Chosen For Grace

My Favorite Books I Read in 2025

2025-12-18T11:56:00.007-05:00

Set my personal record for fewest books read in a year, but thought it was worth continuing to create this list, even if just for my personal reflection on the year.

So this is my list of what I found most interesting, entertaining, edifying, enlightening, challenging, and/or simply enjoyable.

Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology - Kevin DeYoung

A treasure of knowledge broken up into bite-sized daily readings. Some entries will probably be bit academic for some, but I found this absolutely wonderful.

My Friends - Fredrik Backman

My favorite author. Not my favorite book of his, but I will never get enough of his writing. His sentences routinely make me stop and think about big things.

The Will of the Many - James Islington

A little bit of Roman Empire politics combined with Harry Potter Hogwarts Academy-like settings and some Hunger Games competitions, along with one of my favorite narrators ever...very fun fantasy novel, and I can't wait to finish the second one in this trilogy that just came out.

Virgil Wander - Leif Enger

Another of my favorite writers. This was the last book of his that I hadn't read. Another writer whose insight into humanity is amazing.

Sunrise on the Reaping - Suzanne Collins

The most recent entry in the Hunger Games universe. This was my favorite of the entire series so far. Not easy to read, as it's the darkest of the books, but I feel like Collins' writing is just getting better, and it helps that Haymitch was my favorite character in the other books. Hoping they don't botch the movie.

Disrupted Journey: Walking with Your Loved One Through Chronic Pain and Illness - Nate Brooks

A very personal, practical, but theological reflection on how to walk through chronic suffering with someone you love. This was immensely helpful to me personally given how 2025 went.

Passing the Torch: An Apology for Classical Christian Education - Louis Markos

This is the best concise explanation and defense of Classical Christian Education I've read. I've become absolutely convinced of that model of education over the years, and this reinforced my position even more. Brilliant.

Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and Suffering - Kelly Kapic

Similar to Nate Brooks' book, this really helped me process how to think through pain and suffering in relation to my view of God and how to reconcile some things. Ended up preaching a sermon from Habakkuk on lament this year that was largely inspired from reading these 2 books.

Michael Jordan: The Life - Roland Lazenby

Been on my "to-read" list for years, and I'm so glad I finally got around to it. Michael Jordan was by far my favorite player growing up, and this book paints such a complete picture of him, flaws and genius all in. Loved it.

Angry with God: An Honest Journey through Suffering and Betrayal - Brad Hambrick

Another book that really helped with processing a lot of pain this year. Also contributed a lot to the sermon I preached from Habakkuk on lament.

Beholding the Triune God: The Inseparable Work of Father, Son, and Spirit - Matthew Emerson and Brandon Smith

The modern American Evangelical lack of robust Trinitarian theology continues to be a problem, so I'm glad for books like this that are fighting back against that. This was a really helpful and accessible explanation of inseparable operations.

CSB Connecting Scripture New Testament - Greg Beale and Benjamin Gladd

Such a helpful new tool that helps readers understand the ways in which the NT writers are using, quoting, alluding to, and relying on the OT. Brilliantly helpful resource.

The Treeborn Trilogy - Ryan Southworth

I'm not the target market for these books, but I read them because I know the author. I'm so glad I did. Charming, full of depictions of virtue, friendship, heroism, and overcoming failure, I thoroughly enjoyed reading these. Especially enjoyed the narrator's voice and perspective. Highly recommended for younger readers who enjoy Narnia, The Wingfeather Saga, the Green Ember, etc.

My Favorite Books I Read in 2024

2024-12-18T13:17:00.002-05:00

I debated even doing a favorites list of books this year. I read the fewest since I started tracking my reading, and there were fewer standouts than most other years. But decided to go ahead and keep the tradition alive.

So this is my list of what I found most interesting, entertaining, edifying, enlightening, challenging, and/or simply enjoyable.

1. I Cheerfully Refuse - Leif Enger

Like my other favorite authors, Fredrick Backman and Wendell Berry, Enger can knock you over with sentences. This dystopian novel is so different from my favorite of his, Peace Like a River, but his writing is just as beautiful and heartbreaking.

2. My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry and The Answer is No (Short Story) - Fredrik Backman

I put off reading this because it was the last Backman book I hadn't read. I didn't want to stop hearing his voice. Beautiful story with all the same quirky and amazing characters as his other novels. But again, it's his sentences that sneak up and destroy you, in a good way. His short story he put out through Amazon this year was incredibly good and held me over until his new book comes out in 2025.

3. The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Caused an Epidemic of Mental Illness - Jonathan Haidt

Every parent, school administrator, or anyone dealing with kids should read this book. Haidt lays out why phones and social have basically destroyed childhood and brought incredible damage to a generation. He includes practical steps for schools to go phone-free, but really this is about painting the picture of what's happened in the last 10-15 years. Fully reinforced our decisions related to phones and social media for our kids.

4. Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West - Andrew Wilson

Really interested take on how so many things that shaped how the world in the West is today were taking place right around the same time. Pulls seemingly disparate events and people together in ways that tell a really compelling story.

5. Ghosted: An American Story - Nancy French

Nancy French tells her story, and it's a highly entertaining, painful, hopeful, and powerful one. She details her experience of abuse as a child, the brokenness of the culture in which she was raised, her marriage at a young age to David French, their rise to influence in conservative circles, and their falling out with that same group.

6. Disability and the Gospel: How God Uses our Brokenness to Display His Grace - Michael Beates

Having had to come to terms with disability and disease in my family this year in a way I never imagined, this book was a helpful theological and biblical approach to thinking about those things.

7. Digital Liturgies: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age - Samuel James

I've followed James' writing online for a while, and his take here on how online life shapes us is so helpful. Seeing our online interactions and routines as liturgy was such a helpful idea, and there's lots of practical wisdom here for how to approach things in that sphere.

8. Morning & Evening Exercises - William Jay

I had never heard of William Jay, but I was given these 2 devotionals by Leah's parents for Christmas last year. They are fantastic. Charles Spurgeon loved him, and it's easy to see why. Will definitely come back to these in the future.

9. Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms: A Reader's Edition - Chad Van Dixhorn

Worked my way through all of these creeds, confessions, and catechisms from the history of the church over the last couple years. Beautifully bound with introductions for each. Such a treasure to have these historic truths the church has confessed so easily available.

10. Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology - Implications for the Church and Society - Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer

Most of the debate are critical theories (especially CRT) is garbage. This book was not. The authors are very careful to articulate the positions as best they can and as charitably as they can before they proceed to break them down and show them insufficient or even malicious in some cases. Doesn't fall back on the lazy "woke" language but shows why the worldview of critical theories simply doesn't work.

11. Can Science Explain Everything? - John C. Lennox

Discovered Lennox this year when I read his book on creation, which was excellent. He teaches mathematics at the University of Oxford and is clearly brilliant. Here, he takes on the science vs. religion debate and shows how to see the 2 as complementary rather than at odds.

12. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens

Had to add even though I've read it multiple times - it's just too good. Dickens was an absolute master of the English language. His characters and descriptions of things are just astounding.

My (and Seth's) Favorite Books Read in 2023

2023-12-05T19:29:00.005-05:00

I've struggled to read as much the last few years as over the past 10-15 years, due to numerous factors. But I re-discovered my love of reading this year, thanks in large part to shifting more towards fiction than ever before. Finding some new authors I thoroughly enjoyed helped, too.

Shared with the usual caveat that they aren't necessarily the "best" books I read. But they are the ones I found most interesting, entertaining, edifying, enlightening, challenging, and/or simply enjoyable.

This year, I also asked my son, Seth, who turns 15 in a few days, to put together his list of top books as well. We read about the same number of books this year, and even had some overlap of favorites.

First up, my list, generally in order of most favorite on down.

Beartown (Trilogy) - Fredrik Backman

Backman has become my favorite fiction author, and by a fairly large margin at this point. I flew through these 3 books. They are not entertaining, as the themes being dealt with are heavy and painful. But the characters are alive in a way few authors pull off. And his prose is simply poetic and beautifully insightful into the human experience.

Why We Love Baseball: A History in 50 Moments - Joe Posnanski

Even better than his previous book, The Baseball 100, which was REALLY good. His genuine love of the game combined with his way with words makes Posnanski my favorite sports writer out there. This book was simply delightful. If you like baseball at all, you should read this book.

A Man Called Ove - Fredrik Backman

Another gem from Backman. They changed the name to Otto in the US and in the movie version with Tom Hanks. What could have been a cliqued story of a grumpy old man is anything but in Backman's hands. He makes you care so much about his characters.

Bonus Backman books I read this year: Britt-Marie Was Here, And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer (which will make you tear up, I guarantee it).

On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living - Alan Noble

A very encouraging book. Can't say it better than the publisher's description: "Sometimes...the choice to carry on amid great suffering―to simply get out of bed―is itself a powerful witness to the goodness of life, and of God."

