Suggested Reading List From Our Elders

1. Jan 7th – Now and Not Yet
Dean R. Ulrich

2. Jan 11th – Redemptive Reversals and the Ironic Overturning of Human Wisdom
G. K. Beale

3. Jan 20th – The Paradox of Sonship: Christology in the Epistle to the Hebrews
R.B. Jamieson

1. 09 January– The Manual
Al Stewart

2. 16 January – The Israel of God
O. Palmer Robertson

3. 26 January – The Prayers of Jesus
Joachim Jeremias

4. 26 January – The Power of Pictures in Christian Thought
Anthony C. Thiselton

5. 20 February – More than Conquerors
William Hendriksen

6. 26 April – No Shadow of Turning: Divine Immutability and the Economy of Redemption
Ronni Kurtz

7. 15 May – Approaching the Atonement
Oliver D. Crisp

8. 26 May – Adopted in God’s Family:
NSBT Vol 22
Trevor J. Burke

9. The Triumph of the Lamb
Dennis E. Johnson

10. Deacons

11. The Son of God and the New Creation
Graeme Goldsworthy

12. The Character of Christ
Jonathan Landry Cruse
Look at the fruit of the Spirit in Christ

13. 04 September – Christ our Salvation
John Webster

14. 20 September – The Loveliest Place
Dustin Benge

15. 27 October – God’s Battle Plan for the Mind
David W. Saxton

1. 04 Jan – Delighting in the Trinity
Michael Reeves

2. 18 Jan – The Persecutor
Sergei Kourdakov

Unsure of its genuineness.

3. 25 Jan – Images and Idols
Thomas J. Terry and J. Ryan Lister

4. 28 Jan – Confronted by Grace
John Webster

Short sermons on various passages.
Excellent

5. 06 Feb – Counted Righteous in Christ
John Piper

The defence of the traditional understanding of imputed righteousness of God and Christ to the saints.

6. 14 Feb – The Bible and The Future
Anthony A. Hoekema.

Easy to read. One does not need to know the original languages.
Inaugurated to Future eschatology.

7. 20 Feb – The Echoes of Eden
Jerram Barrs

Exploring the arts and culture and how they are echoes of God’s creation. Toward the end of the book, especially the last chapter which concentrates on Jane Austen, particularly “Pride and Prejudice” one would die best served if having already read the book or at least certainly seen a version on film.

8. 24 Feb – The Hidden Place
Corrie Ten Boom

Well written exceptional story. Steadfast faith
Second World War.

9. 24 Feb – The Gospels as Stories
Jeannine K. Brown

10. 06 Mar – The Miracles of Jesus
Vern S. Poythress

11. 17 March – Reading with the Grain of Scripture
Richard B. Hays.

Collection of essays from his academic career.
Esoteric.

12. 20 Mar – Dominion and Dynasty
NSBT Vol 15
Stephen Dempster

The section from Genesis to Exodus was exceptionally well written and enlightening.

13. 26 Mar – Glorification: An Introduction
Graham A. Cole

Short Studies in Systematic Theology
Easy to read means easy to understand.
The process and progress of the believers current glorification discussed to its consummated end in the New heavens and New earth.

14. 28 Mar – From Glory to Golgotha
Donal Macleod

Briefly examining the controversial issues of Christ as man and God leading to the Cross and beyond.
Note: Denies the impassibility of God.
Introductory booklet.

15. 03 April – Matthew; Disciple and Scribe
Patrick Schreiner

Examining the composition of Matthew along with its theological trajectory. Matthew is perceived as the scribe of Christ transmitting the teachings of His Rabbi. Jesus as the Davidic King, The new Moses and the Abrahamic connection.

16. 19 April – Matthew as Story
Jack Dean Kingsbury

17. 21 April – A Theology of Matthew: Jesus Revealed as Deliverer, King, and Incarnate Creator
Charles L. Quarles

18. 08 May – Love thy Body
Nancy R. Pearcey

19. 11 May – Deeper
Dane C. Ortlund

20. 11 May – The Remains of the Day
Kazuo Ishiguro

21. 23 May – One With Christ
Marcus Peter Johnson

22. 04 July – The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing
Jonathan T Pennington

Excellent treatment of the view holding the sermon to be centred on human happiness within the goodness of God.

23. 16 July – The Gospel of Exodus
Michael P. V. Barrett

24. 19 July – God Without Passions
Ed. Samuel

25. 01 September – Trinity Without Hierarchy
Ed. Michael F. Bird and Scott Harrower

26. 08 October – Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and His confrontation with the World
D.A. Carson.
Excellent

27. 31 October – Jacob and the Prodigal
Kenneth E. Bailey

28. 07 November – Christ and Time
Oscar Cullmann

29. 15 November – Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
Albert Mohler

30. Letters to my Students
Jason K. Allen

1. Jan 07 – Changed Onto His Likeness
NSBT Vol 55
J. Gary Millar

Thesis; Transformation is seen promised and desired in the OT but not appropriated as evidenced by the drastic works of the Spirit in the NT.
A biblical theology on life transformation in Christ.

2. Jan 25 – My life for Yours: A Walk Through The Christian Home
Douglas Wilson

Good practical and biblical counsel in how to live the Christian way.
A walk through each room of the house with biblical reflections.

3. Jan 31 – What Is Marriage? Man And Woman A Defence
Sherif Gorges
Ryan T. Anderson
Robert P. George

4. Feb 17 – The Trinity: An Introduction
Scott R. Swain

5. Feb 17 – The Pursuit of Holiness
Jerry Bridges

6. Feb 28 – Rejoice and Tremble
Michael Reeves

7. March 3 – The End of the Christian Life
J. Todd Billings
First half was engaging and thought-provoking. The second half was less so.

8. March 18 – A Theology of the Christian Life: Imitating and Participating in God
Christopher R.J. Holmes

It is worth the read. Very interesting. One may be challenged by the lengths Homes goes in describing our future participation in God. He considers deification, but constantly clarifies we will not be God. However, believers will continuously have less of what is not God into all eternity.

9. March 29 – Ploductivity: A Practical Theology of Work and Wealth
Douglas Wilson
Interesting

10. March 29 – Let’s Study James
Sinclair Ferguson
Introductory study on the letter of James.

11. April 15 – From Every People and Nation – NSBT Vol 15
J. Daniel Hays

12. May 11 – Baptism in the New Testament
G.R. Beasley-Murray
It is a dense read. A Full and exhaustive treatment in defence of the credo-baptism.

13. May 20 – A Theology of James
Christopher W. Morgan.

A good place to start.

14. June 03 – Suffering and Sovereignty: John Flavel and the Puritans on Afflictive Providence
Brian H. Cosby

15. June 13 – Faultlines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism’s Looming Catastrophe
Voddie T. Baucham Jnr

16. June 22 – Work: Its Purpose Dignity, and Transformation
Daniel M. Doriani

17. July 05 – Guidance and the Voice of God
Philip D. Jensen
Tony Payne
Helpful introduction to godly living.

18. July 10 – Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering
Tim Keller

19. July 22 – Faith in the Son of God
Kevin McFadden

20. August 05 – He Descended to the Dead
Matthew Y. Emerson

Enlightening. And reassuring we can confidently recite the creed with “He descended to the dead.”

21. August 22 – Retrieving Eternal Generation of the Son
Eds.Fred Sanders and Scott R. Swain

Some sections were philosophically advanced and laborious to not only read, but to understand.

22. Sept 08 – Fear Not
What the bible has to say about angels, demons, the occult and Satan.
Simon Van Bruchem

23. Nov 15 – Covenant Theology

24. Dec 05 – Creation Regained
Albert M. Wolters

1. Jan 02 – Reading the Bible as Literature
Leland Ryken

2. Jan 02 – A faith to Proclaim
James S. Stewart

Ecumenical

3. Jan 06 – Desiring the Kingdom: Worship , Worldview and Cultural Formation
James K. A. Smith.

Interesting seeking an education that is formational, that is towards a Christian life. But Smith’s thesis is questionable. Worship precedes what we learn. In his words, “What Christians think and believe grows out of what Christians do.” 216

4. Jan 11 – The Son Who Learned Obedience
D. Glenn Butner Jnr.

Excellent. Polemical but educational. Academic but accessible.

5. Feb 02 – All the Fullness of God: The Christ of Colossians
Bonnie Bowman Thurston

I would call this a brief introductory commentary on Colossians. Written in a conversationalist tone, accessible and brief.
Thurston is ecumenical and Roman Catholic in here understanding of baptism.
The book is not for the series student but anyone willing to engage a basic outline of Colossians.

6. Feb 09 – One God, One Lord: Early Christian Devotion and Ancient Jewish Monotheism
Larry W. Hurtado

Scholarly. At times polemical.

Jesus came to be worshiped as a mutation of Judaism strongly influenced by divine revelation such as visions and visitations which led to the veneration of God in Jesus.
Reserving my rating.

7. 24 Feb – Living in Union with Christ

8. 28 Feb – A Mouth Full of Fire
The word of God in the words of Jeremiah. NSBT 29
Andrew G. Shead.

NSBT 29
The beginning chapter 2 41 pages are gruelling in technical observations to Jeremiah’s structure. It can be skipped. However, the following chapters are excellent. The word of God is a message spoken. The words of which that word is made up are them spoken by the prophet 147.

9. 05 April – Exalted above the heavens: The Risen and Ascended Christ
NSBT – Volume 47.
Peter Orr

10. 08 April – On the Road with Saint Augustine
James K. A. Smith

11. 08 April – All Things Hold Together in Christ
Ed. James K. A. Smith and Michael L. Gulker.
Reserving my rating.

12. 14 April – The Quest for Cosmic Justice
Thomas Sowell.

13a. 04 May – Colossians and Philemon (booklet).
Derek Tidball

13b. 10 May – Captivated by Christ
Richard Chin

An introductory and devotional reading of Colossians.

14. 10 May – The Mystery of God: Theology for Knowing the Unknowable
Steven D. Boyer
Christopher A. Hall

The construction of straw men especially on the Arminian Calvinism debate to offer a via media.
The troublesome ending propping learning from heresy or heterodoxy.

15. 14 May – Known by God: A Biblical Theology of Personal Identity
Brian S. Rosner.

Introductory and pastoral work on the identity of the believer.

16. 19 May – The True Bounds of Christian Freedom
Samuel Bolton

Excellent – the law.
The covenant.

17. 28 May – The Stranger
Albert Camus.

18. 31 May – Against The Darkness: The Doctrine of Angels, Satan and Demons
Graham A. Cole

19. 29 June – Living in God’s two Kingdoms: A Biblical Vision for Christianity and Culture
David VanDrunen

VanDrunen conflates the Cultural mandate with the Adamic Covenant of Works. He then endorses the Noahic Covenant as a republication of the cultural Mandate. Therefore, calling the Noahic Covenant a general covenant given to all men. Hence, all humanity participate in the kingdom of this world. While the redeemed participate in both the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of God.
A finer nuanced view from Augustine’s two cities and the reformers understanding of current two Kingdom theology.

20. True Worship: What is the Nature of True Christian Worship?
Vaughan Roberts

His Church of England views sometimes jar the flow of the book. Such as the special miraculous gifts current of today. Or his view of Lord’s Supper being a meal that can be lead outside the church gathering.

21. Why Social Justice is Not Biblical Justice
Scott David Allen

An excellent primer on how CRT/I is affecting our culture.

