Bob’s Best Books of 2014

Another year has passed and that means it is time to post my “Bob’s best books” list! This will be my sixth annual post of listing the top books I read or reviewed in the past year.

The following titles represent the very best of the books I read or reviewed in 2014. If you are looking for some books worth reading this year, I hope you’ll give these titles some serious consideration.

Bob’s 10 Best:

God Dwells Among Us by G.K. Beale and Mitchell KimBest “Theology” bookGod Dwells Among Us: Expanding Eden to the Ends of the Earth by G.K. Beale and Mitchell Kim (IVP).  This was the book I was most eager to read. G.K. Beale’s larger work, The Temple and the Church’s Mission (IVP) is perhaps the best biblical theology title ever written. It certainly is a paradigm-shifting, transformative work that unpacks the significance of the temple theme from Genesis all the way to Revelation. The one draw-back of that title is its headiness. It is scholarly to the extreme and requires a firm mind and lots of effort to wade through the work and unearth its many treasures. Mitchell Kim has done us all a favor in taking Beale’s excellent work and bringing it down to the bottom shelf where everyone can enjoy it. With Beale as co-author, the work is not only simplified and clarified, it is also updated. The result is the best takeaway that biblical theology can offer – a pastoral application of the temple theme for Christians here and now. This is now my go-to book to recommend and encourage anyone interested in biblical theology to read. It is accessible and truly life-changing. I hope this book receives as eager a reception as its predecessor did, and I trust it may make an even more lasting impact. Read my full review for more on this book.

Judges for You by Tim KellerBest “Commentary & Reference” book — Judges for You by Tim Keller (The Good Book Company).  Any book by Tim Keller is worth reading. This commentary is no exception. He has a gift for knowing where people struggle with something, and where it is that careful explanation will especially help. Judges is a book that is easily “out-of-touch” for modern Christians. And more, it provides some jarring contrasts with our modern sensibilities and the acts of genocide that are found there. Keller masterfully handles all this while emphasizing the Gospel message found in Judges. He applies the text and explains it, and provides helpful discussion and study questions. The book would be great for a small group study. Read my full review for more on this great commentary.

The Pastor's Kid by Barnabus Piper Best “General Christian Interest” bookThe Pastor’s Kid by Barnabus Piper (David C. Cook /ChristianAudio).  I was interested in this book for two reasons. First, I, myself, and a pastor’s kid. My dad was an assistant pastor, a pastor, then an assistant pastor again, and finally a missionary. Don’t know what kind of acronym that gives me! Second, I was a member at John Piper’s church for a few years, and Barnabus is one of his sons. The book did not disappoint. Piper had helpful advice for both the PK trying to recover from his experience, and the pastor in the midst of rearing a PK. Piper interviewed several pastors kids for his book, and is honest about the fact that some have jettisoned the faith altogether. Piper has not, but he opens up about the struggles unique to a pastor’s kid. What I found most helpful was his grace-centered thoughts on the dangers of legalism. My review of this title will be forthcoming.

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield Honorable Mention — The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield (Crown and Covenant / ChristianAudio).  I had heard a lot about this book, and was eager to listen to the author read her own story on the ChristianAudio production of this work. It did not disappoint. The author’s story of conversion of a lesbian chair of women’s studies at Syracuse University into an evangelical Christian who went on to marry a Reformed pastor. Personal testimonies are always encouraging but this tale has a caution as well. She challenges the church to be more loving and welcoming to homosexuals, and to recognize where we needlessly offend.  Read my review for more on this fascinating book.

Isaiah by the Day by Alec Motyer Best “Christian Living” book — Isaiah by the Day by Alec Motyer (Christian Focus).  I may be stretching this category a bit, but this devotional from Alec Motyer is perfect for anyone. The book includes helpful devotional readings from the book of Isaiah. The text is a fresh translation by the author, complete with textual footnotes that help clarify the meaning of the original Hebrew. Each reading is situated within the scope and flow of the book as a whole, and it is this outline and care for context that I found so helpful. With such a large book as Isaiah, it is easy to get lost, as it were. Motyer has lived and breathed Isaiah for a good portion of his teaching ministry. And this is no stale study, the devotional comments that conclude each reading apply the text to our contemporary situation. Over and again I was blessed, first by Isaiah and then by the insights Motyer pulled from the text. Don’t look for a critical breaking-apart of this magisterial book, Motyer’s portrayal illustrates why we can view the entire book as written by a single Isaiah. In all, this scholarly book would make for a very helpful devotional for anyone. My full review will be forthcoming, but for now enjoy a sample reading in this post.

