Here is a list of books I have read for 2012:
1. Die Young: Burying Yourself in Christ by Hayley & Michael DiMarco – This book is a reminder to believers that they have died to sin are are to live no longer therein. It is also a reminder and challange that we must daily die to self and sin – we must bury ourselves in Christ and live the new life He has given us. So, death is the new life, less is the new more, weak is the new strong and do on. REVIEW.
2. Family Shepherds: Calling & Equipping Men to Lead their Homes by Voddie Bauchman – Family Shepherds is a no nonsense call for men to shepherd their families as the primary disciplers in the home. Bauchman’s passion come through on every page. Voddie believes that men have delegated the responsibility of discipling families primarily to the church and as such men are neglecting their God given roles in the home. Voddie is a big supporter of Family Integrated Church. There is much to like about this book but some readers will struggle with his view of age segregated ministry which is do prevalent in churches today.
3. Reading Revelation: A Comparison of Four Interpretive Translations of the Apocalypse by C. Marvin Pate – This is not a commentary on four views but an interpretive translation of four views of Revelation. An interpretive translation adds the translators interpretation of certain portions of the text so the reader sees how the translator understands/interprets a certain word, phrase, verse or chapter. This book show the GNT 4th Ed. with Pate’s English translation along side the preterist, historicist, futurist and idealist interpretations of Revelation. Though it has it limits, Reading Revelation will aid the reader in grasping a better understanding of how other interpretive schools understand Revelation and how ones own interpretation looks live in the text. REVIEW.
4. Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality by Henry Cloud – As the title indicates, integrity is defined as the courage to meet the demands of reality. For those of you (like myself) who were always told that integrity is who you are when no one is looking, this is a new definition of the word. But as you read you will come to agree with Cloud’s definition. Cloud explores the multifaceted nature of integrity which does result in much overlap of content but it is worth plowing through. This is a book every leader needs to read both in the work place and in the church. In short, integrity is the courage to do your job and what is necessary in response to what reality demands of you.
5. From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology by John Dyer – Dyer does a good job of introducing the reader to a biblical theology of technology from Genesis to Revelation. In creation man reflects God as maker of technology, in rebellion he distorts and rejects God with technology, in redemption God seeks to redeem man with technology and the technology man uses and in restoration God removes the effects of sin on man so that his technological advancements give God full glory. As a theologian and techie, Dyer moves between each area to provide insight to both Scripture and the world of technology as we know it. My only frustration with the book, and that of all books on technology from a Christian perspective, is the discussion on the morality of technology. This is a great book with much historical insight into how the world and the church use technology and how it has shapes both communities and individuals.
6. Every Man’s Marriage by Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker – This book continues in the Every Man series written by Arterburn and Stoeker. This book covers what it means to love your wife, defines what it means for men to be the ‘head’ of the home, talks about how husbands can serve their wives and discusses sex within marriage. As with all marriage books this book is peppered with example after example from both the authors and others they have counseled. Over all the book is good. It does not cover any new ground per se but there are unique snippets of perspective here and there.
7. Shapers of Christian Orthodoxy Ed. by Bradley Green – This book provides a scholarly, in depth but short intro to ten of the most prominent shapers of Christian Orthodoxy during the time of the Early and Medieval periods of church history. Each contributor gives a sketch of the relevant historical, social and political setting that each theologian lived in. The major emphasis and works of each theologian is over-viewed and the theological contributions of each towards historic Christian orthodoxy is highlighted. At the end of each chapter is a list of the primary and secondary resources for each theologian as well as a list of other works dealing with each theologian. Though intentionally scholarly, this book is very accessible to the layman and will help the Christian gain a better grasp and appreciation for the theological giants and shapers of Christian orthodoxy. REVIEW
8. Humilitas: A Lost Key to Life, Love and Leadership by John Dickson – Dickson’s book is simply based around the virtue of humility. The humble person is marked by a willingness to hold power in the service of others. This book is borne out of his historical study on humility. He gives numerous examples of humility throughout the book. Since this is not a theology of humility, the humility of Christ is not explored. Interestingly enough, Dickson makes the argument that Christianity is to be given credit for the cultural shift from an honor-shame center to a humility focus. This is an easy read and well worth it.
9. Mission in the Old Testament: Israel as a Light to the Nations by Walter Kaiser Jr. – This is a short and simple book on the OT roots for the biblical idea of mission. Kaiser roots mission in Genesis and traces it throughout the OT. The central argument is that Israel was to be a light to the nations which is a missional and evangelistic endeavor. Kaiser contends that Israel was to be intentional as they evangelized the surrounding nations and cites men like Jonah as examples. This is a great intro to the OT theology of mission.
10. Simply Jesus by N.T. Wright – The essential claim in this book is that Jesus is ruling as Lord now and that through his people the church he is bringing the whole earth under his subjection. Wright’s goal is to return to the Gospels and let them tell us what Jesus was about. Though Wright does not come out and say it, the astute reader will see Wright’s postmillennialism coming through about half way through the book. It is a bit wordy at time but Wright has a unique way of drawing you in and painting a picture. Though this was my first Wright book I know this is not the best he has to offer.
