The Top 10 Books I Read in 2022

I know this list is a little early, but I don’t anticipate any outstanding reads between now and December 31. If I do read a book worthy of this list, I will give it its own write-up. So, here they are…

1. Meet the Puritans by Joel R. Beeke and Randall J. Pederson. Loved, loved, loved this book. The book is an exhaustive collection of biographies of Puritans. At the end of each chapter is a several page annotated bibliography of the most important books each Puritan wrote. You will be introduced to more Puritans you didn’t know than be reminded of the Puritans you are familiar with. It is a page-turning adventure of reading of faithful pastors and preachers who were used of God as “pastors of the soul.”

2. God, Technology and the Christian Life by Tony Reinke. We will see if this book holds up as my favorite book of 2022. I found it both challenging and educational. Thinking about technology from a Christian perspective is something I rarely do and Reinke opened up a whole new world to me. Of particular help were his walking through the early chapters of Genesis introducing technology in the founding of civilization and the significance oof construction projects like the ark and Tower of Babel. I found myself often agreeing with the dangers of technology but also seeing ways we can redeem its usage. It’s a book I want to read again.

3. Paul: Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ by Thomas R. Schreiner. I read this book to prepare for a biographical sermon on the Apostle Paul. What you will find in this book is more of a treatise on Paul’s theology and not as much biographical information, as F.F. Bruce’s book on Paul contains. And even though, it didn’t prepare me as much for that sermon, I am so glad to have discovered this book. While lengthy, it is worth your time and money, as the author does an exceptional job synthesizing Paul’s doctrine on a host of important issues – the glory of God, missions, suffering, sin, law, the righteousness of God, work, faith and hope, the Holy Spirit, the church, spiritual gifts, the family, the Lord’s Supper, baptism, and eschatological hope.

4. Conscience: What It Is, How to Train It, and Loving Those Who Differ by Andrew David Naselli and J.D. Crowley. I will not be surprised if this is my “Book of the Year” at the end of 2022. It’s the kind of book that I would give to my congregation. Of particular help are the sections that work through how to calibrate your own conscience and relate to others with different convictions. As the authors navigate through Romans 14-15, you will be convicted, helped and encouraged. I highly recommend every Christian read this book on the conscience; it may be the only one you need to read on this subject.

5. Redeeming Memory: How God Transforms Memories from a Heavy Burden to a Blessed Hope by Matt Rehrer. If you have never considered how memory plays a role in your sanctification, read this book. The attention that the Bible gives on our mind is undervalued by most Christians. So many sins are based on sinful remembrance (e.g., gossip, regret, unforgiveness, etc.) and so many acts of obedience are based on godly remembrance (e.g., Lord’s Supper). This book will elevate your appreciation for the God-given ability to remember.

6. Let the Men Be Men: God’s Design for Manhood and Marriage by Chris Mueller. What a helpful resource this can be for small groups of men! I know because I read through this with a small group of men. The book narrows in on the paradigm of discipleship from Titus 2 along with a chapter on what Paul meant when he said “act like men” from I Corinthians 16:13. It is practical; it is challenging. Each chapter ends with discussion questions designed to provoke conversation in a small group Bible study. I highly recommend this be used as a tool for male discipleship.

7. God vs. Government: Taking a Biblical Stand When Christ and Compliance Collide by Nathan Busenitz and James Coates. Since the COVID pandemic and government shutdowns, I have been convicted that the church needs a robust theology of the role of government, and this book helps that needs. I appreciate hearing the stories of Grace Community (in CA) and Grace Life (in Edmonton) and how they navigated their churches through government intrusions and shepherding their own people. My only criticism is its too brief in the doctrinal sections and needs to be expanded to deal with other topics outside of the challenges of the last 2 years.

8. Abortion: A Rational Look at an Emotional Issue by R.C. Sproul. A book on ethics from R.C. Sproul isn’t a usual place I would go for help on the topic of abortion, but this book was tremendously helpful. Focusing more on the arguments for life than opposed to pro-choice, Sproul weaves through key Scriptures that demonstrate when life begins. And Sproul makes a helpful distinction that the issue of abortion begins with someone’s definition of murder. If you can agree on a definition of murder, then most people will rightfully reject abortion.

9. Do You Believe? by Paul Tripp. Recently, I created a video post about this book, and my thoughts about it’s usefulness. I encourage you to watch it here.

10. Ronald Reagan: An American Life by Ronald Reagan. I love reading the memoirs of Presidents, which is what this is. As Reagan tells the story of how he became governor of California and President of the United States, I was struck by his wit and attention to detail. Of particular interest was his disappointment in himself in how he handled the Iron-Contra and how steadfast he was in helping lead the U.S.S.R. get rid of communism.