Ok, so I couldn't limit my favourite books of the year to 10! So today you are going to get 6 and tomorrow the next 5. Here in no particular order are books 11-6. Enjoy!
Christianity & Liberalism - J. Gresham Machen
This book is tremendously important historically, and still tremendously important today. Machen lived at a time when many proclaimed Christians were abandoning the authority of Scripture, the Biblical Gospel, and in fact much of orthodox Christianity. They were called "liberal" or "modernist" Christians. Machen cut through the proverbial rubbish, and made it clear: Christianity and Liberalism are not two different strands of Christianity, they are 2 entirely different religions. He's right, and he then proceeds in this work to outline the majore tenets of historic, confessional Christianity. Christians young and old would be blessed by reading this landmark work. It helps us to discern what is Biblical Christianity today, and what, sadly, is not.
The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism - Kevin DeYoung
Kevin DeYoung is quickly becoming one of my favourite young writers to read. This book is unlike any out there (that I know of). He walks through the Heidelberg Catechism bit by bit, and expounds on it in a meditative/pastoral way. He demonstrates that the Heidelberg Catechism is nothing more than sound Biblical teaching. I couldn't agree with him more. I recommend this book to any and all Christians who want to dig deeper into sound doctrine but not miss the point that doctrine ought to lead to greater love for God and a life of worship. DeYoung helped me do just that. This book would be a great devotional read as the chapters are succinct.
God in the Wasteland: The Reality of Truth in a World of Fading Dreams - David F. Wells
Every pastor should read this book. Just like every pastor should read Wells' book No Place For Truth (which this book is the sequel to). Wells has an uncanny ability to see problems in the church at large and then put his finger on the theological roots of the problematic fruit. This book demonstrates convincingly... where God is not seen as holy by the church and where God is not proclaimed as transcendent and immanent (distant/unlike us and yet near us), the church will have all sorts of problems. What does the universal church most need today?: to see God as utterly and completely holy. He is incomparable. Read this book even if you aren't a pastor. It will help you gain a better sense of the majesty of God and the impact a vision of God's majesty should have on our lives.
The Unquenchable Flame: Discovering the Heart of the Reformation - Michael Reeves
Reformation history is fascinating. The books written about it sometimes aren't. This book is. If you want to understand the theological heart of the reformation, and gain this understanding in a fun and engaging way (that includes pictures), then this book is for you. The reformation was and is about getting the Gospel right. Read this book, and you too will be helped in getting the Gospel right.
Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church: A Guide for Ministry - Michael Lawrence
This book is for every Christian. It is particularly helpful for those who regularly preach and teach in the church. Lawrence helps the reader to understand the larger Biblical storyline of Scripture and then read/teach/preach in light of this larger storyline. This is a really practical book. If you want to spend more time thinking through the ins and outs of Biblical Theology, go here or here or here. Lawrence, very helpfully, though distills Biblical Theology down to the core, and helps you do it on your own. If you want to understand the Bible better or preach and teach better, this is a good book for you!
Dug Down Deep - Joshua Harris
I love J.I. Packer's Knowing God. This book is comparable, but for a younger generation. Harris has a way of weaving together sound Biblical doctrine and powerful storytelling/illustration in such a humble and accessible way. I'm currently reading this book through with a group of teenagers from our church. If you are a new Christian or have been a Christian for ages, you will benefit from reading this book!
Tomorrow, Lord willing, you'll get book 5-1. Read on!
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