22. The Inner Sanctum of Puritan Piety
John Flavel’s Doctrine of Mythical Union with Christ.

23. 05 October – The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self
Carl Trueman

24. 13 Oct – Simply Trinity
Matthew Barrett

25. 10 November – Making All Things New
Benjamin L. Gladd
Matthew S. Harmon
Summary of Beale’s work

1. 04 Jan – The Divine Covenants
A.W. Pink.

2. 06 Jan – Covenant Theology
Phillip D.R. Griffiths

3. 09 Jan – Death and the Afterlife – NSBT Vol 44
Paul Williamson

4. 17 Jan – How to Think
Alan Jacobs

A simple book that seeks to help one think, and think more effectively, also efficiently.
Very easy read. Ends with a checklist (or I would say more like guidelines) for effective thinking.

5. 22 Jan – How I Love Your Torah, O Lord
Daniel I. Block

Hebrew is not transliterated. The Torah primarily seen as the Decalogue expanded in the book of Deuteronomy.

6. 30 Jan – The Scriptures Testify About Me 
Ed. D.A. Carson.

A collection of sermons preached in the 2011

7. 03 Feb – Jesus The Temple and the Coming Son of Man: Commentary on Mark 13
Robert H. Stein

Excellent treatment as a partial-preterist

8. 14 Feb – The Last Days According to Jesus
R.C. Sproul
Partial Preterism

9. 18 Feb – Come Lord Jesus
Stephen Motyer

Partial preterist. Has some ambiguous views which on occasion make Motyer sound like a universalist. On other occasions Motyer espouses soul-sleep.

10. 24 Feb – Canon Revisited
Michael J. Kruger

11. 28 Feb – The End Times Made Simple
Samuel E. Waldron

Easy to follow. Less technical, no Greek. Substantial in Amill stance rejecting the pre- and post-mill positions convincingly.

12. 05 Mar – The Archer and the Arrow
Phillip D. Jensen & Paul Grimmond

Entry level study on preaching. Th main thesis; to grapple with God’s Word so as to Preach God’s Word rightly, effectively and passionately.
Not a how to book, more on the philosophy of preaching.

13. 17 Mar – The Cry of the Soul
Dan B. Allende
Tremper Longman III

Anger, fear, envy, jealousy abandonment and despair contempt shame. How each of these emotions, although exposing our sinful state, also exposes the holiness of God. Our emotions can be used to see more of God.

14. 26 Mar – More End Times Made Simple
Samuel E. Waldron

Apologetic towards the end. Church as Israel.
And a Christo-centric hermeneutic.

15. 01 April – The Genesis of Marriage
Richard A. Shenk

Make compelling case that marriage is the climax of the creation account. Marriage then proceeds to be the structure to the whole biblical account an existence. Marriage according to Shenk displays the trinitarian God’s nature as “many in one” and His character as faithful to His covenant with His chosen bride.

From this position Shenk proceeds to make a convincing case for the re-adoption of marriage as a sacrament. However, not as a sacrament conceived by the Roman Church but sacrament none-the-less with a qualified definition; “a sign, a dramatic enactment which mirrors the grace of God, which is ordained by God for our sanctification, and which displays God’s great acts of salvation history”

16 . 06 April – Conscience
Andrew D. Naselli
J.D. Crowley

The book intents is to “get to know your conscience better.” I found this book an excellent introduction to study of the conscience.

17. 13 April – Embodied Hope
Kelly M. Kapic

Excellent book on the theology of pain and suffering. Not a theodicy but a well written book that examines pain and suffering within the pilgrimage.
Chapter 8 risen and remaining was an excellent treatment on contemplating the resurrected and glorified Christ free from human frailties is the firstborn from the dead. The first in line for others to follow.

18. 13 April – Hard Times
Charles Dickens

19. 27 April – Simply God
Peter Sanlon

Slow start with several pages dedicated to the systematic approach to be taken.
Then a rehearsal of The univocally, equivocal, and analogical.
Chapter 5 The immortality dies is best by far getting into the detail of classical theism. Immutability and impassibility. Open theism

20. 04 May – Truth Matters
Andreas Kostenberger
Darrell Bock & Josh Chatraw

Introductory apologetics using Bart Erhman as its conversation partner. Its purpose is to build confidence in the Christian’s faith, to believe with reasoned understanding.

21. 08 May – Identity Theft
Ed. Melissa Kruger

22. 11 May – God The Economist
M. Douglas Meeks.

23. 21 May – The Bible and Homosexual Practice
Robert Gagnon

24. 24 May – The Envy of Eve
Melissa B. Kruger

A book about coveting, through the eyes of a woman. Trivial illustrations, lacking depth to selected passages.

25. 26 May – Union With Christ
Lewis B. Smedes

26. 26 May – On Writing Well
William Zinsser

You won’t be disappointed the book on writing well, was written well, or should I have said, is well written?
Using examples but thoroughly engaging.

27. 28 May – The Essential Trinity
Ed. Brandon D. Crowe
Carl R. Trueman

28. 05 June – Messianic Judaism is NOT Christianity
Stan Telchin

Written by a Jewish Christian this book aims to showcase the error a large majority within the messianic Judaism movement are committing. Telchin wants to emphasise Messianic Judaism is not Jewish Christianity.
Telchin is critical of the Messianic Judaism for its heavy reliance on Rabbinic Judaism at the expense of the simplicity of faith in Jesus.

For its informative and critical stance Telchin need to be commended. However, his commitment to the Jewish culture has biased his theology. Telchin’s dispensational views are influenced by his belief Christians must purposely and intentionally target Jews for salvation so that according to His understanding of Romans 9-11 they would be brought to repentance through jealousy. This will intern usher in the requirement for the Lord’s return. – it’s an interesting position as some millenarians pre-a-post would agree.

29. 11 June – A Case for Amillenialism
Kim Riddlebarger

Excellent. Minor points of contention. Riddlebarger holds to a future ethnic evangelistic revival. Romans 11 is the regrafting of ethnic Israel.

30. 19 June – None Greater: The Undomesticated Attributes of God
Matthew Barrett

Excellent introduction to classical theism. Incomprehensibility, eternal infinite in His attributes, Aseity, Simplicity, Immutability, Timeless eternity, Omnipresence, Omnipotence, Omniscience Omnisapience.

31. 26 June – Death in Adam, Life in Christ
J.V. Fesko

Excellent.
The first half surveys the historical trajectory of both orthodoxy, heterodoxy to unorthodox views; Mediate, immediate and discussion on the passive and active obedience of Christ required for believers imputed righteousness.
Fesko contends successfully for the three part imputation of God. Adam’s sin is imputed on the human race, Believers sins are imputed on Christ, and Christ’s passive and active obedience as righteousness imputed on those believing.

32. 30 June – The Semantics of Biblical Language
James Barr

Difficult. Very technical – original languages are required to appreciate the full extent of his argument.

33. 01 July – The Danger Within
Jeane Lenzer

34. 15 July – Finding God in My Loneliness
Lydia Brownback

35. 17 July – Eve’s Revenge
Lilian Calles Barger
Argentinian. Excellent chapter on the passion (chapter 8).

36. 10 July – The Lord’s Day
Joseph A. Pipa Jnr

37. 01 August – Devoted to God
Sinclair Ferguson

38. 30 August – Exploring Exodus
Nahum M. Sarna

39. 08 Sept – Immanuel in Our Place
Tremper Longman III

Easy to read. A beginners books to Israel’s worship. Looking at the various festivals and their final fulfilment in Christ.

40. 24 Sept – Crucifixion
Martin Hengel

Historical survey of crucifixion within the early west and east.

41. 30 Sept – The King Jesus Gospel
Scot McKnight

The reluctance to speak about Hell gives the impression that McKnight is at least soft on universalism.

42. 01 Oct – You’re Not Enough
Allie Beth Stuckey

43. 12 Oct – Jesus and the God of Israel
Richard Bauckham.

44. Oct 13 – Moon-walking with Einstein
Joshua Foer

Entertaining

45. 17 Oct – The Glory of Christ
John Owen

Puritan Paperback
Excellent

46. 21 Oct – Through the Looking Glass
Kris Lundgaard.

47. 02 Nov – Getting the Garden Right
Richard C. Barcellos

48. 10 Nov – Grace and Glory
Geerhardus Vos

49. 27 Nov – The Word Became Fresh
Dale Ralph Davis

50. 10 Dec – From Adam and Israel to the Church
Benjamin L. Gladd

Introductory level book on the creation of man in the imago dei. Gladd traces the biblical thread of Adam as the first born of God and the ties with Israel and fulfilment within the church as the final created people of God.

51. 15 Dec – God and Adam
Rowland S. Ward.

The covenant of Works accepted as the classic reformed understanding. 1561- to the present day. With exceptions briefly identified, without exhaustive engagement. Not a critique as the book is not designed to engage in exhaustive polemics but identifying the classic held view.

52. 20 Dec – Righteous by Promise
New Studies in Biblical Theology – Vol 45
Karl Deenick.

1. Jan 02 – Hope In The Midst Of A Hostile World: The Gospel According To Daniel
George M. Schwab

I used this short book in preparation to preach 4 sermons on the book of Daniel. As it’s not a technical book it should be used as a complement to other more technically oriented commentaries.
Reformed view, thus not dispensational.
Schwab suggests that Michael may be the angel of the Lord – Hence a Christophany.
Gives several understanding of the 70 weeks.

2. Jan 17 – The Promise of the Future
Cornelius P. Venema

Excellent treatment of all things latter days. Through an Amill position Venema looks at the majority held millennial views, spending a chapter on each view. ie. A chapter on Premill, Post Mill and A- Mill examining each in detail. Critical of the dispensational view Venema is convincing in his support of the A-mill position.
Also, quite a bit of time is spent on the doctrine of eternal conscious torment in hell, while also addressing the topic of rewards in the New World.
A whole chapter is dedicated to Rev 20, and it is superb!

3. Jan 22 – Sanctification
Kelly Kapic

The Holiness homily is entertaining and then seems to fall into an academic mosh pit.
The reformed baptist will have much to disagree with chapter 4 as Brannin Ellis builds the case for those baptised in Christ as those forming union in Christ AND seals a participation in church matters, including infants – non-professing believers.

The essay on Wesley and Barth is beyond the grasp of the common layman.
Horton’s chapter along with Ivor Davidson’s chapter (9) was the stand out. Worth getting your hands on both those essays. Davidson’s doxological rendition of God’s holiness was a beautiful read and without a doubt the best essay I have read in the last two or three years.

Peter Moore’s treatment of gnome in Chrysostom the golden mouth and his Sanctification preaching method was enlightening!
Mixed Bag

4. Jan 23 – Covenant and Commandment: Works, Obedience and Faithfulness in the Christian Life – NSBT 33
Bradley Green

Justified by grace through faith alone, and it is by faith alone we are also sanctified. It is an added or should we say an emphasis of the reformed view; Justification by faith alone but not a faith that is alone? According to Green’s monograph, the faith that justifies is also the same faith that sanctifies.

Towards the end we see Green affirm Blocher’s view of a Edenic covenant of creation rather than of works. Although a works covenant is not denied! What Green supports is the view that Adam had the ability to remain with life, eating from the tree of life and that was a bestowal of grace. The fall was banishment from the presence of God in Eden, removal from the access to the tree of life. Hence, the covenant stipulated in Eden was one of obedience given grace bestowed as life already given to Adam and Eve.

