2015's Year End Best Books

Some of the best books of the year lists are coming out and two of the best I've seen are TGC's and Kevin DeYoung's. Though both are not strictly theological they are still great lists. If you're looking for something to read this is a great place to start. Enjoy!

TGC's List is here

DeYoung's list is here

A few from both lists

The Pastor as Public Theologian: Reclaiming a Lost Vision by Kevin Vanhoozer & Owen Strachan

Preaching the Whole Counsel of God by Julius J.  Kim

Packer on the Christian Life by Sam Storms
















For more click here or on the links above. Have any to add?

Book Review: Packer on the Christian Life by Sam Storms

Packer on the Christian Life by Sam Storms is my book of the year (for whatever that is worth). I’ve read or perused many of Packer’s books but this book condenses much of what he’s written over his lifetime and includes some personal history that puts it all in perspective. Unless the reader has read everything Packer has written, this book will be a valuable and insightful tool. In clear concise fashion Storms lays out Packer’s thoughts and beliefs on many, if not all, areas of the Christian life. It behooves us all to read, learn and apply these teachings.

In a world full of books on how to live and enjoy the Christian life, this one stands out. Storms delves deeply into Packer’s writings on numerous subjects extensively. Topics include atonement, holiness, indwelling sin, Holy Spirit, prayer and the will of God to point out a few. Packer, like many of us, began his spiritual journey under false teaching. Through a lifetime of learning and then writing he has shared much with us to correct our own deficiencies. In this work Storms has admirably complied some of the best.

It’s difficult to be precise on what most benefited me. Perhaps the chapters on prayer, suffering, and theocentricity left me both struggling and joyful.  I’ll leave it to you, the reader, to scour the pages and glean the best from Packer. 

This “on the Christian Life” series from Crossway is simply marvelous. If you have not started reading any of these I would suggest doing so now. They are a fascinating look into the lives of many well-known Christians that have blazed the trail for us. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain the valuable knowledge they accumulated.

Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through Beyond the Page.

Book Review: We Named Her Faith by Tim Orr

We Named Her Faith is a warm hearted story of grace and love and how God in His providence works in the daily lives of His people. This book isn't my normal line of country. I tend to engross myself into deeper works of theology however, the result of that deeper theology should have the outcome we read about in the lives of the Orr family. When it comes to the trials of faith many of us have read of the faith of men like Calvin, Luther, Warfield, Newton and many others that endured incredible hardships and were triumphant at the end of their lives. Most of us just aren't like that. We're average people just trying to make it day by day striving to be obedient and living on God's grace. And so it is for the Orr family.

We Named Her Faith is the story of Tim, Michelle and Faith Orr. Their past and present - how they got to where they are today through life's trials and struggles and how they were happily able to adopt their daughter, Faith who has Down Syndrome. Their story has many twists and turns, happy and sad, losing and winning. But through it all we see God's Providence working behind the scenes for their good and His glory.

Its a wonderful story. As for the book itself, it has its share of positives and negatives. On the negative side, it was difficult to determine the author's beliefs. Often oscillating freely between the terms "providence" (as in God's Providence) and the term "luckily," I was confused. Were their circumstances from God or by coincidence? The author, in his early years was Pentecostal and at some point became a Reformed Baptist but it was difficult to see when and thus could account for the confusion here and at some other points. At times there was too much irrelevant information and at others too little which made the story wordy and somewhat disjointed. On the positive side we see a childless couple reach out in God's love and adopt a child with a disability. We see God moving in their lives from when they were young to the present in many marvelous ways. Life isn't easy but we see God's grace working in the background of their lives to bring about the wonderful conclusion of adoption.

This is a great book for the church library or your home. Its worth a read. A definite 3.5 out of 5.

I received a review copy of "We Named her Faith" to review. No other compensation was received, and the opinions are my own.

Common Grace and the Gospel By Cornelius Van Til, K. Scott Oliphint

 Common Grace and the Gospel By Cornelius Van Til, K. Scott Oliphint

"Restoring the full text of the original 1972 work, this collection of annotated essays addresses questions on common grace and its relevance to the gospel. A pioneer in presuppositional apologetics, Cornelius Van Til sets forth a Christian philosophy of history; examines the views of Abraham Kuyper, Herman Hoeksema, and others in the debate over common grace; and replies to criticism."

