Book Recommendations
If you are looking for a last minute Christmas gift or holiday read, Matthew has curated a list of fifteen books he recommends in 5 different categories. Each category has three suggestions. The first book in each category also includes a short synopsis from the editor on the back of the book for you to get a feel for the content.
Current Events:
1. Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth by Thaddeus Williams
God does not suggest, he commands that we do justice. Social justice is not optional for the Christian. All injustice affects others, so talking about justice that isn't social is like talking about water that isn't wet or a square with no right angles. But the Bible's call to seek justice is not a call to superficial, knee jerk activism. We are not merely commanded to execute justice, but to "truly execute justice." The God who commands us to seek justice is the same God who commands us to "test everything" and "hold fast to what is good."
Other Recommendations:
2. Men and Women in the Church by Kevin DeYoung
3. How the Nations Rage by Jonathan Leeman
Kids:
1. Gus Loses His Grip edited by David Powlison
Gus, a raccoon who loves all things sweet, learns what happens when you want something too much. After Gus gets caught taking candy from the store, Papa reminds him that temptation might be strong for us, but it’s not too strong for Jesus. Both Gus and Papa can ask Jesus for help when they want something too much.
The last page contains information for parents on how God, in his Word, helps us turn to Jesus when we are tempted. Together children and parents will be guided into meaningful conversations about living by faith in the details of everyday life.
Also included is a tear-out page of “Back Pocket Bible Verses” that will give children a practical way to remember God’s words when they want something too much.
Other Recommendations:
2. Wise Up by Marty Machowski
3. Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Christian Living:
1. Rejoice and Tremble by Michael Reeves
Fear is one of the strongest human emotions, and it is one that often baffles Christians. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” —Proverbs 1:7 Fear is one of the strongest human emotions—and one that often baffles Christians. In the Bible the picture can seem equally confusing: Is fear a good thing or a bad thing? And what does it mean to “fear the Lord”? In Rejoice and Tremble, Michael Reeves clears the clouds of confusion and shows that the fear of the Lord is not a negative thing at all, but an intensely delighted wondering at God, our Creator and Redeemer.
Other Recommendations:
2. The Works of John Newton (Vol 1)
3. The Glory of Christ by John Owen – abridged & made easy to read by R.J.K Law
High School/College:
1. When People are Big and God is Small by Ed Welch
Overly concerned about what people think of you? Welch uncovers the spiritual dimension of people-pleasing and points the way through a true knowledge of God, ourselves, and others.
Other Recommendations:
2. Good and Angry by David Powlison
3. The Complete Father Brown Stories by G.K. Chesterton
Theological Currents:
1. Who is an Evangelical? by Thomas Kidd
A leading historian of evangelicalism offers a concise history of evangelicals and how they became who they are today Evangelicalism is arguably America’s most controversial religious movement. Nonevangelical people who follow the news may have a variety of impressions about what “evangelical” means. But one certain association they make with evangelicals is white Republicans. Many may recall that 81 percent of self-described white evangelicals voted for Donald Trump, and they may well wonder at the seeming hypocrisy of doing so.
In this illuminating book, Thomas Kidd draws on his expertise in American religious history to retrace the arc of this spiritual movement, illustrating just how historically peculiar that political and ethnic definition (white Republican) of evangelicals is. He examines distortions in the public understanding of evangelicals, and shows how a group of “Republican insider evangelicals” aided the politicization of the movement. This book will be a must read for those trying to better understand the shifting religious and political landscape of America today.
Other Recommendations:
2. The Holy Spirit by Allison & Kostenberger
3. From Every People and Nation by J. Hays