The Terminal List (6 Book Series) - Jack Carr

I've never really gotten into political/spy-type thrillers, and this one sat on my desk for about a month before I dove into book 1. But once I did, I couldn't put them down. All 6 are entertaining, but my favorites were Savage Son (book 3) and Only the Dead (book 6). Book 7 comes out May 2024. Can't wait for it. Side note: lots of violence and a decent amount of language as well. If those things bother you, you won't enjoy these.

Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation - Collin Hansen

What a loss for the church this year with the death of Tim Keller. Which made reading this book all the more meaningful. Hansen does a wonderful job showing how the different influences in Keller's life shaped the man, pastor, and author he became. A wonderful life done justice.

Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I? - Tim Keller

Speaking of Keller, this book on forgiveness was both timely and helpful for me. Typical Keller insight and clarity on a very important topic.

All My Knotted-Up Life - Beth Moore

An entertaining and at times profound memoir. Despite a few times where I felt some theological differences, mostly I was just encouraged to hear how God has worked in Beth's life and to see her fight for faith amidst difficult circumstances.

Pet Sematary - Stephen King

Probably my favorite Stephen King book I've read. WAY better than the movie versions. It's not about pets. This is basically a treatise on death and the hopelessness of facing death without the hope of a resurrection. Painful and profound, it (unintentionally) longs for gospel hope.

The Club: How the English Premier League Became the Wildest, Richest, Most Disruptive Force in Sports - Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg

I've really gotten into the English Premier League over the last few years, and this is fascinating retelling of the dramatic history of the league. Also, high school me is screaming at me for both enjoying soccer and now recommending a book detailing the history of a soccer league.

The Thrill of Orthodoxy: Rediscovering the Adventure of Christian Faith - Trevin Wax

In a day when so many are turning from the Christian faith and deconstruction can be so appealing to many who are disillusioned, this book was a breath of fresh air and a fantastic encouragement to push on in faith.

Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir

I loved Weir's book The Martian. I didn't enjoy his next book, Artemis, at all. This book was MUCH closer to the former than the latter. Changes into a completely different kind of book about halfway through. Funny, profound, and thoroughly enjoyable.

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And now, Seth's list, with some commentary by him. He wanted to make clear when some of the books wouldn't be appropriate for younger readers. There was a decent amount of overlap in our lists this year.

Anxious People - Fredrik Backman

It was very well written and the story was fascinating. It can be a little confusing at times, but it all pays off in the end. It is not appropriate for younger children. (Matthew's note: This was one of my very favorites last year.)

Why We Love Baseball: A History in 50 Moments - Joe Posnanski

Somehow even better than his first book, The Baseball 100. It is so well written and you can clearly tell that he loves this sport. If you enjoy baseball, then this book is for you.

Everything Sad is Untrue - Daniel Nayeri

I had read this book before, but it was just as good the second time. This one especially requires some perseverance. It won’t make much sense until you are most of the way through.

Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis

A great work on the Christian faith. This book should be read by every Christian at least once in their life.

And Every Morning The Way Home Gets Longer and Longer - Fredrik Backman

Although it is small, this book is powerful. I read it in one sitting, and in that time Backman managed to get me fully invested in the characters. It is a very touching story.

A Man Called Ove - Fredrik Backman

Very well written, with a good story. The main character, Ove, is one of the most interesting and well written characters that I have ever seen Not appropriate for younger children.

The Pilgrim's Progress - John Bunyan

It is a classic for a reason. It is the perfect allegory for the Christian life. It was not my first time reading it, and it will not be my last.

The Lord of the Rings (Trilogy) - J.R.R. Tolkien

This was my second time reading these, this time for school, and they were just as good as I remembered. The world is rich and deep, and the story has stood the test of time.

Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir

A great sci-fi novel. His explanations of the science behind what is happening is excellent. He is able to put it in a way that anyone can understand. Too mature for younger audiences.

The Brotherband Chronicles - John Flanagan

A great side series to the Ranger’s Apprentice books, a series that I would also recommend. All of his books are really well written, and great for all ages.

My Favorite Books I Read in 2022

2022-12-15T10:29:00.011-05:00

I read fewer books this year than any since I started tracking it in 2011. But I rallied enough in the past couple months to justify an end of year list of my favorites. Shared with the usual caveat that they aren't necessarily the "best" books I read. But they are the ones I found most interesting, entertaining, edifying, enlightening, challenging, and/or simply enjoyable.

Generally in order of most favorite on down.

Bavinck: A Critical Biography - James Eglinton

Have been hugely helped by reading Bavinck the last few years, and this was an absolutely stellar biography of his life.

Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story) - Daniel Nayeri

I don't even know what genre to call this. It's not a biography per se, but it tells the story of his life. Sort of. I will just say it has some of the best and most moving prose I've read in quite a while. Seriously, read this book.

All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel - Anthony Doerr

I'm a little late to the party on this one. It's been sitting around my house for a couple years, and I finally got around to it this year. Beautifully written, and an amazing story. Honestly one of my favorite novels ever.

Anxious People - Fredrik Backman

Some authors are really good at creating fascinating plots and telling stories. Some authors write sentences that make your heart jolt and eyes do things involuntarily. Backman does both. Extremely well.

The Air We Breathe: How We All Came to Believe in Freedom, Kindness, Progress, and Equality - Glen Scrivener

An excellent take on how most of the values we prize in the West are ultimately grounded in Christianity. Scrivener engages cultural issues but isn't angry about it. Refreshing.

Thomas Jefferson: A Biography of Spirit and Flesh - Thomas Kidd

Thomas Kidd is probably my favorite historian, and this look at the spiritual life of Thomas Jefferson was wonderful. So balanced and nuanced in detailing a fascinating historical figure.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones - James Clear

Another one I was a little late to, but glad I finally read this. The ideas aren't earth-shattering, but the presentation and the practicality of this book was so helpful. I do multiple positive things on a daily basis now because of this book.

The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music - Dave Grohl

Wouldn't recommend for everybody, especially due to language. But I love the Foo Fighters' music and I like Dave Grohl even more after reading this book.

On the Shoulders of Hobbits: The Road to Virtue with Tolkien and Lewis - Louis Markos

Wonderful for Lord of the Rings and Narnia fans, but really a broader apologetic for classical education and the value of good literature in forming virtue and seeing beauty in the world.

The Scarlett Letter - Nathaniel Hawthorne

I know opinions differ about the point Hawthorne was making with this book, but I found his portrayal of Dimmesdale and the guilt that consumes him fascinating.

The Old Man and the Sea - Ernest Hemingway

This is actually the first I've ever read Hemingway. Very short, but he made me care about the old man quite a bit in those few pages. Great writing.

The Shining - Stephen King

A million times better than the movie. Can't believe how much of this they ruined when they wrote that screenplay. Also read King's novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption and it was equally great.

A Time to Kill - John Grisham

They didn't ruin this story when they made the movie, but the book is still much better. It's jarring to enter a world where people talked like this, but a powerful story.

My Favorite Books I Read in 2021

2021-12-07T11:51:00.000-05:00

My reading has slowed some in recent years. A combination of factors has led to me reading quite a few less books than I would have 5-6 years ago. That said, I still read enough in 2021 to justify putting together a list of my favorite books I read during the year, at least for myself so I can look back in the future.

These aren't necessarily books published in 2021 (most weren't), and they aren't necessarily the "best" books I read. But they are the ones I found most interesting, entertaining, edifying, enlightening, challenging, and/or simply enjoyable.

Generally in order of most favorite on down.

The Wonderful Works of God - Herman Bavinck

Started in 2020, but finished in 2021. Simply one of the best works of theology I've read in a long time. A welcome antidote to much of what passes for systematic theology today. I plan on reading through Bavinck's 4-Volume Reformed Dogmatics in 2022.

Peace Like a River - Lief Enger

I've been meaning to read this book for many years, and I'm so glad I finally did. Simply one of the best novels I've ever read in my life. Enger's prose is absolutely beautiful, and the story is breathtaking.

The Baseball 100 - Joe Posnanski

This is a compilation of profiles Posnanski wrote for The Athletic on the 100 greatest baseball players of all-time. I have absolutely loved making my way through these. If you love baseball, this should go right to the top of your list.

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia,Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution - Carl Trueman

Another one I started in 2020 and finished in 2021. An incredibly important book detailing the historical and philosophical reasons behind the state of our world today.

Simply Trinity: The Unmanipulated Father, Son, and Spirit - Matthew Barrett

A wonderful corrective to the flawed versions of the Trinity so prominent in many evangelical circles. Shows how the EFS or ERAS of Grudem and others is erroneous and actually detracts from our ability to worship the Triune God accurately. A welcomed breath of fresh air.

Jayber Crow - Wendell Berry

A beautiful novel set in Barry's fictional town of Port Williams, this book details the life of Jayber Crow, the town barber. If that sounds boring, you've clearly never read Berry. Highly recommended.

Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last - Wright Thompson

I assumed this would be a story about Pappy Van Winkle bourbon. It is, but so much more. It's about family, fathers, and failure. And how life is fleeting. And permanence. And of course, good bourbon. Thompson's writing continually surprised me, even bringing me near tears towards the end. Really, really good.

The Israel of God: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow - O. Palmer Robertson

Somehow I'd never gotten around to reading this one. Really wish I had. Surgical refutation of the dispensational understanding of Israel's relationship the land and the promises of God in the OT. Such a more beautiful picture of God's plan of redemption than I'd been given in the past.

A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens

I will admit I struggled with this one at first. I read the first half of the book and then listened to the rest on audiobook. I really got into it once I started listening. The last pages are some of the best literature I've ever read in my life. So glad I stuck with this one.

Cinderella Man: James Braddock, Max Baer, and the Greatest Upset in Boxing History - Jeremy Schaap

The true story the movie is based on. I learned a ton from this about the lives of both James Braddock as well as Max Baer (who has his own extremely interesting story and was not the one-dimensional character portrayed in the movie). Really good sports writing here.

My Favorite Books I Read in 2020

2020-12-12T12:36:00.003-05:00

I began this year with a much more modest reading goal than normal for me. I was in a place where I didn't want to read much for the first time in a very long time. And for the first 7 or 8 months this year, I read very little and was way behind my goal pace.

Around August or September, that started to change, and my love of reading has returned at this point. I read more books in the last 2 or 3 months than the rest of the year combined...by a lot.

So this is my list of what I found most interesting, entertaining, edifying, enlightening, challenging, and/or simply enjoyable. Not everything in these would be something I would endorse, but all have had some impact on me this year. Take that for what you will.

Generally in order of most favorite on down.

1. Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers - Dane Ortlund

I don't know if I've ever needed to read a book more than when I read this book this year. This increased my love for Christ and helped me understand in a much deeper way his love for me at the exact time I needed both of those things.

2. The Trinity: An Introduction - Scott Swain

I believe American Evangelicalism has a bit of a crisis of Trinitarian theology, with even well-known and heavily-relied-upon theologians holding to unorthodox views. This, along with the book below, are wonderful introductions to the doctrine and why it is so crucial.

3. Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith - Michael Reeves

Probably the first book I would give a new believer on understanding the Trinity.

4. The Gateway Chronicles (6 Book Series) - K.B. Hoyle

A delightful 6-volume series, aimed at more the YA age group (Seth read all 6 books twice). The story, though, is an epic adventure that tells The Story in various ways as well. Great character development over the course of the books. Fans of C.S. Lewis will find much to love here.

5. Divided We Fall: America's Secession Threat and How to Restore our Nation - David French

Fascinating take on our current political climate of intense division and some scary (and increasingly believable) scenarios of what could happen if we don't find ways to unite. I love David French and this book didn't disappoint me.

6. Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury

I cannot believe Bradbury wrote this in the 1950s. Sounds like it could have been written in the last decade. He explores a world where firemen burn books rather than putting out fires. But his take on where technology might lead and the irrelevance of books and ideas is creepy in its accuracy.

7. The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction & Breaking Bread with the Dead: A Reader's Guide to a More Tranquil Mind - Alan Jacobs

Even when I don't agree with Alan Jacobs, I like the experience of disagreeing with him. He's a wonderful writer, and reading him makes me want to read more.

8. Who is an Evangelical?: The History of a Movement in Crisis - Thomas Kidd

My go-to historian, Kidd's take here on the development of evangelicalism and where it can go from here is fascinating.

9. He Is There and He Is Not Silent - Francis Schaeffer

Embarrassingly the first Schaeffer book I've ever read. I now see why it was re-published this year. Brilliant and prescient when you look at how what he predicted has come to pass.

10. Reading Between the Lines: Volume 1 - Glen Scrivener

I used this devotionally for the first half of the year. Scrivener finds Jesus in every part of the OT, and it is beautiful and felt like a drink of fresh water to me. This helped rekindle some things in me that had dimmed some.

11. Insider Outsider: My Journey as a Stranger in WhiteEvangelicalism and My Hope for Us All - Bryan Loritts

Difficult but needed look at a black pastor's experience in white evangelicalism. Lots of good lessons to learn for everyone here.

12. The Color of Compromise: The Truth About the American Church's Complicity in Racism - Jemar Tisby

This was another very difficult book to read, but a necessary one. Tisby shows the ways in which the church in America has fed into the racism that has affected our minority brothers and sisters in this country. One doesn't need to agree with every conclusion he draws to see the historical case in indisputable.

13. Dracula - Bram Stoker

I had never really heard much of the actual story of Dracula (and yes, I went to Transylvania University in Kentucky, so....). This was way more profound and moving than I expected. Some of it is a slog, but totally worth it in my opinion.

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And 2 current reads that will no doubt be near the top of next year's list once I finish them....

The Wonderful Works of God - Herman Bavinck

I've been reading this devotionally and slowly, and it's one of my favorite books I've ever read. Essentially a systematic theology, but beautiful and worshipful. I plan on reading a lot more Bavinck in 2021.

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia,Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution - Carl Trueman

From everything I've heard, this is going to be an important book for a long time. I'm only a chapter in, but I trust Trueman on these issues and look forward to reading the rest of this.

My Favorite Books I Read in 2019

2019-12-09T12:31:00.000-05:00

I'm posting my favorite books I read in 2019 with very little comment. I might get around to writing some short descriptions/reviews, but maybe not.

So this is my list of what I found most interesting, entertaining, edifying, enlightening, challenging, and/or simply enjoyable. Not everything in these would be something I would endorse, but all have had some impact on me this year. Take that for what you will.

Generally in order of most favorite on down.

1. Interpreting Scripture with the Great Tradition: Recovering the Genius of Premodern Exegesis - Craig Carter

2. What Is a Girl Worth?: My Story of Breaking the Silence and Exposing the Truth about Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics - Rachael Denhollender

3. Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making - Andrew Peterson

4. Remember Death: The Surprising Path to Living Hope - Matthew McCullough

5. Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World - Cal Newport

6. The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure - Greg Lukianoff & Jonathan Haidt

7. The Gospel-Driven Church: Uniting Church Growth Dreams with the Metrics of Grace - Jared Wilson

8. Christ from Beginning to End: How the Full Story of Scripture Reveals the Full Glory of Christ - Trent Hunter and Steve Wellum

9. The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery - Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile

10. The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross - Patrick Schreiner

11. When Darkness Seems My Closest Friend: Reflections on Life and Ministry With Depression - Mark Meynell

12. Benjamin Franklin: The Religious Life of a Founding Father - Thomas Kidd

13. Hamilton: The Revolution - Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter

14. Born a Crime - Trevor Noah

15. Addiction and Virtue: Beyond the Models of Disease and Choice - Kent Dunnington

My Favorite Books I Read in 2018

2018-12-11T14:00:00.002-05:00

It's always fun at the end of the year to look back over what I read that year and reflect on what I liked and didn't like, what affected my understanding of things, what I just enjoyed reading.

I'm always theology and non-fiction heavy in this list. I actually read more fiction this year, but a lot of those barely missed making the list. Hard to narrow it down.

He's my list. That's all it is. My list of what I found most interesting, entertaining, edifying, enlightening, challenging, and/or simply enjoyable. Not everything in these would be something I would endorse, but all have some impact on me this year. Take that for what you will.

Theology

All That Is In God: Evangelical Theology and the Challenge of Classical Christian Theism - James Dolezal

Some really helpful definition and clarification on the doctrine of God and some equally helpful push back against some modern articulations of that doctrine. God's immutability, his self-existence...these doctrines matter immensely, and I found this book to be a gentle but needed rebuke of my own deficiencies of understanding in these areas.

Spiritual Gifts: What They Are and Why They Matter - Tom Schreiner

My favorite teacher/scholar doing what he does best. Discussing complicated, controversial matters in a clarifying, irenic, charitable way. Tom is what he calls a "nuanced cessationist," so that's the perspective he's coming from, but I think he is incredibly fair to different perspectives in this. So helpful when I had to teach 1 Corinthians 12-14.

God Dwells Among Us: Expanding Eden to the Ends of the Earth - G.K. Beale and Mitchell Kim

This is a shortened and simplified version of Beale's longer work, Temple and the Church's Mission. From the Garden of Eden through the New Jerusalem, the idea of God's dwelling place, his temple, is a huge theme. This book traces that theme wonderfully if you don't want to try to slog through Beale's longer academic work.

Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality - Nancy Pearcey

This book is a crucial voice of clarity in the midst of a lot of cultural chaos. Pearcey works through many of the social issues so prominent in our culture today (transgenderism, homosexuality, marriage, abortion, euthanasia, etc.) and applies biblical wisdom beautifully. Philosophically rich yet easy to track with.