5. Feb 01 – The Kingdom of God
Jeffrey D Johnson

Excellent. The most straightforward book on understanding reformed baptist covenant theology. The explanation of the Abrahamic covenant – with two diverging covenants: One of promise and grace the other by works was excellent!
Johnson’s paragraphs summaries were very helpful to understand the historical redemption of man through God the Son.
The book is broken into two parts, the first being the exegetical discussion of covenant theology and the second an overview of God’s historical redemption.

6. Feb 05 – Reading Mark in Context
Blackwell, Goodrich & Maston Eds.

The book goes through the major sections of the gospel of Mark by comparing contemporary second temple Jewish literature. The book provides another dimension to the westerner’s interpretation of the gospel.
Very helpful to understand the context of Mark

7. Feb 16 – Reading Mark’s Christology Under Caesar
Adam Winn

Winn calls his approach to the commentary of Mark as Historical Narratival!
Dating Mark after the destruction of the temple, Winn recounts several similarities with Vespasian and Jesus, suggesting the Roman audience might’ve read the gospel as an apologetic to the deification of the Imperial Rulers?
Winn’s section on the humiliation as a literary analogy of a Roman Triumph was insightful. The historical context, although taken from a later date; Post-Temple destruction under Vespasian’s reign is crucial to most of Winn’s arguments.
Regardless it was an excellent treatment of Mark under the historical and political Roman shadow.

8. Feb 27 – Putting the Truth to Work: The Theory and Practice of Biblical Application
Daniel M. Doriani

Helpful textbook with plenty of, as you would expect from the title, practical steps to follow in preaching/teaching through a text and applying its universal truth.
The chapter on “Identifying the text” was also very helpful.

Also, Doriani spends several sections looking at how to interpret a narrative and then preach/teach from it. The method is detailed and very easy to follow. High recommended to anyone wishing to learn how to not only grapple with narratives, but how to explain them in detail, with valid application.

9. Mar 04 – For the Glory of God
Daniel I Block
Block discusses the vital question of what does God require in our worship. Block’s focus is more on what does God prescribe and less on what is considered enjoyable or desirable
Just excellent!

10. Mar 20 – Christ Crucified; Understanding the Atonement
Donald Macleod

11. Mar 22 – Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament
Christ Wright
Does not affirm the covenant of works.
Nor the protoevangelium outright.

12. April 02 – Union With Christ

A theology of retrieval. Returning to the classics to help enlarge their vision and exceed possibilities of the present.
Salvation is nothing less than a new identity in Christ.
Billings in chapter two discusses the reformed doctrine of total depravity with its counterpart of total communion. I found that very interesting.
Also, his engagement with Calvin on the beatific vision and the understanding of accomodation. Drawing upon Junius and Bavinck and their use of archetypal and ektypal knowledge; will Jesus for all eternity be our mediator even before face of God?

Chapter 4 confronts the modern preoccupation with the gospel and justice. Billings does a fine job, although at times complex arguing to demonstrate that although the gospel is not a call to justice, a call for our heroic actions, the gospel effects demand social justice.

13. April 04 – Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
Jay Adams

Excellent treatment of the permissible view

14. April 17 – Hell Under Fire
Eds. Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson

Sinclair Ferguson’s last chapter on the preacher and hell was excellent. Full of biblical counsel on preaching Hell with tears.

15. May 01 – The Creedal Imperative
Carl R. Trueman

Excellent primer to creeds and confessions and a solid advocate to creeds and confessions.

16. May 06 – The Russian Revolution
Sean McMeekin

Not for a beginner. There is too many names and cities to keep track without losing one’s way. That said, it was a helpful book in learning how the acts of socialism made their way into the Russian government.

17. May 08 – Who Am I  (Booklet).
Jeremy Bridges.

18. May 09 – Holding Hands, Holding Hearts
Richard Phillips and Sharon Phillips

Excellent book. Not just on “Christian” dating. But on marriage.
Very useful for any Christian couple setting out to partner with another Christian.

19. May 15 – The Doctrine of Endless Punishment
William G. Shedd

Sheol is hell defended

20. May 22 – Marriage: And the Mystery of the Gospel (booklet 117).
Ray Ortlund

Biblical theology on marriage. The beginning chapters concentrating in Genesis were worth the read. At 40 pages it was almost 50% which left less room for developing the biblical theological thread and still remain a booklet.

21. May 24 – The Meaning of Marriage
Tim Keller

Less expositional and more pastoral with contemporaneous engagement.
The epilogue of 4 or 5 guidelines were helpful more in a sense of examples.

22. June 10 – Divorce
John Murray

Comprehensive, exegetical study. Permissible view

23. June 11 – Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage
Jim Newheiser

Question and answer format but very well structured and answers what appears almost every conceivable question (I’m exaggerating of course0. Permissible view.

24. June 13 – God’s Good Design
Claire Smith

Excellent handling of the text, easy to follow exegesis and her conclusions convincing. Complementarian.

25. June 18 – The Sabbath
Abraham Joshua Heschel

A Jewish philosopher’s view of the Sabbath.

26. June 20 – The Forgotten Fear
Albert N. Martin

27. June 22 – The Plague
Albert Camus

Camus explores the philosophical view of life s the absurd in his novel The Plague.

28. June 28 – The Consequences of Ideas
R.C. Sproul

29. June 30 – Jesus Through the Old Testament
Graeme Goldsworthy

A brisk run through the major points on how to read the bible and see Jesus through various types. For the layman. Very good

30. July 03 – Running for My Life
Lopez Lomong

Lomong’s incredible story of being kidnapped as a 6 year old from his mother’s arms during a church service in South Sudan to being adopted by an American couple, to becoming an Olympian.

31. July 10 – The Son of Man in Mark (1967 copy)
Morna D. Hooker

Excellent treatment of the key passages in which the title Son of Man is used by Jesus in Marks gospel.

32. July 11 – Church Membership
Jonathan Leeman

33. July 11 – Things Not Seen
Jon Bloom

Good for Sunday school, bedtime stories.

34. Aug 01 – The Power and the Glory
Grahame Greene

Novel

35. Aug 07 – Critical Race Theory
Ricard Delgado and Jean Stefanic

36. Aug 10 – Jesus on Every Page
David Murray

Several things I disagreed with. Especially as he begins suggesting “using the personal name [Jesus] more than His offical title [Christ].”
Also being a presbyterian holds to different understand of the covenantalism as a reformed Baptist would understand it.

37. August 17 – Praying
J.I Packer and Carolyn Nystrom

The book offers a run through of a biblical understanding of prayer with its intention to inspire the reader to pray with reverence

38. Aug 22 – Stand: A Call for the Endurance of the Saints
Ed. John Piper and Justin Taylor.

Personal examples of servants of God, pastors, preachers who have endured the hardship of ministry the the Lord has placed them on.

39. Sept 01 – The Divine Christ
David B. Capes

Excellent resource. Capes explores the use of Yahweh “texts” in the NT and examines the correlation with the divine name and the use of kyrios, and ending with a chapter on Paul’s high Christology

40. Sept 18 – God’s Love
R.C. Sproul

Sproul investigate the unfathomable and incomprehensible love of God. A whole chapter is dedicated to hesed. Chapter 7 on the threefold love of God is worth the read. Broken into God’s Love of Benevolence, Beneficence and complacency, Sproul explains the complexity to God’s love. Sproul only spends minor Tim eon the threefold will of God; Decretive, Preceptive and Permissive. Sproul addressing ever so light on th e Impassibility of God, holding to a God of passions.
“[to regard God] as having no feelings. This robs God of His personal character and reduces Him to an impersonal force or blob of cosmic energy.” (153).

41. Sept 20 – Union With Christ
Constantine R. Campbell

This is an exhaustive review of the doctrine of Union with Christ. Campbell’s Magnus opus begins exploring the main “voices”. Followed by an excellent run through the exegesis of all relevant accounts of “In” Christ. 32 verses are considered to directly relate to the theme of Union and each is looked upon. Campbell then explores each use of “εν χριστω, Εισ χριστον, ευν χριτω, Δια χριστου” followed by metaphors and then a theological study for the remainder of the book.
At times Campbells view seems to reject federal headship and original imputed sin to man (344f)
Such a essential resource!

42. Oct 7 – Praying Life
Paul E. Miller.

Uses a lot of his family experiences to derive answered prayer. His suggestions should remain suggestions. Seems to have left very little (last 5 pages) to unanswered and suffering through prayer.
It’s understood his life of caring for the disabled is a prayer of suffering, but it seems most of the book is concerned with answered prayer in the positive request. Not enough is said in the answered “no” through prayer. Some is said, not enough.
Useful but the diamonds are definitely hidden in the rough.

43. Oct 13 – The Mystery of Christ
Samuel Renihan

Exceptional. Finally, a book that wasn’t apologetic in design nor polemic in its tone. It is a run through on Reformed Baptist Covenant Theology. It is a no brainer; this book deserves to be in the library of every reformed Baptist.

44. Oct 17 – The Art of Biblical Narrative
Robert Alter

Alter begins with an excellent exposition of Gen 38 (Judah and Tamar) teaching how to read the stories in the bibles as Jewish narratives. Highlighting what to watch out for, where to pay attention. Not for those outside the academy.
He regards sections of the bible as historicised fiction.

45. Nov 28 – Jesus’ Blood and Righteousness
Brian Vickers

The defence of traditional reformed imputation.
Vickers gives a convincing case for both the non-imputation of sin and the imputation of righteousness. He seeks with an exegetical approach to demonstrate how the active and passive obedience of Christ although nuanced is but one obedience for the imputed righteousness of the saved. Vickers however, demonstrates how the righteousness of God is not our own but that of the son appropriated by faith located in union with Christ.
Excellent scholarly work.

46. Dec 20 – The Kingdom of God
Ed. Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson.

47. Dec 28 – Bullies
Ben Shapiro.

48. Dec 28 – Delighting in the Law of the Lord
Jerram Barrs

Unfortunately, this book was not helpful in gaining much delight in the Law of the Lord for the simple reason, the Law itself (The Decalogue) was not discussed with any meaning exegesis.
Nor was there any explanation to the discontinuity/continuity of the Law held within the New Covenant. The Law and the New Covenant was mentioned in the last three pages, inadequately addressed.
I would say the title is extremely misleading.

1.Jan 11 – The Holy Spirit (New Studies in Dogmatics)
Christopher R. J. Holmes

Excellent book on the theology of the doctrine of our God, The Spirit. Holmes engages with three prime interlocutors: Augustine Aquinas and Barth. Some great insights can be gleaned from this piece as Homes interacts in a enlightening way with these three past theological giants.
For the scholar.

2. Jan 13 – The Work of The Holy Spirit
Octavius Winslow

Excellent mixture of solid orthodox theology with devotional, and “experimental” encouragement. Considering Winslow is a 19th century Baptist pastor the style and prose may be a little tedious for some, but well worth the effort.
Winslow combines deep theological reflections with experiential praise.
Well worth the read for the Christian who wants to learn and experience a deeper and relationship with The Spirit.

3. Jan 15 – Covenant and God’s Purpose for the World (Short Studies in Biblical Theology)
Thomas R. Schreiner

This is a good short book (119 pages) to read in order to get better acquainted with Covenant Theology. Schreiner is a Reformed Baptist and so we see Covenant Theology explained through the Baptist framework.
Easy to read and follow.

4. Jan 20 – Brave New World
Aldous Huxley

The dystopia of the future through the eyes of Huxley. A classic, with some of Huxley’s musings bordering on the prophetic. A haunting insight into the mind and desires of the human heart written in a fascinating novel.

