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If you’ve been a Christian long enough, you’ve probably memorised verses about Jesus being our ransom. You’ll willingly die in defense of penal substitution. You might even know what propitiation means.
Yet if your honest you probably haven’t understood how these doctrines affect you.
In one of the best recent books on the cross, Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears tackle these issues in an immensely practical way. The writers take a topic of the cross (i.e. propitation, expiation, Christus Victor) and apply it to a real life situation. This makes it eminently readable and immensely practical.
If you wanted to read about the cross, but you’ve been put off by weighty doctrine, this is the book for you. It’ll explain the doctrines simply and apply them powerfully.
Have you ever wondered how you as a lay person can preach the Gospel to your friends? Or maybe you doubt that evangelism is for you? Perhaps you’re unsure as to what evangelism really involves.
If so, this book is for you. In “The Gospel & Personal Evangelism”, Mark Dever teaches what the Bible says the Gospel is and the methods of evangelism it sets forth. This isn’t a book for pastors, it is a book that all Christians can read. So short you can read it in no time, this book is a great start if you want to see what evangelism is and how you should do it..
Reading is a powerful gift from God, both to those who are Christians and those who aren’t.
I think most of the people who read this site are avid readers, but sometimes being an avid reader is not enough. When I became a Christian I read like crazy, but most of the books I read had a lot of fluff and not much meat. We need to know the books we read are worth reading.
Ever since I started reading better books, I’ve appreciated other Christians recommending books for my attention. This is what I plan to do here, with my 10 Books You Should Read in 2009.
When we hear stories of martyrs told from others’ lips we can often think of them as superhumans on a different scale of faith that we can never attain. However, in reading their own descriptions of themselves, we see a fight against inward sin and a determination to do God’s will that we can imitate.
In Shadow of the Almighty the second is true as Elisabeth Elliot collates the diaries and letters of Jim Elliot.
The fact that this Victorian biography is still being read testifies to its timelessness. Taking 11 leaders of the Methodist/Evangelical revival, Ryle shows through their lives what faithful evangelical ministry looks like.
Whilst not unaware of their faults, Ryle honours these men’s fidelity to Christ and holds them up as examples. I recommend this book highly to all readers, especially to those in the Christian ministry or considering it.
Two hundred and twenty five pages exposing one verse in a way that truly exhorts the soul and sends it to Christ? It could only be written a Puritan.
Bunyan teaches the reader that Jesus will not cast them out if they come to him and tells us why we should all come. An encouraging read you shouldn’t be without. Read the rest of this entry »
Elwood conveys Calvin’s life and theology well in a sympathetic but brief format. However, the undercurrents of liberal thought mean that I do not recommend this book. Despite this, I was at time challenged deeply by the summary of Calvin’s theology, which is a credit to him more than the author.
Watson gives 24 characteristics of Godly men and women. He seeks to uncover nominal Christians and draw them to real faith in Christ. For true believers this book draws together the Bible’s teachings on Christian behaviour. Well worth reading. (click “Read the rest of this entry” for a longer review).
Torrey’s book is a helpful and challenging book for those struggling in their prayer life. It is written with warmth, clear structure and helpful application. However, I would warn Torrey can use texts out of contexts. Nevertheless, with discernment, this book is a real challenge from a man clearly dependent on prayer. The audio book by Hovel Audio is excellently produced.
A thorough overview of teachings about Providence that will be of great benefit to the Christian life. With thoroughness and practicality Flavel tells us about the work God’s does in our lives and the advantages of meditating on these works for our prayer lives. Highly recommended to those established in the Christian faith. (click “Read the rest of this entry” for a longer review).
Tim Wilson is a primary school teacher in the North East of England. A Bible-believing Christian, he's committed to putting Jesus at the centre of everything he does.
