Now that class is out for the summer, I have some time to read a few books that have been residing on a “Reading List” for several months. Too many books, not enough time. One of the most painful parts of my day is when I walk into the campus book store and see all the good books that I will never be able to read. But I suppose this is a delightful burden to bear.
With regards to summer reading, I was encouraged by a friend (who was encouraged by a professor) to make the reading list smaller rather than larger. This helps us make progress in our reading without being discouraged by the massive project we have laid before ourselves. In other words, we should set realistic goals for extra reading, not pull some, “I’m gonna read all of John Owen this summer.” No your not. But you might be able to read two or three volumes of his collected works. And reading two or three is better than saying you will read 16 volumes and subsequently getting discouraged at page twenty of the first volume and giving up altogether. So, with that in mind, I have chosen 5 books that I would like to read this summer.
The Great Exchange by Jerry Bridges and Bob Brevington. This book is an exposition of the Bible’s teaching on the atonement and how Christ’s work on the cross benefits us personally. I am about 85 pages into it and have thoroghly enjoyed every page. The authors simply go through the Bible, explaining and applying biblical texts on the atonement. This book is built upon George Smeaton’s classic, The Apostles Doctrine of the Atonement.
Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor by D.A. Carson. This book is a short biography of D.A. Carson’s father, Tom Carson. Carson writes in the preface, “Dad was [an ordinary pastor]. This little book is a modest attempt to let the voice and ministry of one ordinary pastor be heard, for such servants have much to teach us.”
The Gospel According to Jesus, by John MacArthur. John MacArthur’s most famous book, outlining the “Lordship Salvation” controversy of the 1980′s and responding to it. Positively, the book examines what true faith really is and what Jesus means when he says, “Follow me.” Convicting reading to be sure, but good for the soul.
The Grace and Truth Paradox, by Randy Alcorn. Randy Alcorn’s little volume that examines what it means that Christ was “full of grace and truth,” (John 1:14) and what the means for us as we seek to live like Christ.
Legacy of Ashes, by Tim Weiner. Tim Weiner’s acclaimed book that documents the failures of the Central Intelligence Agency since its inception in the late 1940′s.
And of course, a “reserve” list, just in case I complete the above list:
A Scottish Christian Heritage by Iain Murray. In this book, Murray traces how Christianity influenced and changed the nation of Scotland.
The Amateurs by David Halberstam. The true story of men who competed in the 1984 sculls (solo rowing) trials at Princeton; a competition where the winner would proceed to represent the United States in the 1984 Olympics.
Overcoming Sin and Temptation by John Owen. Three of Owen’s volumes on sin, temptation and sanctification, edited and placed into one volume by Kelly Kapic and Justin Taylor.
