Top Reads of 2011 - The Delightful Dozen

Here is my list of Top Reads for 2011. Listed below are a dozen books that you cannot go wrong with.  Some of these books were published in 2010, most were published in 2011, but all were read during the past year. The top two books are in order, but after that they have been arranged with no order intended. All of these books have my strongest recommendation. Let me know what great books you read this year!

Top Read:

God With Us : Divine Condescension and the Attributes of God by K. Scott Oliphint 

As I stated in my review of this book, this was my top read of 2011. This well-written book both stretches the mind and enlivens the affections for God. As I wrote, “Oliphint has produced a compelling and awe-inspiring exposition of the theological and apologetical significance of the condescension of God.” This stimulating look into the condescension of God, and how that speaks to his character and attributes, is a book you should read if you haven’t already. What better way to celebrate Christmas than a book that explores and celebrates the ultimate condescension of God in the Incarnation.

Runner Up:

The Good News We Almost Forgo: Rediscovering theGospel in a 16th Century Catechism by Kevin DeYoung

Early in September I blogged “I have been using the Kevin DeYoung book, The Good News We Almost Forgot, as a devotional for just over two weeks. What a wonderful journey it has been so far. As DeYoung unpacks the Heidelberg Catechism, the beauty of this creed is brought to life. And the Creed itself is a moving piece of literature, powerful without any commentary. I highly recommend it.” This book I recommend was number two on my top reads of 2011. It was powerful for two reasons: first, it introduced me to a moving piece of theology from our history in the Heidelberg Catechism, and second, DeYoung’s heart-warming and mind-enriching commentary helped bring this catechism to life. It was excellent as a devotional alongside daily Bible reading.

  The Deity of Christ by ed. Christopher W. Morgan and Robert A. Peterson

I summed up my review of this book with, “Some books are classics that you will read many times over your lifetime. This is not that book. Some books are barely worth reading, and having read them, you'll never crack them open again. This is not that type of book either. But, some books are valuable in that they provide you with a resource for future reference that you will consult at different times for different reasons at many times. That is this book.” This is a solid book covering many aspects, by many experts, of the theological concepts surround Christiology.

40 Questions About Christians and Biblical Law by Thomas Schreiner

Schreiner’s book is a very practical help that addresses many, if not most, of the issues modern Christians wrestle with concerning the Law and grace. The question and answer format makes it very accessible when reading for the first time as it deals with one issue at a time. The format will also make it a valuable resource for future study and reference. This book was the impetus I needed to add Schreiner to the list of authors I will be reading more of in 2012.

For The Fame of God's Name : Essaysin Honor of John Piper ed. Sam Storms and Justin Taylor

Here is the list of contributors to this compilation of essays dedicated to John Piper and edited by Justin Taylor and Sam Storms: Randy Alcorn, Gregory K. Beale, D. A. Carson, Mark Dever, Wayne Grudem, John MacArthur, C. J. Mahaney, R. Albert Mohler Jr., David Powlison, Thomas R. Schreiner, Bruce A. Ware, Thabiti M. Anyabwile, Jon Bloom, Sinclair B. Ferguson, Scott J. Hafemann, James M. Hamilton, Jr., David Livingston, David Mathis, David Michael, William D. Mounce, Stephen J. Nichols, Raymond C. Ortlund Jr., Tom Steller, Mark Talbot, Donald J. Westblade. If you are familiar with even a few of these author-pastors-scholars you will know that you should read this book. I foresee returning to this book throughout the years to glean from the wisdom in its pages.

Note to Self : The Discipline of Preaching toYourself by Joe Thorn

What this book lacks in size in makes up for in practical and realistic commentary on how we need to preach to ourselves on a daily basis. Of the people we need to be honest and upfront with, the person who stares back at us from the mirror is paramount. Thorn is addressing himself in these epistle-like chapters and the dialogue is real and too easy to relate to my own life. I used this book as a devotional and the daily injection of authentic, healthy introspection gave this book a spot on my list.

A Place for Weakness : Preparing Yourself forSuffering by Michael Horton

Over the course of 2011, I found myself drawn to pursue a better understanding of suffering and the theological ramifications of a proper view of trials and God’s relation to them. Michael Horton is one of our era's premier theologian-pastors and when given the opportunity to read his take on this weighty subject I jumped at it. This book did not disappoint. As any good book on suffering, this was at times a challenging and convicting read. But it was a healthy and necessary foray into one of the integral questions that all people must address; what do I do with and believe about suffering? This book continues to impact me.

Suprised by Oxford : A Memoir by Carolyn Weber

Biggest surprise on this list goes to Surprised by Oxford. Consider the first four words of the following product description: “A girl-meets-God style memoir …” Not a chance I’m reading it, right? Nevertheless, my wife, having met the author, came home one day with a copy of the book in question. The endorsement on the front by Alister McGrath caught my attention and that, coupled with a fascination of all things Oxford, was enough to get me reading the book. And what a pleasant surprise it was. Read it and see.

Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books by Tony Reinke  

From my review of Lit! : “Reinke has taken great care to make his writing readable and the truths he puts forward on a much written about topic are unexpectedly ingenious and inventive. His stalwart faithfulness to God's inerrant, inspired Word and the necessity of a regenerated life are educating, endearing, and essential to this book's value.” This book is valuable for both avid readers and non-readers. This book would be a great start towards making 2012 a year of reading.

Awaiting A Savior: The Gospel, the New Creation andthe End of Poverty by Aaron Armstrong

This book was challenging for me as poverty and the issues surrounding are difficult for me to deal with both theoretically and practically. Armstrong does a wonderful job at considering poverty in light of the Biblical account of the problem and its remedy. Never straying far from the Bible, Armstrong adds some helpful practical tips to go along with his theological considerations. This is a solid work on the subject. I reviewed this book earlier in the year.

Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchividjian

   

This novel by Tchividjian is a powerful gospel-saturating look into the gospel, grace, and how those things work in our life. Tchividjian relentlessly reminds the reader of the absolute necessity of dependency on Christ and his work and the utter futility of regarding our own work and selves as able to save us. I enjoyed the life-story that went along with the authors revealing of and revelling in the gospel.

The Greener Grass Conspiracy: Finding Contentmenton Your Side of the Fence by Stephen Altrogge

At the time of my review, I wrote “I found this book a great, quick read on a topic that we North Americans need constant reminder about. The Greener Grass Conspiracy stays far away from self-help therapy and cliche-ridden platitudes by focusing on God and the gospel.” Altrogge use of sarcasm and humour made this an enjoyable read; I found myself laughing at my own lack of contentment and at the same time felt encouraged to pursue contentment in Christ.

Swimming in reality for our sanctification

'Work hard' at Christianity can be a bit misleading as an imperative for sanctification. It really depends what you mean by 'work hard'. Tullian Tchividjian addresses what working out our salvation should look like. In his recently released book Jesus + Nothing = Everything, the author leans heavily on the idea that we have hard work to do in our Christian walk, but this hard work does not consist of trying to get the virtues we don't have, but rather it is the hard work of believing in Christ's work that we are called to. For example,

I’ve said before, I used to think that when the apostle Paul tells us to work out our salvation, it means go out and get what we don’t have—get more patience, get more strength, get more joy, get more love, and so on. But after reading the Bible more carefully, I now understand that Christian growth does not happen by working hard to get something we don’t have. Rather, Christian growth happens by working hard to daily swim in the reality of what we do have. Believing again and again the gospel of God’s free justifying grace every day—and resting in his verdict—is the hard work we’re called to. (171-2)

Tchividjian, Tullian. Jesus + Nothing = Everything. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011. Print.

Already in possession

Because of Christ’s finished work,

Christians already possess 

the approval, 

the love, 

the security, 

the freedom, 

the meaning, 

the purpose, 

the protection, 

the new beginning, 

the cleansing, 

the forgiveness, 

the righteousness, 

and the rescue

we intensely long for and, 

in fact, 

look for in a thousand things smaller than Jesus every day—things transient, things incapable of delivering the goods.

The gospel is the only thing big enough to satisfy our deepest, eternal longings—both now and forever. (77, line breaks mine)

Tchividjian, Tullian. Jesus + Nothing = Everything. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011. Print.

The encumberance of entitlement

Contrary to what I had thought, I did not need easing circumstances, relief from difficulty, and distance from pain in order to be free. I was learning that the freedom Jesus secured for me is not freedom from pain and suffering here and now. Rather, it’s freedom from bitterness, anger, fear, resentment, self-pity, offense, and hopelessness in the crucible of present pain and suffering; it is freedom from my burdensome sense of “I deserve better,” the encumbrance of entitlement. I was realizing that only the gospel can free us from the enslaving pressure to defend ourselves. That’s real freedom—God-sized freedom! (76)

It is funny what we often think is freedom in reality is just more bondage and servitude. Recently, while sharing a feast of fellowship and food with friends, we had a brief discussion of a concept and strategy of investment referred to as "Freedom 55". We mused that this might better be labelled "Servitude 67" and none of us knew of any 55 year old enjoying their retirement. The race for riches-no different than the sprint for success or the marathon for money-is ultimately unsatisfying and results in our hearts being imprisoned; this is not freedom. True freedom only comes from the gospel, the cross, the Redeemer.  

Tchividjian, Tullian. Jesus + Nothing = Everything. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011. Print.