11. Revelation: The Spirit Speaks to the Churches by James Hamilton Jr. – This is a great commentary that weaves even handed explanation of the text through an historical premillennial position with a great sensitivity to the practical application of the book. Hamilton is humbly admits it when there is more than one good interpretation of a passage and yet he is clear about his position. Hamilton displays a command of the Old Testament as alluded to throughout Revelation and a grasp of biblical theology which is necessary to understand the culminating nature of Revelation within the redemptive history of revelation throughout Scripture. REVIEW.
12. Invitation to Biblical Interpretation by Kostenberger & Patterson – This intro to hermeneutics seeks to view the discipline through the triad of the historical setting of the text, the literature of the text and the theological message of the text. This is by far the best intro to the discipline I have read. The further you read the better the book gets. This is not overly simplistic nor overly technical. This is the first book of its kind to rightly distill for the non Greek and Hebrew reader how to analyze the language of the text without knowing the original languages. I thought I had a good grasp of art and science of interpretation until I read this book. I learned many new things in each chapter and it helped me to put together some things that were scattered in my head. I cannot recommend this book enough to everyone. REVIEW
13. The Hardest Sermons You’ll Ever Have to Preach by Bryan Chapell – This book is a compilation of sermons preached by pastors like Mark Dever and Tim Keller on the hardest sermons a pastor will have to preach at a funeral. Topics like the death of an infant, suicide, premature death or death by unnatural causes are dealt with. The central unifying theme that runs throughout each sermon is the hope found in the cross of Christ. This book is a goldmine of pastoral wisdom and gospel saturation. Every pastor in training or the ministry needs to have this book. REVIEW
14. How to Read the Bible Through the Jesus Lens by Michael Williams – This book concisely yet clearly overviews all 66 books of the Bible by stating its central message and then showing how its points to Jesus. Williams helps the reader to see the Christ-focused nature of all of Scripture. Each book is covered in four pages and at the end of the book the entire book is laid out in chart format for easy quick and fluid reading. A memory passage that encapsulates the theme of each book is given along with contemporary implications of theme and Jesus-focus and follow up questions on how the truths can be implemented into the readers life. REVIEW
15. Earthen Vessels: Why Our Bodies Matter to our Faith by Matthew Anderson – Matthew Anderson does in this book what few evangelicals have done, he talks about many of the ways in which our bodies shape and are shaped by our theology, ourselves and the world around us. He is highly gospel centered in his discussion, his though is lucid, his writing is engaging and it is beyond his age. Anderson tackles subjects like tattoos, clothes, homosexuality, sex, food, death, porn and a host of other area in which are bodies are present. Anderson also engages with a wide range of disciplines like theology, psychology, economics, politics and advertisement. Anderson knows his stuff and everyone should read him. REVIEW
16. Histories and Fallacies: Problems Faced in the Writing of History by Carl Trueman – In this book Trueman seeks to demonstrate what good historical method is by critiquing bad history and presenting good history throughout the book. Holocust denial and the proponents of Marxism are used to demonstrate both bad historical method and how to spot it. Trueman is honest enough to admit that every historian has limits in their approach but this does not discount the reliability of their work. This was a good, informative and helpful read that would serve those especially who enjoy reading history.
17. Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together by Grace and Mark Driscoll – In this book the Driscoll’s open their hearts and lives concerning two of marriages toughest parts – sex and friendship. While the beginning of the book addresses the need for spouses to be friends the bulk of the book deals with the sexual aspect of the marriage. This book weaves a Christian view of marriage, statistics, personal struggles and examples and lots of guidance on how to address the many aspects of a married couples sexual lives. This book is more geared towards couples and individuals who have dealt with a hard sexual past but others can learn from it as well. REVIEW
18. Foundations for the Flock: Truths About the Church for all The Saints by Conrad Mbewe – Conrad Mbewe has been hailed the African Spurgeon for his down to earth practical biblical preaching. He has had a tremendous influence on the African church. This book is simple in its approach which at some points can be a fault and a bit frustrating. This book is a compilation of Mbewe’s addresses on the nature and aspects of the church which were originally addressed to churches and laymen. There is much to like in this book for laymen but many pastors and students will find much of the material to be a repeat from their previous studies.
19. Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions Vol. 2 by Chaffey, Ham & Hodge – This is the second book in a series of book responding to the claims of secularists that the Bible is fraught with contradictions. This book covers passages from Genesis to Revelation. The chapters are short. Each chapter sets up the “supposed” Bible contradiction and then gives a short response. Most of the material is understandable for the laymen while some chapters will stretch some readers (which is a good thing). Some of the answers could use more to them but overall the answers address the problems even if not every reader will find them convincing. REVIEW
20. 40 Questions About the End Times by Eckhard Schnabel – This is the fourth book in Kregel’s 40 Questions & Answers Series. Schnabel address a range of issues dealing with eschatology in an even handed and understandable approach. Though Schnabel no doubt has his own eschatological position, as best as one can, he does not drive it throughout the book. He does an excellent job dealing with each text he addresses. Topics include: Daniel’s 70 weeks, the Rapture, the Millennium, the judgments in Revelation and how the NT writers saw the coming of Christ as inaugurating the end times as prophesied in Daniel. This is a must read for studies in eschatology. It is challenging, helpful, biblical and enlightening. REVIEW
21. Do Historical Matters Matter to Faith? ed by Hoffmeier & Magary – Here is a book that every pastor, student and teacher needs to read and every laymen needs to try and read. This book is a response to the critical work of modern and postmodern critics of the Bible who do not accept the belief of inerrancy that Scripture is accurate (historically, scientifically, etc.) in everything it affirms. This book is scholarly, readable, helpful, necessary and faithful to the text of Scripture as special revelation from God as communicated through the Biblical authors. REVIEW
22. Meet the Skeptic: A Field Guide to Faith Conversations by Bill Foster – This book categorizes all skeptics to the Christian faith into four types: spiritual, moral, biblical and scientific. Foster helps the reader to understand the objections of skeptics so they can properly respond to them. Words and phrases used by skeptics are examined and Foster does a great job of uncovering the root causes of many objections to the Christian faith. This is a book that takes the apologetic talk of many books and puts it into practice as a model for us to learn from. REVIEW
23. The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller – This book is a sermon done my Tim Keller on 1 Cor. 3:21-4:7 on the issue of self-forgetfulness and how the gospel helps us get there. This book is a kick in the pants to our pride and will quickly remind the reader that we are never as humble as we think we are. This easy read packs a powerful punch. REVIEW
24. The Last Word: Jesus’ Teaching in the Upper Room by Benn Wallace – This book is a devotional and semi-exegetical look at the last words of Jesus to His disciples in John 13-17. Wallace does a great job of both exegesis and application. Wallace shows that the themes of love and death run throughout these few chapters and how they relate to each other. This wold be good for a devotional or small group study. REVIEW
25. Preaching & Preachers (40th Anniversary Ed.) by Martyn Lloyd-Jones – This is the 40th anniversary edition of both a classic work by Lloyd-Jones and among preaching books. Containing the original work, woven throughout the book are small sections by contemporary preachers like Mark Dever and Tim Keller sharing how Preaching & Preachers helped to shape and influence their own preaching. This is a must read for all preachers but I would probably recommend to read it at least a few years into ministry so as to gain a better appreciation of its content. REVIEW
26. Think Christianly by Jonathan Morrow – This book seeks to introduce the reader to a basic intro to the Christian worldview and then show how it should be used to think about cultural issues suck as the environment, homosexuality and science. Morrow is decidedly conservative in his conclusions about engaging culture and provides winsome argumentation. Scattered throughout the book are short interviews with leading Christians who are applying their Christian faith in the areas Morrow discusses in the book. REVIEW
27. The Acts of the Risen Lord Jesus by Alan J. Thompson -
28. The Hidden Life of Prayer & The Prayer-Life of Our Lord by David M. M’Intyre – These books discuss the personal prayer life of the Christian as well as the prayer life of Christ. This book is not a 5 step process to a better prayer life but is rather saturated in Scriptural direction and gospel application. These are must reads on prayer. REVIEW
29. Education or Imitation?: Bible Interpretation for Dummies Like You and Me by Curt Allen – The basic premise behind the book is that the primary way in which Christians imitate Christ is by interpreting Scripture. It is interpreting Scripture that gets a believer from the evangelism aspect of the Great Commission to the discipleship aspect. Allen’s thesis is good and his support is sound. Given this thesis, it is important for all Christians to realize that one does not need to possess a degree in Bible, Theology or hermeneutics in order to interpret Scripture. Thus, interpretation si not an issue of education but imitating Christ .REVIEW
30. Jesus Among Friends and Enemies: A Historical and Literary to Jesus in the Gospels ed. by Chris Keith & Larry Hurtado – This is a scholarly intro to Jesus through the people He interacted with from birth to death. The first half of the book deals with His friends and the second His enemies. Each chapter surveys the relevant material on the discussed people both outside and inside the Gospels. As an intro, there are many resources referenced to at the end of each chapter for further study on the individual(s) discussed in each chapter. REVIEW
31. Journeys of Faith Ed. by Robert Plumber – This book is a look into the personal and theological journeys of four men who have changed from one major faith tradition to another. Unlike a counter-point or multiple perspectives book, the other contributors do not critique to each other. Rather, other authors are brought in to respond and the man contributors are allowed a final response. This is a fascinating book that provides a window into the personal/experiential and theological reasons for major changes from one faith tradition to another. For those familiar with Catholicism, Anglicanism and Orthodox traditions the theological reasons may not be new but it is interesting to see the rationale and steps of change. All readers will gain a better appreciation for other faith tradition, whether or not they are persuaded by the reasons for the changes.
32. Jonah: Navigating a God-Centered Life by Colin Smith – This is a short, practical, exegetical and timely commentary on the book of Jonah. Jonah is set up as a man in a comfortable and prosperous ministry among Israel who is called by God to evangelize the worst of sinners and enemies of Israel in Nineva. Page after page of this book is chalk full of insights and application. This is a great commentary on the life and book of Jonah.