The Heart of the Church: The Gospel's History, Message, and Meaning - Joe Thorn
The Character of the Church: The Marks of God's Obedient People - Joe Thorn
The Life of the Church: The Table, Pulpit, and Square - Joe Thorn

This trilogy is a great introduction to discipleship and ecclesiology. These short books are great tools for new believers to show them what the life of a believer looks like, tethered to the local church. Actually, many not-so-new believers need to learn the same things.

The Bible and the Future - Anthony Hoekema

This book was recommended to me years ago by a professor in seminary, and I finally read it this year. He didn't recommend it for nothing. Beautiful and biblical vision of the future and where all of this going.

Greek for Life: Strategies for Learning, Retaining, and Reviving New Testament Greek - Ben Merkle and Rob Plummer

This won't appeal to many, but this has really rekindled my desire to keep up my biblical Greek that I had mostly let atrophy after seminary. Some great strategies and practical encouragement to keep at it...and so far I have.

Echoes of Exodus: Tracing a Biblical Motif - Bryan Estelle; Echoes of Eden: Tracing Themes of Redemption Through Scripture - Alastair Roberts and Andrew Wilson

2 books with the same name that came out the same year, and yet pretty different. The Estelle book is very academic as he traces the exodus theme out, while the Roberts/Wilson book is definitely written at a popular and accessible level. Both are worth reading. The Estelle book is a little more careful in its use of typology and more grounded in the biblical texts, while the Roberts/Wilson book makes use of a musical metaphor to speak of the movements of Scripture and picking up themes and variations on melodies. I enjoyed both.

How the Nations Rage: Rethinking Faith and Politics in a Divided Age - Jonathan Leeman

I have yet to read something by Jonathan Leeman that I didn't find helpful. Here, he applies his knowledge of political science, theology, and cultural analysis to ponder where we are in our culture right now. How should we think about political interaction in an ever more divided society, especially as Christians?

Spurgeon's Sorrows: Realistic Hope for Those Who Suffer From Depression - Zack Eswine

Short little book that made a pretty big impact on me. Through the lens of the great Charles Spurgeon, Eswine looks at the issue of depression and seeks to shed light on its causes and ways to hold on to hope in the midst of it. This really helped me understand depression more and created a lot more empathy for those struggling with it.

Other Non-Fiction

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride - Cary Elwes

If you love the movie (which I do), you will love this book. It is filled with great stories from the making of the movie, with lots of humor and interesting tidbits. What I enjoyed most was how much the people who made the movie still love it today. They are proud of what they made, the way it has connected through multiple generations. I actually listened to the audio book version (which is kind of cheating for this list), but if you can do that, it's so worth it to hear Cary Elwes and the other cast members read it.

Them: Why We Hate Each Other - and How to Heal - Ben Sasse

I really enjoy Ben Sasse's perspective, so I really enjoyed his take on the divided nature of our country right now and some ways we might address that. It's basically a look at what we've lost with being disconnected from everyone right around us, and how we might regain some of that.

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable - Patrick Lencioni

If you want to understand the underlying causes why teams fail to reach their potential and suffer from chronic dysfunction, this book is really helpful. It's half fictional narrative and half didactic teaching. The narrative paints all-too-familiar pictures of poor leadership and poor team dynamics, as well as how one leader attempts to correct things. The rest fleshes out how to overcome the 5 main dysfunctions.

Fiction

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling

This was a wonderful conclusion to one of my favorite series of novels I've read. There are just so many amazing themes explored through these books and so many virtues given flesh in these characters. J.K. Rowling might not be a believer, but she can't seem to help writing stories that have been shaped by The Story.

The Hobbit (Or There and Back Again) - J.R.R. Tolkien

Seth and I both read this during the year and both enjoyed it. Definitely not written the same as Lord of the Rings, but I loved the tone throughout. A great adventure tale with some dry wit throughout.

My Favorite Books I Read in 2017

2017-12-07T11:13:00.000-05:00

Coming out of blog hibernation my one time a year to post a favorite books of the year list.

Annual disclaimer: I read quite a few books this year, some newly published, some quite old. As always, these aren't necessarily the best books published this year. They aren't even necessarily the "best" books I read this year. They are simply the ones that I found most interesting, entertaining, edifying, enlightening, challenging, and/or simply enjoyable. I would recommend them all, even if I wouldn't agree with everything in all of them (some I read to help me understand perspectives quite different from my own).

Theology

The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing - Jonathan Pennington

It's pretty rare that I read a book that is paradigm shifting these days. Many of the books I read, even if they are solid and edifying, are simply saying things I've already heard in different ways. This book is the first paradigm-shifting book I've read in a while. I'm still digesting it. Jonathan Pennington was my Greek professor in seminary, and he's spent many years studying the Sermon on the Mount. His take on this familiar text was nothing short of amazing to me. His explanation of how to interpret "blessing" (makarios), what it means that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law, what it means to be "perfect" (teleios)...all things that made Jesus' words come alive to me in a new way that invigorated my faith in many ways. The beautiful vision of life in God's kingdom was challenging, comforting, and hope-giving. I think the long-term effect of this book may end up being quite large as people wrestle with the implications.

Echoes of Scripture in the Gospels - Richard Hays

Richard Hays' "figural" reading of the gospels yields immense fruit in this book. Essentially walking through each of the 4 gospels, Hays beautifully shows how the authors were interpreting the OT Scriptures in ways that illuminate who Jesus is in such a rich and wonderful way. While some may not agree with all of his conclusions, his attempt to read the Bible the way the gospel authors did is a great example and a wonderful demonstration of the interconnected-ness of the whole Bible. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and will likely come back to it every so often.

New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ - Tom Schreiner

My favorite teacher ever walking through the theology of the New Testament. Tom is the clearest and most humble teacher I've ever known, and that's on full display in this book. He's written a theology of Paul, a theology of the NT, and a whole-Bible theology. I'm reading those in reverse order, so I guess Paul is up next.

Covenant and God's Purpose for the World - Tom Schreiner

This is part of a series of short books on Biblical Theology, and it's my favorite. Tom walks through the covenants as the backbone of the Bible, showing how they are interconnected and tell a unified story of what God is doing. This will likely become my go-to resource for introducing someone to the full scope of Scripture in a condensed form. Clear, precise, pastoral, brilliant.

None Like Him: 10 Ways God is Different From Us (And Why That's A Good Thing) - Jen Wilkin

I've been meaning to read this for a while, and finally got around to it. Jen Wilkin is a fantastic writer, and her ability to articulate big truths about God in understandable and even worshipful ways is so great. In this book, she gives a Tozer-like introduction to some of the attributes of God (10, actually), and I found it incredibly edifying, even though this is aimed at women. I wish every Christian woman would read this book, and I pray many men will as well. Grateful for godly women authors like Wilkin.

Nine Marks of a Healthy Church - Mark Dever

I have used 9Marks materials for quite a while, but had never actually read through the book that started it all. I had the privilege of teaching a class through this book (along with the DVD series from Ligonier) this year, and I loved it as much as I thought I would. So thankful for Mark Dever and his vision of the local church and how to lead it well.

The Sermons of George Whitefield (2 Volumes) - George Whitefield

This was a birthday present a couple years ago from my wife, and I finally finished it this year. George Whitefield is my favorite person from Church history, and reading his sermons and imagining his delivering them to thousands of people is amazing, and his heart for the gospel is part of what made me want to be a pastor. This 2-volume set is a treasured part of my library.

The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life: Connecting Christ to Human Experience - Jeremy Pierre

Written by my former pastor, small group leader, and biblical counseling professor, this is a wonderful summary of his approach to biblical counseling. His vision of how to counsel people in ways that account for the multi-factorial ways we think and make decisions is so helpful and I've already used much of this in counseling settings. Jeremy is a wonderful thinker, writer, and godly man as well.

Recapturing the Wonder: Transcendent Faith in a Disenchanted World - Mike Cosper

In a world that has become "disenchanted" (to use Cosper's word for it), where things that need the word "transcendent" to describe them seem odd to most people, how can Christians keep a sense of wonder at God and his creation? That's what Mike Cosper shows in this book. If you've been feeling dry in your faith and wondering how to re-capture some of the awe and wonder of God, this is a good place to start.

Confessing the Faith: A Reader's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith - Chad Van Dixhoorn

I love the Westminster Confession of Faith, even though I disagree with some of it. It's a wonderfully helpful summary of the Christian faith, and this book seeks to help modern readers understand the truths contained in it and how to apply them today. I worked through this book with a friend, and we both found it very helpful and grounding in our faith. I didn't agree with everything the author said, but he makes great, biblical arguments for those positions. Great tool to understand the historical rooted-ness of our faith.