To find out more about this outstanding republication, click over to the Reformed Forum website and listen to their interview with the editor, Scott Oliphint.

Openness Unhindered: Further Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert on Sexual Identity and Union with Christ by Rosaria Butterfield

Rosaria Buttterfield has come out with another outstanding work, Openness Unhindered: Further Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert on Sexual Identity and Union with Christ. Delving into sexual identity is only one aspect of this book, it has much more. To hear an insightful discussion on her book check out the Mortification of Spin podcast. Also, have a look at TGC's review here.

Redeemer Mens Study to Begin in September

The Mens Discipleship group returns this Fall and we’ll be reading through Martyn Lloyd-Jones book The Kingdom of God. We’ll be meeting on Saturdays in the fellowship hall from 8-9am. We hope to see you there for this time of fellowship and encouragement. The book can be purchased here. Check our website for more information.

Book Review: Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God By Joe Thorn

There are few things that can top getting a daily dose of spiritual truth and encouragement.  I often find myself going back to devotional works that carry heavy spiritual truth to get me through the day. Though there are many worthy works out there, Joe Thorn has joined the company of wonderful authors that have contributed to this genre. Experiencing the Trinity has now become a go-to book for me. It combines Biblical truth, with loving, gentle encouragement. If we stop kidding ourselves and openly recognize that life has more problems than earthly joys we will find comfort in a book such as this.

Thorn, in this work, has a gentle, soft, encouraging writing style. He is not beating the reader over the head with Scripture and expecting anyone to stand to attention. Just the opposite, he calmly weaves his way through each member of the Trinity reminding the reader of what each has given to us and will give us. This book isn't fluff, either. There are hard truths expressed, many that being a Christian long enough, we've all heard before. Yet, his style gently pushes the reader to remember the realities and delights of the Christian life as found in Scripture.

As the title suggests, it is about experiencing the Trinity, not just attempting to grasp the academic truths of doctrine. The work is divided into three sections for each member of the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each chapter is only a page or two thus the reader has enough to chew on without being overwhelmed. There is no doubt this would be a great asset to anyone's daily devotions. Either starting off your day or ending your day, this is a valuable resource to Christian living. I warmly recommend it.

Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through Beyond the Page. 

Reading, Learning & Discipline

Disciplines of the Christian Mind is a fascinating and insightful podcast at Christ the Center. The guys, Camden, Jeff and Jim, delve into developing the Christian mind by consistent, focused reading every day along with several other disciplines. How often do we as lovers of theology books still neglect the opportunity to read? Often, in my case and I aim to remedy that. The guys bring many useful suggestions to the table to develop good reading habits that will aid us all in the life long learning process. Swing over and have a wee listen. You'll be glad you did.

Packer on the Christian Life Author Interview

Author Sam Storms is interviewed about his book, Packer on the Christian Life: Knowing God in Christ, Walking by the Spirit. Enlightening interview with Justin Taylor and Leland Ryken. Enjoy.

The Message of the General Epistles in the History of Redemption: Wisdom from James, Peter, John, and Jude By Brandon D. Crowe

Another book worth our time in theology studies, The Message of the General Epistles in the History of Redemption: Wisdom from James, Peter, John, and Jude By Brandon D. Crowe. The guys at Reformed Forum discuss the book at length with the author Brandon Crowe which you can listen to here. Listen, learn and be edified and buy the book.

The Message of the General Epistles in the History of Redemption: Wisdom from James, Peter, John, and Jude By Brandon D. Crowe
This volume considers the theological richness (indicative) and practical relevance (imperative) of the New Testament General Epistles—James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude—within a redemptive-historical framework. Although not the most familiar portion of the New Testament, these letters have much to say about the call to discipleship in the twenty-first century. Part One (“Scallywags”) focuses on 1 Peter. Here we see that Christ has accomplished salvation and that his life provides the pattern for faithful living in the face of worldly opposition. In Part Two (“Scoffers”) the truth of 2 Peter and Jude is set in contrast to the destructive doctrines of scoffing false teachers. Part Three (“Schisms”) reflects on the challenges of the Johannine letters that address who belongs to God’s family. Finally, Part Four (“Wisdom”) looks at the practical teaching of James in light of the teaching of Jesus.