Can We Still Believe the Bible? by Craig Blomberg Best “Missions & Church Life” bookCan We Still Believe the Bible? by Craig Blomberg (Brazos Press).  I wasn’t sure what to expect from this title. The full title made me interested in it, Can We Still Believe the Bible?: An Evangelical Engagement with Contemporary Questions. Today there are certainly a lot of “contemporary questions” and no shortage of critics who malign the uniqueness and validity of Scripture. Additionally, not a few evangelical scholars are quick to throw bones to today’s critics as more and more they move further from historic biblical orthodoxy. Blomberg’s interaction with common objections to Christianity is refreshing. He writes from a clear stance of faith. And while at times he does add nuance and demur from a typical enangelical position, for the most part he brings the best of evangelical scholarship to bear on the thorniest problems, defending the canonicity of the NT, the authenticity of the biblical text, a conservative position on inerrancy and more. There will be areas where not everyone will agree with him, but the end product is incredibly helpful by almost any measure. My review is forthcoming. For more on this title, check out Michael Kruger’s helpful review.

Basil of Ceasarea by Marvin Jones Best “Church History & Biography” bookBasil of Ceasarea by Marvin Jones (Christian Focus).  I enjoy learning about church history and this book introduced me to Basil. He lived and ministered when the biblical doctrine of the trinity was under attack from all sides. Basil’s writings helped solidify the orthodox position. He also critiqued the practice of how monks kept their order in his day. Over time his views changed as he read and studied more, and in time his ministry and writings ended up impacting the church in significant ways. Chances are you don’t know much about him, and my brief summary here only scratches the surface. Pick up this title to learn more of the man, Basil, and read my review for more on this book.

Jonathan Edwards by Simonetta Carr Best “Childrens & Family” book — Jonathan Edwards by Simonetta Carr (Reformation Heritage).  Almost every year I have a book by Simonetta Carr on my list. She has a gift for bringing the lives of significant figures from church history to life for children. Her Christian Biographies for Young Readers series is a beautiful set to own, thanks to the brilliant illustrations. It is also perhaps the best series for teaching children to respect and learn from church history. Jonathan Edwards is a favorite of mine, and this account of his life brings out many details that adults may be quick to overlook, such as Edwards’ careful description of the flying spider and his allowing his ten year old son to travel in the Indian territory as a junior missionary. Like other titles in this series, intriguing facts, maps, pictures and other sidebars abound in this book, all the more to help engage and educate the readers. Read my review for more on this book.

A Draw of Kings by Patrick CarrBest “Fiction” bookA Draw of Kings by Patrick Carr (Bethany House).  I enjoy well-written fiction. Clean fantasy is my favorite genre. So I was elated to find this magnificent series by Patrick Carr. This book is the thrilling conclusion of his “The Staff and The Sword” trilogy. The world created in this series includes a kingdom, a magesterial church, and a heresy which turns out to be more orthodox than it seemed. Oh, and it includes another sector of society, those gifted with the ability to cast lots. An unlikely hero and an impossible confontation come together in the culmination of this epic tale. I compare Carr with Stephen Lawhead or Terry Brooks. I was truly impressed and caught up in the tales until I finished all three. If you’re looking for a great new series to try this year, look no further than this set. Read my review for more.