5. Jan 24 – King’s Cross
Timothy Keller.

Excellent book brought about from Keller’s sermons on the gospel according to Mark.
Always aiming to reach the hearer at the personal level, Keller explains certain passages of Mark and how the gospel affects the hearer at the level of the soul.
Well worth the read for the pastor!

6. Jan 31 – Theology of Mark: Explorations in Biblical Theology
Hans B.Bayer

This is a solid book to help the pastor formulate an understanding of the gospel of Mark as a call to discipleship. Bayer aims to show us how to combine a God-perception with a Self-perception that is “shaped by the gospel”.
Bayer spends a quality section on Eight Discipleship qualities that can be found throughout Mark, hence making this book a good companion/study guide for discipleship courses/classes.
For the Pastor

7. 22 Feb – Isaiah’s New Exodus in Mark
Rikki E. Watts

A rich scholarly work that draws the connections of Isaiah’s exodus of God’s people from Babylon as the shadow of Jesus’ final exodus as recorded in the Gospel of Mark
The book is for the serious scholar and covers the Isaianic descriptors in great depth, while addressing disagreements.
Knowledge of Hebrew will help not essential. Some sentences tie a conclusion to a Hebrew Word without translation. Also, German is used without translating its meaning.
If you can read around the numerous references, citations and sentences in foreign or biblical languages, this book is essential to understanding the structure and theology of Mark.

8. Feb 27 – Jesus Christ and the Life of the Mind
Mark A. Noll

This book is more of an exhortation than an exploration on how the mind is used for the glory of Christ. Noll’s emphasis is; Christians should not abandon the field of academia and deep thoughtful exploration to the secular world. 3/5

9. Feb 28 – Strong and Weak
Andy Couch

Basically ok. Couch addresses the true aim of flourishing to be fuelled with both weakness and strength. Using an x – y chart or as Couch calls it; “a 2×2 Chart”. Couch segments a chart into quarters starting with the top right corner; “flourishing”, then moving clockwise in quarters, “suffering”, “withdrawing” and “exploiting”.
Of course, we all need to be in the top right corner; flourishing!
There is not great deal of theology in the mix of Couch’s psychology. I found some of the examples a little too far on the “liberal” side.
“God had given her specific words to speak to me, specific instructions for my own prayer life … [the instructions] sit on my desk as I write”
“I sensed the unmistakable voice of Another addressing me… ‘I hear your prayers’”
With very little attention given to biblical example and texts; it’s really a pop-psychology fuelled read on how good leadership is framed with both strength and vulnerability.

10. March 1 – The Cross from a Distance (NSBT Vol. 18)
Peter G. Bolt.

Bolt examines the great importance the cross stresses in the gospel of Mark. Under five heading stressing the impending Cross; 1. The cross and the abolition of religion; 2. the necessity; 3. “as the end of the world”; 4. where God comes close; and 5. resurrection and hope of humanity.
Bolt, like the gospel of Mark, impresses upon the reader the urgency to get to the cross, while spending valuable time taking in the rich theological landscape on the way.

11. March 11 – Christ, Our Righteousness (NSBT Vol. 9)
Mark A. Seifrid

In this volume Seifrid lays out the historical movement of Justification through the Apostle Paul’s conversion unto his exposition through Romans (concentrating on Romans 1-3) and the church corpus general. Bolt spends more focused attention on righteousness and the Law in Galatians.
The chapter 5 it’s an exceptional treatment on faith as God’s work through the gospel and obedience.
This volume is a valuable resource for the student or preacher hoping to cement their understanding of justification, righteousness and faith in the midst of the confusing errors of the “new perspective on Paul”.

12. March 16 – The Way Of The Lord
Joel Marcus

Technical book on Mark’s use of Isaian motifs.
Excellent treatment of Mark 9:11-13
As an armchair student of theology, I found the book concentrated heavily on the proving or disproving of hypotheses. Although the book is excellent in its intent; to demonstrate the Isaian motifs found throughout the gospel of Mark, acting as its backbone, I consider this book to be beyond the average pastor range of study for every Sunday.
Having said this, I used this book to gain a deeper appreciation of Marks use of not only Isaiah, but a conflation of Psalms in various passages!
It therefore needs two separate scores.
For the layman
For the “Serious” student

13. March 16 – The Chosen
Chaim Potok

A well written novel that captures the growing friendship of two young Jewish boys growing up during the second war in America. One from a strict, yet warm Jewish household, the other from a fundamentalist and colder family environment.
Potokk develops the characters with such intricate and gravitational skill, that once the reader reaches the last page you are left wanting to know more of their lives.

14. March 21 – A Gracious and Compassionate God (NSBT 26).
Daniel C. Timmer

Quite the extensive setting of the historical landscape leaving the reader exhausted by the time Timmer begins to handle the book of Jonah. Out of 154 pages it takes Timmer 67 to actually engage with the book of Jonah. Chapter 3 headlines with Jonah 1 … and again takes several pages (8) to begin to tackle Jonah.
Timmer’s conclusions (20 pages) is really where the pastor wants to head. Insightful and Christocentric, viewing the book of Jonah with the lens of the imitatio dei!

15. March 29 – Reading the Gospels Wisely
Jonathan T. Pennington

Pennington organises his book like building a house; Part 1 the laying of its foundation; Part 2 Building the house by reading the gospels wisely; Part 3 Living in the gospels.
Pennington begins where one should when dealing with the gospels; what are the gospels? Why we need them? Then delves into the reasons for the synoptic differences and the richness of four separate gospel accounts that complement each other. Following with what it means to read and write history.
I found chapter 6, Reading Holy scripture well, excellent! The use of John Frame and the exhortation that one does not understand the meaning of a text without its application truly riveting.
Pennington also offers his Hermeneutical approach that looks behind, in and in front of the text. I found his chapters on Digging deeper. Discarding a “what strikes me” (WSM) approach to the gospels, and applying Chapell and others, Pennington recommends a Fallen condition (FC), Redemptive solution (RS), and virtue formation (VF) approach.
This book reignited a desire to read the gospels more wisely.
Intermediate reader.

16. April 03 – The Imperfect Disciple
Jared. C Wilson.

Wilson talks about those Christians that have their life together as a multi-book author writing about how to be a better Christian. Oh, those Christians that have their life sorted! If Wilson hasn’t sorted out his life, but has written several books, what hope is there for, well, the rest of us?
So contrary to many other favourable reviews I found Wilson Indirect Posturing! Which smacked to me a little like a justification to his vocational decisions.
I found the book difficult to read because I didn’t consider Wilson humour even remotely funny.
There was also what I believe to be over stretching in his theological application.
Using Gen 22, in the giving of Isaac Wilson considered Isaac was “in one way an idol for Abraham”. Perhaps, but seems a stretch … as the main point in that sacrifice is to anticipate the antitype of Christ, and who may Abraham be representing giving up his only idol of a son, may we ask? … maybe at a distant tertiary point would be to examine our idols?? Hence, the application that God will test us by taking away our idols may be true … but the test in Gen 22 did not go that far, in fact, God said now I see, and Isaac was given back to Abraham.
Wilson uses Gen 22 as reflective of his own idolatry, being pastoral ministry and justifying quitting the vocation?
Then to refer to Isaac, as “my Isaac”, analogous to “his idol”, I found a little difficult to follow. Thus, giving up pastoral ministry was not quitting but giving up an idol, giving up ministry was sacrificing to do the will of God!

17. April 03 – Exegetical Fallacies
D. A. Carson

The book title pretty much sums up Carson’s intention; To examine the fallacious use of philosophical, grammatical, hermeneutical and exegetical errors befalling most preachers. I say most preachers because Carson gives examples of a plethora of mistakes used by quite renown pastors and teachers. Hence, if they make exegetical errors, well, you can imagine a pleb like me. An intermediate knowledge of Greek is required!
Helpful, but not essential to the pastor.

18. April 04 – Preaching as Poetry
Paul Scott a Wilson

Wilson looks as developing what he calls; Theopoetry or theoretic preaching. He says, “it relies on theology yet minimises abstract speech about God. It uses language of the bible in poetic ways and speaks of God acting”. In other words, Wilson encourages preaching that is poetic – not a quick sermonette that disseminates data; affecting the intellect but avoiding the imagination!
Towards the end Wilson suggests what can come close to a consumerist church service. “Individuals design their own service… their own order of worship according to their interests” (133).
Wilson mistakes the congregation gathered for worship, as individuals gathering as consumers to have their interests met!
Wilson however, suggests he is not making an argument against traditional worship services, but rather, opening a way to start conversations? ONLY for the discerning pastor!
For the suggestions on applying a beautiful clothing to preaching
For his ecclesiology

19. April 05 – The Roots of Endurance
John Piper.

Piper brings a brief primer on three greats: Newton, Simeon and Wilberforce. Especially interesting is how each man’s life affected the other, brief, and how they endured through the hardship of ministry.
A good start to reading biographies!

20. April 18 – Studying the Synoptic Gospels
Robert H. Stein

Excellent book from the delving into the synoptic problem, to exploring through a critical lens form criticism, to ending with a favourable light on the value of redaction criticism. Stein brings forth a solid case the priority of Mark!
As a textbook I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. To the point I will pursue further readings on redactional criticism!
Every pastor should read – 4.7/5.

21. April 19 – You Are What You Love
James K. Smith

Smith posits greater attention is needed in the habits of Christian living that will promote greater Christ-like discipleship; thus Smith suggests there is quite a lot the church of today could do regarding its liturgy to create spiritual habits leading to stronger faithful Christians!
I think he places too much emphasis on the habits and less so on knowledge that may leave the young Christian to misunderstand his point.
Using the psychological concept of automaticity Smith muddies the waters in what forms biblical orthopraxy. In other words, how can one establish good habits unless they learn such habits or imitate. Regardless each begins with the knowledge of God and His revelation.
Needless to say, very well written, worth the read

22. April 23 – How Bible Stories Work (Reading the Bible as Literature)
Leland Ryken

In his short book Ryken aims to encourage the pastor/teacher to read the bible as literature. Such as looking for the structure of each narrative in focus. Ryken spends each chapter on a specific part that makes up a story, eg. setting, characters, plot, heroes and explains how to identify each part.
I found the book a little too vague and at times I hoped more would be said on a particular chapter.
Each chapter concludes with a section titled learning by doing. Thus, giving a challenge to practice was previously explained.

23. April 26 – Every Good Endeavour
T. Keller.

Keller delivers quite a bit worthy of contemplation; why do we work?
The Christian can be at times, double-minded when it comes to work and rest. How is one to understand work and how it relates to God’s divine mandate for humanity? And How, does the Lord’s command to rest, serve this mandate?
As always Keller is clear and insightful! This book helps to think through the way Christians can find identity apart from work and yet consider work in the world a vital part of their existence.

24. April 26 – Amusing Ourselves to Death
Neil Postman

Postman charts the birth of TV from the inception man’s desire to communicate. From the Telegraph to the telephone to the lounge room TV. Postman superficially refers to Huxley (Brave New World) and Orwell (mainly 1984) on how these two visionaries perceived the trajectory of the world in formulating their dystopian ideas. Postman suggest that out of the two Huxley was closer to the mark. Rather than having books and ideas censured, society will be lulled into willing and blissfully giving up their freedom, by giving up their minds.
Postman’s thesis is that the medium of TV as the transmitter of information and with its prime intention to entertain, will inevitably desensitise the viewer to the content being offered. Hence, meaning discourse loses its profundity by the medium (TV) used to deliver its message.
Worth the read

25. May 06 – Interpreting Gospel Narratives
T. Wiarda

Wiarda does a superb job teaching, and I guess, redirecting our attention, on how to look at the characters within the gospel narratives, so as to; “enrich, sharpen or correct” interpretations from commentaries. His thesis is that by focusing on the characters depicted in the unfolding stories within the gospels we will be in better shape to derive the main point of a particular scene. Additionally, Wiardia is at pains to tell us that the surrounds and how the characters interact also, give clues to interpreting a pericope accurately.
Well worth the Pastors attention.

