Here is a short list of my top 10 books that I’ve read in 2013 that I found most edifying and convicting (in no particular order; they don’t necessarily have to have been published from this year)
1. From Heaven He Came and Sought Her edited by David and Jonathan Gibson
I'm so glad that this resource was published. I agree with many others have said. What took so long to publish such a resource? Anyhow, I am delighted to have gone through this book.
This book is by far the definitive resource on Definite Atonement. It leaves no stone unturned. I agree with Ligon Duncan; the first chapter alone is worth the price of the book. The honest, biblical and balanced approach to the subject will surely be noticed by anyone reading the book. It will clarify a lot of concerns that one has with the doctrine. The men in this book deal with the text and other issues in way that truly shows that they know how to accurately handle God's Holy Word. This work not only provides solid biblical exegesis to so called "problem passages", but also provides excellent points for anyone to consider when contemplating this issue of "For Whom did Christ die?" This book certainly needed to be published though because it tackles the issue from every angle. Highly recommend.
Here's some videos about the book.
1) Book Trailer can be found here.
2) Why 700 pages on Definite Atonement? Found here. (Great video)
1. From Heaven He Came and Sought Her edited by David and Jonathan Gibson
I'm so glad that this resource was published. I agree with many others have said. What took so long to publish such a resource? Anyhow, I am delighted to have gone through this book.
This book is by far the definitive resource on Definite Atonement. It leaves no stone unturned. I agree with Ligon Duncan; the first chapter alone is worth the price of the book. The honest, biblical and balanced approach to the subject will surely be noticed by anyone reading the book. It will clarify a lot of concerns that one has with the doctrine. The men in this book deal with the text and other issues in way that truly shows that they know how to accurately handle God's Holy Word. This work not only provides solid biblical exegesis to so called "problem passages", but also provides excellent points for anyone to consider when contemplating this issue of "For Whom did Christ die?" This book certainly needed to be published though because it tackles the issue from every angle. Highly recommend.
Here's some videos about the book.
1) Book Trailer can be found here.
2) Why 700 pages on Definite Atonement? Found here. (Great video)
2. Covenantal Apologetics by K. Scott Oliphint
One doesn't necessarily have to agree with Covenant Theology to benefit greatly from this book. This book will not only edify you but will also help you to apply the presuppositional methodology to apologetic discussions. The mock conversations in the book are certainly helpful in making the presuppositional apologetic methodology incarnate. Too often it there have been excellent, and I mean excellent, books on presuppositional apologetics that lack some helpful guidance into dealing with the practical ramifications of the presuppositional approach. This book was certainly helpful in addressing that void. If you ever want to set apart YHWH in your hearts as Holy (Isaiah 8:12-13; 1 Peter 3:14-15), then pick up this book to honor our Lord's Word in defending and contending for the faith (2 Cor. 10:5; Jude 3).
Here's a short video about the book.
And here's another.
One doesn't necessarily have to agree with Covenant Theology to benefit greatly from this book. This book will not only edify you but will also help you to apply the presuppositional methodology to apologetic discussions. The mock conversations in the book are certainly helpful in making the presuppositional apologetic methodology incarnate. Too often it there have been excellent, and I mean excellent, books on presuppositional apologetics that lack some helpful guidance into dealing with the practical ramifications of the presuppositional approach. This book was certainly helpful in addressing that void. If you ever want to set apart YHWH in your hearts as Holy (Isaiah 8:12-13; 1 Peter 3:14-15), then pick up this book to honor our Lord's Word in defending and contending for the faith (2 Cor. 10:5; Jude 3).
Here's a short video about the book.
And here's another.
3. The Conviction to Lead by Albert Mohler
This book is filled with Conviction. If you can read this book without wanting to develop healthy, biblical, God-centered convictions, then you truly are not a leader...
I'm just going to repeat what I've already put on this website about this book...
"The book on Leadership. A modern day classic for those who are leaders, or are aspiring to be leaders. You cannot lead without conviction."