Understanding Church Discipline; Understanding Church Leadership; Understanding the Congregation's Authority; Understanding the Great Commission - Ed. Jonathan Leeman

These short little books (about 60 pages each) from the 9 Marks "Church Basics" series are really great summaries of these issues. They also have volumes on baptism and the Lord's Supper in the series. Very helpful resources to have on hand to help people get the basics of these issues down.

Other Non-Fiction

Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America - Michael Emerson and Christian Smith

This is one of the most important books I've read in a very long time. Race is a hot topic in our culture right now, especially within evangelicalism (whatever that term means now). How has modern evangelicalism been shaped by race and what does that mean for the church today? How do we deal with a problem that goes so much deeper than our interactions with a single person and exists on societal levels? How can we deal with a "racialized" culture that doesn't even need hateful people to perpetuate that culture? This book felt for me like I was a fish being explained what water is. It opened my eyes to ways that I can't even see "racialized" aspects of my culture because they are largely invisible to me. I am thankful for that, and I pray that is just the beginning of God showing me how I am to respond to these things. How the church is called to respond. I wish every Christian would read this book with an open mind and an open heart.

12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You - Tony Reinke

Another incredibly important book for our times. Changes in technology have always had effects on people in spiritual ways. Reinke does a fantastic job in this book of talking about the dangers of various technologies like smartphones without being a Luddite about it. He acknowledges the great advantages we have with our technology, but provides wisdom and guidance on how to interact with those things as Christians better. Highly recommend all Christians read this one as well.

Steal Away Home: Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson, Unlikely Friends on the Passage to Freedom - Matt Carter and Aaron Ivey

This is a very interesting book. It's a historically true story of Charles Spurgeon, the great Baptist preacher, and a slave named Thomas Johnson. They eventually become great friends after Johnson gains his freedom. So this book is about their friendship. But it's also about a Christian perspective on slavery somewhat. And it's all written as a novel. The authors used historical sources, and even quotes, where possible, and filled in gaps here and there with plausible elements. The result is an incredibly moving story of the gospel, friendship, and hope.

Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk, and True Flourishing - Andy Crouch

One of the better books on leadership I've read. And it's not really about "leadership," at least, not in the sense most leadership books are. It's about how to lead in a way that results in those around you flourishing, experiencing God's design for them, of leaders taking on and bearing risks on behalf of others. I learned so much from this short book, and I will be coming back to it again for more encouragement on how to lead well.

Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther - Roland Bainton

In this year, the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther nailing his 95 theses to the door at the Wittenburg Church, I figured it was time I read this class biography on the man. It did not disappoint. While a little dry here and there with some of the facts, I felt like this book really helped me understand Luther better and thus the Protestant Reformation better.

Fiction

Harry Potter (Books 1-4) - J.K. Rowling

I read the first book of this series back in college, but had never tried to read any of the others. I saw all the movies and enjoyed them, but based on the recommendation of numerous friends, I decided to make my way through the books recently. I've read books 1-4 and I have loved them. Rowling is a great writer, and her characters are people I actually care about. The themes explored are quite profound at times. I know some Christians will object to reading these because of the magical elements, but I think they are worth the engagement. I am really looking forward to reading the final 3 books.

Outlaws of Time (The Legend of Sam Miracle and The Song of Glory and Ghost) - N.D. Wilson

Books 1 and 2 of the Outlaws of Time series from N.D. Wilson have been extremely interesting so far. Wilson is a prolific author of kids/teen fiction, but these books are enjoyable for any age. Few writers write evil characters really well, and Wilson is one of them. Good is good and evil is evil in his books. That's not to say the characters aren't complex; they definitely are. But his portrayal of evil and it's ultimate doom is gospel-soaked. I'm looking forward to book 3 in this series coming out in the spring of 2018.

The Princess Bride - William Goldman

One of my favorite movies of all time was based on this book, but I had never read it, so that's something I made sure to remedy this year. I absolutely loved this book. It has everything the movie had, plus extra pieces that filled out the story even more. If you love the movie, I highly recommend taking the time to engage with this book. You'll love it.

My Favorite Books I Read in 2016

2016-12-05T16:16:00.002-05:00

Coming out of blog hibernation my one time a year to post a favorite books of the year list.

Annual disclaimer: I read about 60 books this year, some newly published, some quite old. As always, these aren't necessarily the best books published this year. They aren't even necessarily the "best" books I read this year. They are simply the ones that I found most interesting, entertaining, edifying, enlightening, challenging, and/or simply enjoyable. I would recommend them all, even if I wouldn't agree with everything in all of them (some I read to help me understand perspectives VERY different from my own).

Theology

ESV Reader's Bible, 6 Volume Set - Crossway

This is the Bible I've been using for my devotional reading since I got it a couple months ago. Designed to remove anything on the page that would distract the reader and produced at a high quality that seeks to highlight the beauty of the written word, I have been looking forward to this for a while. Similar to Bibliotheca, which raised well over $1.4M on Kickstarter, this seeks to help people read larger portions of the Bible at a time, as well as present the Bible as a book, not a reference manual. See Glenn Paauw's book below.

Knowing Christ - Mark Jones

I've had this on my shelf for a while and finally got around to reading it. I'm so glad I did. It's a wonderful exploration of the person and work of Christ. Jones is careful to unpack as much as can be known about Christ from Scripture and goes no further. Although heady stuff, he is able to explain things at a very understandable and almost devotional level. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and will come back to it many times in the future.

The Knowledge of the Holy - A.W. Tozer

A classic that I think every Christian ought to read (and which I hadn't until this year...). Tozer writes short (mostly 3-4 page) chapters on different aspects of God's character and packs a ton into those short pages. I took a group of guys at church through this and was so blessed by the discussion it stimulated.

Commentary on Hebrews (Biblical Theology for Christian Proclamation) - Tom Schreiner

My favorite teacher I've ever had expounding the book of Hebrews. Tom has an ability like I've never seen to take complex, difficult ideas from the Bible and present them in simple, understandable ways that makes you want to read your Bible more. This book is no exception. I'm leading a small group through Hebrews right now, and this has been an immensely helpful guide.

You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit - James K.A. Smith

You are what you love. You become that which you behold. You take on the characteristics of that which you worship. These are all ways of essentially getting at the same idea. Smith's book was a joy to read and caused me to evaluate the "liturgy" of my life, the habits, patterns, and routines, and what those reveal about what I really love.

The Temple and the Tabernacle: A Study of God's Dwelling Places from Genesis to Revelation - J. Daniel Hays

A wonderful (illustrated!) guide to the idea of temple throughout the whole Bible. It's really a biblical theology of that theme, with lots of historical background and other pieces added on. I have been studying the idea of temple and God's presence a lot more in recent years, and this is probably my favorite thing I've read on the idea.

In the Arena: The Promise of Sports for Christian Discipleship - David Prince

A short but brilliant examination of sports from a Christian perspective. Prince not only makes a great case for why sports aren't a waste of time, but actually shows how sports are uniquely valuable in shaping Christian character. Also, he's a Braves fan and articulates why baseball is clearly the greatest sport. Win.

Progressive Covenantalism: Charting a Course Between Dispensational and Covenant Theologies - Ed. Stephen Wellum

A series of really helpful chapters by various authors from the Progressive Covenantalism perspective, which is gaining ground as a theological system right now. The chapters on the Israel-Christ-Church relationship (Brent Parker), the Mosaic Law (Jason Meyer), and sabbath (Tom Schreiner) are worth the price of the book alone. But all the chapters are really helpful, even where everyone might not agree fully.

Don't Fire Your Church Members: The Case for Congregationalism - Jonathan Leeman

I love the Church and I love ecclesiology (the study of the Church). And I love how Jonathan Leeman writes about ecclesiology. In this book, he makes the best case I've seen for congregationalism, but he does so in the broader context of what the Church is and how leaders should think about what we're doing. Very helpful, as is anything Leeman writes.

Saving the Bible From Ourselves: Learning to Read and Live the Bible Well - Glenn Paauw

There has been a renaissance of simplicity in Bible publishing lately. See the ESV Reader's Bible 6-volume set above. In this book, Paauw makes a fantastic argument that how our Bible has been formatted has shaped how we read it and engage God through it. We tend to see the Bible as more like a reference manual than a book to be devoured. I found many helpful thoughts throughout this book, even though I would come down in different places theologically at points.

Other Non-Fiction

For the Glory: Eric Liddle's Journey from Olympic Champion to Modern Martyr - Duncan Hamilton

I've been fascinated by Eric Liddell since I saw the movie Chariots of Fire. But that's where he story starts, not ends. Hamilton tells his whole story in this fantastic biography, focusing on Liddell's commitment to being a missionary to the people of China, where he was born. I'm not even sure if Hamilton is a Christian, but Liddell's faithfulness and commitment to God clearly affected him, and his book exudes warmth and admiration for this remarkable saint.

The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion - Jonathan Haidt

A fascinating look at what divides people when thinking about morality from a sociological and psychological perspective. In a year where we've seen this divide more clearly than at any other recent time, I found this book extremely helpful in understanding why people behave the way they do when it comes to political and religious issues.

Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age - Sherry Turkle

I read this book because of an article Turkle wrote for the New York Times. She spent years studying the ways in which technology is changing the way we communicate. Not just the medium we use, but the actual ways our brains interact with other humans. A little repetitive sometimes, but nonetheless immanently helpful in understanding especially younger people who have grown up amidst these technological advances.

Hillbilly Elegy - J.D. Vance

This book received a lot of attention in connection to this year's election. Dealing with issues of race and economic inequality, Vance describes his life in moving from Appalachia, where most families have very little, up through graduating from Yale Law School. There is quite a bit of difficult language and some painful descriptions, but a helpful cultural study to understand a group very different from what I have known.

Between the World and Me - Ta-Nehisi Coates

Speaking of which, I read this book for similar reasons to Hillbilly Elegy. Coates' reflections on the black experience in our country are difficult, painful, and I would argue not always completely fair. And yet I really appreciated his book for the honesty it contains, and for the small glimpse into something I can't fully understand. Because I believe God requires empathy towards my neighbor, I'm seeking to listen and understand better, even where that makes me feel uncomfortable. I hope to read much more from those I seek to love better than I have.

Fiction

Hannah Coulter - Wendell Berry

I have many friends who love Berry, but I had only read 1 of his books in the past. I decided to start with Hannah Coulter, which seems to be almost universally regarded as one of his best novels. It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did, I absolutely loved it. Berry writing feels like sitting on a comfortable chair in front of a fire on a cold night. It feels like my grandparents' on Christmas Eve as a child.

The Great Divorce & The Last Battle - C.S. Lewis

I've read a lot of Lewis, but had never gotten around to these two. If you like C.S. Lewis, you'll love these and they have everything I love about him. His ability to portray truth through fiction is amazing.

The Martian - Andy Weir

This was a really fun novel, despite some rough language at times. The movie was good, but doesn't really do justice to either the story or the scientific aspects of the book. Very worth reading, even if you've already seen the movie.

My Favorite Books I Read in 2015

2015-12-16T10:48:00.000-05:00

Decided to go ahead and use this blog to post a favorite books list. Thought it might be helpful to some looking for recommendations. This is becoming my only blog post each year. I read a decent amount of books this year, some newly published, some quite old. As always, these aren't necessarily the best books published this year. They aren't even necessarily the "best" books I read this year. They are simply the ones that I found most interesting, entertaining, edifying, enlightening, challenging, and/or simply enjoyable. I would recommend them all, even if I wouldn't agree with everything in all of them. The Institutes was my overall favorite from the year, but the rest are in no particular order.

Institutes of the Christian Religion – John Calvin

This was my first time working completely through Calvin's classic work of theology, and this new edition, based on the 1541 French version, was a joy to read. Calvin gets a bad rap for being very dry and technical at times, but this work is anything but. It is largely devotional, and he writes movingly about the God he is attempting to know through the Scriptures. Beautifully written and theologically rich. Every Christian really should be familiar with the Institutes, and this version would be the one I would recommend for most.

The Christian Ministry – Charles Bridges

This was required reading during my pastoral internship in Louisville, and I am certain I will be coming back to this work in the future. First published in 1830, there are some things that Bridges says about pastoral ministry that are bound to his specific context, but most of what he says still applies today powerfully. This book helped solidify in my mind and heart a call to ministry. Bridges vision for the calling and work of a pastor is wonderful, motivating, challenging, and glorious.

Faith Alone: The Doctrine of Justification – Thomas Schreiner

With the 500-year anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation coming up in 2017, Zondervan is publishing a book on each of the 5 solas. This is the first in that series, on sola fide, or "faith alone." Tom Schreiner was my pastor and professor down in Louisville during seminary, and he is absolutely one of my favorite authors to read. He has a skill for taking complex ideas and explaining them in straightforward ways that assist understanding without being simplistic. He applies those skills in this book to the truth that we are saved by faith alone, not by works. He engages many who would disagree with that idea (primarily Roman Catholics) with his usual fairness and irenic spirit. I am incredibly thankful for his ministry and writing.

The Compelling Community: Where God's Power Makes a Church Attractive – Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop

This book (from 9Marks, and I highly recommend almost anything they put out) is a beautiful vision for the local church, one that embraces diversity because of our unity in Christ, and one that shows forth genuine community because of the power of the Spirit. There is a fantastic critique of some of the strategies churches use that unintentionally feed into a consumeristic mindset (even a "sanctified" consumer mindset). The church only exists because of God's supernatural power. Dever and Dunlop argue that our community within the church should reflect that reality, and they do this very well.

Openness Unhindered: Further Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert on Sexual Identity and Union with Christ – Rosaria Champagne Butterfield

Butterfield's first book, Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert, was extremely good. This book is even better in my opinion. In a culture that tries everything to convince people that their identity is buried in their sexuality, Butterfield, a former lesbian now married to a pastor, argues against that notion with wit, candor, and biblical beauty. Her writing is moving, poetic, and theologically packed.

Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices – Thomas Brooks

A Puritan work written in 1652, Brooks explores the nature of temptation and how to combat the strategies Satan uses to deceive us to sin. I love the Puritans, and I love how Brooks wrote. Some may have a little bit of trouble with the somewhat archaic language but the payoff is worth the struggle. There is much gold in these kinds of works.

Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Skepticism – Timothy Keller

Keller is always an entertaining, challenging, and stimulating read. This book on the nature and practice of preaching is no different. His insight into our postmodern culture (and how to communicate within that kind of ethos) is absolutely brilliant. As someone just beginning to preach, I learned a great deal from this book. Preaching is in many ways a complicated endeavor, and not everyone will agree with everything Keller says here, but what he does say and how he says it will stimulate thinking on this critical topic regardless.

The New Pastor's Handbook: Help and Encouragement for the First Years of Ministry – Jason Helopoulos

I became a pastor for the first time this past July. As someone just learning what it really means to be a pastor, I was really helped by this extremely practical book on the first years of ministry. Helopoulos deals with everything I've encountered so far, sharing mistakes he made early on that he wants to help young pastors avoid, and giving guidance on just about everything a pastor faces. This was a very quick read, and I plan on reading it again in the next 6 months to help keep myself on track.

Onward: Engaging the Culture Without Losing the Gospel – Russell Moore

I had Dr. Moore for a Christian Ethics class in seminary, and this book reminded me very much of that class (which was one of my favorites). When Christians look around at the world with everything that has changed especially in the last 10 years or so, it can be difficult to know how to move forward. It may even cause many to have fear about the future or become paralyzed. This book helps make the argument that while everything has changed, nothing has really changed. Jesus is still on the throne. God is still sovereign over all things. The gospel is still true and the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. I hope many Christians will read this book and be encouraged by the hope of the gospel amidst an ever-changing cultural landscape.

A Brief History of Thought: A Philosophical Guide to Living – Luc Ferry

I think Tim Keller recommended this book at some point. Ferry walks through the development of philosophy in the western world, hitting all the high points and explaining the unique contribution of each era of thought. Not a believer, Ferry misunderstands a good amount of Christianity, but he tries very hard to be fair to it and takes no gratuitous shots. His deconstruction of much of the postmodern way of thinking is really good, too, especially coming from him. He is honest enough to see through much of it. A really good, quick, fair overview of western thought that will help you understand why people today think and act the way they do.

Truth Overruled: The Future of Marriage and Religious Freedom – Ryan T. Anderson

Ryan Anderson is one of the most articulate and intelligent defenders of traditional marriage out there. He's Catholic, but his arguments come mainly from natural law, making the non-religious case for marriage as the union between 1 man and 1 woman. In this book, he makes that case and also looks at the various issues that have arisen in our culture recently because of the redefinition of marriage as it relates to religious liberty. A graduate of Princeton, Anderson is able to articulate the conservative case for marriage in a winsome way, not sounding artificial alarms but not downplaying the real challenges either.

Things Not Seen: A Fresh Look at Old Stories of Trusting God's Promises – Jon Bloom

Bloom takes 35 stories from the Bible and imaginatively retells them, filling in gaps in stories based on biblically-informed imagination. What might John the Baptist have thought when he sat in prison and sent disciples to question Jesus? What was it like in the room when Mary poured out the perfume on Jesus' feet and began to wipe them with her hair? Bloom uses the medium of story to teach these biblical accounts in fresh ways, illuminating the biblical text very helpfully. I really enjoyed these stories, and they made me want to read my Bible more.

How People Change – Timothy Lane and Paul Tripp

We know the doctrines, but how do we connect what we know to be true to how we actually live? How do we produce fruit in our lives rather than thorns (sin)? These are the questions Lane and Tripp explore in this book. It's been around for a while now, but I finally got around to reading it and then was able to teach a Sunday School class based on the content. I found it extremely helpful in terms of how to think about the pursuit of sanctification and Christlikeness in everyday life.