26. May 06 – True Beauty
C. Mahaney & N. Whitacre

This book has been passed on to many women within our congregation and it is well worth a read. It moves the reader to contemplate where True beauty lies. Although targeted at women, it would do well for church men to read and peek through a window in the life of women. Nevertheless, much of what is discussed can be directed at men, I would say the primary audience is to church women.
I minor critique, I felt the book could’ve been a little more honest? … when discussing diet. There were the usual suspects of not feeling guilty with dieting, the overly discussed anorexia and bulimia, but what is conspicuously absent is overeating, obesity, gluttony?
Having said that is was a breath of fresh biblically understood air.
The catechism questions moulded around inner beauty I found interesting and something worth considering.

27. May 09 – The Cost of Discipleship
D. Bonhoeffer.

Bonhoeffer’s classic masterpiece! Sure, not all can be accepted without question, but not much that Bonhoeffer writes is without biblical precedence. As disciples of Jesus Christ, do we live as though our calling cost much, or do we live as though the grace bestowed upon us is cheap? Hence, Cheap grace?
Not an easy read at all. Which I suspect many who begin to read this volume will falter as they reach chapter 3. That said even those first three chapters are worth labouring over. On the teaching side, I found Bonhoeffer’s leading into each chapter with a biblical passage quite helpful. I marked by bible with each page reference for easy referencing come the time to preach on such a passage.
For example, section 2; “The Sermon on the Mount” is broken into three subsections, Matt 5, 6 and 7 respectively. Each chapter of each subsection begins with a verse of the sermon on the mount. I then placed a note in my bible at Matt 5:1 – “Cost of discipleship – page 105”. For future reference. Thus, the book was very helpful in this manner.

28. May 11 – The Catcher in the Rye
J.D Salinger

Holden is a troubled coming of age teenager. Salinger charts his life (in the first person), as Holden is being expelled from yet another school, making his way from his dormitory back home in which he will then have to confront his parents.
It is understood to be a classic! I limit my thoughts here because I found the book very difficult to read with its constant profanity!
The story itself, in my opinion, which in fact does not matter a great deal, has been remarkably over-hyped!

29. May 11 – These Strange Ashes
Elisabeth Elliot.

Elisabeth Elliot regarded this book her favourite. It tells the story of her first missionary adventure, as a young woman, making her way to the jungles of Ecuador to minister to a small group of women. Elisabeth set out with high expectations to document the unwritten language of the Colorado people with hopes of translating the bible in their own language. The story telling is at time humorous and at other times heart breaking. It is in fact remarkable that a young women in her early twenties would set aside the commodity so life and bravely venture into the jungles of Ecuador to reach the unreached…And this makes the story compelling.

30. May 18 – The Majesty of Mystery
K. Scott Oliphint

The lifeblood of our walk with God is mystery!
Oliphint begins by directing our knowledge of God to its rightful end, the glory of God.
Oliphint speaks into the rationalising of God; the stripping of God’s mystery to fit our understanding of God within our intellectual capacities? This should not be! Oliphint careful elucidates the concepts of God while allowing the incomprehensible God to remain with some mystery. Rather than falling into desperation that God is incomprehensibly mysterious, this reality should make us fall down to worship!
I need to give a minor caution. When discussing God’s immutability Oliphint seems to sway from classical theism and to loosen God’s simplicity. Oliphint considers God immutable, yes, and also holds to God’s aseity, yes. However, his discussion of God “beginning” a relational interaction with His creation implies a creaturely effect upon God! That said, the book is excellent and well worth the read.
Excellent

31. May 21 – Satan Cast Out
Frederick S. Leahy

A reformed and biblical perspective of demonology. You will not find a method of how to exercise demons in this book as Leahy rightly exhorts against such unbiblical practices. Rather Leahy exports the biblical mandate of prayer and evangelism to the lost soul.
There is much to commend the book as it completely denies the modern and popular approaches of branding the name Jesus around as form of incantational power. Worth the time on such short book.

32. May 31 – The Book of Isaiah and God’s Kingdom (NSBT 40)
Andrew Abernethy

Excellent treatment of God’s Kingdom and reign in the book of Isaiah!
Abernethy makes an interesting and convincing case for the threefold sections of Isaiah to be seen through the agents of Yahweh. Chapters 1-39 we see the Davidic Ruler, chapters 40-55 The Servant and Chapters 56-66 The Messenger.
Chapter 3 looking at God the Warrior is exceptional!
There is too much to commend.
If Isaiah or the Kingdom/King is a topic of preaching or teaching this book should be consulted. Abernethy also has teaching outline in an appendix.

33. June 11 – All That is in God
James E. Dolezal

This book must be read after Bruce Ware and Rob Lister’s God is Impassible and Impassioned! Dolezal takes on the giants of modern theology to caution a divergence from classical Christian theism.
As a reformed Baptist Dolezal engages what he sees as a shift away from the simplicity and aseity of God to a more palatable emotionally changes God, by referring back to traditional Christian thought.
Without a doubt Exceptional

34. June 12 – Five Festal Garments – NSBT – Vol 10
Barry Webb

Webb considers the most neglected parts of the Christian Bible to be; the Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and Esther. Hence we have an brief overview of each book examining some of its difficulties while looking at its Christian application.

35. June 12 – Home; How Heaven and the New Earth Satisfy our Deepest Longings
Elyse Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick presents a biblical understanding of heaven (New Heavens and New Earth) as a means to ignite a passion and anticipation for what awaits the believer in Christ.
Although Fitzpastrick begins by stating a general view of the eschaton she proceeds to unpack certain areas of God’s reign IN Jesus through a very particular view.
I suspect a person holding an amillenial view will find some sections jarring with their understanding of scripture. Nevertheless, the book at times brought a much desired sense of Hope in the promises of our Lord.

36. Jun 19 – Now My Eyes Have Seen You – NSBT – Vol 12
Robert S. Fyall

We think Satan was given control of Jobs life only in the physical, but what about within the spiritual?
Confusing at times. The first and last thirds are best. The dealings with darkness as demonic forces was enlightening.
The theological reason of Job being under demonic oppression including his sickness, infirmities, nightmares AND circumstances was enlightening. Also, Fyall’s view of Behemoth and Leviathan as death and Satan respectively was worth the read.

37. July 6 – Reset
David Murray

A solution based book page 33
To be more cautious to go slower, to redirect our drive to God’s purpose and not achieved goals, to eat better, spend more time with family, consider mediation when prescribed not to discard it outright.

I get all this, but what about the man ministry that acknowledges all this, yet desires live hard? Desires to burn both ends, desires to give his/her life as a living sacrifice? Offering himself like a drink offering over the sacrifice of others?
These books are written for middle-aged men living in first world countries experiencing first world problems with their first world families. And so, the book is directed at a particular demographic in a particular niche of the world.
What of the single man dedicating his life to missions work? – should he become more cautious in his forward planning? I am waiting for the book that teaches the soldier of God, how to be a better soldier, while in the thicket of the Jordan!

Now I understand that rest is vitally important, and taking time off to smell the roses is just as necessary – but the biblical examples do not give us this prescription. It describes men and woman who spent themselves for the gospel, with every ounce of energy!
Yes they sought rest, but did not find it on this side of glory!
I believe if Paul Tripp with his book “Awe” collaborated with David Murray’s “Reset” then we would see something worth reading, to then apply.

38. July 7 – Why I Am A Baptist
T. Nettles and R. Moore

This book is a collection of SBC Baptists giving small snippets as to their position in the Baptist camp. It’s not really a defence of the denomination as to a gathered group of Baptist professing a conviction to the Baptist way and life.
Interesting read if one is looking to hear others profess a Baptist conviction but very little on biblical support for the Baptist position.

39. July 8 – A Reformed Baptist Manifesto [Booklet 102 pages]Sam Waldron

In this small book Waldron expresses the view that the New Covenant itself, as evidenced from Jer 31,” is the ultimate, formal basis and legal rule constitution of the Church”.

Waldron’s book is a polemic as it defends the Reformed Baptist Covenantal view against, Dispensationalism, Antinomianism, Arminianism and Paedobaptism.

Not only is this booklet is helpful to any Reformed Baptist wanting to know more about the New Covenant and how it relates to other views, but it also shows how the bible pointed to a New Covenant!

40. July 9 – Work and Our Labour in the Lord [Booklet 104 pages]James M. Hamilton

Hamilton has a knack of writing biblical theology in an engaging way. This booklet is easy to read and thoroughly thought-provoking. Hamilton traces the concept of work … from Eden as Adam is created with the DNA of work built within him and moves towards the New Heavens and Earth where humanity will continue to labour as part of God’s good creation.

41. July 12 – Words of Delight
Leylan Ryken

Colossal! Reading the bible as literature. It is a labour of love. Intensive, thorough and well worth reading with bible at the ready.

Ryken handles four main headings; Biblical Narrative, Biblical Poetry, Literary Forms and New Testament (as literature?). There were so many texts that were shown through the literary lens that if each text referenced is noted with Ryken’s insights, it will take a couple of months to get through this book. … a little over 500 pages.

I would say this is all about the “how to” for the pastor that desires to read and preach the bible in all its literary beauty.
For its magnitude and its thoroughness, it deserves

42. July 17 – Dangerous Calling
Paul Tripp

Tripp’s confesses this is a diagnostic book aimed to take a look at the self – the pastor self.
Treatment of Heb 3:12 was worth considering.

43. July 24 – The Heresy Of Orthodoxy
Kostenberger/Kruger

Kostenberger and Kruger respond to the allegations asserting many theologies and “christianities” existed before an established Orthodoxy, as false.
Their polemic is against the main adherent to such a position (Bauer) and his modern students (Ehrman and Pagels). Bauer’s thesis states the only reason one canonical book is incorporated apart from a non-canonical lies solely on the ruling power exerting its preferences to a holy canon. Ehrman incorporates Bauer’s thesis and adds a scepticism to historical knowledge by pleading one cannot be totally sure of anything without the original manuscripts.
The authors do a good job refuting these post-modern ideas with such little space!

44. July 28 – Slogging Along the Paths of Righteousness
Dale Ralph Davis

Excellent devotional commentary. But I’m bias to the way Davis preaches … hence I hear his voice and sense of humour through pages as he points me to my Lord!
Excellent devotional and pastoral help to the Psalms.

45. July 30 – The (Unadjusted) Gospel
Together for the Gospel 2010
Sermons from the T4G 2010

46. July 30 – Evidence Not Seen
Darlene Deibler Rose

The heart-touching story of the young Darlene as a missionary to the people of Papua New Guinea during the period of WWII. I found the book takes a little to get going but once the Japanese invade the region of her mission work we see her story take a heart-rending twist.
Her account as a prisoner of war and the life she lived with other missionary wives and their children is eye-opener as the reader realises she does it all for the Name of the Lord!

47. August 15 – Mark As Story
D. Rhoads, J. Dewey & D. Michie

This is another book on what can be called literary criticism or better yet, Narrative Criticism. Its a book that aims to read the gospel of Mark as narrative or story, hence the title.

