Nothing really new to add to the discussion, except for the final six books of the year. Grab you coffee and let’s finish this race!
Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen – This is kind of a christian classic and I ended up reading this book out of a desire to understand more about the history of theological liberalism. J. Gresham Machen is a deep thinking and detailed writer but through this book you will gain insightful understanding of the fundamental tenant of theological liberalism and how they can be dissected. In the end, this was a helpful read that really grows your confidence not only the validity of the entire Bible but also of who Christ is. I think this book is especially important today as there is a re-emergence of theological liberalism in mainstream christianity. We need to understand what it proposes, understand it’s flaws, and recognize that it is not new. This book was written over nearly years ago and is incredibly applicable in our climate. Read it, it’s worth it.
The Life-Giving Parent by Clay and Sally Clarkson – This was a much needed and refreshing read to bolster my parenting mid-year. Laura and I read this book together and worked through the companion work book. And it is a really good book. The authors cover a lot of angles in parenting from renewing a child’s mind, to building their faith, to guarding their heart, and nurturing their spirit. Along the way you get wonderful practical ideas from the authors and how they accomplished building a family with a Biblical worldview. I really appreciated their openness and honesty in the book and I also really appreciated the practical examples they gave for you to try employ in your home. My one critique of the book is that sometimes it makes you feel totally inadequate as a parent just because the Clarkson’s are just so intentional with raising their kids. But I think overall it will really inspire you to be a better and more intentional parent.
The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in a Post-Christian World by Rosaria Butterfield – This was possibly the best book I read this year. Rosaria has an incredible testimony and you begin to understand why hospitality is so important to her – she found Christ at the dinner table of people who invited her into their home and into their lives. This book is chalked full of fun narrative and anecdotes about her family life and how they use their table and home to reach their neighbors. She offers many practical challenges and thoughts but does not come off as abrasive due to her whimsical writing and humble tone. You can tell she comes for a literature background. I would highly recommend this book because it is a fun and entertaining read but also because I think she is absolutely right. And other writers, like Matt Chandler, agree. We need to open our homes up once again for the sake of the lost.
We Are Not The Hero by Jean Johnson – This book was long and detailed, but if you are involved in mission related ministries in your church I would highly highly recommend that you read this book. The author writes with authority after being a missionary to Cambodia for 20 years. She recounts many of the victories but also spends time exploring many of the failures and the consequences of those failures in her ministry. She offers extensive expertise in thinking about a new way of approaching both short term and long term cross cultural mission efforts. There is so much to think about in this book. It cuts you deep at some points but also provides many solid examples for a better approach. Basically, let’s lose our pride in mission and build better bonds with locals to create sustainability and more long term successful discipleship and mission. Again, I would highly recommend this book if you are involved in international gospel mission.
The Disciplines of Grace by Jerry Bridges – I love books like this one. This book deals with the heart of grace and it’s effect in our lives. And it is always such a good reminder; a reminder that we need daily and yearly. We cannot earn our salvation or do “x” amount things to make us better Christians. But God’s grace works in our lives to desire more and more of what is right and true – namely God and his way. The author discusses reading God’s word, praying, etc but also really challenges the readers to assess what is in their life and mind that may hinder our walk. It is truly a fantastic read.
And last but not least…
Being a Dad Who Leads by John MacArthur – I finished this book right before Christmas and kind of used it as a spring board into this year. I really liked this book. John MacArthur is very pointed and blunt writer which sometimes upsets folks however, I think his style works with this subject matter because men do need to step up in our marriages, families, and communities. The book starts of with making sure that men are fulfilling their roles in leading in the marriage and loving their wives. From there, MacArthur builds on extending that leadership to the children and family. He cites many statistics and provides many tangible, practical ideas and examples to lead children well. He also has a very encouraging chapter for those parents who may be dealing with overtly rebellious children which was challenging and yet full of grace. The good news of the Gospel permeates the book and it is extremely helpful. I like it so much, the men in our small group are reading it together. I have learned though that this book is now under a new title “Brave Dad.”