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage – Alfred Lansing

Ernest Shackleton and his crew were stranded for over a year in the Antarctic seas, moving from one piece of ice to the next after seeing their boat slowly crushed by the ice, struggling for survival against all reasonable odds. This true story reads like a fictional account with fantastic narration and incredible detail. Thoroughly enjoyable.

My Favorite Books I Read in 2014

2014-12-06T12:21:00.001-05:00

Coming out of blogging slumber just to post this list. I read quite a few books during 2014, some required for seminary and many that were not. This list is a mix of those two categories, although only a couple were actually required books for class. Out of all the books in both categories that I read this year, these are the ones that I found most interesting, entertaining, edifying, enlightening, challenging, and/or simply enjoyable.

George Whitefield, Volumes 1-2 – Arnold Dallimore

Easily the best biography I've ever read, and possibly my favorite books ever. These two volumes tell the story of one of the greatest lives ever lived, and one of the most amazing times in the history of the Church. I can do no better to describe my feelings about Dallimore's work and Whitefield's life than Cornelius Van Til, who said of Volume 1: "Read this book. You may forget to talk to your wife (or husband); you may forget to go to work; but it's worth a few sacrifices. Why do I go to such extremes? To talk like that is surely abnormal. Yes, it is. But I did get into an unusually abnormal state of mind when I read the book. Besides, I am even now, weeks later, still abnormal."

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption – Laura Hillenbrand

The second best biography I've read. An amazingly gripping story of how God worked through horribly difficult circumstances in the life of Louie Zamperini to sustain him and ultimately save him from sin and to a life of good work for God. The movie version comes out this Christmas. Despite what appears to be a downplaying of Louie's faith, can't wait to see it.

The Monster in the Hollows and The Warden and the Wolf King (Books 3-4 in The Wingfeather Saga) – Andrew Peterson

Children's fiction in the vein of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkein, Andrew Peterson's 4-book Wingfeather Saga is simply wonderful. I enjoyed the first couple books, but I honestly thought they were just good. The last 2 books are spectacular. Book 3 was probably my favorite, but the last book brings the story to a great and satisfying conclusion. These are must-reads.

Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God – Tim Keller

One the best books on prayer I've ever read. Grounded in historical insights from men like John Calvin, Martin Luther, and Augustine, but connected to our specific context as well. Profound yet practical, as with everything Keller writes.

The Pilgrim’s Progress – John Bunyan

Spectacular. Edifying, entertaining, challenging, convicting, and encouraging. Really enjoyed this modern update of the language as well. Modern but didn't lose the sense of the original. Must-read.

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief – John Frame

John Frame is one of the most cogent thinkers I've ever read. His writing is so logical and just makes sense of extremely profound and difficult doctrine. I didn't agree with everything he said in this book, but I think I would consider this my go-to systematic theology going forward on everything except things like baptism and ecclesiology.

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God – J.I. Packer

The best book I've ever read on evangelism. Packer is clear, concise, profoundly theological and yet practical at the same time. Only 122 pages yet brilliantly outlines how God's sovereignty fits perfectly with the commands to evangelize. Our evangelism (and our Christian faith) must hold together God's sovereignty and human responsibility in tension, as the Bible does.

Evangelism: How the Whole Church Speaks of Jesus – Mack Stiles

As with all of the other books in the 9Marks series I have read, this book is really, really good. Short, to the point, theologically deep, but practical and accessible. Stiles paints a beautiful picture of how the church can live out the call of Jesus to make his name known to all people.

The Christian in Complete Armour, Vol. 1 – William Gurnall

This is the first of a 3 volume modernized abridgment of Gurnall's classic exposition of Ephesians 6 and spiritual warfare. Volume 1 was originally published in 1655, but I found this immensely helpful in my own fight against sin. Also a wonderful example of applied pastoral theology and a pastor's heart at work to help his people. Volumes 2-3 are on my list for 2015.

Preaching and Preachers – D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

There's a reason the version I read was a 40th anniversary edition. Chock-full of helpful advice and practical insight for preachers. Lloyd-Jones is extremely opinionated, but even where you disagree, he's always fun to read.

Amusing Ourselves to Death – Neil Postman

One of the more fascinating books I've read in a very long time. Almost 30 years old and not a bit dated in his actual arguments. In fact, looking at developments in technology and the ways in which people communicate today, I think it's possible Postman was more accurate in his assessments than even he could have known. This book has stimulated a huge amount of thinking on my part about my own life, how I want to parent, and how I want to pastor in the world in which we live.

With the Clouds of Heaven: The Book of Daniel in Biblical Theology – Jim Hamilton

Excellent treatment of the book of Daniel, its place within the canon, and its contribution to Biblical theology. Even-handed and insightful.

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert – Rosaria Champagne Butterfield

Really, really good. Other than a couple misguided and unnecessary parts (I'm thinking in particular of her 10 page tangent on the Regulative Principle...), the book is simply wonderful. Painful to read at times, but completely saturated with the grace of the gospel. Beautiful.

Is God Anti-Gay?: And Other Questions about Homosexuality, the Bible and Same-Sex Attraction - Sam Alberry

Spectacular. Right there with Wesley Hill's "Washed and Waiting" as my favorite books on the topic. Will be incredibly helpful for a lot of people thinking through this issue.

What is the Meaning of Sex? – Denny Burk

Some very needed clarity in the midst of widespread and ever-expanding confusion surrounding the topic. Will be using this in the future as a valuable resource in multiple contexts, I'm sure.

Taking a Break...

2014-04-30T14:22:00.002-04:00

Since I've been in seminary, I've struggled to keep up with the blog as much as I used to. I've managed to post enough that I felt it was still worth doing up to this point, but lately, my opinion on that investment of time has changed.

So I'm taking a break from blogging for a while. Not sure how long, maybe permanently. We'll see.

In the meantime, I leave you with Propaganda and the gospel. Take care.

Music Video of the Week: Needtobreathe

2014-04-28T07:30:00.000-04:00

Needtobreathe - "Difference Maker"

Rosaria Champagne Butterfield on Conversion

2014-04-23T14:36:00.001-04:00

From her book, The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert, p. 34:

"Making a life commitment to Christ was not merely a philosophical shift. It was not a one-step process. It did not involve rearranging the surface prejudices and fickle loyalties of my life. Conversion didn't "fit" my life. Conversion overhauled my soul and personality. It was arduous and intense. I experienced with great depth the power and authority of God in my life. In it I learned -- and am still learning -- how to love God with all my heart, soul, strength and mind. When you die to yourself, you have nothing from your past to use as clay out of which to shape your future."

Music Video of the Week: Propaganda

2014-04-21T07:30:00.001-04:00

Propaganda - "Crimson Cord"

And here's a short video explaining his heart behind the song:

Why Call it Crimson Cord? from Desiring God on Vimeo.

It's Friday, but Sunday's Coming...

2014-04-18T09:48:00.002-04:00

I never get tired of hearing this...

Sunday's Coming! from CTR Memphis on Vimeo.

HT: JT

Russell Moore on Same-Sex Marriage and the Future

2014-04-16T08:13:00.000-04:00

Russell Moore:

When it comes to what people want to hear, it seems to me that the church faces a similar situation as we look to the future of marriage in this country. Many want the sort of prophetic witness that will spin the situation to look favorable, regardless of whether that favor is from the Lord or in touch with reality.

Some people want a court of prophets who will take a surgeon’s scalpel to the Word of God. They want those who will say in light of what the Bible clearly calls immorality, “Has God really said?” Following the trajectory of every old liberalism of the past, they want to do with a Christian sexual ethic what the old liberals did with the virgin birth—claim that contemporary people just won’t have this, and if we want to rescue Christianity, this will have to go overboard. All the while they’ll tell us they’re doing it for the children (or for the Millennials).

This is infidelity to the gospel we’ve received. First of all, no one refusing to repent of sin—be it homosexuality or fornication or anything else—will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9-10). This strategy leaves people in condemnation before the Judgment Seat of Christ, without reconciliation and without hope.

Second, it doesn’t even work. Look at the empty cathedrals of the Episcopal Church, the vacated pews of the Presbyterian Church (USA), and right down the line. Let me be clear. Even if embracing same-sex marriage—or any other endorsement of what the Bible calls sexual immorality—“worked” in church-building, we still wouldn’t do it. If we have to choose between Jesus and Millennials, we choose Jesus. But history shows us that those who want a different Jesus—the one who says, “Do whatever you want with your body, it’s okay by me”—don’t want Christianity at all.

But there will be those who want prophets who will say that the gospel doesn’t call for repentance, or at least not repentance from this sin. These prophets will apply a selective universalism that denies that judgment is coming, or that the blood of Christ is needed. But these prophets don’t speak for God. And, quite frankly, we have no one to blame but ourselves since, for too long, too many of us have tolerated among us those who have substituted a cheap and easy false gospel for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Too many have been called gospel preachers who preach decision without faith, regeneration without repentance, justification without lordship, deliverance by walking an aisle but without carrying a cross. That gospel is different from the one Jesus and his apostles delivered to us. That gospel doesn’t save.