The authors aim to read Mark solely within its individual story without consulting the parallel accounts. Although we may agree with the assertion we should let Mark emphasis his own events, we do not suggest with neglect of the parallel accounts.

There are indeed several areas of strong disagreement, I mention two.
On page 107 we read about Jesus; “He is not God…for God is the only Lord and don one is good except God alone.” The authors it seems go out of their way to leave the divinity of Christ in muddied waters, ambiguity reigns leaving the reader unsure if the authors intended to highlight the man Jesus to the exclusion of God IN Jesus.

On Page 113 the authors make this claim; “Mark does not portray Jesus’ death as a sacrifice for sin… His death is not needed to make forgiveness possible.” Then on the next page they mention Jesus believing His sacrifice a ransom for many, but not within sacrificial terms.

It’s all about the rule of God in Jesus as His King! Realised eschatology
It’s all about the good news, but it’s not the gospel we know with a sacrificial atonement, but a moralistic Jesus king of an earthly and heavenly kingdom. The good news of the rule of God without the good news of forgiveness!
Hence it is not a Christian story … p. 147

48. August 16 – The Lord’s Supper as a Means of Grace (booklet 115 pages).
R. Barcellos

Excellent… book on the theology of the Lord’s Supper. It can be technical in some places but well worth the read. Barcellos engages the biblical evidence with the 1689 London Baptist Confession to boldly demonstrate that “something” actually happens during the partaking o the Lord’s Supper; The Lord’s Supper is a means of grace!

49. August 28 – Fighting Satan
Joel R. Beeke

I was after a book that would deal more on the fallen angel Satan and Christ’s conquering of that strongman… its subtitle; Knowing his weaknesses, strategies and defeat, instead it was more of the same. I do not believe Beeke accomplished his task.

Good as a first book, primer in demonology.

50. September 4 – Recovering a Covenantal Heritage
Ed. Richard Barcellos

For the advanced reader. A collection of essays building the case for reformed baptist covenant theology as opposed to paedobaptist covenant theology.
Its massive and full of meat.
For the confessional Baptist.

51. September 7 – Faith Alone. The Doctrine of Justification
Tom Schreiner

I found the chapter on The Role Of Good Works confusing. The dealing of James 2 difficult to follow, even though agreeing with his conclusions.
Schreiner’s engagement with contemporary challenges to sola fide (think Beckwith and N.T Wright) is worth a read.

Overall, I tend to enjoy Schreiner’s work, but this book for some reason seemed a little laborious to get through.

52. September 12 – When God Weeps
Joni Eareckson Tada
Steven Estes

Who better to talk about suffering than one who has suffered for decades?
Eareckson Tada attempts to makes sense of God through the life of one who suffers, and she does a great job.
One areas of disagreement, the books promotes an impassioned God, but does not overly emphasise it which makes it an easy read, although at times, very emotional.

53. September 14 – From Eden to the New Jerusalem
T. Desmond Alexander

Alexander does a great job addressing two questions through a trajectory of biblical theology; why does the earth exist? and what is the purpose of human life? Alexander begins in the garden of Eden as a type of temple, a garden-temple and moves to the tabernacle ending in the church as temple with a view to a future everlasting temple kingdom that culminates in a New Heavens and New Earth.
It a solid book for understanding the theological revelation of God’s purpose with Eden, to Tabernacle towards a People and ending in an everlasting kingdom!

54. September 22 – The Distinctiveness of Baptist Covenant Theology
Pascal Denault

This is a reformed Baptist stable. The subtitle says it all; a comparison between seventeenth century particular Baptists and paedobaptist federalism.
This book is very helpful understanding the reformed Baptist view of covenant theology. The manner that Denault works to inform the reader is by contrasting the reformed Baptist view with the paedobaptist.
Essential read for the reformed Baptist.

55. October 9 – Out of the Silent Planet
C. S. Lewis

First book of C.S. Lewis science fiction trilogy. It was an interesting book, but I wouldn’t say at the riveting levels of his chronicles … yet it is interesting on how C.S Lewis uses his protagonist; “Ransom” to explore a world that doesn’t seem to be grasped by the same noetic effects as earth.

56. October 10 – The Flow of the Psalms
O. Palmer Robertson.
Brilliant no better book on the structure of the Psalter. So well organised, and such thoughtful detail to the composition of the Psalter. I confess this book has shifted not only the way I read the Psalms but also how I come understand them as a whole and therefore preach from them

57. October 31 – The Providence of God
Paul Helm

Part of the Contours of Christian Theology I found Helm’s work robust and well within the reformed tradition. It is not heavily weighted with exegesis and tends to spend more tie-in the philosophical arguments for God’s ultimate sovereignty as expressed in His orchestra of life.

Helm holds to the classic view that the Lord knows all things and permits them to come to be as part of His holy decree, hence God has “no risk”. Helm argues against modern evangelicals who espouse a God who “takes risks”.

58. NOV – Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord (NSBT Vol 37)
L. Michael Morales

Excellent. Morales takes the reader on thoroughly enlightening biblical trajectory that illustrates how the tabernacle, in fact the whole of creation was to meet with God. The cultic structures not only suggested a place of God’s dwelling, but a place to meet God.

Morales eventually points us to Christ as the Tempe of God that has come to mediate our dwelling and meeting with our Creator God.
For the technically minded laymen, student, preacher.
Excellent

59. Dec 03 – The Gospel According to Daniel
Bryan Chapell

This is a Pastorally focused book, not necessarily a commentary. I found this book some what helpful and certainly not exhaustive by any means. It is a reasonable resource for personal study going through the book of Daniel, however for preaching it will need much supplementation.
Probably the third or fourth resource to supplement preaching through Daniel.

60. Dec 05 – All the Light We Cannot See
Anthony Doerr

Novel – brilliantly written!
Doerr uses 2-3 pages per chapter to engage us with two protagonists, Werner and Marie-Laure; a German boy and a French blind girl as their lives intersect in occupied France during the second World War.

That said, with these snippets an author runs the risk under-developed characters, yet the novel was thoroughly engaging.

61. Dec 13 – With the Clouds of Heaven; The Book of Daniel in Biblical Theology (NSBT Vol 32).
James M. Hamilton.

Hamilton is one of my favourite biblical theologians. He is a robust exegete and writes academic pieces in a manner easy to understand. Hamilton is thorough in his examination of Daniel but this not a commentary in its strictest sense.
That said, Hamilton engages the book of Daniel in early Jewish literature, examines typologies and the New Testament use of Daniel.

Hamilton is a premillennialist and so reads Daniel through that lens.
Son of Man in chapter 7 and the figure in chapter 10 (only one person, no Christ then angel) a Christophany –
Chapter 7 is describing the second coming and not associated with the first advent.
All in all, a solid and extremely helpful book.

62. Dec 28 – The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert
Rosaria Butterfield

The testimony of Butterfield coming from a world of lesbian love and secular academia to Christian love and Christian teaching. There are moments where I admire her will to dome than just enough. Butterfield opens her homes to the needy, to the youth, to bible teaching, adopts children, and this she doesn’t she fosters.
Coming from a reformed perspective it is an encouraging and challenging read.

63. Dec 28 – The Gospel of the Kingdom
George Eldon Ladd.

Excellent treatment of the kingdom of God …
One must be careful to sift through his premillennialism and what at times can be misunderstood as replacement theology.
I found Ladd to be very insightful, and I helps to clarify what the Kingdom of God is … The kingdom of God is not a realm or people, not the church, but the Kingdom of God is “firstly the divine redemptive rule manifested in Christ.”

64. Dec 30 – The Last Adam
Brendon D. Crowe

It is not just the death of the Lord, so the work of the cross was not solely what accomplished redemption – but the birth, life, WORKS, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus completes the necessary act of atonement.
At times difficult to follow … but illuminating when all the theological ducks are lined up. From a reformed perspective!

 

1. Jan 9 – The Benefits of Providence

Technical and some understanding of philosophy is needed.

2. Jan 12 – Calvin on the Christian Life

A well organised recount of Calvin both the scholar and the pastor.

3. Jan 15 – The God Who is There

Philosophical theology at its best. Schaeffer attacks the ideology of post-modernism. Solid understanding of basic Philosophy will help in getting the most out of his arguments.

4. Jan 30 – God’s Devil

Primer to understanding more on the fallen angel, commonly referred to as Satan. It is an easy read more pastoral than scholarly. Foreword by R.C. Sproul.

5. Feb 01 – Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor
D.A. Carson

The last half of the book is of most interest and yet humbling. A man that loved his wife so dearly to the end, whilst she suffered through Alzheimer’s.
But of course, without knowing the man in the first half of the book – the second half would be a limp read.

6. Feb 08 – Escape From Reason
Francis Schaeffer

The second book of Schaeffer’s highly philosophical and at times difficult for me to follow. Yet the way Schaefer handles his understanding of the times helps to find categories to reach the modern mind.
(Small Book).

7. Feb 09 – They Say We Are Infidels
Mindy Belz

Christian journalist and editor of World Magazine recounts her visits to war-torn Iraq and Syria spanning from 2003 – 2015. Gives a vivid account of not only the genocide, invasion and Christian persecution of the region by the various regimes, but also outlines the distinct ineptitude of the Coalition Forces under the direction of the United States Presidency.

At times it can be hard ploughing and at other times deeply moving. It opened my eyes to see that my life is without hardship when compared to Christians living in the Middle East. An eye-opener.

8. Feb 10 – Let the Nations be Glad
John Piper

Excellent book on the purpose of the church being worship! Piper argues missions exist because worship doesn’t. Piper means to say that missions span the globe because unreached peoples are yet to be in worship. Piper gives extensive biblical support for many of his points. At times the book spends large amounts of space on exegeting various doctrines; The eternality of Hell and its conscious torment, the target of mission being “peoples” etc. Worth the effort to explore.
It is also inspiring to read the stories of missionaries of a time gone by.

9. Feb 22 – Hear, My Son (NSBT VOL4).
Daniel J. Estes

Edifying look into the first 9 Chapters of Proverbs. Technical, but no original languages needed. 4/5

10. Feb 22 – No Little Women
Aime Byrd

This resource was used to prepare the minds and hearts of the women’s ministry in 2017. Solid start with setting the foundation for the rest of the book.
Excellent articulation of how the woman was created to be more the ally than mere helper of the man.

It is eye-opening to see what contemporary evangelical women are writing in their books aimed at women. Worth reading just for that section. Byrd could’ve been more critical in her analysis of this books.

11. Mar 02 – The Shadow of Christ in the Law of Moses
Vern S. Poythress

Excellent unpacking of the Law, Tabernacle and Sacrificial System. In-depth tome. excellent handling of the ‘fulfilment’ of the Law in the gospel of Matthew.
377 pages and almost 90 pages worth of appendix information. Scholarly work. Intended for the reader that will put in the hard work not only to recall certain OT types but to contemplate Poythress’ suggestions as he continues along a semi-theonomist trajectory.

Not for the faint-hearted. First 8 chapters were my favourite of the book. Worth reading just for those chapters.

12. Mar 06 – None like Him – 10 Ways God is Different From Us
Jen Wilkin

This bought has women as its target. That said I believe men would gain just as much benefit as women. 10 chapters are used to outline 10 of God’s attributes.
It is a good book to introduce God’s attributes and arouse a sense of awe. Not technical and easy to read. Study questions at the end of each chapter so it could be used as a study guide.

