John Newton (Bitesize Biographies): a book review

John Newton (Bitesize Biographies). By John Crotts. Faverdale North, Darlington, England: Evangelical Press. pp. 128. 2013. (List Price $11.99 Paperback)

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4 out of 5 stars

“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.” John Newton’s hymn is so well known in the English world that believers and unbelievers alike could quote at least the first few lines, if not the whole song, from memory. Yet the song represents the extent of most people’s knowledge of the man. His life and testimony deserve wider recognition. Thanks to the Bitesize Biographies series of books, more people will have access to a readable, and hopefully memorable, account of how a man who rejected God’s grace for most of his young adult life could become a preacher of that same grace to others.

Crotts’ biography of John Newton is very accessible and a quick read. He dedicates five chapters to his life and influence, and one apiece to his hymns and letter-writing. All seven are a joy to read. It was perhaps the section on William Cowper, a friend of Newton, that I found most moving. Cowper had struggled for a long time with depression and mental illness such that he had attempted suicide multiple times and had been admitted to an insane asylum. Still struggling with depression, he moved in with John and his family for a brief period of time, which was followed by a deep and enduring friendship. Cowper was a poet, and together with Newton they wrote hymns for the church where Newton preached. Unfortunately, Cowper had a mental relapse that he never quite recovered from. Still, their friendship endured up until Cowper’s death in 1800. Newton would remark that, though Cowper had not been able to find comfort for his mental anguish, he has certainly given it to others.

Newton’s life is worth learning about. His faith is our faith, his gospel ours. Crotts’ biography was a refreshing and encouraging introduction to the life of a man I’d much like to learn more about. Fortunately, Crotts even includes a “further reading” section at the end of his book to help the curious wade deeper into the life of John Newton.

I received this book for the purposes of writing a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: Slave by John MacArthur

Editor's Note: My wife, Hannah, previously reviewed the print version of this book. I recently received the audio book and my review pertains to that format.

I’ve read a book or two by John MacArthur and have enjoyed both his Study Bible and radio program for some time. My wife read and reviewed the print version of Slave, so when I had the opportunity to review the audio book, I figured it was time for me to try it as well.

The concept behind Slave is a good one. We need to be reminded just what it meant to be a slave of Christ, and since most translations prefer “servant,” MacArthur does well to remind us just what it meant to be a slave in the first century (with important comments on the slave trade in British and American history). My favorite chapter described the life of Jan (John) Huss was a fantastic overview of his life.

The book was a little disjointed and at times it seemed like MacArthur was forcing connections back to slavery where there were none. Early on he mentions that he was originally asked to write about the doctrines of grace, so he kind of blended the two themes together when they would have been better done separately.

Still, the recognizable voice of MacArthur makes a great reading companion and the gems in the book are worth looking at. I just wish they could have been a little more polished.

To buy this book, visit ChristianAudio (direct link).

To buy a hard copy, visit Amazon.com.

To look at a PDF excerpt, click here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from ChristianAudio as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: Slave by John MacArthur

Editor's Note: Hannah is my darling wife and once in a while she volunteers to do a book review for me. Here's her take on John MacArthur's Slave.


Slave by John MacArthur takes an in-depth journey through the New Testament metaphor and background of slavery. MacArthur gives the historical setting by explaining and providing examples of slavery in the Roman world. I never knew that slavery also had Old Testament roots until I read the book. It challenged me to place the New Testament verses about our slavery to Christ in the context of the first century world instead of through the filter of 19th century American slavery.

I appreciate how MacArthur shows the importance of understanding the slave-master metaphor. Since most modern Bibles translate ‘slave’ as ‘servant’, we often lose the power of this illustration. When we see God as our master and ourselves as slaves, it affects our beliefs about God’s character and changes the way we live.

As is always the case with MacArthur's writings, the book is well organized and easy to follow. His mini-biographies of famous Christians who saw themselves as slaves to Christ, such as John Newton, make the book even more personal. Slave sticks closely to the Scriptures and validates every premise using theBible. The book's only drawback may be that some may find this logical, frank, and well-researched approach too scholarly.

To buy the book, visit Amazon.com (direct link).

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of their BookSneeze Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."