Top 10 Books I Read in 2019

I know, I know. This may be premature since there are 28 days left, but the books left on my “to read list” are not of the subject I expect that any of them will change the below list. So without further delay…

1. On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser (published by Shepherd Harper, 2006). 321 pages. I can foresee this book becoming an annual read. There is much I don’t understand about writing. There is too much clutter in my writing. My thoughts are too complicated when I put them on paper. Too often, I don’t think about my audience or my word choices. You will get helps on writing about science, sports, the arts, business, technology, travel, and yourself This book gave me too much to think about; I am not sure where to start as far as application. I would highly recommend anyone who writes (in any form) to buy this book and read it. Your writing cannot but be helped by this witty and wise author.

2. The Blessing of Humility by Jerry Bridges (published by NavPress, 2016). 119 pages. If you are going to write on humility, you better model humility. And while I don’t know this author personally, I did meet him once and he treated me like I was a celebrity. He is THE man to write on this subject. When you read this book, you get a devotional look at the Beatitudes, which is a series of descriptions of a humble kingdom citizen. You will have a deeper understanding of what it means that God gives grace to those who are humble, and you will be convicted about the subtle seeds of pride in your heart that can creep in and fester.

3. The Church and the Surprising Offense of God’s Love by Jonathan Leeman (published by Crossway, 2010). 374 pages. This is my favorite from 2019 so far. What I thought would be a book only on the “why” of church membership and church discipline turned into a book about what it means to enter into a covenant with God’s people and how that truth informs our church membership policies and implementation of church discipline. Rarely do I read a book where I have so much “food for thought.” In particular, I have been compelled to do what I can to help Christians see the benefits and joy and compulsion for church membership.

4. The Compelling Community: Where God’s Power Makes a Church Attractive by Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop (published by Crossway, 2015). 220 pages. It seems that every time I read a book by 9Marks, I come away with fresh ideas for implementing old truths. This book does not disappoint. If you choose to read it, you will be stirred up to take advantage of the community that God has placed each Christian into – the church. I am more devoted to the church as a result of reading this book. The Gospel’s power brings different people together and puts them into God’s family, and this book will help you celebrate that truth.

5. Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy (published by Crossway, 2019). 223 pages. 1 out of 3 psalms are laments. The mere weight of that percentage suggests to us that lamenting in prayer is normal and expected. And yet, the modern church rarely does it. This book will “rock your world” about lament and the rightful and holy place of sharing your grief to God. I don’t think I will approach the psalms of lament the same way again. As the author says, lamenting is the path by which we go from our pain to trusting God. I highly recommend every Christian read this book to prepare them for suffering an to equip them to walk through grief with others.

6. God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundations by Andreas J. Kostenberger, with David W, Jones (published by Crossway, 2004). 448 pages. Not since Piper and Grudem’s book on biblical manhood and womanhood have I read such a fine book on the biblical family. What a resource this will be for counseling and preaching. The author is very careful to synthesize and clarify the various views on divorce and remarriage, fertility, gender, sexuality, parenting, singleness, and qualifications for church leadership. I would be surprised if any reader determined something has been left out of this book. I am more convinced in the important of the biblical family for the Gospel’s effect on society. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

7. Discipling: How to Help Others Follow Jesus by Mark Dever (published by Crossway, 2016). 128 pages. A tremendously helpful “how to” book on discipleship. I won’t recommend another one ahead of it. Typical Mark Dever – very practical, biblical to the core, illustrations of how it looks in his own ministry, etc. If you need a book that will give you the “who”, “what”, “when”, “where”, and “why” of discipleship, this is the book you need to buy and read.

8. The Preacher’s Catechism by Lewis Allen (published by Crossway, 2018).216 pages. For me, this book might be worth reading once a year. All I knew about this book previously to reading it was that it appeared quite often on people’s “favorite books of 2018” lists. And the book did not disappoint. What you will enjoy about this book are the short chapters that are jam-packed with pastoral wisdom and inspiration. Each chapter begins with a catechism styled question about pastoral ministry and answer to that question along with a key verse. The question and answers are going to find their way onto my wall somewhere in my church office, as they are worth reviewing. This book will feed pastors. If you are a pastor, buy it and read it. If you are not a pastor, but it for your pastor to show your care for their soul.

9. Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon by Ray Rhodes Jr. (published by Moody, 2018). 294 pages. In her lifetime, Susie donated roughly 200,000 books to pastors in need of resources. This woman was a gem. She truly exemplified what it means to be a helper to her husband (Genesis 2:18), supporting his ministry to the world, laughing and crying together, raising children faithfully, showing joy in the midst of physical suffering. I would venture to say that any reader of this book will thoroughly joy all the nice surprises of what many do not know about this wife of the Prince of Preachers. She reminds me of my own blessed bride. BOOK RATING 10 out of 10 stars.

10. The Slave Ship: A Human History by Marcus Rediker (published by Viking, 2007). 434 pages. This was a book I needed to read, but I didn’t exactly enjoy reading. The reason I use the word “enjoy” is because this a book about the cruelty towards slaves that were being transported from West Africa to the Americas in the 18^th-19^th Anecdotes of people being thrown overboard to be eaten by sharks, beatings, rapes, etc. are just “the tip of the iceberg” of how man showed his hatred towards man. You will learn about the daily life of a slave on a ship and the tyranny of those who transported and sold them. Thank the Lord for men like William Wilberforce who helped end slavery in this part of the world.