I regularly have people ask me to recommend good books to read, so I'll use this week's "Jym Shorts" article to share with you what I've had on my reading table recently...
Israel and the Nations by F. F. Bruce: My son-in-law Ethan recommended this book to me a few years ago. Bruce died in 1991, but he remains one of the most respected scholars in the area of biblical studies. He was an academic, but his writing remained very accessible to the average Christian reader. This book deals with a brief overview of the nation of Israel from the Exodus to the fall of the Jewish Temple in A.D. 70, from both biblical and extra-biblical sources.
Stones in the Stream by Rob Wingerter: This book was given to me by Rick Alvis, the CEO of Wheeler Mission here in Indy. It is an excellent, readable compilation of mini-biographies of some of the lesser known and yet incredibly impactful saints throughout the church age.
18 Words: The Most Important Words You Will Ever Know by J.I. Packer: I believe that Packer is the greatest Christian theologian alive today. Not a small claim, but his teaching is thoroughly evangelical, and he manages to convey truth without being meanly dogmatic - which is not an easy task. He is read by people spanning almost every denominational spectrum and appreciated by most. This book is what its title says it is; it is about the 18 most important theological terms and what they mean.
Is Jesus the Only Savior? by Ronald Nash: An apologetic book dealing with the exclusivity of Jesus Christ. It is fairly academic, but well written.
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret by Dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor: I’ve devoted two Jym Shorts articles to this excellent biography. I can sum it up in two words: read it!
Brothers and Friends by Warren Lewis: An excellent biography of C.S. Lewis by the person who knew him best in this world – his brother Warren.
Filling up the Afflictions of Christ by John Piper: The fifth volume in Piper's acclaimed The Swans Are Not Silent series shares the struggles of three men who suffered significantly in their lives as Christ followers, but were used mightily by God to impact the kingdom: William Tyndale, Adoniram Judson, and John Paton.
A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean: This one is just for fun. I think it is my sixth reading of this modern classic. The true story of two sons of a Presbyterian pastor and his wife living life in early 20th century Montana. Maclean was a wordsmith and tells a story as well as anyone I have ever read. Concerning life, love, loss, and fly-fishing in the great American west.
These are the books that have been occupying my free reading time lately. I get asked how I find time to do extra reading during the week. The answer is that I do not watch television, and I make it a priority. Not everyone enjoys reading, but I find it is still the most effective way to learn. And, it can be a learned habit. If you struggle with enjoying reading, just keep at it. It’s like learning to like beets – you have to throw up a few times, but eventually you learn to keep them down, and then, before you know it, you choose them at the salad bar. (It worked for me with reading – I confess, it doesn’t work as well with beets – I still hate them).
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jym