PERIL AND PEACE: Chronicles of the Ancient Church (Mindy and Brandon Withrow) – 2007

Mindy and Brandon Withrow came up with a great idea a few years ago – Write a series of books for children that chronicle the history of the church in readable prose that will actually prompt folks to read church history.  Their idea is paying off because people are reading these books.  And the audienceContinue reading “PERIL AND PEACE: Chronicles of the Ancient Church (Mindy and Brandon Withrow) – 2007”

THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF THE GOSPEL – Jerry Bridges (2012)

I’ve been reading Jerry Bridges since the early 80’s and I’m continually amazed at the depth and breadth of his writing and his ability to make profound truths simple to understand.  The Word of God is never diluted or compromised.  For some reason, Bridges reminds me of a modern-day John Bunyan.  He just has aContinue reading “THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF THE GOSPEL – Jerry Bridges (2012)”

SWITCH: HOW TO CHANGE THINGS WHEN CHANGE IS HARD – Chip Heath & Dan Heath (2010)

Leadership books are a dime a dozen these days.  But whenever a good buddy recommends a book, I’m eager to dig in.  Especially when that friend is a time-tested leader. Switch is a book about change.  We all know how difficult it is to motivate people to change.  The Heath brothers present a basic strategyContinue reading “SWITCH: HOW TO CHANGE THINGS WHEN CHANGE IS HARD – Chip Heath & Dan Heath (2010)”

THE MASCULINE MANDATE – Richard Phillips (2010)

Richard Phillips raises the bar of biblical expectation for men in his latest work, The Masculine Mandate.  He is not intimidated by the deceptive roar of the egalitarian lioness.  Nor is he distracted by worldly models of masculinity. Of particular importance is Phillips’ rightly placed critique of John Eldredge’s book, Wild at Heart.  The sumContinue reading “THE MASCULINE MANDATE – Richard Phillips (2010)”

EXCELLENCE: The Character of God and the Pursuit of Scholarly Virtue – Andreas J. Kostenberger

I have been reading a lot of Andreas Kostenberger lately.  I am very impressed by his heart for God and precise scholarship.  His latest work, Excellence: The Character of God and the Portrait of Scholarly Virtue is a fine addition to his growing body of Christian writing. Kostenberger begins by laying the foundation for excellenceContinue reading “EXCELLENCE: The Character of God and the Pursuit of Scholarly Virtue – Andreas J. Kostenberger”

The Reason For God: Unbelief in an Age of Skepticism – Tim Keller (2008)

Some have compared Tim Keller to C.S. Lewis.  Other believe he is the C.S. Lewis for our generation.  One thing is for certain though – Keller’s book, The Reason for God is a terrific read.  I read Keller’s apologetic treatise when it first hit the shelves in 2008.  The second read was even better! TheContinue reading “The Reason For God: Unbelief in an Age of Skepticism – Tim Keller (2008)”

STEP UP – Dennis Rainey (2011)

Stepping Up: A Call to Courageous Manhood by Dennis Rainey encourages men of all ages to fulfill their God-given role.  They must as 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, “Act like men.” Rainey’s challenge to men is presented in five movements: The First Step: Boyhood The Second Step: Adolescence The Third Step: Manhood The Fourth Step: MentorContinue reading “STEP UP – Dennis Rainey (2011)”

DON’T WASTE YOUR SPORTS – C.J. Mahaney (2011)

“Don’t Waste Your Sports” by C.J. Mahaney is a book worth reading.  In fact, every Christian athlete should read this book. Mahaney applies 1 Corinthians 10:31 to the athletic area – “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”  With the biblical imperative firmly implanted inContinue reading “DON’T WASTE YOUR SPORTS – C.J. Mahaney (2011)”

FINDING FAITHFUL ELDERS AND DEACONS – Thabiti Anyabwile (2012)

A few years ago, I heard Thabiti Anyabwile preach at Together for the Gospel in Louisville.  I remember being impressed with his pastoral heart, theologically precise mind, and his feet that were obviously set on obeying and glorifying God.  His newest book confirms my first impressions at T4G. Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons reads likeContinue reading “FINDING FAITHFUL ELDERS AND DEACONS – Thabiti Anyabwile (2012)”

THE CHRISTIAN IN COMPLETE ARMOR: Volume 2 – William Gurnall (1655)

Many works on spiritual warfare these days are laden with extraordinary tales that tug at the heart and manipulate the will.  Some of these works offer very little biblical help.  William Gurnall’s The Christian in Complete Armor towers above most of what passes for spiritual warfare literature. Originally published in 1655, Gurnall offers the typicalContinue reading “THE CHRISTIAN IN COMPLETE ARMOR: Volume 2 – William Gurnall (1655)”