5 Books that Have Positively Impacted My Faith in 2009
As I reflected back on the 2009 year I became especially mindful of some of the books that had and continue to have a positive impact on my faith in God. Here they are in no particular order:
I first heard John MacArthur preach a sermon series on Luke 15 in 2005 and since then I never saw the story of The Prodigal Son in the same way again. I was excited to eventually see the release of the book in 2009. We did an 11-week partially video based series at Church of Grace. Because I was teaching from this book the series at Church of Grace caused me to look more in depth into every detail of the story and consequently served to drink deeper of God's grace.
Just Do Something: How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Open Doors, Random Bible Verses, Casting Lots, Liver Shivers, Writing in the Sky, etc.By Kevin DeYoung
The subtitle very accurately sums up the book. Charismatic-Pentecostal (or as you prefer to be called "non-denominational") believers seriously need to read this book. Enough said!
Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds by Chris Brauns
By far this book has been the most impacting in that it confirmed many of my own beliefs and convictions about forgiveness yet for a season I began to doubt whether I was wrong because I seemed to be in the minority camp. I do not mean to say that a majority consensus determines truth, but that being in the minority camp does cause one to rethink one’s position more often than if everyone seems to agree with you. By God's grace I had many opportunities to carry out what I learned in the book. You can read about one of my personal opportunities mentioned by the author himself here.
Counterfeit God: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters by Tim Keller
I only recently purchased this book so I must admit that I am not done reading, but I am ony halfway into it. What I’ve read so far is also life-changing. Tim Keller shares via video why he wrote on the most relevant subject of modern idolatry.
My prayer is that you too consider these books for the nourishment of your faith in Christ Jesus.
A Tale of Two Sons: The Inside Story of a Father, His Sons, and a Shocking Murder by John MacArthur
I first heard John MacArthur preach a sermon series on Luke 15 in 2005 and since then I never saw the story of The Prodigal Son in the same way again. I was excited to eventually see the release of the book in 2009. We did an 11-week partially video based series at Church of Grace. Because I was teaching from this book the series at Church of Grace caused me to look more in depth into every detail of the story and consequently served to drink deeper of God's grace.
Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck
This book served as a personal rebuke. I personally know how easy it is to become discouraged and disillusioned with the church. Can I get an “amen”? I confess that for a while there I had become somewhat frustrated at the church that it seemed as if I had nothing good to say about her, but authors Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck brought a fresh and much needed reminding of Jesus’ love and care for His bride despite her shortcomings and failures.
Just Do Something: How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Open Doors, Random Bible Verses, Casting Lots, Liver Shivers, Writing in the Sky, etc.By Kevin DeYoung
The subtitle very accurately sums up the book. Charismatic-Pentecostal (or as you prefer to be called "non-denominational") believers seriously need to read this book. Enough said!
Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds by Chris Brauns
By far this book has been the most impacting in that it confirmed many of my own beliefs and convictions about forgiveness yet for a season I began to doubt whether I was wrong because I seemed to be in the minority camp. I do not mean to say that a majority consensus determines truth, but that being in the minority camp does cause one to rethink one’s position more often than if everyone seems to agree with you. By God's grace I had many opportunities to carry out what I learned in the book. You can read about one of my personal opportunities mentioned by the author himself here.
Counterfeit God: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters by Tim Keller
I only recently purchased this book so I must admit that I am not done reading, but I am ony halfway into it. What I’ve read so far is also life-changing. Tim Keller shares via video why he wrote on the most relevant subject of modern idolatry.
My prayer is that you too consider these books for the nourishment of your faith in Christ Jesus.
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