The Advocate by Randy SingerHonorable Mention — The Advocate by Randy Singer (Tyndale House / ChristianAudio).  This was a very long book but a fascinating piece of historical fiction. The life of Theophilus is imagined and his 1st Century world described in a masterful way. Theophilus is an advocate, and studied under Seneca, but found himself in the service of Pontius Pilate. The book spends a lot of time developing the main character and pushing forward a romance, and at first Christianity is only a tangential concern. But as the character’s life progresses, in time he is called to put faith in Jesus Christ. The tale is much more complicated than that, there is a complicated love triangle, gladiators and conspircies, and two maniacal emperors. The tale becomes engrossing the longer it goes and by the end you are loathe to leave Theophilus behind. I was completely impressed by this story and hope to sample other works from this author.  My review is forthcoming.

All the Rest:

This year was busier than most, and I only managed to read 35 books and review 20. My total of book and media reviews is now 187 from more than 35 different publishers. You can see all my reviews listed here. If you’re interested in seeing all of the other books I read this year, you can check out that list at Goodreads.

For my previous “Bob’s Best Books” lists, see below.

Additionally, if you are an avid reader, you may want to follow my reviews or friend me on Goodreads or LibraryThing.

Bob’s Best Books of 2013

I’m very late this year in compiling my list of the top books I read or reviewed this past year. We are expecting another baby very soon and I’m busy preparing for our soon arrival. Still I want to post this list of the best books I read or reviewed in 2013, as it will be the fifth year in a row I produce such a post. Better late than never!

The following titles represent the very best of the books I read or reviewed in 2013, with one exception: Greg Beale’s A New Testament Biblical Theology (Baker Academic). Even though I published my review of that title in 2013, I had already put it on last year’s list (as I read the majority of its 1100 pages in 2012). With that important caveat, I want to put forth the following books for your consideration.

Bob’s 10 Best:

Kingdom through Covenant by Stephen Wellum and Peter GentryBest “Theology” bookKingdom through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants by Peter J. Gentry, Stephen J. Wellum (Crossway).  This book was a joy to read. Any work that seriously aims to present a middle road between covenant theology and dispensationalism is intriguing; and this work actually does offer a way through the impasse, in my opinion. While new covenant theology, (or “progressive covenantalism” as the authors prefer) doesn’t answer every question for me, it is a viable alternative in light of what to me are clear deficiencies of both major opposing views. The sweep of this book is grand, and I appreciated the attempt to sketch out the contours of a whole-Bible biblical theology.  The exegetical work provided by Peter Gentry is excellent. No matter where you stand on the question of competing theologies, this book will help in thinking through how your system compares to opposing views. This work will truly advance the conversation and promises to be a must-have volume for years to come. For more on this book, see this excerpt or read Jason DeRouchie’s excellent review of the book. My review is forthcoming.

The Doctrine of Scripture by Jason HarrisHonorable MentionThe Doctrine of Scripture: As It Relates to the Transmission and Preservation of the Text by Jason Harris (InFocus Ministries).  This book has a special place in my heart for a variety of reasons. I was privileged to write the foreword, but the most significant reason that I like this book is its careful treatment of a thorny issue: KJV Onlyism. I spent many years confused by the claims of KJV Onlyism and this book takes us carefully through Scripture’s own statements about inspiration and preservation to show just how wrong-headed the KJV Only movement is. Unlike many books in this vein, this work is irenic and charitable, and manages to disarm the reader by the attention to significant distinctions in KJV Onlyism, not always appreciated by those outside the movement. This book focuses on Scripture’s own doctrine of Scripture, and that focus will be appreciated by those on all sides of the issue.  Read my review for more on this book. Check out my page of resources on the KJV-only debate, as well as my team blog at KJVOnlyDebate.com.

What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About Best “Commentary & Reference” bookWhat the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About: A Survey of Jesus’ Bible edited by Jason DeRouchie (Kregel Academic).  This reference work is dear to my heart. I spent several years under the teaching of Jason DeRouchie — not as a college or seminary student, but as a member of his SS class in Bethlehem Baptist Church. The passion Jason has for the things of God is and his love for the Old Testament is contagious. In this work, he brings together other conservative evangelical scholars who share a high regard for the Old Testament and its gospel message. Each chapter gives an overview of one of the books of the Hebrew Bible, in the order of the Hebrew canon. The Christ-centered focus of the book and its aim to be practical and informative for the laymen, make it an attractive resource for churches, small groups, and Sunday Schools. Read my review for more on this book.

