Fool's Gold: A Book Review A few years ago I had the opportunity to help a friend with the finishing touches on his newly finished basement. Randy had been given a slightly used pool table for one area of his basement. Other than the ripped and snagged felt, the table was in great condition. Randy knew that the felt needed for the surface of a pool table is thin and smooth so the billiard balls roll quickly. One afternoon Randy began browsing through an internet auction site to find felt for his table. “The deal of the century,” he thought as he homed in on the exact item he needed. “Everything else I have looked at has been so much more expensive,” he thought to himself as he simultaneously placed a bid with the click of his mouse and reached in his back pocket for his credit card. Randy was soon to be the proud owner of a brand new section of felt for his pool table – or so he thought. Three days went by before the felt arrived at his door. He anxiously ripped the box open only to find a bright green piece of thick craft felt. Randy had been scammed. What seemed like the appropriate felt was disguised in the blurry internet picture and the deceptive description presented by the seller. How many times have we seen or heard something that looks or sounds like truth until more thoughtful investigation occurs? How many times have we accepted as truth the popular Christian trends with little thought about what these trends communicate? Often these trends seem good and harmless at first glance, but as we peel them back to their core, what is often found is far from true. In a recent book entitled Fool’s Gold?: Discerning Truth in an Age of Error, staff members of Grace Community Church write about several popular trends that have crept into the church under the guise of truth. I feel passionately about communicating the biblical truths presented in this book, in hopes that some of you may read it as well. As Randy was deceived into purchasing something that looked similar to what he needed, we too can be deceived by false teaching if we do not base our discernment on the foundations of Scripture. The book is divided into four sections all dealing with the practice of discernment in the life of the believer. The first section, Promoting Discernment in an Age of Blind Acceptance deals primarily with the idea that we as believers must gain our discernment from the study of Scripture and from hearing it faithfully and regularly taught from the pulpit. The author asks the rhetorical question, “Does Scripture tell us how to be discerning?” (p. 22). The answer is a resounding yes! In an age where we are encouraged to believe what is good for self, God instructs us to “test everything; hold fast what is good and abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess. 5:21-22). True discernment comes from following these three commands. If we are to find our discernment in the pages of God’s Word, we must also seek the faithful preaching of this Word. The second chapter of the book provides a warning against “superficial, marginally-biblical preaching – both to those who stand behind the pulpit and to those who sit in the pew”(p. 36). Here the author gives fifteen explanations to the preacher and hearer about the danger of watered-down, feel-good preaching. As I read these statements, I am thankful that God has gifted us at Trinity Church with the faithful proclamation of God’s Word to guide us in our discernment. Part two, Practicing Discernment in Your Bookstore, brings application to everyone from teenage girls to theological scholars discussing issues of current books such as The Purpose Driven Life, Wild at Heart, and a new Bible in the format of a teen magazine. For those of you who are up for the theological challenge, Phil Johnson also writes one chapter about a current approach to understanding the New Testament known as the “New Perspective on Paul.” Each of the four chapters in this section focuses on a different threatening trend that masks itself in the pages of best-selling books. Even though there may be room for opinion on some of these issues, the authors in Fool’s Gold support their critiques with biblical discernment that forces us to “test everything.” As we walk through a local Christian bookstore, are we tempted to pick up the first book we see showcased at the entrance of the store because “over one million” others have done the same? As followers of God and His Word we must be discerning readers, examining everything in light of the Word of Life. The third section of the book, Practicing Discernment in Your Local Church, brings the discussion to a practical level of how we ‘do church.’ Beginning with a chapter on the biblical principles of contemporary worship and ending with a chapter on consumerism and its influences into the church, the authors in this section hold these trends to the test of Scripture. Included in this section the reader will also find chapters on the traditional gospel invitation and altar call as well as lessons on how (or if) we should engage in political affairs. These are the ‘how do you live as a discerning believer’ chapters which prove applicable as we seek to live as light in a dark world. In part four we find two succinct and insightful chapters providing instruction on how to live discerning lives. In the first chapter the author reflects on the life of Jonathan Edwards and his high view of God, His Word, and the gospel. These three pillars built the foundation upon which Edwards framed his grid of knowing truth from compromise. The final chapter of the section and of the book gives a practical plan for discernment. If we are to be discerning believers we must desire wisdom, pray for discernment, obey the truth and…well…read this book! If you would like to borrow my copy it is available. If not, buy it! (Click here to purchase) As Randy searched for the right felt for his pool table, he discovered by trial and error what he actually needed. My friend will not make this mistake again because he now knows exactly what he needs for his table. He will practice discernment in his future felt buying. You could say Randy now knows his felt needs (you knew that was coming). As discerning believers we must search the Scripture and examine everything through its lens. In the introduction to Fool’s Gold, John MacArthur clearly states the need for discerning eyes, ears, and hearts when he writes:
When faced with a situation which calls for discernment, do you reach first for the Word to gain understanding or for the world? What is your measuring stick? Fool’s Gold?: Discerning Truth in an Age of Error. ed. John F. MacArthur, (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2005).
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