With the desire to put good books in the hands of God's people, the ministry staff at Beaver Dam recommends the following books for your Christian growth and maturity.
Dr. Price Suggests:
Thinkby John Piper
John Piper is a popular speaker and prolific author. In a book from 2010 entitled Think, Piper seeks to articulate the place of the mind in our pursuit of God. The back cover states, “We often pit thinking and feeling against each other, especially when it comes to the Christian experience. Glorifying God with our minds and hearts, however, is not either-or, but both-and. Focusing on the life of the mind will help you to know God better, love him more, and are for the world. This book will help you think about thinking, and about how the heart and mind glorify God together.” You can’t go wrong with anything John Piper has written, and this book is no exception. It’s not a difficult read, so don’t let the subject matter fool you. Pick it up, and start thinking.
What Is the Gospelby Greg Gilbert
What Is the Gospel by Greg Gilbert is an introductory book about the basics of our faith. We use words like “gospel” all the time, but perhaps we don’t really know what we mean by it. Gilbert walks us through the core components and leaves us with a clear understanding for our own faith, and to share with others. It will also equip you to discern between the many messages common today so that you can cling to the truth gospel.
Mike Bundon Suggests:
Assaulted by GriefFinding God in the Broken Places
by Carson-Newman College of Religion
Carson-Newman College School of Religion faculty members share vulnerably and honestly their discovery of God's presence in the midst of their own journeys with grief so that they "may be able to comfort [others]...with the comfort through which [they] are comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:4).
This is a cumulative effort born of grief like none other I have ever seen. A tremendous collection of untold anguish and heartache and God's sustaining hand. This journey of faith will serve as a guide for any reader who has, is, or will walk the road of grief.
It's my honor to donate a copy to our BDBC library in honor of Hugh and Mary Newsom and in memory of Chris and Shannon.
Uncommon
Finding Your Path to Significance
by Tony Dungy
When Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy took home the trophy in Super Bowl XLI fans around the world looked to him as the epitome of success -- he had it all. But even in that moment, he knew those achievements had little to do with his ultimate significance as a man.
I encourage every adult man (and woman) to read this new updated edition by a strong Christian leader, coach and mentor.
Scott Hood Suggests:
Just Do Something
by Kevin DeYoung
Is a great book for the individual that is constantly anxious about making decisions in life. Kevin DeYoung is the author of this short 121 page book. Pastor and author Kevin DeYoung counsels Christians to settle down, make choices, and do the hard work of seeing those choices through.
Too often, he writes, God’s people tinker around with churches, jobs, and relationships, worrying that they haven’t found God’s perfect will for their lives. Or—even worse—they do absolutely nothing, stuck in a frustrated state of paralyzed indecision, waiting….waiting…waiting for clear, direct, unmistakable direction.
But God doesn’t need to tell us what to do at each fork in the road. He’s already revealed His plan for our lives: to love Him with our whole hearts, to obey His Word, and after that, to do what we like.
Thinking. Loving. Doing.
Glorify God with Heart and Mind
by Rick Warren, Francis Chan, John Piper
Jesus Christ demonstrated that life should be lived with mind, heart, and hands. But somehow as Christians we struggle with at least one of these 3 areas of our Christian life. We might be a great thinker for the Kingdom but fail to ever do anything… or maybe we are involved with lots of social agency but never share the Gospel… or maybe we speak a lot of Truth but have no Love. This book does a great job of challenging every believer all the while encouraging them in their pursuit in Sanctification. With contributions from Francis Chan, Rick Warren, Albert Mohler, R.C. Sproul, and Thabiti Anyabwile, Thinking. Loving. Doing. extends a thorough and compelling invitation to experience the fullness of the Christian life.
Tim Hopkins Suggests:
The Price of Stones
by Twesigye Jackson Kaguri
This is the remarkable story of how the author transformed his suffering – the loss of several family members to AIDS – into action. Kaguri provides a wonderful example of using one person’s success responsibly and with purpose to benefit the lives of those less fortunate. If you have ever doubted your ability to impact the lives of others, read this story and it will change your mind and heart.
Learning to Soar
How to Grow Through Transitions and Trials
by Avery Willis and Matt Willis
When God stirs your nest, it is time to soar. Surveys show nearly 85% of Christians live passive, unfulfilled lives. This is not only sad, but unbiblical. What about the “abundant life” Jesus came to give? The authors, a grandfather and his grandson, want to make sure you are not among those who feel stuck in mediocrity. They teamed to show you how to leave complacency behind and soar to new heights on your personal and spiritual journey.
Let me know what you think of the book. thopkins@bdbc.org
