Drew's Top 10 Books of 2012

It seems like everyone else is doing a top 10 list of books they have read this year so I figured I would join in. I have had the chance to read quite a few books this year that have changed how I not only view God but how to live out the Christian life on a practical level. If you haven't yet read these great works I would highly suggest each one! 

1)    Knowing God – J.I. Packer.

Knowing God easily takes the first spot on my list as It may be my most favorite of all time. Dr Packer does an amazing job of laying out the attributes of God and just what that means for the Christian. Having rescued us from the individual hunches of our ultra-tolerant theological age, Packer points the reader to the true character of God with his theological competence and compassionate heart. The lazy and faint-hearted should be warned about this timeless work--God is magnified, the sinner is humbled, and the saint encouraged. This book resides on the all-time favorites list of many pastors.   If you haven’t had the chance to read it, please do so!

2)   The Holiness of God – R.C. Sproul

Central to God’s character is the quality of holiness. Yet, even so, most people are hard-pressed to define what God’s holiness precisely is. Many preachers today avoid the topic altogether because people today don’t quite know what to do with words like “awe” or “fear.” R. C. Sproul, in this classic work, puts the holiness of God in its proper and central place in the Christian life. He paints an awe-inspiring vision of God that encourages Christian to become holy just as God is holy. Once you encounter the holiness of God, your life will never be the same.

3)   The Institutes of The Christian Religion – John Calvin

The only reason this book doesn’t rank higher is the fact that I have not finished it all. Having said that, this is a must read for every Christian. The depth of theological knowledge and understanding of the scriptures that Calvin possesses is not matched by many. I know many people have a bad taste when it comes to Calvinism but this book is about much more than TULIP. Calvin’s incredible exegesis allowed me to see scripture much more clearly. 

4)    Every Good Endeavor – Timothy Keller

It pains me to rank Every Good Endeavor this low as it was easily the most applicable book I have ever read. I would venture to say that the most misunderstood aspect of the Christian life is work. How does work fit in with our mission of go and make disciples? Why do we work? Is work that does not involve ministry meaningless? This book answers all those questions and more. If you want to feel rejuvenated in how you approach your job you will want to read this book. I have told several of my friends that they would be doing themselves a great disservice by not reading this book. It is that good! 

5)     The Reason for Marriage – Timothy Keller

The Reason for Marriage was a very important book for me to read. One would think that a single guy would not get a whole lot out of a book talking about marriage, but that is not true. Timothy Keller and his wife do a wonderful job of painting a beautiful picture of what marriage truly is. The chapter on singleness is an absolute masterpiece that provides many applicable tips for those seeking or waiting on a spouse.

6)  The Explicit Gospel – Matt Chandler

Matt Chandler is probably the one “podcast Pastor” that God used to open my eyes the most. I will always hold his teaching and preaching ability in high regards. I was beyond excited when I heard that he was writing a book. The Explicit Gospel is a refreshing read, especially for those of us who grew up in the Bible Belt and experienced high levels of moralism. Chandler’s ability to break down how the gospel applies not only in the big picture of things but also in every area of the Christians life is remarkable.  In my opinion there is not a better book out there that paints a such a wonderful picture of how Christ reconciles not only sinners, but all things. 

7) Faith Alone – R.C. Sproul

In Faith Alone Dr Sproul takes the reader on a journey of explaining how Martin Luther came to the conclusion of faith alone by grace alone. It is a masterful work of Luther’s transformation from Catholicism to the start of the reformation. While this book sheds an amazing light on what saving faith by grace looks like, it is a very heavy read. If you are looking for a challenging book to enlighten your view on the Gospel this is it. 

8) Gospel Centered Discipleship – Jonathon Dodson

Avoiding extremes and evaluating motives, Jonathan Dodson insists on a way of following Jesus that re-centers discipleship on the gospel.This book helps us understand and experience the fullness of discipleship as God intended. It combines the mess and the weight, the imperfection and transformation, the honesty and wonder of being a disciple who revolves around Jesus. Here is a practical guide to discipleship that is Spirit-filled, Christ-centered, field-tested, and easily implemented.

9) Jesus + Nothing = Everything - Tullian Tchividjian

It’s so easy to forget what the Christian faith is all about. We struggle so much, work so hard, and fail so often that we frequently sense something in the equation of life must be missing. Tullian Tchividjian argues that what we are missing is the gospel—a fuller, more powerful understanding of Jesus and what his finished work means for everyday life. Ultimately, Tchividjian reminds us that Jesus is the whole of the equation as he boldly proclaims that Jesus plus nothing really is everything.

10) Glorious Ruin – Tullian Tchividjian

In this world, one thing is certain: Everybody hurts. Suffering may take the form of tragedy, heartbreak, or addiction. Or it could be something more mundane (but no less real) like resentment, loneliness, or disappointment. There’s unfortunately no such thing as a painless life. In Glorious Ruin, Tullian Tchividjian takes an honest and refreshing look at the reality of suffering, the ways we tie ourselves in knots trying to deal with it, and the comfort of the gospel for those who can’t seem to fix themselves—or others. This is not so much a book about Why God allows suffering or even How we should approach suffering—it is a book about the tremendously liberating and gloriously counterintuitive truth of a God who suffers with you and for you. It is a book, in other words, about the kind of hope that takes the shape of a cross.