Discovering the City of Sodom by Steven Collins and Latayne Scott Best “General Christian Interest” bookDiscovering the Lost City of Sodom by Steven Collins and Latayne Scott (Howard Books).  This was a fascinating account of an archaeological discovery that may set the record straight on the biblical city of Sodom. Dr. Collins recounts how his study of the Bible’s account of Sodom, coupled with his intimate acquaintance with the features of the Levant (the archaeological term for Palestine), led him to investigate the north shore of the Dead Sea as the possible location of “the cities of the plain,” chief of which was Sodom. Collins’ discoveries and research paint a compelling picture. What makes it all the more compelling is how it resists fitting neatly into a predetermined chronology, and Collins takes pains to wrestle with the question of the dating of the accounts in Genesis. This was my first audio-book review, and I thoroughly enjoyed the christianaudio production of this book. Read my review for more on this book.

The Christian World of The Hobbit by Devin Brown Honorable MentionThe Christian World of the Hobbit by Devin Brown (Abingdon Press).  I’ve always loved J.R.R. Tolkien, and like many, my introduction to the land of Middle-earth was The Hobbit. In this book, Devin Brown highlights the Christian underpinnings of Tolkien’s work. He finds clues in the text itself that reveal the world-view of Tolkien. The work has a feel almost of a mystery, as Brown includes you in the search for textual clues. And the result is a devotional enjoyment of the true Christian view that Tolkien’s work embodies.  Read my review for more on this book.

Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart by J.D. Greear Best “Christian Living” bookStop Asking Jesus into your Heart by J.D. Greear (B&H Publishing).  This is one of the most important books I read last year. I really need to review this title, as it is so helpful. While the title is provocative, the book explores the very real problem of a lack of assurance in young Christians. Part of the problem stems from an overuse of the “ask Jesus into your heart” metaphor, and a less than full understanding of the nature of conversion. Greear has a needed balance on this point, as he doesn’t blast people who still make much of this metaphor. He instead labors to carefully teach and nuance our understanding of the Bible’s teaching on conversion and assurance of salvation. He has an eye out for those harmed by legalism in all its forms, and his book encourages a renewed focus on the gospel and its impact on all of life. For more on this book, see Trevin Wax’s interview of the author. My review is forthcoming.

The Great Evangelical Recession by John S Dickerson Best “Missions & Church Life” bookThe Great Evangelical Recession by John S. Dickerson (Baker).  This was one of the more engaging reads. Dickerson takes us on a tour of the future of the church, he explores historical developments and sociological research on the true nature of  our problems. He sees a big recession on the horizon, as a shortage of funds and a smaller, marginalized evangelical church combine to present new challenges to churches. While his view of the problem is based in his experience in journalism, his take on the right blueprint for the Church is drawn from his reflection on the Bible, and experience as a lead pastor. The solution is as simple as discipleship and lay-ministry, but it requires church leaders to be brave enough to rethink their time-honored methods of operation to prepare for the challenges of the 21st century and beyond. Read my review for more on this book.

The First Thanksgiving by Robert Tracy McKenzie Best “Church History & BiographyThe First Thanksgiving by Robert Tracy McKenzie (IVP).  I have always loved Thanksgiving, as I am related to John and Priscilla Alden, notable voaygers on The Mayflower. This title provides a fresh look from a Christian historian on the real story of “the first thanksgiving.” His findings are surprising to those who have learned the Sunday School version of the tale. And while the true account may jar those used to the easy version, the author helps us think through how Christians should read and learn from history. The faith of the Pilgrims remains praiseworthy, and our appreciation of the Plymouth colony only grows. I particularly enjoyed learning of other occasions in the colony where God’s hand clearly was at work in a wonderful way. Read my review for more on this book.

Anselm of Canterbury by Simonetta Carr (Christian Biographies for Young Readers)Best “Childrens & Family” bookAnselm of Canterbury by Simonetta Carr (Reformation Heritage).  This is another beautiful book highlighting the life story of an important figure from church history. I enjoyed learning more of the life and teaching of St. Anselm. His explication of the substitutionary view of the atonement continues to make an important contribution to theology today. This book will encourage your children to appreciate history, and see themselves in a long line of Christians down through the ages. Read my review for more on this book.

