Here are the 11 books I read in January. It’s was a great month aided by a handful of books started the week of Christmas and some extra time during an ice storm in Texas. I’ve provided Amazon affiliate links for each book.
(I must always clarify that I read many books with which I disagree. I learn the most by reading things that do not represent my position.)
Guard the Gospel: The Value and Treasure of Creeds by Michael Reeves
A great, thin volume which trumpets creeds and confessions as safeguards against error. Reeves writes, “Indeed, a confession asserts boldly that God has spoken, and has done so clearly and specifically. Holding to a confession is therefore an act of humility, admitting that we are not, as we would wish, the final arbiters of truth.” Reeves focuses upon the Nicene and Apostles’ Creed. It is a helpful introduction to those creeds but the value in this work is the simple, reasoning for their value.
Michael Reeves is president of Union School of Theology.
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs
Burroughs defines Christian contentment as “that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.” The books unpacks this definition from a thousand different angles. While requiring a level of patience, this volume is worth it. I’d recommend reading this one in small chunks each day. Treat it like a dessert after dinner.
I’ve grown to love the Puritan Paperback series put out published by Banner of Truth. They are fantastic. They are cheap. Purchase all that you can afford.
Salvation on Sand Mountain: Snake Handling and Redemption in Southern Appalachia by Dennis Covington
I picked this volume up from my local “Little Free Library.” It was a well-loved discarded copy from the Sulphur Springs Public Library. I brought it home as if I had discovered a hidden treasure. And it did not disappoint.
The book is a candidate for “Book Subtitle of the Year.” I’ve never read one like “Snake Handling and Redemption in Southern Appalachia!” It might also find itself on my year end favorites list.
Glendel Buford Summerford, pastor of the Church of Jesus with Signs Following, was convicted of trying to kill his wife with poisonous snakes. Yep, you read that correctly. As Dennis Covington covered the murder trial, he discovered the bizarre – yet compelling – people of radical faith. And he joined them. First, as a reporter and for a brief time, a participant. He traveled to revivals and began handling snakes.
The Backyard Bird Chronicles written and illustrated by Amy Tan
My love for birds, and bird books, continues. You might say, “Amy Tan? That sounds familiar.” It should. She is the author of the massive hit from years gone by “The Joy Luck Club.”
This book is collected from Tan’s hobby of bird watching, bird describing, and bird drawing. It’s a work of art. Literally. It brims to overflowing with Tan’s sketches and quick descriptions of bird behavior. The book also includes an number insets that show fully finished bird paintings. A must read for both bird and art lovers.
Ministry in the New Realm: A Theology of 2 Corinthians (New Testament Theology Series) by Dane Ortlund
Perhaps you know Ortlund from “Gentle and Lowly” or “Deeper.” If so, I don’t need to convince you of his skill as an exegete and writer. Those skills are are full display in this study of 2 Corinthians. Ortlund shows how Jesus’ resurrection ushered in the new realm – one where life and ministry are flipped upsdown, and God’s power is intertwined with human weakness. He works through two predominant themes – inaugurated eschatology and strength through weakness – throughout his exegesis of 2 Corinthians.
This volume makes a great companion to the Garland volume discussed next.
Ortlund serves as senior pastor of Naperville Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Illinois.
2 Corinthians (New world Biblical Themes Series) by David Garland
I love that this series is being renewed. I have a handful of the older versions. The original Word Biblical Themes series produced fifteen volumes from 1987 to 1991. These fifteen volumes distilled the massive and technical volumes of the Word Biblical Commentary into short discussion on important themes in each biblical book. This is needed work.
Garland is a world-class scholar and commentary writer. I had the privilege to sit under Garland in seminary as he served as the dean of George W. Truett Theological Seminary. I remember those days with great fondness. Yet, my fondness for those days does not blind me to an honest assessment.
I firmly believe there is no greater commentary writer than Garland. His volume on Mark in the NIV Application Commentary is highly regarded and view by many as one of the best in print. His volume on 2 Corinthians in the New American Commentary is the jewel of the series. I’m sure this volume will be a highlight of the New World Biblical Themes series once more volumes are released. If you want to study 2 Corinthians – start here.
Garland is professor emeritus of Christian Scriptures at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University.
Revitalize: Biblical Keys to Helping Your Church Come Alive Again by Andy Davis
This book chronicles Davis’ pastoral work at First Baptist Church of Durham, North Carolina. Along the way, Davis provides practical advice for those doing the hard work of church revitalization. He points pastors and churches to keeping Christ’s ownership of the church central, being humble, choosing your battles wisely, empowering godly men to join in leadership, making prayer a priority, and focusing on the Word.
Yet, this isn’t your typical leadership or church growth book filled with pithy statements and secrets to success. Davis provides testimony from his own church, while avoiding “Hey, your church could grow if you did this too!” Rather, he shares lessons learned through the school of hard knocks. More than lessons lessons learned, Davis points pastors to the biblical prescription for church leadership.
The Power of Christian Contentment: Finding Deeper, Richer, Christ-Centered Joy by Andy Davis
This is Davis’ reflection upon Jeremiah Burrough’s “The Rare Jewel of Christians Contentment” discussed above. He gives that Puritan volume new life with modern language, illustration, and points of application. I’d recommend that you buy the pair and slowly digest them over a month or two. This will likely find itself on my end end favorites list.
Andy Davis was unfamiliar to me until I watched his interview on Room For Nuance. You can watch it here. I was blown away. Before the interview finished I purchased a handful of Davis’ books.
Reading for the Love of God: How to Read as a Spiritual Practice by Jessica Hooten Wilson
This book was a delight. Hooten Wilson makes the case for reading as a means of transformation. Through a study of Augustine, Julian of Norwich, Frederick Douglass, and Dorothy Sayers, she shows how we can read as a spiritual practice which allows us to read better and walk in deeper union with God. I’ve read a lot of books on books. This is one of the best.
Wilson Hooten as a PhD from Baylor (Sic’em Bears!) and is the inaugural Visiting Scholar of Liberal Arts at Pepperdine University.
The Heart is the Target: Preaching Practical Application from Every Text by Murray Capill
Here is a practical book. What it lacks in flash, it makes up for in practical wisdom. Capill helps preachers think through the skills needed to apply Scripture in varied and effective ways. He tackles the sermon application from every angle possible. At times it overwhelming, but it is always helpful.
You can check out this link for a previous post which quotes this book: Quotes Worth Sharing.
Capill is the dean of ministry development at Reformed Theological College in Melbourne, Australia.
A Burning in My Bone: The Authorized Biography of Eugene Peterson by Winn Collier
Upon reading this volume for the third time, I’ve warmed to it even more. It tells Peterson’s story but stops well short of hagiography. On my first reading, I wanted it to be kinder to Peterson. I desired more praise and adoration. Yet, I’ve learned to appreciate Collier’s critique.
I still urge those interested in Peterson to read his autobiography, The Pastor. It is a masterpiece and in my top 10 all-time favorites.
Collier is the director of The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary.
Jeff Gravens 