2014 has flown by! That’s all I’ll say by way of commentary on the year coming to a close. There are plenty of other voices covering that at length…for good or bad.
First, let me say that I don’t post nearly as often as I would like. Perhaps blogging will make my list of commitments for 2015. Feel free to call me out on January 2nd when I fail to keep that commitment. Second, this list could be longer, however, I sometimes begin books and never get around to finishing them. This list is comprised of books I HAVE read this year and that left an impression on my life and walk with God. Third, there are plenty of lists hitting the internet this month recapping the year. It is my prayer that as a result of this post, you might be encouraged to grow in grace and that some of these titles will bless you as they have me.
Prefaces out of the way, on to the list:
Finally Free by Heath Lambert. Pornography is one of the most, if not THE most pervasive cancer in the church/culture today. Sadly, it is also one of the least discussed. Finally Free is a thoroughly biblical treatment of the subject, free from provocative language and imagery that might trip the reader up in the very battle they are engaging in. Lambert does a superb job of holding out biblical truth to enable the reader to understand the heart of the matter and how God’s grace meets us to set us free. I highly recommend this book for those struggling with pornography or helping those who are.
The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon. A great book encouraging believers to fulfill the 2nd Great Commandment, The Art of Neighboring focuses primarily on loving your literal neighbors, i.e. those who reside immediately around you. Pathak and Runyon are thoroughly practical and accessible in their effort to nudge us to bring the love of Christ to bear upon the broken people/families right next door. If you are like me, and struggle to think of practical ways to reach out, I highly recommend this make your reading list for 2015.
Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis. I read very little fiction, however the Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis had been on my list for some time now. This is the first book in the trilogy and gets the series off to a thought-provoking start. What it lacks in action and special effects it more than makes up for in heart and imagination. Out of the Silent Planet is a fantastic commentary on humanity and the war between good and evil packaged in a creative world, crafted by the author of the Chronicles of Narnia. I look forward to reading part 2, Perelandra.
Multiply by Francis Chan. What is a disciple? Unfortunately, the current health and programming of the local church necessitates that we ask this basic question. Chan writes the way you might converse with someone over a cup of coffee: real and straightforward. He succeeds in articulating the biblical qualities of a true disciple of Jesus. Chan devotes the first half of the book to outlining biblical discipleship, followed by a survey of the entire Bible in the second half. Multiply will be an important resource for our church in 2015.
Found: God’s Will by John MacArthur. The subtitle reads: Find the direction and purpose God wants for your life. This small book will not blow your mind with some new revelation, but MacArthur does a superb job of pulling together scripture that explicitly states the will of God for our lives. He contends that when one is obedient in the clearly expressed will of God, what we often feel is the mysterious and hidden will of God for our lives will become clear. If you are struggling to find direction and purpose, perhaps this short read will serve you well in 2015.
Why Elders? by Benjamin L. Merkle. Merkle provides a great service to the church by providing biblically specific instruction, while giving tremendous freedom in implementing what it says. With clear biblical definitions articulated for the offices of elder and deacon along with appropriate responsibilities for both, Why Elders? serves as a practical resource for church leaders who desire health in the local church. Understanding God’s purposes and designs for His bride are paramount for those of us called according to His purpose.
Small Groups with Purpose by Steve Gladen. Primarily focused on adult small groups, Small Groups with Purpose is helpful in thinking through small group dynamics and the challenges of implementing them. Gladen does a great job sharing his vast experience overseeing small group ministry in a variety of local church settings. The need for more intimate community and biblical fellowship in the local church should spur all to seek out avenues that facilitate both more effectively.