Blood and Bone by Don HoeselBest “Fiction” bookBlood and Bone by Don Hoesel (Bethany House).  The Elisha’s Bones series from Don Hoesel came to a thrilling conclusion with this title. In a similar vein as A Skeleton in God’s Closet from Paul Maier, this series follows the adventures of an archaeologist who is running headlong into an encounter with the power of God. This book is fast-paced and wide-ranging. And the finale is satisfying yet unpredictable. If you haven’t picked up any of the books in this trilogy, be sure to carve out enough time in your schedule when you do, as you’ll want to do little else than devour these fantastic stories.  Read my review for more on this book.

All the Rest:

In 2013, I reviewed 28 books — bringing the total of my book and media reviews to 167 from more than 35 different publishers. You can see all my reviews listed here. I also finished 52 books, and you can see that list at Goodreads.

For my previous “Bob’s Best Books” lists, see below.

Additionally, if you are an avid reader, you may want to follow my reviews or friend me on Goodreads or LibraryThing.

Bob’s Best Books of 2012

I’m quite late this year in compiling my list of the top books I read or reviewed this past year. Better late than never! There were many great books that came across my desk, and I couldn’t begin to read all of them, although I wanted to. The following titles represent the very best of the books I did read or review in 2012, and I’m happy to recommend each of them for your consideration.

Bob’s 10 Best:

A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New by G.K. BealeBest “Theology” bookA New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New by G.K. Beale (Baker). This book technically doesn’t qualify for my list. I’m only 2/3 of the way done with its 1,000 pages! But it has been so rewarding that I just couldn’t fail to include Beale’s masterpiece in my list. The last couple years I’ve been grabbing everything I can find by Beale, having finished his Temple and the Church’s Mission. This book is the fruit of his years of careful study and reflection on the biblical text. It is biblical theology par excellence. For more on this book, see this book excerpt or listen to Mark Dever’s interview with him. My review is forthcoming available here.

Christ-Centered Biblical Theology: Hermeneutical Foundations and Principles by Graeme GoldsworthyHonorable MentionChrist-Centered Biblical Theology: Hermeneutical Foundations and Principles by Graeme Goldsworthy (IVP). Another biblical theology gem is this work by Graeme Goldsworthy. This book focuses on the method Goldsworthy developed and used over the last several decades. It is the reflection on a lifetime of work by a faithful Bible teacher. Everyone won’t agree with all of Goldsworthy’s particular emphases, but his recovery of the Old Testament for Christian preaching is his greatest gift to the church. This book fleshes out where his inspiration comes from and makes for a great read. Read my review for more on this book.

Invitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature, and Theology by Andreas Kostenberger and Richard PattersonBest “Commentary & Reference” bookInvitation to Biblical Interpretation: Exploring the Hermeneutical Triad of History, Literature, and Theology by Andreas Kostenberger and Richard Patterson (Kregel). I still joke about the beginning of this volume. 13 pages of endorsements – 39 in all. I think the publishers got carried away a bit in their excitement about the title. But just picking up this volume and leafing through it is all it takes to agree with them. It is the most useful work on hermeneutics I’ve ever seen, arranged beautifully, indexed and then full of applications and practical exercises. I’m sure it will soon find a wide use in college and seminary classrooms and a warm welcome in Bible institutes and Sunday Schools everywhere. Read my review for more on this book.

Bloodlines: Race, Cross, and the Christian by John PiperBest “General Christian Interest” bookBloodlines: Race, Cross, and the Christian by John Piper (Crossway). John Piper shares his own experiences with racism in the deep south, in this moving book. He challenges the conservative church to wake up to its nascent racism and do some serious soul searching. Particularly intriguing is Piper’s explanation of the five points of Calvinism and how they should make us more loving and accepting of minorities, rather than proud and condemnatory. His characteristic passion bleeds through every page of this well named title. Read my review for more on this book.

