We've all been warned about the connection between pride and reading. Charles Spurgeon warned that "little learning and much pride come with hasty reading." Bertrand Russell once observed, "There are two motives for reading a book. One, that you enjoy it. The other; that you can boast about it." Alan Jacobs has similarly commented: “I think … Continue reading The Humility of Reading (or The Pride of Not Reading)
The Importance of Devotional Reading for Pastors and Theologians
As a pastor, I make theological reading a priority. The truth contained in these books informs my teaching and writing, undergirds and permeates my counseling, and enables me to discern harmful doctrinal trends that may be influencing my people and the greater church. Earlier this year I read The Holy Trinity by Robert Letham and Inerrancy … Continue reading The Importance of Devotional Reading for Pastors and Theologians
Pray About What Books to Read
I once heard Iain Murray suggest in an interview that Christians should ask the Lord to guide them in what books to read. When I first heard this comment several years ago, I thought it interesting but unrealistic. Recently I've become convinced he is entirely right, and for two specific reasons. First, the process of reading and seeking knowledge is an intimately spiritual exercise. … Continue reading Pray About What Books to Read
An Old Testament Precedent for Daily Bible Reading
I love this passage from Deuteronomy 17:18-20: And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that … Continue reading An Old Testament Precedent for Daily Bible Reading
Don't Have Time to Read?
For those of you who love to read, want to read, but don't have time to read, take this encouraging word from John Piper's book, Brother's, We are Not Professionals. We think we don't have time to read. We despair of reading anything spiritually rich and substantial because life seems to be lived in snatches. One of the … Continue reading Don't Have Time to Read?
Why More Theology Books?
Isn't it redundant and a waste of time to continue to read and write more theology books? Don't we already have enough that should last us for, say, the next 150 years? Didn't Calvin nail it with his Institutes? Come on, let's get on to something more worthwhile... And so the comments go. Perhaps you've heard them, too. Perhaps you've thought them. … Continue reading Why More Theology Books?
Study Devotionally
Last week I was asked to give the devotional in our Basics of Biblical Greek class at seminary. I chose the text from 1 Timothy 4:16 where Paul exhorts Timothy, "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself … Continue reading Study Devotionally
From the Study 