This book is filled with Conviction. If you can read this book without wanting to develop healthy, biblical, God-centered convictions, then you truly are not a leader...
I'm just going to repeat what I've already put on this website about this book...
"The book on Leadership. A modern day classic for those who are leaders, or are aspiring to be leaders. You cannot lead without conviction."
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4. Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks
What can I say? If you haven't already read any of the Puritans, then why haven't you? Thomas Brooks' Scripture-saturated Biblical counsel is among the best, especially in dealing with such a neglected subject. This book highlights the various devices that the enemy of our soul wishes to use against us and provides the biblical remedy for combating such a device (just like the title suggests). Truly you will find yourself not only fed with so much meat off just one page that you have to stop and ponder its contents, but also you will find yourself beginning to take more seriously the onslaughts of Satan. Only then can you, by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit, declare with the Apostle John that "greater is He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
What can I say? If you haven't already read any of the Puritans, then why haven't you? Thomas Brooks' Scripture-saturated Biblical counsel is among the best, especially in dealing with such a neglected subject. This book highlights the various devices that the enemy of our soul wishes to use against us and provides the biblical remedy for combating such a device (just like the title suggests). Truly you will find yourself not only fed with so much meat off just one page that you have to stop and ponder its contents, but also you will find yourself beginning to take more seriously the onslaughts of Satan. Only then can you, by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit, declare with the Apostle John that "greater is He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
5. Meaning at the Movies by Grant Horner
A Christian should certainly not watch a movie without discernment; we must always pay attention to the worldview being presented. And if you ever want to know which worldview is being promoted, just look at how the nature of man is presented, so says Grant Horner, professor of English at The Master's College in Santa Clarita, California. Horner wishes for us to be discerning when we watch movies. This runs counter to what the culture tells us. The culture tells us that whenever we watch movies, we are supposed to "turn off" our minds and simply enjoy the entertainment. That's not what Romans 12:1-2 says. Surely we do go to the movies to be entertained, and there is nothing wrong with that, but when we buy into the notion that movies are neutral and that they will not affect us, then we have indeed deceived ourselves. And I agree with Horner. I like the fact that he points out that in spite of fallen humanity's blatant suppression of the truth of God in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18-32), one fallen son of Adam cannot totally rid himself from an understanding of the radical, corrupt, fallen nature of the sinful human race. And this shows up in their movies. It's in the way they present man. He says that although unbelievers can deny calling the deeds of sin as sin, they still know intuitively that that is true. They affirm it without ever admitting it. This is done by the way in which they highlight the various ways in which sin is presented. The way unbelievers creatively and vividly portray the filthiness of sin will certainly confirm the truthfulness of God's Word regarding fallen humanity. It is amazing to see just how creative unbelievers will be when depicting fallen mankind. They think its creative, but in fact its just reflecting the Truthfulness of God's Word. They cannot escape confirming His Word. (Romans 3:4) And even if a filmmaker glorifies sin and sees it as a virtue, it just confirms once again, the truthfulness of Scripture. One cannot escape the fact that man is sinful in the movie. Little bits and pieces of it will show the reality of where man is presently at. Whether or not the filmmakers are aware of calling these deeds sin, it will be made manifest one way or another. In addition, throughout the plot of the story there will certainly be a deep longing for making things "right". There needs to be some resolution for this static situation. But where is it to be found. The effects of sin cannot be overcome without the Savior. And In this manner, the only way that things can be truly "right" (in dealing with sin and its effects), is by the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In essence, what movies merely show is a long for the Savior to make things right. And that is where we must proclaim the glories of Christ. After the Biblical doctrines of God and man are established, then the Gospel can be faithfully proclaimed and applied. May we faithful in that calling to make known the glories of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:17-2:16)...
I guarantee you that after reading this book you will never look at movies the same again...
