Books (III)

Books (III)

So here’s my list.  These are the books that I’ve read in the year or so, some I am still finishing, not necessarily “the best book ever” list, but they are good ones that I would recommend.   How Long, O Lord, D.A. Carson This is the best book I have read in the last year, maybe one of the best ever.  Don Carson tackles deep issues of suffering, evil, and the sovereignty of God in a readable yet not superficial, thoughtful yet pastoral manner.  A must read for every believer.  Should be required reading for everyone going into ministry.   The God Who is There, D.A. Carson Another great book by Carson.  This one walks a person through the Bible in 14 chapters.  Great for new believers, or those who know a lot of the Bible stories but don’t know how they all fit together.   Augustine’s Confessions I’m just finishing this classic.  I’m glad I finally got around to it.   Answering Islam, Abdul Saleeb, and Norman L. Geisler A great primer on Islam and common Islamic objections to Christianity.   The Gospel for Muslims, Thabiti’s Anyabwile A biographical treatment of the power of the gospel to transform the life of an angry, young African-American activist convert to Islam.   What is the Gospel, Gilbert A brief and helpful treatment of the essentials of the gospel.   Not the Way it’s Supposed to be, Cornelius Plantinga, Jr. An engaging treatment of the topic of sin, its nature, and effects.   Future Grace, John Piper One of the most helpful treatments of the work of sanctification.   Holiness, J.C. Ryle Wow.  This English bishop from the 19th century hit me hard with this one.   The Man who was Thursday, G.K. Chesterton Ok, this is not for everyone.  Apparently, according to some literary critics, there is a lot more going on here, but I admit it’s a bit like looking at one of those hidden pictures…I keep looking but I don’t see it.  It’s a wild, bizarre story of a group of secret police pretending to be anarchists.  It’s odd, fun, and I love it. –Pastor Dave