Book Review: Exalting Jesus in John by Matt Carter and Josh Wredberg

Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of reviewing books in the "Christ-Centered Exposition" commentary series. I have enjoyed most of them while didn't really care for a few of them. I have also used them in my own personal study of the Bible.

This time around, I have the privilege of reviewing the brand new commentary in this series on the gospel of John. One of the reasons I am excited is one of the authors of this commentary is Matt Carter who is the teaching pastor at the Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Tx. I have reviewed a couple of his books in the past as well. He is joined by Josh Wreberg, who is the preaching pastor at Redeemer Community Church in Fuquay-Varina, NC.

This commentary, like all the others in this series, is geared towards those who are leading a small group or sermon preparation. I also feel this is a great commentary to be used as you are reading and/or studying the gospel of John. Carter and Wredberg do a great job making it simple and understandable for all who read it.

They do various portions of John in numerous chapters, without keeping one, yet they go over one entire chapter in one setting as well. I felt they took on John 3:16 and communicated how this is the gospel message and not getting stuff from God. When it comes to John 6, Carter and Wredberg do not back down from teaching on the doctrine of election.

I have heard teaching from John 15:1-17 that says the fruit Jesus was talking about was evangelism. Yes, we are commanded to evangelize, but that is not what this passage teaches. Carter and Wredberg says this passage is about spiritual fruit which we would also associate with the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. They even took John 17, the true Lord's Prayer, and divided it into two chapters.

Of all the "Christ-Centered Exposition" commentaries, I have say this is one my favorite. I know I will be using it from time to time in my studies especially when I am teaching from the gospel of John.

Thanks B&H Publishing for letting me review this book.

Book Review: Steal Away Home by Matt Carter and Aaron Ivey

As most of you know, I am not much of a fiction reader. Yes, I have reviewed fiction books in the past, but they are a struggle for me. One reason is sometimes the author takes a great number of chapters to get to the main point. Other times is when I put a book down don't come back to it, I might get lost as to where we are in the story. Most fiction books are original stories that the author wants to share to his readers.

Matt Carter and Aaron Ivey have presented a different kind of fiction for their readers. Their book, Steal Away Home, is actually a historical fiction story based in the account of a real life friendship between Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson. Most of us know Spurgeon as the popular British pastor in the 19th century who has many books over the years still read by most Christians. A great majority of people have no idea who Thomas Johnson is. Johnson was an African-American slave for 28 years, who was set free then became a missionary.

Carter and Ivey got the idea of writing a book like this after Carter read a book that was historical based on a true event. Carter and Ivey spent many years researching everything they have written. According to an interview with Equipping You In Grace, it took them three years to write this book.

Carter and Ivey write about the early days of both Johnson and Spurgeon and the circumstances on how they met which eventually, led to their friendship. The details of history is captured in a way you would think you were reading a documentary as the events of the book were unfolding. Carter and Ivey have given us a book which is unique in the Christian book industry. I am hoping for more books like Steal Away Home in the near future.

Thanks B&H Publishing for letting me review this book.

Around The Web-February 26, 2016

Great resources for Easter are available at Westminster Bookstore

Understanding Bible Translations from Renewing Your Mind

Greg Beale on Revelation

10 Common Ways Churches Get Off Mission by Jared C Wilson

Doctrine, Doxology, and the Local Church from Servants of Grace

The Reformed Pubcast talk with Jeff Durbin and Marcus Pittman about Christians and media

Hillary, Bernie, Donald, and Me by John Piper

There’s only one book no one can make me get rid of by Aaron Armstrong

Matt Carter on training young men in ministry.



A Spoken Word video from Apologia Radio on why being Pro-life isn't enough.



Henry Cavill asks kids one of the world's biggest questions, who is better, Batman or Superman.

Book Review: The Real Win by Colt McCoy and Matt Carter

Many churches that sought to make men realize what their calling from God truly is. More and more sermons are devoted to Biblical manhood as well a books and Bible Studies. The Real Win is the latest book on Biblical manhood from Matt Carter, one of the pastors of the Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, TX, and Colt McCoy, former quarterback for the Texas Longhorns who recently signed with the San Francisco 49ers. I have to confess, Christian books from former or current NFL players are usually not filled with sound doctrine and, overall, not the best reading material. This book, however is not one of those books because it is filled with Biblical teaching on manhood.

Colt McCoy and Matt Carter share their struggles in the Christian life which also includes Colt's desire to win the National Championship and Matt's obsession with being a great pastor along with his battle with cancer. Book of them realized their position in Christ was more secured than what they were pursuing. The book deals with men leading their families well along with working hard from the glory of God, dealing with temptation and leaving a legacy. Each chapter backed with Biblical truth as well as personal testimonies from both McCoy and Carter.

Now for those wondering what does The Real Win mean, Carter and McCoy wrote:

The real win means trusting the Lord and walking with Jesus no matter what...That kind of faithfulness is possible for any man who follows God with all his heart. No matter what circumstances threaten him, a faithful man is the most truly confident man in the room.

This book was one of the best books on manhood I have ever read. I love the truth packed into the book and the openness of McCoy and Carter. Every wife should get her husband this book and every father should pass this down to his son(s).

Thanks Multnomah for letting me review this book.

One more thing, in case you have not seen this video, prepare to be amazed. I think McCoy is rubbing off on Carter.

Celebrating with The Austin Stone

There are many churches that are celebrating their 10th year of ministry this year. The Austin Stone is one of them. God has used this church in so many ways to reach people with the gospel. This short video is all about what God has been doing in the 10 years of the church's existance:

Matt Carter talks with Colt McCoy

Matt Carter reads the Sermon on the Mount from Israel

Sermon on the Mount from The Austin Stone on Vimeo.