A Christian should certainly not watch a movie without discernment; we must always pay attention to the worldview being presented. And if you ever want to know which worldview is being promoted, just look at how the nature of man is presented, so says Grant Horner, professor of English at The Master's College in Santa Clarita, California. Horner wishes for us to be discerning when we watch movies. This runs counter to what the culture tells us. The culture tells us that whenever we watch movies, we are supposed to "turn off" our minds and simply enjoy the entertainment. That's not what Romans 12:1-2 says. Surely we do go to the movies to be entertained, and there is nothing wrong with that, but when we buy into the notion that movies are neutral and that they will not affect us, then we have indeed deceived ourselves. And I agree with Horner. I like the fact that he points out that in spite of fallen humanity's blatant suppression of the truth of God in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18-32), one fallen son of Adam cannot totally rid himself from an understanding of the radical, corrupt, fallen nature of the sinful human race. And this shows up in their movies. It's in the way they present man. He says that although unbelievers can deny calling the deeds of sin as sin, they still know intuitively that that is true. They affirm it without ever admitting it. This is done by the way in which they highlight the various ways in which sin is presented. The way unbelievers creatively and vividly portray the filthiness of sin will certainly confirm the truthfulness of God's Word regarding fallen humanity. It is amazing to see just how creative unbelievers will be when depicting fallen mankind. They think its creative, but in fact its just reflecting the Truthfulness of God's Word. They cannot escape confirming His Word. (Romans 3:4) And even if a filmmaker glorifies sin and sees it as a virtue, it just confirms once again, the truthfulness of Scripture. One cannot escape the fact that man is sinful in the movie. Little bits and pieces of it will show the reality of where man is presently at. Whether or not the filmmakers are aware of calling these deeds sin, it will be made manifest one way or another. In addition, throughout the plot of the story there will certainly be a deep longing for making things "right". There needs to be some resolution for this static situation. But where is it to be found. The effects of sin cannot be overcome without the Savior. And In this manner, the only way that things can be truly "right" (in dealing with sin and its effects), is by the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In essence, what movies merely show is a long for the Savior to make things right. And that is where we must proclaim the glories of Christ. After the Biblical doctrines of God and man are established, then the Gospel can be faithfully proclaimed and applied. May we faithful in that calling to make known the glories of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:17-2:16)...
I guarantee you that after reading this book you will never look at movies the same again...
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6. Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards
Christianity is not a religion without affections. That is the point of Jonathan Edwards. And boy, does he make that point. Affections, by themselves are not the measure of true conversion, but one cannot be truly converted without them. I agree with John MacArthur in stating that Christianity should never be without deep feelings; it is not supposed to be dry orthodoxy. However, that being mentioned, the subjective (feelings, emotions, affections, etc) should never be made independent from objective truth. All of our affections should be tested upon the gradient of God's eternal Truth. (See John MacArthur's Charismatic Chaos pg. 26)
This book will certainly be setting the Biblical case for having biblical, religious affections. If you can walk away without being convinced that True Religion has Biblical Affections, then go and be converted!
Christianity is not a religion without affections. That is the point of Jonathan Edwards. And boy, does he make that point. Affections, by themselves are not the measure of true conversion, but one cannot be truly converted without them. I agree with John MacArthur in stating that Christianity should never be without deep feelings; it is not supposed to be dry orthodoxy. However, that being mentioned, the subjective (feelings, emotions, affections, etc) should never be made independent from objective truth. All of our affections should be tested upon the gradient of God's eternal Truth. (See John MacArthur's Charismatic Chaos pg. 26)
This book will certainly be setting the Biblical case for having biblical, religious affections. If you can walk away without being convinced that True Religion has Biblical Affections, then go and be converted!
7. The Memoirs of McCheyne edited by Andrew A. Bonar
There's a reason why this man had left such an impact upon the world and the souls of so much men (like Sinclair Ferguson, Alistair Begg, etc) after our Lord has graciously granted him 29 years of life on this earth. I agree with what others have said about McCheyne; his letters and sermons have the stamp of eternity written on them. If you haven't read my post where I simply quote from this book, then you should read it immediately to see what I'm talking about...
