Pastor's Bookshelf
Here are some books Pastor Steve has benefited from or enjoyed reading the last few years. If you have recommendations or questions about books on a certain topic, feel free to contact him.
Christian Living – Ordinary by Michael Horton.
It’s been a little while since I read this, but I remember appreciating the focus on how God sustains us through regular rhythms of life.
Christian Living – Coronavirus and Christ by John Piper.
This was written at the beginning of the pandemic, so it does not really look back on it. However, the author provides some interesting perspective on what God is doing through this virus.
Theology – Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller.
An insightful book about modern idols that can creep into our lives. If you read it and the content seems familiar, I did a sermon series based on this book a few years ago.
Worship – With Reverence and Awe by D.G. Hart and John Muether.
This book examines the why and what of worship. It will likely make you think more deeply about what happens each Sunday when we worship.
Biblical Studies – The Epic of Eden by Sandra Richter.
I am still reading this book, but it is an excellent resource to grasp the meaning of the Old Testament. It gives a framework by which to read the Old Testament and would enhance your reading of the Bible.
Biography – Martin Luther by Eric Metaxas.
This is not a short biography, but it is a very interesting view into the life of a very influential man in church history. The same author also wrote an excellent biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Marriage – Each for the Other by Bryan Chapell.
This book gives biblical wisdom regarding God’s design for marriage – for the husband and wife and the couple together.
Spiritual Warfare – Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.
I have not read this book recently, but in it the author provides great insight about how the devil tempts us. The book is a series of fictional letters from a senior demon to his apprentice.
Theology – The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul.
This book examines the character of God, specifically His holiness, and how that affects our relationship with God and our life in God’s world. As far as theology books go, this is fairly easy to read and yet full of valuable insights.
Christian Living – Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges.
An examination of some sins we may allow to linger in our lives because they are not “major” sins and how to deal with them. This book is eye-opening to our constant need of God’s grace in Jesus Christ.
Christian Living – Suffering by Paul David Tripp.
From the author’s personal experience of a time of suffering, he seeks to help Christians see their suffering through the lens of God’s character as well as consider a biblical response to suffering.
Christian Living – Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung.
A short book that addresses the reality of busyness in our lives and helps us evaluate various causes of busyness.
Relationships – Holding Hands, Holding Hearts by Richard and Sharon Philipps.
This book provides a biblical view of dating and so is primarily addressed to singles. However, as it speaks of a biblical framework for relationships, it could also benefit married couples.
Parenting – Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp.
Similar to the DVD study the Young Couples are watching, this book provides biblical advice on parenting that focuses on heart discipleship rather than primarily behavior modification. A section of this book includes insights on parenting at the various stages of child development.
Athletics/Coaching – The Matheny Manifesto by Mike Matheny.
Written by a Major League Baseball manager, this book provides principles for youth sports in particular. This could be a valuable resource for anyone in coaching, parents with kids in sports, or youth themselves who are involved in sports.
Biography – The Wright Brothers by David McCullough.
A thorough description of the lives of Wilbur and Orville Wright. Many of us know about Kitty Hawk, but this book provides many more fascinating details of the lives of these innovative brothers.
Biography – 7 Men by Eric Metaxas.
If you find biographies too long and detailed, this book might be for you. The author describes the life of 7 important men in history in only about 30 pages each. There is also an equally interesting book called 7 Women by the same author – same idea except detailing the lives of 7 women in history.