon said. Similarly, I was fascinated by Anfuso’s journey to find the truth. It was so engrossing that I continually looked forward to reading it. It was like discovering a lost treasure.

I marveled at Anfuso’s quest. He was genuinely searching, and even references those named in the following lines from The Who song, “The Seeker”: 

I asked Bobby Dylan
I asked The Beatles
I asked Timothy Leary
But he couldn't help me either

They call me The Seeker
I've been searching low and high

Such was Anfuso’s earnestness and futility that this song could serve as a soundtrack for part of his life. The hours fled as Spurgeon found himself lost in tales of divine mercy. The pages flew by as I lost myself in one seeker’s journey toward the truth.

This story is told with remarkable honesty and grace. Those who have a hard time with organized religion will have no trouble relating. This is someone who resisted the idea of Jesus being the only way. You could say he was determined to discover that there was more than one way to God.

Anfuso provides just the right amount of detail. It never becomes sordid, and Anfuso is charitable in his outlook toward others and the events that transpired. He never casts a shadow on other people.

I can even see God’s hand in the timing of this publication. If Anfuso had his way, this would have been published shortly after his conversion to Christ. Had that happened the story would have been incomplete because the latter part of the book chronicles the formation of Forward Edge International (www.forwardedge.org/), a ministry that he founded, which is changing our world one life at a time.

Originally, geared toward short-term mission’s mobilization, Forward Edge has expanded to “long-term, need-meeting” projects. In fact, the book opens with the compelling saga of how one long-term project with a far-reaching impact began to take shape. I was immediately captivated by unbelievable squalor but borne along by the hope that pervades this volume.

This reviewer had more than a little interest in this volume because of my experience with the author and his ministry. I had the privilege of going on one of the first Forward Edge teams. My group went to Birmingham, England to participate in the Billy Graham Mission England outreach in 1984. For one week we worked with a local church inviting people to come. The week of the meetings we rode on a bus with those who came to hear Graham. The third week of our trip was a trek through the rest of the UK. I am grateful for the opportunity that this gave me to explore my interest in missions. Without reservation, I recommend Forward Edge for any who are looking for an opportunity to invest their time, talents or treasure in projects that are making a difference.

Lastly, the title of this book intrigued me. Having lived with Anfuso through part of his story—for many years I was part of a home fellowship group that he led in a church that we attended―I thought it had something to do with the importance of being involved in a community of believers. As foundational as that is in his life, the title refers to Anfuso’s lifelong battle with feelings of inferiority that stem in part from his smaller stature as compared to his twin brother, Francis. God used this difference and his subsequent struggles to repeatedly affirm his love for Joseph at critical junctures and as a means of communicating His call for Joseph to be a servant.

One of my fondest memories of Anfuso is the humility that he exhibited in his teaching and leading of worship in our home group, often opening by gently strumming his guitar, humming the melody, and beginning to pray and/or sing as we all joined in. Until recently connecting through Facebook, it had been more than 20 years since I had contact with Anfuso and his wife, Karen, but I know from years spent in close proximity, they are humble servants of the church.

By the way, this isn’t just a story of God’s pursuit of a man who sought to resist the claims of Christ. It’s also a beautiful love story of how God brought Joseph and Karen together. I relished that part, especially since I met them shortly after they married. I enjoy learning how couples meet, and Anfuso wonderfully recounts the budding and blossoming of their love.

This is a story that I did not want to end, and thankfully, it continues on in the work of Forward Edge and in the lives of the Anfuso family. In Christ, we are part of a never-ending story. There will always be more to tell, and I imagine that throughout eternity we will be absorbed in the wonder of God’s marvelous salvation. In the meantime, I will be delighted if Anfuso puts pen to paper again to tell more of the extraordinary things that God is doing through ordinary people. Even if he never does, he invites us to write our own story by living life on the forward edge.