You won't regret getting this book to read beside you at bedtime...but be warned, you may find yourself so awakened and impassioned by the Word of God that you cannot go to sleep!
There's a reason why this man had left such an impact upon the world and the souls of so much men (like Sinclair Ferguson, Alistair Begg, etc) after our Lord has graciously granted him 29 years of life on this earth. I agree with what others have said about McCheyne; his letters and sermons have the stamp of eternity written on them. If you haven't read my post where I simply quote from this book, then you should read it immediately to see what I'm talking about...
You won't regret getting this book to read beside you at bedtime...but be warned, you may find yourself so awakened and impassioned by the Word of God that you cannot go to sleep!
8. Thriving at College by Alex Chediak
Everything that I've ever wanted to say to a college student is in this book. I couldn't have said it better. I love the way Alex Chediak writes. His writing is very readable and certainly edifying. His Scripture-saturated Biblical counsel will be sure to convict and edify. I like the fact that this was not only written from the perspective of a former student and now college professor, but I also like the tone in which the book was written. It's as if he was speaking right in front of you in a coffee shop. His biblical wisdom and counsel from the Word of God is not only faithful to the text, but extremely practical and thought-provoking. I wish that every college student could read this. Highly recommend.
Everything that I've ever wanted to say to a college student is in this book. I couldn't have said it better. I love the way Alex Chediak writes. His writing is very readable and certainly edifying. His Scripture-saturated Biblical counsel will be sure to convict and edify. I like the fact that this was not only written from the perspective of a former student and now college professor, but I also like the tone in which the book was written. It's as if he was speaking right in front of you in a coffee shop. His biblical wisdom and counsel from the Word of God is not only faithful to the text, but extremely practical and thought-provoking. I wish that every college student could read this. Highly recommend.
9. Ashamed of the Gospel by John MacArthur
I'm ashamed that I haven't read this book earlier. It was certainly convicting and edifying throughout. A good book on the gospel is always a necessity. Just like having a book on Christ (or Christology) is always a necessity, so a book on the glorious Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ (The Gospel) is as well.
I found this book fueling my soul to proclaim the Gospel with unwavering boldness, clarity, and conviction. One cannot help but be emboldened when reading this book. The quotes and example from Spurgeon will surely be an affirmation to never compromise the pure message of the Gospel of our Lord (Gal. 1:8-10). You will find yourself not only wanting to herald the Gospel from housetops but also preach the Gospel even when its not so popular.
May we ever boast in the glories of the pure Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I'm ashamed that I haven't read this book earlier. It was certainly convicting and edifying throughout. A good book on the gospel is always a necessity. Just like having a book on Christ (or Christology) is always a necessity, so a book on the glorious Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ (The Gospel) is as well.
I found this book fueling my soul to proclaim the Gospel with unwavering boldness, clarity, and conviction. One cannot help but be emboldened when reading this book. The quotes and example from Spurgeon will surely be an affirmation to never compromise the pure message of the Gospel of our Lord (Gal. 1:8-10). You will find yourself not only wanting to herald the Gospel from housetops but also preach the Gospel even when its not so popular.
May we ever boast in the glories of the pure Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
10. The Truth of the Cross by R.C. Sproul
A small but meaty book that packs a punch. I love the way Sproul writes. He has a gift for making such concepts that are central to the Christian faith, such as the Atonement of our Lord, understandable. Both seasoned saints, new disciples, and even those who are not believers will benefit from this book. Sproul has a way of breaking down things so that one may ascertain, by the power of the Spirit of God, the glories of the Cross of our Lord. I was even going to give this book out to some people I know as evangelistic tracts. If you can get your hands on this small book, do so. You certainly will not be disappointed.