Accidental Pharisees: Avoiding Pride, Exclusivity, and the Other Dangers of Overzealous Faith by Larry OsborneBest “Christian Living” bookAccidental Pharisees: Avoiding Pride, Exclusivity, and the Other Dangers of Overzealous Faith by Larry Osborne (Zondervan). It takes a certain personality and special gift to be able to tell people that they are really a self-righteous Pharisee at heart, and do so with a smile on one’s face. Larry Osborne disarms the reader even as he performs delicate heart surgery. So many of us have a tendency toward exclusivity, legalism and better-than-thou-ism. Osborne helps us to see what lies at the root of this tendency and simultaneously encourages and challenges us to pursue the radical freedom that Christ extends to us. Read my review for more on this book.

The Astonishing Adventures of Missionary Max by Andrew ComingsBest “Missions & Church Life” bookThe Astonishing Adventures of Missionary Max by Andrew Comings (Engage Faith Press). This title would have won my fiction category, but I needed a missions or church title. This is the best book that most of my readers haven’t heard about. It’s a first novel, and published in a serial format. It does have a certain comic book character, but the writing is top-notch. Edge of your seat stuff, seriously, with a real Christian message. I think I described the story as Indiana Jones meets David Livingstone, and that about sums up this exciting title. Read my review for more on this book.

Matthew Henry: His Life and Influence by Allan HarmanBest “Church History & BiographyMatthew Henry: His Life and Influence by Allan Harman (Christian Focus). For a true story of a godly man, this book is hard to beat. Almost everyone has heard of Matthew Henry, or at least used his commentary, which is easily the most widely printed and accessible Bible Commentary ever. But few of us know much about Matthew Henry the man. This book is a very readable account of Henry that will educate and inspire the reader. Read my review for more on this book.

 

The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God by Tim KellerBest “Childrens & Family” bookThe Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God by Tim Keller (Dutton). I listened to the Audible.com audio version of this book, and I enjoyed it so much I bought the hardback copy too. Anything by Keller is worth reading but his thoughts on marriage are priceless. He brings a unique blend of Biblical wisdom and realistic reflection sprinkled with insights from popular culture and research. I’ve read scores of books on marriage but this stands alone. It’s counter-cultural for both the world and its secularism, and the Church and its baptized romanticism. For more on this book, see this book excerpt. My review is forthcoming.

Lady Jane Grey by Simonetta CarrHonorable MentionLady Jane Grey by Simonetta Carr (Reformation Heritage). This is a beautifully produced book on a true Christian heroine. I don’t remember hearing the story of Lady Jane Grey before, or at least realizing that she viewed her suffering as a persecution for her faith. This book includes a touching letter written by Jane to her sister exhorting her to continue in the faith despite what trials may await her. This is a truly inspirational title that I’m thrilled to be able to have my girls read. Read my review for more on this book.

The Last Temple by Hank Hanegraaf and Sigmund BrouwerBest “Fiction” bookThe Last Temple by Hank Hanegraaf and Sigmund Brouwer (Tyndale House). With this title, I had to go back and read the first two books in the series first. I wasn’t sure what to expect with Hanegraaf’s series and was pleased to find it wasn’t a polemic against other end times positions so much as it was a very well conceived story in its own right that does follow a partial preterist interpretation of the Book of Revelation. The attention to detail bring the years before A.D. 70 to life as we follow the characters around the Roman world, from Rome to Alexandria, on sea and over land, to dungeons, arenas, and even to the cross itself on a hillside in Judea. We are inside and outside Jerusalem in the years leading up to its devastation, and the story is believable yet mysterious and keeps you guessing until the end. It’s a rewarding tale in its own right and also serves to show how the Book of Revelation may have been understood in its own day. For more on this book, view the book trailer. My review is forthcoming available here.

All the Rest:

In 2012, I reviewed 24 books — bringing the total of my book and media reviews to 139 from more than 35 different publishers. I slowed down my pace of reviews this year, probably due to the pace of life speeding up (we had our sixth child last year). You can see all my reviews listed here. I did read 47 books, and you can see that list at Goodreads.

