Pastor Andrew’s Top 5 Books of 2017
Pastor Andrew’s Top 5 Books of 2017
Click on each title to purchase:
1. Dynamics of Spiritual Life by Richard Lovelace
Lovelace examines revivals (which are often called renewal movements) in the Bible and also throughout history. I believe that many theologically sound believers are suspect of spiritual renewal, and sometimes for good reason. There are two major reasons for this. First, people in the past have sought to manufacture revivals in unbiblical ways. Second, in all genuine revivals there can also be found a group of false converts that get caught up in the excitement of it all. Neither of these are good reasons not to pray and long for true spiritual revival. True revival is a great and necessary thing!
2. Revitalization by Andy Davis
Over the last decade church-planting has become fashionable again. While seminaries seem to be turning out more graduates who are becoming church-planters (and that’s a good thing), we shouldn’t forget about the work that God can do in existing churches. Many churches have suffered because of sin, poor leadership, or both. Andy Davis has written an insightful book to pastors and church leaders who might find themselves in a situation where revitalization of their church is necessary. This year our elders were asked to provide counsel to a few other churches concerning various matters. This book was a great resource to that end.
3. The Vanishing American Adult by Senator Ben Sasse
While this isn’t a “Christian” book, it is written by a Christian. Senator Ben Sasse is a politician who is a breath of fresh air. (Yes, you read that sentence correctly). Sasse is a genuine believer who does not see politics as ultimate. He’s written a book that can be a benefit to parents, educators, and to our society in general. I would recommend this book to parents and to church members who are involved in the lives of parents. Sasse’s argument is that children aren’t raised to be adults anymore. Children are not prepared to be adults like God intends. May Christians lead the way in raising children to properly function in the next stage of life. A stage where they have been given dominion to manage the affairs of this world for the glory of God.
4. Wordsmithy by Douglas Wilson
I recognize that not everyone wants to read a book about becoming a better writer. Lately, a growing part of the ministry that the Lord has given to me involves writing. To develop in this area, I read Wordsmithy, which was authored by one of the greatest Christian writers of our day. This summer, I read another book on writing by one of the most famous secular writers of our day. The book provided me with a few tools, but Wilson’s Wordsmithy filled up my tool belt. I loved this book.
5. The Unquenchable Flame by Michael Reeves
This was one of our “Books of the Month” this year at Canyon. This short book is packed with information on the history of the Protestant Reformation. For a short book to be packed with information is risky. Sometimes books of that nature are nothing more than a bunch of dates and names thrown together. This book is different. Reeves is interesting and colorful. I recommend this book to Christians who don’t know much about the Reformation and would like a resource that provides thorough information in a digestible fashion.
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