Tennessee Christmas - Amy Grant & Wexford Carol - Jeff Johnson

Tennessee Christmas – Amy Grant

What constitutes a Christmas classic? Whatever the criteria, “Tennessee Christmas” by Amy Grant makes the grade. I have no connection to the State, but I feel an instant bond with the song. The acoustic tones and the harmonizing make it warm and inviting. It exudes a goodness whose ultimate source is the Father of lights (James 1:17).

Wexford Carol – Jeff Johnson

“Wexford Carol” by Jeff Johnson is in a world all its own. I imagine the stark and rumbling sounds echoing between snow-covered hills. Trees like sentries stand silently as the notes soar above a landscape untouched by all but the Divine. It makes me think of eternity and one “whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days” (Micah 5:2 ESV).

It is the final track of Centerpoint: Poetry and Music for Christmas (1990). The short original intro serves as background for a poetry reading before transitioning into an instrumental folk song. On the Johnson produced Christmas sampler, Spirit of the Season (1994), you get the sounds without the poetry.

In this and other Christmas recordings Johnson manages to capture something of the beauty, wonder and mystery of the season. 

A Way to See in the Dark - Jason Gray

“Jesus is speaking but it’s so hard to hear when disciples with swords are cutting off ears.”

A Way to See in the Dark

Artist: Jason Gray (www.jasongraymusic.com)

Label: Centricity

Length: 12 tracks/47:28 minutes

I listen to Jason Gray for the same reason that people might listen to Bob Dylan. He has a way with words. They take unexpected turns and are poetic. They are revealing and vulnerable.

It is what makes the music of Rich Mullins such a delight. It is a combination of spiritual insight, literary sensibility and a quirkiness that get yours attention. I relish it wherever I find it. I hear it in Christian artists like Randy Stonehill, Bob Bennett, Steve Bell, Carolyn Arends and Andrew Peterson to name a few.

I relate to it because it often springs from brokenness and humility. However one might define a victorious Christian life, it is not a state of perfection. One of my favorite phrases comes from the book of James, “We all stumble in many ways” (James 3:2). Artists like these convey grace and truth, something that I will always need.

It’s why I find a song like the opening “Remind Me Who I Am” so endearing. “When I lose my way, and I forget my name, remind me who I am,” Gray sings on the opening line. “In the mirror all I see is who I don’t want to be, remind me who I am.” The Official Music Video reminds us that we often fail to grasp a truth that is greater than our broken condition. Grace changes not only how God sees us but how we should see ourselves.

The longing that you hear is coupled with music that has somewhat of a rustic quality. It reminds me a little of The Band. A synthesizer that sounds like an accordion (or is it an accordion that sounds like a synthesizer?) comes in on the chorus. This is the Jason Gray that I like the best—acoustic, stripped-down production with yearning rumination.

On the track that follows, “The End of Me,” he sounds more like Coldplay, even down to the falsetto, not that this is bad. The chorus is an interesting derivative of the hymn, “It is Well with My Soul.” Skip to track three, and the power chords on “No Thief Life Fear,” may be fitting, but I find them less appealing than Gray just strumming his guitar.

“Without Running Away” is my favorite. The memorable lines like the following just keep coming, “Jesus is speaking but it’s so hard to hear when disciples with swords are cutting off ears / Broken and bleeding, waiting for healing to come.” The rural sound and sparse production are a perfect complement to Gray in his Dylan mode.

I favor his folksy, storytelling side. When he moves more toward rock, it’s less compelling. Generally, it’s the quieter mid-tempo songs where I lose myself in the words and sound. It makes me feel more alive and less alone. That’s part of what good art does to me.

One of the most poignant moments is “Nothing is Wasted.” This is the song to hear when you feel like your life is a wreck and past redemption. It mentions Jesus by name. It wasn’t too long ago that there was a controversy over how often Christian artists used (or did not use) the name of Jesus. A song might be judged by whether you heard (and how often) Jesus’ name. Hopefully, that kind of thinking is long gone, but because so many artists began to refer to God with personal pronouns and vague references, I notice when that name is used. Gray does it here on at least three songs, and it almost seems counter-cultural. I like it because I never want to lose sight of Christ.  