For my previous “Bob’s Best Books” lists, see below.

Additionally, if you are an avid reader, you may want to follow my reviews or friend me on Goodreads or LibraryThing.

Great Books at 50% off from Westminster Bookstore

Right now there are a lot of book deals going. Crossway has all their e-books at $5.99 or less. And at Westminster Bookstore, their 2011 bestsellers are all at 50% off, now through January 12th.

Here are some of the discounted books that I think are most worth picking up.

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A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul Miller

This book was my top book read in 2009. It is a very important book and a good read. If you’re looking to jump-start your prayer life in 2012, or just looking for a book that is a good mix of theology and practicality, this book is for you.

Read my review here.

Westminster Bookstore deal: $7.49 (50% off)

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The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones

This is still my favorite kids Bible story book. The stories are told in a moving way, and the artwork is beautiful. Be sure to look at the video on the book detail page at Westminster Bookstore to get a taste of this book.

Read my book recommendation here.

Westminster Bookstore deal: $8.49 (50% off)

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The Gospel Story Bible: Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments by Marty Machowski

I’m using this story Bible with my kids right now. It comes with high recommendations and so far looks really good. I like how it intends to bring out the connections between the Old and New Testaments. I plan on reviewing this book soon.

Westminster Bookstore deal: $14.99 (50% off)

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The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God by Tim Keller

This book promises to be excellent. It’s on my wishlist for sure. I appreciate how Tim Keller speaks and writes, and this book is by all accounts one of his best. This isn’t the only Keller book on this list of 50% off deals. His books The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism and King’s Cross: The Story of the World in the Life of Jesus are also bestsellers from 2011.

Learn more about this book here.

Westminster Bookstore deal: $12.97 (50% off)

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Here are a few additional titles worth checking out:

For the full list of discounted titles, click here.

Bob’s Best Books of 2011

Once again, it is time for my list of the top books I read or reviewed this past year. It’s always hard to limit my choices, and 2011 was no exception. There were many great books that I was blessed to read, but in the end the following titles rise to the top. They are the very best books I read and/or reviewed in 2011.

Bob’s 10 Best:

Best “Theology” bookWaiting for the Land: The Story Line of the Pentateuch by Arie C. Leder (P & R Publishing). My love affair with the Pentateuch was rekindled with this evocative book. Yes, it’s strange using the term “evocative” of a theology book, but that description fits. Leder unpacked the Pentateuch in such a sweeping manner that he drew you in to its powerful and majestic themes of redemption and the promised hope. He also made the connections between the church’s experience now and Israel’s experience then. I thoroughly enjoyed this relatively short book. I’ll be going back to it again and again as I continue studying the Pentateuch. Read my review for more on this book.

Best “Missions & Church Life” bookFour Views on the Spectrum of Evangelicalism edited by Collin Hansen and Andrew Naselli (Zondervan). This book was one that I was eagerly awaiting for much of 2011. When I got my copy, I devoured it. It certainly lived up to my expectations. The book is a fascinating conversation about the state of Evangelicalism, and where and how both Fundamentalism and Post-Conservatism fit in. The conversation was charitable and thought-provoking, and the book will encourage more intentional thought on questions such as, “Just how together can we be for the Gospel?” And also, “What really is at stake with post-conservatism?” Of particular note to many of my readers, is the fact that a fundamentalist leader was asked to contribute to this book. Kevin Bauder did a masterful job at introducing the idea of fundamentalism to wider evangelical readers. He also laid forth his vision of a renewed and purged fundamentalism and what the future could hold if the movement reforms. For more on this book, see this book excerpt. My review is forthcoming.

Best “Childrens & Family” bookGive Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson (Crossway). I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It lived up to the high endorsements from Tullian Tchividjian and others. The authors remind us that there are no perfect parents or fool-proof parenting methods. We all need grace, and we need to introduce our kids to Jesus, first and foremost. Most intriguingly, they explore what it means to parent in a distinctively Christian way. For more on this book, check out two book excerpts (here and here). My review is forthcoming.

