I’ve recently read through Matthew because my church’s pastor is beginning to preach through it. What a refreshing look at the King!

“This is the story of Jesus of Nazareth, recorded by the apostle Matthew as a compelling witness that Jesus is the long-anticipated Messiah, who brought the kingdom of God to earth and is the prophesied fulfillment of God’s promise of true peace and deliverance for both Jew and Gentile … Jesus comes as the messianic King in the line of David to fulfill the OT, especially its promises of everlasting salvation. The ultimate fulfillment comes with his crucifixion and resurrection.” – ESV Study Bible

A Rulebook for Arguments by Anthony Weston is a brief book about the formation of arguments. Broken down into 45 sections, Weston describes do’s and don’ts when building and forming an argument.

Easy read and I learned a great deal.

(Read August 2010)

Facing Grief: Counsel of Mourners by John Flavel is a book a book I’m thankful I didn’t have to read for personal application … yet.

The motive of facing grief is a necessity. If not now, we all will face heavy grief. Whether it’s through losing a child, having a friend or family member die, or having a pillar in our life being swept out from under us … grief comes because sin is real. Sin not only tears down at our heart, it tears down at the hearts of others.

Flavel gives pastoral advice, from Biblical principles and explanations, for how to face deep grief. There are many stages to it, and there are also unhealthy extremes. I’m glad I read this book because I know I’ll need it sooner than later. Hopefully later though.

(Read July 2010)

In what ways does God extend his kindness to his people? Is it only through people like Jesus or through nuns at a soup kitchen? Or can God use ordinary people, maybe even bad people, to use as an agent in order to extend his goodness? The Book of Ruth would have us to believe, “Yes.”

“This book highlights how God’s people experience his sovereignty, wisdom, and covenant kindness. These often come disguised in hard circumstances and are mediated through the kindness of others.” – ESV Study Bible

(Read July 2010)

Wired for Intimacy: How Pornography Hijacks the Male Brain by William Struthers is a revealing book on the science and methodology on how porn impacts a male mind.

It was fascinating because of the science. Struthers breaks down the different parts of the physical brain and instructs how they not only work, but how they can work together. It was revealing because, obviously, the book explains how quickly, efficiently, and dangerously a male can become consumed with porn.

There were charts, explanations, and research numbers throughout the book. But the most instructive line came from the question, “is porn a sin?” To that question, Struthers answers, “Does it lead toward sanctification?” That question, in the form of an answer, not only answers the porn question, but also dives into thousands of other sinful predicaments that I will find myself in.

If you’re a guy, read this book and apply it. If you’re a girl, read this book and pray for your man.

Naturally, Tim Challies has a great review HERE.

(Read July 2010)

The Book of Joel is about the Day of the Lord. In the first two chapters, a doom and gloom picture of locusts saturating the earth and consuming everything in their path is the message of the future before the coming judgment of the King. And within this, the Lord’s covenant faithfulness is pronounced (end of chapter 2 through chapter 3). The latter part of the book is when the promise of the Spirit of God is poured out to men (correlating to Acts 2).

What a beautiful, and yet still daunting, picture of the glory to come!

(Read July 2010)

Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters by Tim Killer is a very well written book tackling the heart of your issues: your idols. I don’t know of anyone who bows down to any physical idol (except Catholics). None of us would claim that we worship anything but God. But wouldn’t that be dishonest?

TV shows, a relationship, a job, or even a friend … am I consumed by them. Is my happiness directed and moved by the change and flow of those things?

Those would be my idols. And this book helps you find them from a biblical perspective. And then it gives you a biblical way out.

Here’s a great review by Tim Challies.

(Read June 2010)

Introverts In the Church: Finding Our Place In an Extroverted Church by Adam McHugh is an interesting read. I have to admit, I only read about 1/3 of the book (4 chapters), but I think I got the gist: churches need to be aware that not all Christians are extroverted, type-A, expressive, and outgoing.

I guess in today’s fast-paced, seeker-sensitive friendly church, those would consider themselves “introverted” feel left out of the mix/uncomfortable/unable to worship with their natural personality. It makes sense to be.

I didn’t find this book very helpful, but it wasn’t unhelpful. It could have been written in a paragraph/short article though.

(partially read June 2010)

Colossians is a celebration of difference. Better explained: through writing Colossians, Paul encourages the readers to rejoice in their salvation by the causation of living differently, expressing a different heart and mind. There were verses here and there that directly correlate with my life right now, causing me to be humbled. And there were verses that I immediately saw value in when/if opportunity comes.

Within Colossians, Paul was attacking the heresy of the Colossian church. They were taken cative through philosophy and deceit. What a short, fantastic read.

“Paul also takes the opportunity to encourage these believers to press on to maturity in Christ by continuing in their battle against sin, pursuing holiness in Christ, and learning to live as distinctively Christian households.” – ESV Study Bible

(Read June 2010)

Biblical Theology In the Life of the Church: A Guide for Ministry by Michael Lawrence is an exhaustive book exploring biblical theology for the pastor/theologian. Too many times I study the Bible with specific doctrines in mind, thinking little about how each part of the Bible fits and expands within the shadow of the gospel of Christ Jesus. For example, where does the book of Numbers fit in with Jesus … or even you and me? A good backing in biblical theology informs us of that answer!

This book was a heavy read. It took about a month to seriously go through. I hope it becomes a textbook for class so I can study it week after week.

(Read May-June 2010)