The resolution that I want to reflect on this month is “reading books.” We have already discussed the importance of reading the Bible, but here I am talking about reading good theological books written by faithful Christian authors. And although this resolution isn’t explicitly commanded in Scripture, it is taught in principle and is helpful for our growth as believers.
Now, right at the start, I want to make it clear that I am not in any way claiming that the Bible is not sufficient for our growth in godliness; it absolutely is. Nonetheless, supplementing our daily Bible devotions and study time with the reading of a good commentary or a great devotional is a very healthy and profitable habit.
We are told in the Bible that we are to, “Do (our) best to present (ourselves) to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). And while it is true that we do grow through our own reading of Scripture, as the Spirit illumines our hearts and minds through His Word, it is also true that God has gifted His Church with teachers. Paul said to the Ephesians, “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Eph 4:11-12). Thus, we are to acknowledge that there have been, and still are, many faithful saints who have devoted themselves to studying what the Bible says and, in turn, teaching it to the Church.
That is why I believe it is important for Christians to be reading good material written by other Christians. Iron sharpens iron, and we, too, are sharpened by one another. I myself have been greatly blessed through the reading of good Christian books, and I pray that you, too, will be blessed and strengthened in your walk with Christ through the treasures that God has given to us through the writings of His dear saints.
-Shaun M. Hewlett
Shaun’s Top 10 Book Recommendations (in no particular order)
- Holy Helps for a Godly Life by Richard Rogers – A great Puritan work on godly disciplines.
- Comfort and Holiness From Christ’s Priestly Work by William Bridge – Another great Puritan work on assurance in holiness found in Christ.
- The Peacemaker by Ken Sande – This book not only changed how I view resolving conflict, but it also gave me confidence to lead people through conflict.
- Knowing and Growing in the Assurance of Faith by Joel R. Beeke – This is probably the best book I’ve ever read on assurance.
- All That is in God by James E. Dolezal – This may be a very heavy and weighty book, but it is profound and eye-opening on the nature of God.
- The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes – Richard Sibbes has to be one of the clearest and tenderest of all of the Puritans, and this work clearly demonstrates his heart for comforting downcast believers.
- The Whole Christ by Sinclair B. Ferguson – A phenomenal book on assurance and the nature of Christian obedience rooted in the Gospel.
- How to Grow in Grace by Archibald Alexander – A short little book, yet it packs a huge punch and is a great motivator for living the Christian life (available for free download on www.monergism.com).
- What We Believe by R. C. Sproul – A wonderful overview of the foundations of the Christian faith through expounding the Apostles’ Creed.
- Knowing Scripture by R. C. Sproul – A must-read for anyone who takes Bible study seriously.
BONUS RECOMMENDATION: The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan – Although it is not necessarily a theology book, John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress is honestly a must-read. It paints an amazing picture of the Christian life that will keep you captivated throughout. You won’t regret reading it.