Dr. Robert Sumner passed away in December 2016. The Biblical Evangelist newspaper is no longer being published and the ministry of Biblical Evangelism has ceased operation.

The remaining inventory of his books and gospel tracts was transferred to The Baptist Tabernacle of Los Angeles and may be ordered here.

Our God Reigns
Phil Christensen and Shari Mac-Donald

This is a combination set – paper bound book and CD record – containing 2-dozen-plus-one songs and their stories. In fact, the subtitle says, “The Stories Behind Your Favorite Praise and Worship Songs.” That might be true for many, including some of our readers, but the majority of these songs we must confess we had never heard of prior to this book and CD.

We played the CD first, on a preaching trip, and we soon discovered why. It is a compilation, for the most part, of what is called Contemporary Christian Music. To be honest, we have never been a fan. We still aren’t. A good share of the songs are what someone has called “7-11” music: 7 words repeated 11 times! We frankly do not know or understand how this is ‘worship’ music. If you go for this type of thing, here it is.

As for the book, it is interesting – as you would expect from any book describing origins – but has a Pentecostal emphasis. Come to think of it, most ‘praise’ songs have such an origin, do they not?

Frankly, while we can accept the book for its history, the CD is not our cup of tea!

Kregel Publications

Grand Rapids, MI

25 Chapters (25 Songs)

143 Pages

Combo, $21.99