The Pastor Recommends – Great Books Published in 2008 that I Wish the People of Peace Would Read.

Please consider reading the following short list of books that were published in 2008. I believe that they would help you grow in worship, faith, and service. If you want to see my copy of any of these books simply give me a call.

   

The first two books really stand out from the rest and I wish that everyone at Peace Lutheran would buy copies in the days ahead and immediately delve into the riches contained therein.

The Treasury of Daily Prayer

I have talked about this book a lot since it was published -  The only thing I can add is this: Buy it now and use it daily!

You can find out more about The Treasury of Daily Prayer by clicking HERE and HERE. 

 

 

The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Tim Keller

I have written about Tim Keller‘s book elsewhere and have given it away to many people over the last year.  Keller addresses important questions that nag believers and non-believers alike. This is one of the most thoughtful and relevant books I have read in the last ten years. Buy it, read it, and give it away to your family members, friends, and neighbors.

Click HERE to find links to the book, study guides,  and downloadable Mp3s. Click HERE to watch Tim Keller on video.

If you won’t read this book then I beg you to take 60 minutes and watch the video of Keller’s presentation to the employees of Google by clicking HERE– it is well worth your time.

The following books are all good and presented in no particular order

The Hope of Glory: 100 Daily Meditations on Colossians by Sam Storms

This book is good example of what a daily devotional should be like (except for one bad chapter on Baptism).

Publisher’s Description: A collection of 100 daily meditations on Paul’s letter to the Colossians designed to deepen one’s knowledge and enjoyment of the glory and greatness of Christ.

You can browse the chapters of the book HERE.

To the One Who Conquers: 50 Daily Meditations on the Seven Letters of Revelation 2-3 by Sam Storms

Publisher’s Description: Fifty brief meditations bring these first-century letters into the twenty-first century, demonstrating their enormous relevance and practicality for the church today.

The seven letters of Revelation 2 and 3 are utterly and unequivocally Christ-centered in their content. The message is clear: Jesus is to be the center of all church life. When it comes to his church, Jesus cares comparatively little about numbers, cultural relevance, social influence, or financial prosperity. The only thing that ultimately matters is the degree to which a church and the lives of its members are shaped according to the likeness of Jesus.

These daily meditations lead readers to ask several questions: Is my church centered on Jesus? Am I? Is Jesus prized above all earthly treasures? To the One Who Conquers will help believers fashion their lives and ministries according to what pleases him, inspiring a lifetime of faithfulness.

You can read some of the meditations on which this book was based HERE.

Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions by Mark Driscoll 

This book is about Jesus and what he has accomplished for us. Probably the most straightforward, funny, and controversial book about Jesus written by a conservative preacher you will ever read. I encourage you to read it and tell me what you think.

This note from the ultra-confessional (Reformed) Westminster Seminary says it well: Note from wtsbooks: Style of presentation and use of language in this book do not necessarily represent that which would be condoned or encouraged by the staff or management of Westminster Bookstore. We offer this book for sale as an example of a young pastor committed to presenting the Reformed faith in "edgy" ways that he believes communicate effectively to an unchurched generation. Readers should be aware that Rev. Driscoll’s style and choice of words may be disturbing to some.

You can browse the chapters of the book HERE.

You can watch the sermons on which the book was based online by clicking  HERE.

You can read a book review that is generally positive but has some pointed criticisms HERE.

Game Day for the Glory of God: A Guide for Athletes, Fans, and Wannabes by Stephen Altrogge

I have written about this book elsewhere. If you love sports or know someone who does then you must read this book.

You can read an interview with the author HERE.

You can read the author’s blog by clicking HERE.

You can read chapter three in PDF format HERE.

You can read a positive book review by clicking HERE.

The Peacemaker Student Edition: Handling Conflict without Fighting Back or Running Away by Ken Sande and Kevin Johnson

I have written about this book elsewhere. I would recommend this book for all parents and teens. I would also recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick overview of the Peacemaker Ministries approach to discipleship and conflict resolution.

 

 

Christless Christianity: The Alternative Gospel of the American Church by Michael Horton

I believe that this is one of the most thoughtful analyses of the American Church available to the average reader. Horton shows us the ways that so many Christians and churches have become captive to legalism and need to return to the freedom of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Publisher’s Description: Christians have always had their differences, but never in church history have there been so many statistics indicating that many Christians today are practicing what can only be described as "Christless Christianity." Christless Christianity guides the reader to a greater understanding of a big problem within the American religious setting, namely the creeping fog of countless sermons in churches across the country that focus on moralistic concerns and personal transformation rather than the theology of the cross. Michael Horton’s analysis of the contemporary church points believers back to the power of a gospel that should never be assumed.

You can find out more about the book, read chapter one in PDF format, watch an online video, and order the book at the official website by clicking HERE.

As I said these are just a few of the excellent books published this year that I would like to recommend to the people of Peace. Remember, if you are looking around for something to read and want suggestions please let me know!.