Tullian on Colossians

Tullian on Colossians from Jesus + Nothing = Everything: 

Paul doesn’t teach doctrines in Colossians that we can’t also find in his other letters. What’s special about Colossians is not its doctrine; what’s special about it is its dimensions. Paul’s statements in Colossians about Christ are truly colossal—sweeping and immense, soaring beyond the boundaries of our understanding.

As we’ll see, this letter also has huge things to say about our sin and even larger things to say about the gospel and what it accomplishes. In Colossians, Paul is writing to show that Jesus is big, our sin is big, the gospel is big, God’s grace is big, and our rescue is big. There’s nothing small at all about the truths this book communicates. And the epitome, the crowning point of all this vastness, is the incalculable greatness of Jesus Christ himself. (63)

A Generous People

Christians ought to be known as the most generous people on the face of this earth--the most generous people with our time, our talents, and our money. Why? Because more than anyone else, Christians are to understand that we're owners of nothing and stewards of everything.

-Tullian Tchividjian

The Real Gospel?

I was reading Tullian Tchividjian's blog the other day and found this interesting post. It details some common misconceptions concerning what the Gospel is really about.

Formalism. “I participate in the regular meetings and ministries of the church, so I feel like my life is under control. I’m always in church, but it really has little impact on my heart or on how I live. I may become judgmental and impatient with those who do not have the same commitment as I do.”

Legalism. “I live by the rules—rules I create for myself and rules I create for others. I feel good if I can keep my own rules, and I become arrogant and full of contempt when others don’t meet the standards I set for them. There is no joy in my life because there is no grace to be celebrated.”

Mysticism. “I am engaged in the incessant pursuit of an emotional experience with God. I live for the moments when I feel close to him, and I often struggle with discouragement when I don’t feel that way. I may change churches often, too, looking for one that will give me what I’m looking for.”

Activism. “I recognize the missional nature of Christianity and am passionately involved in fixing this broken world. But at the end of the day, my life is more of a defense of what’s right than a joyful pursuit of Christ.”

Biblicism. “I know my Bible inside and out, but I do not let it master me. I have reduced the gospel to a mastery of biblical content and theology, so I am intolerant and critical of those with lesser knowledge.”

Therapism. “I talk a lot about the hurting people in our congregation, and how Christ is the only answer for their hurt. Yet even without realizing it, I have made Christ more Therapist than Savior. I view hurt as a greater problem than sin—and I subtly shift my greatest need from my moral failure to my unmet needs.”

Social-ism. “The deep fellowship and friendships I find at church have become their own idol. The body of Christ has replaced Christ himself, and the gospel is reduced to a network of fulfilling Christian relationships.”

The Inaugeration

From Unfashionable by Tullian Tchividjian

All of Jesus's words and deeds demonstrated that God's reign had invaded
this fallen world to make all things new. A new day had dawned. When Jesus cast
out demons, he did so to show God's power over evil. When he healed the sick and
raised the dead, he showed that with the arrival of God's kingdom came
redemption and cleansing, healing and forgiveness. New life was given; health
was restored. In the imagery of C.S. Lewis's Narnia, the grip of an unending
winter was finally broken. The inauguration of God's kingdom through Jesus began
the great reversal--repealing the curse of sin and death, ensuring that God had
begun the process of renewing all things.

The Practical Atheist

From Unfashionable by Tullian Tchividjian

To be a wordly person is, in fact, to be a "practical" or "functional" atheist. It's someone who, despite all he professes, lives and makes daily decisions as if God doesn't exist. A practical atheist is a person who comes to conclusions about money, business, worship, entertainment, ministry, education, or whatever else without the directing influence of God and his revealed truth (the Bible). Instead, for him, cultural assumptions and societal trends serve as the directing influences for how he thinks, feels, lives.

Are you a practical atheist?

Are You Too Fashionable?

From Unfashionable by Tullian Tchividjian

10. You can look around at church and notice that everybody is basically the same age as you are, and they look and dress pretty much like you do.

9. You think it's very uncool to sing a worship song that was "in" five years ago, much less sing a hymn from another century.

8. It's been a long time since you disagreed with anything said by Oprah.

7. You've attended a "leadership" conference where you learned more about organization and props (structural renovation) than proclamation and prayer (spiritual reformation).

6. Your goal in spending time with non-Christians is to demonstrate that you're really no different than they are, and to prove this you curse like a sailor, drink like a fish, and smoke like a chimney.

5. You've concluded that everything new is better than anything old or that everything old is better than anything new.

4. You think that the way Jesus lived is more important than what he said, that his deeds are more important than his doctrine.

3. You believe that the best way to change our culture is to elect a certain kind of politician.

2. The church you've chosen is defined more by its reaction to "boring traditional" churches than by its response to a needy world.

1. The one verse you most wish wasn't in the Bible is John 14:6, where Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." That's way to close-minded!