Honorable MentionThe Quest for Comfort: The Story of The Heidelberg Catechism by William Boekestein (Reformation Heritage). I am not aware of many kids books that tell the story behind the Heidelberg Catechism; so the story itself will be new to most children. The tale is engaging and the artwork has an older feel to it and will also draw young minds in. I thought the idea of telling the story behind the men who brought us one of the most enduring Reformation era documents, in a kids story format, was ingenious. The book lived up to my expectations and has me hoping to get Boekestein’s other books in this genre. Read my review for more on this book.

Best “Fiction” bookThe Constantine Codex by Paul L. Maier (Tyndale House). I hadn’t read Maier’s earlier books in the “Skeleton in God’s Closet” series, but that didn’t pose any problem in appreciating this story fully. I had heard that Maier’s archaeological fiction was riveting. This book did not disappoint. For theology geeks like me, who have studied textual criticism and the Biblical languages, the book has an added appeal in that the main character is an expert on ancient manuscripts and early Christianity. The storyline is almost over the top, with the discovery of manuscript discoveries that Dan Wallace can only dream about, but the tale manages to stay believable. This was a book I couldn’t put down. Read my review for more on this book.

Honorable MentionTaken (The Quest for Truth Series, book 1) by Brock Eastman (P & R Publishing). With this being Eastman’s first book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I ended up being very impressed by this story which is part science-fiction, part fantasy. Rather than being an overt allegory or an obviously Christianized fiction work, this tale tells a story well and draws the reader in to a tale that ultimately has intersections with the Truth. The book is geared more for young adults, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the story. I’m eager for the next installment of this series, and hope to sample some of the other books that Eastman has published recently, too. Read my review for more on this book.

Best “General Christian Interest” bookUpside: Surprising Good News About the State of Our World by Bradley Wright (Bethany House). I was intrigued by the premise of this book from the start. And Wright sure did deliver. The book exposes a secret: our world is dramatically improving on many fronts. Health, life-expectancy, income levels, literacy, and even crime and the environment have all seen incredible improvements over the last 30 years and more. Wright calls the church to task for not celebrating and recognizing this fact. We need to stop enjoying how bad everything is and worrying about how much worse it will get. Instead, we should actually thank God for some of the amazing things He has done lately. Read my review for more on this book.

Best “Christian Living” bookWashed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality by Wesley Hill (Zondervan). This book by Wesley Hill truly altered my thinking on an important subject. I still remain absolutely convinced that the Bible teaches that homosexuality is wrong. But I now am much more sympathetic to people struggling with same-sex attractions than I was before. In our culture, such people are encouraged to go all out and live it up as a homosexual. Wesley Hill a committed Christian and Bible College grad, has struggled his entire life with same-sex attractions. He has remained celibate and is committed to following Christ wholeheartedly. But his story is one that the Church needs to hear. Can we learn to have the same compassion toward those who struggle with same-sex attraction as we do with those who struggle with extramarital heterosexual attractions? And will we stand against the sin rather than those caught up in it? Read my review for more on this book.

Best “Church History & Biography” bookA Visual History of the King James Bible by Donald L. Brake (Baker Books). This was perhaps my favorite book of the year. I’ve always been intrigued by the history of the English Bible, and with the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible, I’ve been reading lots of books commemorating the KJB. This book tops them all. It is a visual feast, chuck full of fascinating pictures of manuscripts, old Bibles and more. My video review tries to do the book justice.

Best “Commentary & Reference” bookThe Baker Illustrated Bible Handbook edited by J. Scott Duvall & J. Daniel Hays (Baker Books). This may be the best single volume resource on the entire Bible available. It certainly is the most visually stunning: beautiful, full-color photographs of Bible places, manuscripts, and artifacts, detailed charts and maps abound. Each book of the Bible is summarized and the handbook is filled with fascinating and helpful articles by leading evangelical scholars. With this book, I tried my hand at another video review.

All the Rest:

In 2011, I reviewed 42 books or DVDs — bringing the total of my book and media reviews to 115 from more than 30 different publishers. You can see all my reviews listed here. For my previous “Bob’s Best” lists, see below.

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