13. Mar 23 – The Deity of Christ
Ed. C. Morgan and R. Peterson

Excellent and scholarly work written for a seminary level reader. The book is profound with many biblical evidence for the divinity of Jesus. broken up into 10 chapter from today’s understanding of Christ’s deity to biblical understandings; O.T – Gospels – John’s – Apostolic.

Of great interest was chapter 9. The deity of Christ and the cults. Introducing a well-handled short primer on Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormon belief, referenced with Arianism and Monarchianism.

14. April 10 – Made for More
Hannah Anderson

Exploring the identity of a woman is not bound by what she is physiologically or culturally but who she is a person found IN Christ Jesus. A solid book that although targeted at women is helpful also to men.
I enjoyed the last three chapters the most.

15. April 13 – God the Peacemaker
Graham Cole

A scholarly study in the way that the cross of Christ brings forth shalom – peace in the “personal, corporate and cosmic levels”. I used this book to prepare for Easter and at times is was a little laborious to get through. Maybe the writing style or my own seasonal time lacking some enthusiasm to read.

The tracing of the cross in biblical theology should be a must in any pastors mind. Still recommended!

16. April 20 – The First Days of Jesus
Andreas J. Kostenberger & Alexander E. Stewart.

Excellent treatment of the biblical narratives that speak of the birth of Jesus.
Each gospel is brought forth to document the chronological birth of Jesus leading up to His crucifixion with extended detail of the events
Part 3 looks at the theology of the gospel of John in the birth narrative and the Lord’s being divinely sent for His mission.

Recommended reading prior to Christmas to stir ones affections to see the reality of the fulfilment to the promises of the coming messiah.

17. May 01 – A Fortunate Life
A.B Facey

This Australian short classic is so far the book of the year for me. An autobiography of a man that was sent off to work as young as 10 years old and somehow (well we know how of course – common grace) manages to live late into his 80’s.

It made me question my priorities and think a little bit more on the many blessings the Lord has given me. It showed me that sometimes I can worry too much about the little things – and yet life is more than education and money.
It made me want to cry in several places.
Well worth the read!

18. May 17 – The Scars That Have Shaped Me: How God Meets Us In Suffering
Vaneetha Rendall Risner

This is an exceptional personal account on dealing with suffering while seeing God’s grace throughout. Recommended reading to anyone who is currently experiencing a season of life where God may seem absent. I found this book helpful, in seeking God through recurring moments of suffering.

Written for the sufferer. The book is broken up into three parts with 31 mini chapters (2-6 pages long). The person who finds reading while suffering difficult, will be able to treat each chapter on its own.

19. May 29 – How Long, O Lord?
D.A Carson

This is an in-depth look at suffering and offers much for both the sufferer and the comforter. Boarding more so on the academic. Having said that its chapter on Job is worth the read. Carson also does not attempt to answer all questions but helps to direct the Christian towards understanding (or should I say accepting) the Lord’s sovereignty amongst pain.

20. May 30 – From Sabbath to Lord’s Day
Various essays

Absolutely a colossal work understanding the Lord’s Day and the Sabbath. It is a vital book for anyone wanting to have a weighty response to why Christians should worship on the Lord’s Day and not the Sabbath. The conclusions are very well thought out, biblically and historically defended.

The Christian is no bound to worship on the 7th day because the Sabbath has not been transferred to the Lord’s Day, because the Sabbath was a shadow of the Lord’s Day and the Lord’s Day a shadow of a future time. Too much to cover…one word: Exceptional!

21. June 06 – Original Sin: Illuminating the Riddle (NSTB – Vol 5)
Henri Blocher

It was a hard slog of this small book (135 pages). Maybe, I just wasn’t following Blocher’s connections from historic understanding of sin through the reformation towards his final suggestion. Will have to re-read it again sometime.

22. June 29 – The Holy Spirit (Contours in Christians Theology)
Sinclair Ferguson

Exceptional book on helping one understand who the Holy Spirit is and what His role is in the economic trinity – the outworking of redemptive history. It is an academic book, so it takes some thinking and only minor references to Greek and Latin. That aside, it was a joy to read because it helped me understand my God the Spirit in a more intimate way.

23. July 05 – Rediscovering the Holy Spirit
Michael Horton

This is also a solid book on the Holy Spirit. It is written with the teaching pastor and the well-versed lay theologian in mind. Horton uses many latin words and deals with many Roman Catholic and church father’s positions. I found it helpful to learn more about my God the Spirit but at times found it difficult to follow Horton’s thoughts. Well worth a place in the serious PAstor’s library.

24. July 10 – Martin Luther: Visionary Reformer
Scott H. Hendrix

It was an engaging and easy read, albeit in small font. Hendrix goes into great detail on documenting the life of the reformer from his upbringing right to his birth. Probably not, primer, nor an introductory book on Luther, but targeted at an audience that has some knowledge of Luther. Many theological issues are explained but only superficially. Worth the read.

25. July 24 – Anointed With the Spirit and Power
John D. Harvey

A Biblical examination of the Spirit’s filling, dwelling and empowering of God’s people using numerous OT texts as examples through to NT passages. It was a more biblical and textual examination than one may expect…hence, it may be better suited to the biblical student and/or preacher.

26. July 26 – Hearing God’s Word – (NSBT Vol 16)
Peter Adam

In this book Adam takes us through the important issues of times, places, objects and actions within the worship of the church. A reasonable portion incorporating the views of the fathers with those in the reformation period is included, especially emphasising the works of John Calvin. I found the section, emphasising the need for the whole person to be engaged within their spirituality – mind AND heart – together seeking the Lord, as most helpful.

Also a contrast between evangelical spontaneity and Reformed considered spirituality led to a discussion between Puritanism and its counterpart in Quakerism. Adam highlighted the weaknesses in both camps while providing a solid case for the historical practice of spirituality in the history of the church.

27. Aug 04 – God’s Pursuit of Man
A. W. Tozer

This is Tozer’s prequels to The Pursuit of God. This title itself should give be a give-away as to why this volume is a prequel and the title should also hint at what Tozer believes regarding man’s salvation; God is the initiator of Salvation, man the receiver of His grace. Excellent introduction to the doctrine of election (noting Tozer was not a Calvinist) as Tozer also adds continual admonitions to the church.

28. Aug 09 – God’s Indwelling Presence (NAC Studies in Bible and Theology – Vol 6)
James M. Hamilton

Excellent and exceptional work on the question; Did the Holy Spirit INDWELL believers in the OT or just regenerate their hearts to believe (Heart circumcision)? Hamilton would also include all believers before John 7:39 in his initial thesis.

The main contention Hamilton makes is the differentiation between “regeneration” and “indwelling” as separate works of the Spirit.
The connection of the Spirit’s dwelling in the OT Temple (among God’s people), to the Spirit’s dwelling in Christ (the Fulfilled Temple – God among His people) to the Spirit’s dwelling in Believers (the Remaining Temple of Christ – God IN Believers) is worth the read.

Well handled. Hamilton was constantly going back to re-stress previous points. Hamilton makes the convincing case that the Spirit did not indwell believers until Jesus was glorified.

29. Aug 10 – The Doctrines of Grace 
James Montgomery Boice

I used this book as a refresher for a study I was going to lead in reformed theology. The book is as thorough as it can be in 226 pages. It handles a brief history of the reformed tradition with a short survey on the history of Calvin.
Then in the following, the doctrines of Grace are explained under the familiar acronym TULIP. Like most respectable theologians Boice considers TULIP unhelpful and offers his alternatives.

I would say it is not a first book on Reformed faith but and second or third. Personally, at times I found the writing style difficult to enjoy.

30. Aug 15 – He is There AND He is Not Silent (Vol 1 – Bk3)
Francis Schaeffer

Excellent insight into the cultural movements of the world. Schaeffer was speaking into a culture that was swaying from objective truth. Insightful, Schaeffer really was ahead of his time, prophetic at times. Essential in the apologist’s foundation in preparing to engage the culture.

Aug 22 – Now Choose Life – NSBT Vol 6

The book of Deuteronomy is not a treaty book. It draws on covenant metaphors as a exposition of Israels relationship with their God. Thus, Miller’s point is that throughout the book Israel is gifted with a covenant that they must decide if they are to follow.

The book looks at the ethical responsibilities imposed upon God’s people…hence the book shows how God condescends to His people in various metaphors of life and offers blessing through decision. I would say this book has the academic and academic/pastor as its intended audience.

31. Aug 22 – Christianity and Liberalism
J. Gresham Machen

This one of Machen’s classic works. This book was written in the early 1920’s as Machen sought to confront the rising tide of liberalism within the church. Machen saw Liberalism more sinister than a mere branching of Orthodoxy; Machen saw Liberalism as a whole new religion.

Throughout the book Machen sees to defend the orthodox view by contrasting it with the liberal view of Christianity. Broken into six main headings; Doctrine, God and man, The bible, Christ, Salvation and the church.

I found the book informative especially with the current age of liberal Christianity dominating the evangelical landscape. Machen words are appropriate for us today as I am sure they were for his own time. A valuable resource for the pastor of today, and any Christian concerned for where the church is heading.

32. Sept ? From Fear to Faith (Booklet on the Prophet Habakkuk. 76 pages)
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

This book was exceptional! No doubt about it, it should be the go-to-book for priming to preach/study the book of Habakkuk. Books can be highly subjective so maybe this book was used by the Lord to speak to me for a certain circumstance, but that said, I am buying a few to hand out.

Lloyd-Jones uses 6 chapters to break up Habakkuk’s 3 and doe sit with a certain relevance and succinctness, even though Lloyd-Jones wrote this during the world threat of communism.

An easy read, enjoyable for the lay person and enough deep contemplation for the astute preacher.

33. Sept ? The Unquenchable Flame: Discovering the Heart of the Reformation 
Michael Reeves

An easy read. The intention is not to go into great depth on the reformation but to introduce the reader to the main characters and events leading up to, during and after the reformation. If you don’t know where to start reading about the reformation, this book is for you. Highly recommended.

34. Sept ? Neither Poverty Nor Riches: Biblical Theology Of Possessions
Craig L. Blomberg

In depth study on the biblical view of possessions. Blomberg engages with OT, intertestamental and NT sources to give a clear picture of the attitude towards possessions. Blomberg surveys the OT with his thesis hinging on Prov. 30:8-9. The Inter-Testamental period is focused on the apocrypha. The NT is further broken into the Synoptics, Early Christianity, Pauline corpus and remaining NT. So, it can be said Blomberg is thorough in pursuing a running thread of riches and possessions throughout the history of God and His people.

Blomberg is thorough, yet his treatment of the Synoptics needs to be highlighted as thought-provoking and convincing as he makes he way through numerous passages outlining an emphasis of living generously – especially, looking out for the needy. The target audience is the scholar/student. At times his writing can be taxing and various greek and theological terms are not defined.

His final and personal applications capped his book well for me personally. I was, am convicted to give more…out of gratitude to the Lord for His gifts, love for those who may be in need.

35. Sept ? Good And Angry
David Powlison

It took a while to get into this book. At first it just seemed like every other self-help book, but it became more than that. Anger can be good…?

Powlison spends time to teach what anger is; it is not a force or something that happens to us, but something we do. He coins a term; Constructive displeasure of Mercy – his way of describing and actioning good anger, righteous anger? Indignation?

Powlison asks and answers 8 practical questions that can be asked in the heat of the moment that shifts our attitude from anger towards constructive displeasure by unpacking anger and gaining a better sense of what is happening during bouts of anger. Handling anger by facing our past hurts.