A Way to See in the Dark by Jason Gray contains some of the best songs that he has ever done. If you like singer/songwriters, especially those mentioned previously, check out Jason Gray. He has become one of the finest writers in Christian music. His childlike faith will help him and the rest of us find our way in the dark.

The IVP Introduction to the Bible

If you could only have one book to go with the Bible, this is an excellent choice.

The IVP Introduction to the Bible

Editor: Philip S. Johnston

Publishers: IVP Academic (www.ivpress.com/academic)

Pages: 292

If background and context are crucial to understanding the meaning of Scripture, The IVP Introduction to the Bible is an excellent quick reference for discovering it. Various contributors from the US and UK provide overviews of all the major sections and all the individual books. Among the scholars are Desmond Alexander, Tremper Longman, Howard Marshall, Brian Rosner and Mark Strauss. Each writes in their field of expertise.

Their work is equal to or greater than the notes found in the best study Bibles. There you have space constraints, which require smaller text and abbreviated subject matter. One thing you do not get is detail on individual verses, which is where study Bibles have an advantage in that they do provide some commentary. However, the best source for exposition of individual verses remains one-volume or multi-volume commentaries.

This book provides clear and concise presentations that contain a wealth of distilled scholarship for anyone wanting to grasp themes and subject matter. The insights are highly relevant. On the inspiration of Scripture, Mark Strauss writes, “Though the Holy Spirit who inspired Scripture may be perfect and precise, the vehicle of transmission (human language) is subject to ambiguity and imprecision. Our comprehension of divine revelation is therefore always partial and incomplete (1 Cor. 13:12)” (3).

The views are current and conservative, avoiding controversy, though readers may disagree with some conclusions. Traditionally, the author of Revelation has been identified as John the son of Zebedee, one of the twelve apostles. Carl Mosser writes, “John the son of Zebedee became an apostle, but little in Revelation supports identifying its author with one of the apostles. He never calls himself an apostle, and gives no indication that he is among the twelve apostles written on the New Jerusalem’s foundations (21:14), or is among the twenty-four enthroned elders, probably the twelve patriarchs and twelve apostles (4:4, 10; 5:8; 11:16; 19:4). So it seems unlikely that the author was John the son of Zebedee but we cannot determine his identity more than that” (265-266).

Returning to the beginning of the book, Mark Strauss’ definition of terms is valuable. He explains the difference between plenary and verbal inspiration, “Plenary means ‘full’ and refers to the fact that all Scripture is equally inspired. Verbal means that the words themselves, not just the ideas, are inspired by God. Here we must be cautious, however, since words are arbitrary signs which indicate conceptual content. It is the meaning of these words ― the message which they convey — which is ultimately inspired by God. In this way a translation of Scripture which accurately represents the meaning of that text remains God’s Word” (3). Some may disagree with that last thought, but this careful, reasoned analysis of every aspect of Scripture is found throughout, which makes this a great addition to any personal or institutional library. Ministers and teachers will find it helpful in sermon or lesson preparation.

Every section is interesting, but because it is less familiar to me, I especially enjoyed reading “Between the Testaments.” Carl Mosser takes readers through a fascinating account of the 400 year period between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament.

Two of the best features come at the end of each section. There is a short synopsis that discusses each book’s relevance for Christians. This is especially helpful in the Old Testament, where believers sometimes wonder what applies. This highlights the importance of context, which this book consistently provides. In “Introducing the Old Testament,” we find this apt summary statement, “The basic rule of thumb for Christian interpreters of the OT is that the moral law, governing ethical behavior, continues in effect for the Christian, not as a means of salvation, but as a code ― based in God’s character — by which to live. By contrast, while we can learn from the civil and ceremonial laws, we are not directed by them in the same way” (45).

The other helpful feature is a further reading section, which shows where to turn for more detail. The list provides the best scholarship on the subject with short comments from the author.

The layout is pleasant to the eyes and the text easy to read.

Do you need help in understanding and applying the Bible? Maybe you just want a reliable reference to keep you on track. Look no further. If you could only have one book to go with the Bible, this is an excellent choice.