A small but meaty book that packs a punch. I love the way Sproul writes. He has a gift for making such concepts that are central to the Christian faith, such as the Atonement of our Lord, understandable. Both seasoned saints, new disciples, and even those who are not believers will benefit from this book. Sproul has a way of breaking down things so that one may ascertain, by the power of the Spirit of God, the glories of the Cross of our Lord. I was even going to give this book out to some people I know as evangelistic tracts. If you can get your hands on this small book, do so. You certainly will not be disappointed.
Other Notable Reads:
Systematic Theology by John Frame
An excellent Systematic Theology written by such an original Reformed Theologian. His warm, practical, biblical, God-centered writing style is certainly a treasure and joy to read. The fact that his writing is so understandable makes it that much more devotional in flavor without neglecting the theological rigor needed to write such a volume. Don't be intimidated by its size, because as soon as you start reading it, you will find yourself not wanting to put it down. This is a book you may even want to get for new disciples. A rare treasure to the body of Christ that will truly benefit everyone.
One last thing, that although I like this book, I truly wished that he could have written more on Christology (The Person and Work of Christ). I think he wrote so little in this area because I think he didn't want to repeat himself from his other books on the Theology of Lordship series. He summarized some of his points from those works and added great insight. You don't always have to agree on everything to benefit greatly from this book. This is a great work nonetheless. I highly recommend.
Systematic Theology by John Frame
An excellent Systematic Theology written by such an original Reformed Theologian. His warm, practical, biblical, God-centered writing style is certainly a treasure and joy to read. The fact that his writing is so understandable makes it that much more devotional in flavor without neglecting the theological rigor needed to write such a volume. Don't be intimidated by its size, because as soon as you start reading it, you will find yourself not wanting to put it down. This is a book you may even want to get for new disciples. A rare treasure to the body of Christ that will truly benefit everyone.
One last thing, that although I like this book, I truly wished that he could have written more on Christology (The Person and Work of Christ). I think he wrote so little in this area because I think he didn't want to repeat himself from his other books on the Theology of Lordship series. He summarized some of his points from those works and added great insight. You don't always have to agree on everything to benefit greatly from this book. This is a great work nonetheless. I highly recommend.
Thy Word is Still Truth Edited by Peter A. Lillback and Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
A monumental resource on the Doctrine of Scripture from various authors throughout the last couple of centuries. The editors seriously did a great benefit to the body of Christ by expanding on E.J. Young's previous work Thy Word is Truth, and have certainly sought to include the best writings on the Doctrine of Scripture. This was all written with the mindset to truly benefit and edify God's people. I am glad that this was written because years to come, this will be a resource in which one will turn to over and over again.
If you ever wanted a resource on deep, God-centered, Christ-exalting, gospel-driven works on the Doctrine of Scripture, then this is your resource.
Here is a video about the background and reasons for writing. It can be found here.
A monumental resource on the Doctrine of Scripture from various authors throughout the last couple of centuries. The editors seriously did a great benefit to the body of Christ by expanding on E.J. Young's previous work Thy Word is Truth, and have certainly sought to include the best writings on the Doctrine of Scripture. This was all written with the mindset to truly benefit and edify God's people. I am glad that this was written because years to come, this will be a resource in which one will turn to over and over again.
If you ever wanted a resource on deep, God-centered, Christ-exalting, gospel-driven works on the Doctrine of Scripture, then this is your resource.
Here is a video about the background and reasons for writing. It can be found here.
Salvation by Grace by Matthew M. Barrett
A monumental defense of Monergism from every angle. Very readable and scholarly at the same time; a rare combination. You will not only find much food for thought, but also declare with the psalmist "Salvation belongs to the LORD" (Psalm 3:8) You will not be disappointed in purchasing this book.
Here's a video for the book.
A monumental defense of Monergism from every angle. Very readable and scholarly at the same time; a rare combination. You will not only find much food for thought, but also declare with the psalmist "Salvation belongs to the LORD" (Psalm 3:8) You will not be disappointed in purchasing this book.
Here's a video for the book.