Tag: free book

Book Briefs: “The Praise of Folly: The Enigmatic Life and Theology of C.I. Scofield” by David Lutzweiler

~ Bob Hayton ~ 16 Comments

The Praise of Folly: The Enigmatic Life and Theology of C.I. Scofield is a title that may raise some eyebrows. Scofield, of course, is most famous for his Scofield Reference Bible, with its doctrinal notes.

The book is a fascinating read, no matter what side of the dispensational-covenantal divide you find yourself on. Lutzweiler presents a well-researched, historical account of Scofield’s life, and sprinkles in some thoughts on the rise of dispensationalism and its deficiencies as a theological system, to boot.

At times, I felt that Lutzweiler may have been encouraging his readers to jump to conclusions too quickly. And it is also quite true that even if Scofield is shown to be a dishonorable man, in certain respects (such as his treatment of his ex-wife and his children), still that should not necessarily invalidate the teaching of dispensationalism. Still at the end of the day, I think Lutzweiler’s depiction of Scofield and the history of the Plymouth Brethren movement should give a reason to pause in one’s evaluation of dispensational theology. A modernistic, self-centered, everyone-can-do-their-own-theology may be behind the rise of this system of thought. And while ultimately the arguments have to go to Scripture, this nevertheless weakens the dispensational claims to historic support for their particular doctrinal emphases.

In any case, this book by Lutzweiler deserves to be read and considered. You can pick up a hard copy of the book direct from Apologetics Media Group (a division of, The Nicene Council), or from one of the following online retailers: Christianbook.com, or Amazon. There is also a DVD available based on this book (get it at the publisher). You can also purchase the ebook at a low price here.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by Apologetics Media Group. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.

About Book Briefs: With limited time available to give every book sent my way a full review, I’ll be offering short-form book reviews called Book Briefs. Book Briefs are book notes, or my impression and informed evaluation of a book, but they stop short of being a full book review.

Free PDF Download of “The Gospel Centered Life” Curriculum

~ Bob Hayton

Westminster Bookstore has a great deal on a fantastic resource for Sunday Schools and small groups: The Gospel Centered Life. I am already planning on using this curriculum for our college-aged class this Fall at our church. It is an excellent resource from World Harvest Mission.

The message is life-changing and very much in the flavor of some of the Gospel meditations that Tim Keller brings. I’m looking forward to using this with our young people.

For the next two days you can get a Leader’s edition as a free pdf download from Westminster Bookstore. Just click here for the download. The print copy (I have one) from New Growth Press is really sharp and well done. You’ll love this book.

Click the image above for more details on this special offer.

Life of John Knox Book Giveaway

~ Bob Hayton

Attic Books (an imprint of New Leaf Publishing), has graciously offered to sponsor a giveaway of their recent title, Life of John Knox. This book is a beautiful reproduction of a classic biography of the great Scottish Reformer written for the American Sunday School Union way back in 1833.

You can learn more about the book by checking out the book trailer and an excerpt I shared in my recommendation of the book. A fuller excerpt is available at the Attic Books website.

Three copies of Life of John Knox will be given away in this contest. The contest is limited to residents of the United States, and runs now through Saturday night, June 11 at 9pm Central. One entry per person will be accepted. Just fill out the form below to be entered into the contest.

For those who don’t win, or those who suspect they won’t, you can pick up a copy of this nice book from these fine retailers: Monergism Books, Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, or direct from Attic Books.

Contest is now closed. Congratulations go to Adam Britt, Dale Inman, and Joseph Mancuso, our contest winners!

“Sword of the Lord” Book Giveaway

~ Bob Hayton ~ 1 Comment

I’m pleased to announce a special giveaway of 3 copies of Andrew Himes new book, The Sword of the Lord: The Roots of Fundamentalism in an American Family. There’s been a positive response to my review of the book, shared here and over at Sharper Iron. A variety of fundamentalist readers of the book have recommended it. The book offers a unique look at the history of fundamentalism, and John R. Rice’s legacy in particular.

The contest runs now through Saturday, May 28 at 9pm Central. One entry per person, please. If I suspect foul play, I’ll toss your entry.

For additional chances to win, answer the bonus questions and share news of this giveaway on your blog, Facebook or Twitter. Check out SwordoftheLordBook.com for more info on the book. You can purchase a copy there, or from Amazon.com.

Contest is now closed.

Congratulations to Mark N., Michelle Y. and Dan, the winners of the book giveaway. They will be contacted by email soon.

Book Giveaway: “Collected Writings on Scripture” by D.A. Carson

~ Bob Hayton ~ 3 Comments

For those who couldn’t come to The Gospel Coalition Conference last week, here’s your chance to win a free copy of D.A. Carson’s book Collected Writings on Scripture (edited by Andrew Naselli). You can read my review of the book here.

Use the Google form below to enter the contest. One random person will receive a copy of Collected Writings on Scripture by D.A. Carson, compliments of Crossway Books. As I’m fitting the bill for postage, the contest is limited to the 48 continental US states.

Only one entry per person, duplicate or questionable entries will be rejected. Contest runs through Wednesday April 27 at 9pm Central. Winner will be notified by email.

Click on the “Read Inside PDF” link at the Westminster Bookstore book detail page, to answer the bonus question, below. (You can find it through Crossway’s product page or Amazon’s read inside link, too.)

Contest is now closed.

Congratulations go to Brandon Lehr, the winner of the free copy of Collected Writings on Scripture by D.A. Carson.