Anger can be good, and Powlison gives methods to transform it. Anger is either good or bad and the books provides methods to sort which is which. Anger usually goes bad when we do not know how to balance it honestly. Not the average book on anger.

36. Sept 26 – The Reformation: How A Monk And Mallet Changed The World
Stephen J. Nichols

Another primer of the reformation. Nichols briskly moves through the historical epoch placing the reformation within its context. At times Nichols may be too brief, and the reader may want further explanation, somewhat weakening the intention of the book; targeting at the novice reader wanting to understand the reformation within its historical context.

Short read, maybe to consider as part of a few books needed to understand the historical context of the reformation.

37. Sept 30 – The Stories We Tell
Mike Cosper

It takes Cosper a little to get warmed up but, once he starts addressing movies, the book is thoroughly engaging…especially if you like watching movies.
Cosper’s thesis; the stories we read in books and see in movies have greater truth within them and “echo” a familiar cry as that which comes from the bible’s trajectory of creation, fall, redemption and consummation.

With that framework Cosper looks as movies through Christian eyes discussing the Creation motif in movies with a sense of longing for home. Fall a sense of paradise lost.

Pulp fiction with a heading of Redemptive violence. Ending with a chapter on our internal longing for something greater.
Cosper spends a lengthy part of the book examining the cult TV series Mad Men. Personally, I haven’t watched Mad Men and yet Cosper’s engaging writing methods gives enough detail to keep you intrigued, but also guiding the reader with enough detail to grasp his point (Would it be worth watching the TV series before hand – i would say yes, but not necessary).

There is much to recommend and more that can be discussed in this short read, such as Cosper’s use of “The Big Lebowski” to point to a Messianic figure and seeing superheroes as a metaphor for a saviour the world desperately needs.

38. Oct 04 – Theologians of the Baptist Tradition
Ed. Timothy George and David S. Dockery

A collection of essays tracing the historical Baptist (Southern Baptist) tradition through the brief theology of those who most influenced the denomination. Beginning with John Gill (1697) and chronologically moving through the lives of 15 others the essays end on Millard Erickson (current).

Each essay has a similar layout, beginning with a short biography, moving to the exposition of theology, spending a few pages on specific theological contributions, ending with an evaluation of the theologian’s strengths and weaknesses.

Some may want to place this book as reference within their library. I recommend every serious Baptist preacher read it through; at least to better understand the trajectory of Baptist theology, albeit with Southern Baptist flavour.
Although not all authors have an engaging style, the men discussed are engaging. At times I found the book incredibly saddening and at other times positively encouraging.
For the serious Baptist reader, essential for the Baptist preacher!

39. Oct 06 – The Gulag Archipelago
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

My confession is that it was a long slog. Not so much by my lack of interest but by my lack of familiarity with history. Throughout reading the book I found myself googling names – Lenin, Stalin Beria etc and various places, along with historical events Vinnitsa, Moska-Volga Canal, Novocherkassk etc.
Solzhenitsyn chronicles the implementation of Lenin/Stalin’s ideology onto an innocent people. Solzhenitsyn spends a great deal of time describing the atrocious living conditions of the millions sent to “special camps” for conjured “political crimes”. The manner that innocent families were arrested for for fictitious reasons is really difficult to believe. Had it not been for this book I would not have come close to appreciating history.

How quickly we forget the atrocities of the past…makes this book very important to the mapping of our future.

40. Oct 14 – By Faith Not By Sight
Richard B. Gaffin Jnr.

All capable of spending a few hours attempting to grasp the colossal biblical truths explained in this book, should do so. Gaffin’s handling of the ordo salutis is exemplary!

Without question the way to handle any argument given by the New Perspective on Paul is to first come to grips with what God IN Christ has done, is doing and will do, By His Spirit on those called to Himself.
The most helpful in this short book was Gaffin’s explanation and discussion on the problem of the indicative and imperative in Paul. When Gaffin states faith as the concern of the indicative and imperative, he also adds a very helpful understanding.

Faith in its receptivity answers the indicative, while…faith in its activity answers the imperative” 82.

Also, his discussion on the “already-not yet” application of Christ’s own justification and therefore imputation upon believers found united in Christ is worth the read. It is of great importance that the Reformed community grasp both the already AND not yet elements of Justification.

Enlightening was his brief insight on the union, Christ and Spirit with the believer. At 125 pages it is a labour of stimulating truth!

41. Oct 26 – Here I Stand
Roland H. Bainton

Best book on Luther I have read.
The extensive quotes of Luther give insight to the flawed man, but devout servant of God. While adding a sense of pastoral and calling responsibility to his life. Luther was not an academician neatly tucked away in a corner of his ivory tower.

42. Oct 26 – Reflections on the Psalms
C.S Lewis

Lewis gathers a collection of Psalms and gives his rendition o their meaning according to to their genre, typically songs. Lewis audience isn’t the scholar or the student but the person seeking to see beauty in the composition of the Bible’s hymn book.

I found the best and most thought-provoking of Lewis’ entries to be in the last paragraph.
“… we are so little reconciled to time that we are even astonished at it. “How he’s grown!” we exclaim, “How time flies!” – as though the universal form of our experience were again and again a novelty. It is as strange as if a fish were repeatedly surprised at the wetness of water. And that would be strange indeed; unless of course the fish were destined to become, one day, a land animal.” 3/5

43. Nov 6 – Awe
Paul David Tripp

Tripp book discusses a common symptom in the general world, but also within the people of God; familiarity with the awesomeness of God, or as Tripp called it; Awe Wrongedness (AWN).

In 13 chapters, ranging from War to Materialism to Parenting, Tripp attempts to highlight how each area of sin stems from the problem of familiarity in seeing and savouring the awe of God.

Although the book was tackling a common problem and one that should be thought of more regularly, I found the writing style a little tedious. Tripp used many, many examples to introduce each chapter which seemed over kill and made entering each chapter a chore.

44. Nov 19 – God the Son Incarnate
Stephen J. Wellem

No other word but colossal!!!!
Exceptional handling of classic Christology.
Beginning with epistemology, Wellem paints a the historical trajectory of understanding onwards to the Enlightenment, through to the modern thence post modern eras. Wellem labours to help us see why we have thought about Jesus in certain ways throughout history.

Wellem spends ample time on for the biblical warrant for Jesus, by enforcing the Word written as inerrant and authoritative in revealing Christ.
Without setting aside ecclesiological traditions Wellem espouses the necessary warning to avoid swaying from past councils such as Nicea and Chaceldon, for through such creeds the church developed its understanding of Jesus Christ as fully God and fully man: One person with two natures, one divine and one human.

Wellem convincing critiques kenotic Christologies exposing them as wanting and providing no solid response to classical orthodoxy. Wellem looks in detail at both Ontological and Functional Kenotic Christologies highlighting how each must deny Chalcedon – exposing the error of allocating the “will” and “soul” to the person of Christ, against the view classic Orthodox view of the “will” and “soul” found in the nature of Christ.
Just brilliant!

45. Nov 23 – Mark by the Book
P. W. Smuts

Smuts introduces his readers to his hermeneutical model using a multi-directional approach. What this means is Smuts (using the Gospel of Mark) instructs on looking at each pericope; first with a “downward” view (within the immediate context). Then looking at a “sideways” view (in any parallel accounts). Followed by a “backwards” look (OT witness) ending with a forwards look (at any relevant NT passages).

Using this approach Smuts gives what appears to be a holistic approach (not altogether strictly using “biblical theology”) and hence a balanced method of interpreting scripture for what is said and not what we may want it to say.
A worthy resource for the expositor/preacher. Smuts also makes some interesting points on few chosen passages.

46. Nov 30 – Churchill’s Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
Giles Milton.

Interesting book detailing the vastly importance of guerrilla warfare during the WWII. Milton has an engaging style that at times keeps one totally immersed within the storyline and at other times pulling ones head from the book in laughter.

It was also interesting to read (although not in great detail) on Churchill’s personality and view on warfare tactics.

47. Dec 07 – The Pre-Existent Son
Simon J. Gathercole

Makes the case for a pre-existent Christology within the first century mediterranean milieu.
A lot of references to the works of the apocrypha, rabbinic and early literature. Gsthercole employs an; “I have come” + purpose formula. To demonstrate a tradition not used by human figures, but angelic, and thus establish a logic that applies to Jesus.

Setting his argument with angelology Gathercole connects the saying with purpose to derive pre-existence. And these discussed angels along with Jesus uses the saying to summarise an entire earthly visit. Not to say, Jesus is an angel but the mission and saying is of the same kind. Hence, Gathercole investigates the Pre-existence of Jesus our Lord.

At times the extra-biblical references can be tedious and a chore to rummage through.

48. Dec 13 – The Kingdom of Christ
Russell D. Moore
Moore trances the historical understanding of Kingship though the lens of Dispensational and Covenantal schema. Moore paints the man characters that have influenced the theology of Christ’s Kingdom by dealing with Carl Henry and George Eldon Ladd as his main interlocutors.

The hardest part of reading this book were the endnotes. 187 pages in the body and 90 pages of endnotes. This will become extremely annoying for somebody that reads notes while reading the body.

A good depiction of the already-not yet Kingdom theology is outlined and discussed. I did find it a little jarring that Moore kept referring to Covenant understandings of Israel as “Replaced” by the church. I wasn’t sure if it was used in a pejorative or just plainly reckless way.

What was lacking were clear conclusions! If Moore attempted to lean in one direction more than another he was excellent at masking it.

49. Dec 20 – Cry, the Beloved Country
Alan Paton

Well written. Excellent book not to gain factual political and social understandings of South Africa, but to gain a feel for the emotional and drama that many would/have faced in South Africa.

It charters the course of a man of the clergy searching for his wayward sister and son. In the midst of suffering, despair, hopelessness, and abandonment, there is a glimmer of hope.

Unfortunately, according to Paton that hope is not always what was sought.

1. Jan 13 – The Beauty and Glory of the Father
2. Feb 05 – Antinomianism
3. Feb 09 – The Message of Acts
4. Feb 18 – The Weight of Glory
5. Feb 23 – Heaven
6. Feb 29 – Intrusive God Disruptive Gospel
7. Mar 08 – The Mystery of the Holy Spirit
8. April 11 – Heaven – (Theology in Community Series)
9. April 12 – Knowing God
10. April 22 – Prayer – Tim Keller
11. April 25 – The Crucified King
12. May 02 – Why Johnny Can’t Preach
13. May 07 – Early Christian Martyrs
14. May 24 – Conversion in Luke-Acts
15. May 30 – 30 Years That Changed World
16. June 09 – With Calvin in the Theatre God
17. June 23 – Possessed by God
18. July 12 – Created in God’s Image
19. July 17 – East of Eden
20. Aug 04 – Confessions
21. Aug 08 – Salvation to Ends of Earth
22. Aug 28 – The Temple and the Church’s Mission
23. Aug 29 – Women in the Church
24. Sept 08 – Yawning at Tigers
25. Sept 13 – A Woman’s Wisdom
26. Sept 19 – God’s Unfaithful Wife
27. Sept 21 – From Creation to New Creation
28. Sept 22 – Call the Sabbath a Delight
29. Sept 29 – Pursuing Holiness in Lord
30. Oct 04 – Knowing Christ
31. Nov 10 – Jesus and the Logic History
32. Nov 15 – Finding the Will of God
33. Nov 22 – Last Things First
34. Nov 30 – Identity and Idolatry
35. Dec 08 – We Become What We Worship
36. Dec 27 – The Incarnation of God
37. Dec 28 – The God Who Became Human