Hi Friends,
I often get asked what books I am currently reading and so at the beginning of the year I promised to do a monthly blog post on the books that I read that past month. Below is my February list. I’d love to hear what you are reading!
Apologetics
The God Conversation by J.P. Moreland.
Dr. Moreland is one of my favorite Christian philosophers. In this book he uses various analogies to help explain hard concepts about the Christian faith. A good story not only satisfies our logical minds, but also appeals to our emotions. I found this book very accessible and helpful in thinking through how to engage people’s questions regarding Christianity.
Preaching
Say It edited by Eric Redmond
This book is a celebration of the rich history of expository preaching in the African American context. I absolutely loved it! it was not only theologically rich, but gave me great encouragement to continue to preach passionate sermons that engage both mind and hearts. If only our congregation could start talking back to me more, then we’d really get going! Haha… If you don’t know what “talking back” means, then read this book 🙂
Lectures to My Students by Charles Spurgeon
Spurgeon has been called the “Prince of Preachers” and this book lays out why. I don’t think I’ve ever read someone who gave such careful thought to the presentation of God’s word. This book is a yearly read for me.
Christian Life
When Life is Changed Forever by Rick Taylor
This is going to be my new “go to” book to help someone process through the profound grief of losing a loved one. Rick lost two of his young sons to a tragic accident and this book is an honest, very raw and tremendously healing narrative. I could only read it in short doses, because I ended up in tears every time I read just a few pages. This is not for the faint of heart, but if you have gone through life’s dark valleys, I think you will find this book a comforting companion.
Non Fiction
The Common Rule by Just Early
Justin was on the top of the world, leading ministries, being a high profile lawyer, getting married, having kids and travelling. Then it all came crashing down when he suffered burn out. This book is about the power of creating healthy habits that allow you to make sure you are prioritizing the right things in your life. As someone who often pushes himself too far, I found this book to be really helpful and have started implementing some of its practices.
The E Myth by Michael Gerber
This was voted the #1 by CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies. It’s been on my list for awhile and I was glad to finally get a chance to read it. There were a ton of leadership principles that I found very helpful to think about. I’m grateful for God’s common grace that is evident in books like this. If you are in a position of leadership, I’d definitely recommend checking this out.
Fiction
The Whole Truth by David Balducci
This was a fun, easy to read book that dealt with a timely issue of how easy it is to dupe the masses by creating false narratives. Loved it.
Til We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis
This is his retelling of the Greek myth of Psyche. It you like to read mythology, then I’d definitely recommend it. I love everything C.S. Lewis writes.
Till next month!
Pastor Jeff