So when these prophets emerge to tell people they can stay in their sins and still be saved, we must thunder back with the old gospel that calls all of us to repentance and to cross-bearing, the gospel that calls sin what it is in order to call grace what it is. J. Gresham Machen warned us that our Lord Jesus himself never attempted to preach the gospel to the righteous but only to sinners. Those who follow him must start by acknowledging themselves to be in need of mercy, to be in need of grace that can pardon and cleanse within.

There’s also another form of court prophet of these times. This one has no problem identifying homosexuality as sin. He may do so with all sorts of bluster and outrage, but he still does what court prophets always do—he speaks a word that people want to hear. What some people want to hear is that sexual immorality is moral after all, and what other people want to hear is that same-sex marriage is simply a matter of some elites on the coasts of the country. This prophet implies that if we just sign checks to the right radio talk-show hosts, and have a good election cycle or two, we’ll be right back where we were, back when carpets were shag and marriages were strong...

...The marriage revolution around us means we must do a better job articulating a theology of marriage to our people, as well as a theology of suffering and marginalization. It means we must do a better job articulating to those on the outside why children need both a Mom and a Dad, not just “parents,” and why marriage isn’t simply a matter of court decree. It means we must start teaching our children about marriage “from the beginning” as male and female when they’re in Sunday school. It means we may have to decide if and when the day will come in which we will refuse to sign the state’s marriage licenses.

Music Video of the Week: The Gray Havens

2014-04-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

The Gray Havens - "The Stone"

Music Video of the Week: Ásgeir

2014-04-07T10:10:00.001-04:00

Ásgeir - "Torrent"

The Third Commandment and "OMG"

2014-04-03T13:38:00.003-04:00

Ryan Kelly:

If taking God's name in vain means using it frivolously or insincerely, then the third commandment speaks to more than just overt profanity. It also applies to the more common, more culturally acceptable phrases like "Oh God!" or "Oh my God!" I sense that some of us have let down our guard. I suspect that some of us have let the world's saturated use of these phrases shape us.

Granted, it is possible to speak the words "Oh God" or "Oh my God" and not sin. These words may begin a prayer at a moment of shocking tragedy. Imagine a mother finding her son with a near-fatal injury. She may look upward and cry "Oh my God!" as a pregnant prayer that implies a need for divine help. But surely that tragic scenario is a world away from today's thoughtless, needless uses. These phrases litter the speech we hear. Surely "OMG!" are three of the most frequently typed letters on social media and in texts. These are useless, thoughtless fillers used for anything and everything that is barely amusing or surprising.

Let's be clear, Christian: these common phrases are using God's name emptily, frivolously, insincerely. It's no surprise when the world steals from God's honor, but as for us, these things ought not to be. We must not rationalize and say, "It's just one word; God knows my heart; he knows I don't mean anything blasphemous." The third commandment is in fact about a word, a name. More than that, it is about God's honor. God's name isn't empty, frivolous, or insincere; indeed, God isn't empty, frivolous, or insincere. We must not treat him as such, whether in our hearts or in our speech.

This is not a point that good Christians can and do disagree on, like the use of alcohol, or celebrating Halloween, or using off-color words like crap. This one is more black and white than whether you should designate that receipt as a tax deduction or not. God reveals his holy names in the Bible, and we cannot borrow them for frivolous, useless speech.

Desiring God: When Scripture is the Controversy

2014-04-02T09:20:00.003-04:00

Jonathan Parnell:

If we learned anything from last week, maybe it’s that the real controversy among evangelicals in the coming days will be about the Bible, not homosexuality.

Beneath the surface of the recent scuffle is the more vital issue of how disciples of Jesus posture themselves toward God’s word. It’s not simply about our grasp of what Scripture is, or our conviction of Scripture’s inerrancy, or even where we land with different interpretations. It’s fundamentally about how we approach the words of God, even before we get to the interpretation part. It’s about how we look when we’re looking at Scripture.

The question is: What is the church doing when it’s doing what it does with the Bible?

...When it comes down to it — when the consensus of what’s important relies on the church’s feelings that are disconnected from what the Bible says — then the only legitimate motivation for the consensus is the pressure of society. The spirit of the age becomes the real spirit we follow, and then that becomes the path of life into which we try to cram God’s word, lopping off whatever parts don’t fit. Here is where is found the “convictions, practices, and concerns” that shape the understanding of Scripture.

And when it comes to taking actual stances, if the consensus is unclear — say, if the issue remains divisive — then the only option is to claim neutrality. Until the real authority of consensus comes out to play, all we can do is buy time on the sidelines and say this whole thing is about personal sensibilities.

This posture toward Scripture is far removed from the discipleship to which Jesus calls us. He says teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. Take up your cross, let the dead bury the dead, don’t look back. Not turn your back on my word. Not take your fill of popular opinion. Not keep calm and make sure everyone likes you...

...Sure, the Bible must be interpreted, and that matters. And there are disagreements on some parts, and there have been ridiculous things in history that were supported by wrong readings. But humility here isn’t throwing our hands up in the air and saying that everyone’s reading is legitimate. Humility isn’t looking at one another and confusing hermeneutics with human dignity.

Humility has to do with how we come to the Book.

It means we move toward Scripture, even before we open its pages, by clinging to God, not ourselves. We come yielded, with eager ears, hoping for God to sanctify our minds, not our minds sanction his will. As Calvin puts it, we “bid our reason give way, submit, and subject itself to the Holy Spirit” — who works with his word, not apart from it. Never against it.

Music Video of the Week: Jenny & Tyler

2014-03-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

Jenny & Tyler - "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"

Journey of the Guitar Solo

2014-03-28T15:35:00.000-04:00

This is awesome.

HT: Stephen Altrogge

Book Review: Kevin DeYoung - Taking God at His Word

2014-03-26T10:09:00.002-04:00

Kevin DeYoung is easily one of my favorite writers to read. Since his book with Ted Kluck, Why We’re Not Emergent, I’ve enjoyed basically everything he’s written. With his newest, Taking God at His Word (April 30, 2013), DeYoung sets out to rebuild confidence in and love for the Bible, the Word of God, in a world that through various ways and means has sought to belittle and malign it. Beginning with the vision of the Psalmist in Psalm 119, basically a love poem about the Scriptures, and ending with the familiar 2 Timothy 3:16 summation of the doctrine of Scripture, DeYoung demonstrates the sufficiency, clarity, authority, and necessity of the Bible in a clear, winsome, and refreshing way.

The main part of the book is the 4 chapters dealing with these attributes of Scripture, but my favorite chapter was on Jesus’s understanding of Scripture. DeYoung simply asks, “What did Jesus believe about the Bible?” He then posits that whatever Jesus believed, we should believe as followers of Christ. From multiple places in the gospels, DeYoung goes on to show Christ’s high view of the Scriptures (for him, the OT), and how his answers to questions and statements of his illustrate his belief in all 4 of Scripture’s attributes. It is worth quoting his full conclusion to that chapter:

This, then, can be the only acceptable answer to the question posed at the beginning of this chapter about Jesus’s doctrine of Scripture: it is impossible to revere the Scriptures more deeply or affirm them more completely than Jesus did. Jesus submitted his will to the Scriptures, committed his brain to studying the Scriptures, and humbled his heart to obey the Scriptures. The Lord Jesus, God’s Son and our Savior, believed his Bible was the word of God down to the sentences, to the phrases, to the words, to the smallest letter, to the tiniest specks—and that nothing in all those specks and in all those books in his Holy Bible could ever be broken.

Finally, DeYoung ends this brief, accessible book with some practical applications and a further exhortation to read, enjoy, obey, submit to, and above all, love the Scriptures as the Word of God and our means of access to the saving knowledge of God in Jesus Christ. In a world that seeks to discredit the Bible and where even many in the Church undermine confidence in the Bible by denying one of the attributes outlined, this short book is a breath of fresh air and an admirable defense of the sufficiency, clarity, authority, and necessity of Scripture. While it would be a good introduction for non-believers, I think this is even more important as a very needed word for many in the Church. I pray that many churches will use this to instill confidence in and love for the Bible among their people.

I quote from DeYoung again:

So let us not weaken in our commitment to our unbreakable Bible. Let us not wander from this divinely exhaled truth. Let us not waver in our delight and desire. God has spoken, and through that revelation he still speaks. Ultimately we can believe the Bible because we believe in the power and wisdom and goodness and truthfulness of the God whose authority and veracity cannot be separated from the Bible. We trust the Bible because it is God’s Bible. And God being God, we have every reason to take him at his word.

Note: I received an ARC through Crossway in exchange for a review.