SelahScript Pastor Tommy
With summer easing into autumn, and longer, cooler nights approaching, it’s a good time to do some serious reading.
Good books can nourish the spirit. Christians especially should want to be sharp, focused, and refreshing to be around, and filling the mind with worthwhile ideas can help ensure that. Let me offer some suggestions of literary works that can enrich the soul and expand the vision.
Nancy Guthrie’s new book, “Even Better Than Eden” (Crossway, 2018) is a brief, insightful study of the scriptural truth that though most people long for the perfect, pristine conditions of life in the original Garden of Eden, Christians believe that the new heavens and new earth will far surpass the glory and wonder and abundance of man’s first home. Guthrie traces 9 themes through the Bible that amply illustrate that God has been steadily, progressively working out his divine plan for redemption and restoration ever since Adam plunged the race into the Fall.
Two offerings by Jen Wilkin discuss the attributes, or essential characteristics, of God and shows their relevance for our lives. Knowing and understanding these qualities assist us in relating to God. Wilkin’s books are written on a popular, practical level that helps the reader get a grip on this major area of theology and experience. “None Like Him” (Crossway, 2016) is a study of those attributes of God that we cannot attain, like his omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience. “In His Image” (Crossway, 2018) deals with divine characteristics that we can share with God as his Spirit builds them into us, like holiness, love, wisdom, and goodness. These 2 works would make excellent resources for small group studies.
John Ortberg is a California pastor and a prolific writer. His most recent book is “I’d Like You More If You Were More Like Me” (Tyndale, 2017). Here is a thorough presentation of what it takes to get close to others, and to God, in relationship. There is good stuff on intimacy and attachment, as well as on the hindrances to developing strong connections. As always, Ortberg sprinkles lots of illustrations and tips throughout the work. Anyone longing to establish deeper, more solid ties in marriage, family, and friendships would benefit from this book.
Similarly, 2 other offerings provide guidance in the realm of self-awareness and bonds with others. “Developing Emotionally Mature Leaders” (Baker, 2018) by Aubrey Malphurs is a very constructive manual that details, from a Christian and a leadership perspective, applications from the popular philosophy of emotional intelligence. It’s important to be deliberately conscious of our various emotions, and it’s critical that we learn how to regulate them. Using concepts, charts, and tests, the author guides leaders in how to build teams of individuals who are maturing in that arena.
“Boundaries For Your Soul” (Nelson Books, 2018) was written by 2 Christian counselors, Alison Cook and Kimberly Miller, who attempt to show that our overwhelming, sometimes scary, feelings like anxiety, sadness, anger, and fear can actually become our allies in opening us up to joy and fulfillment. A plan is suggested for becoming more perceptive of hidden parts of us that hold us back, and confronting and even using those buried areas to move toward personal growth.
Looking to purchase a new Bible? If so, consider buying a study edition of scripture, because that way, you not only get the actual text of God’s Word but also lots of helpful explanatory materials as well. Admittedly, these types of Bibles are more expensive and can often be bulkier. They’re probably not for taking with you to church. But in terms of private, personal study, they are immensely profitable. Look over the new “NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible” (Zondervan, 2018). You’ll find thousands of illuminating notes, charts, introductions, and pictures. Also included are almost 30 articles on key themes of scripture, written by leading scholars, that are tracked all the way through the 66 books of the Bible, emphasizing that scripture tells one basic, overarching story. This study edition is almost the equivalent of a Bible college or seminary education!
Reverend Tommy Davidson
Good books can nourish the spirit. Christians especially should want to be sharp, focused, and refreshing to be around, and filling the mind with worthwhile ideas can help ensure that. Let me offer some suggestions of literary works that can enrich the soul and expand the vision.
Nancy Guthrie’s new book, “Even Better Than Eden” (Crossway, 2018) is a brief, insightful study of the scriptural truth that though most people long for the perfect, pristine conditions of life in the original Garden of Eden, Christians believe that the new heavens and new earth will far surpass the glory and wonder and abundance of man’s first home. Guthrie traces 9 themes through the Bible that amply illustrate that God has been steadily, progressively working out his divine plan for redemption and restoration ever since Adam plunged the race into the Fall.
Two offerings by Jen Wilkin discuss the attributes, or essential characteristics, of God and shows their relevance for our lives. Knowing and understanding these qualities assist us in relating to God. Wilkin’s books are written on a popular, practical level that helps the reader get a grip on this major area of theology and experience. “None Like Him” (Crossway, 2016) is a study of those attributes of God that we cannot attain, like his omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience. “In His Image” (Crossway, 2018) deals with divine characteristics that we can share with God as his Spirit builds them into us, like holiness, love, wisdom, and goodness. These 2 works would make excellent resources for small group studies.
John Ortberg is a California pastor and a prolific writer. His most recent book is “I’d Like You More If You Were More Like Me” (Tyndale, 2017). Here is a thorough presentation of what it takes to get close to others, and to God, in relationship. There is good stuff on intimacy and attachment, as well as on the hindrances to developing strong connections. As always, Ortberg sprinkles lots of illustrations and tips throughout the work. Anyone longing to establish deeper, more solid ties in marriage, family, and friendships would benefit from this book.
Similarly, 2 other offerings provide guidance in the realm of self-awareness and bonds with others. “Developing Emotionally Mature Leaders” (Baker, 2018) by Aubrey Malphurs is a very constructive manual that details, from a Christian and a leadership perspective, applications from the popular philosophy of emotional intelligence. It’s important to be deliberately conscious of our various emotions, and it’s critical that we learn how to regulate them. Using concepts, charts, and tests, the author guides leaders in how to build teams of individuals who are maturing in that arena.
“Boundaries For Your Soul” (Nelson Books, 2018) was written by 2 Christian counselors, Alison Cook and Kimberly Miller, who attempt to show that our overwhelming, sometimes scary, feelings like anxiety, sadness, anger, and fear can actually become our allies in opening us up to joy and fulfillment. A plan is suggested for becoming more perceptive of hidden parts of us that hold us back, and confronting and even using those buried areas to move toward personal growth.
Looking to purchase a new Bible? If so, consider buying a study edition of scripture, because that way, you not only get the actual text of God’s Word but also lots of helpful explanatory materials as well. Admittedly, these types of Bibles are more expensive and can often be bulkier. They’re probably not for taking with you to church. But in terms of private, personal study, they are immensely profitable. Look over the new “NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible” (Zondervan, 2018). You’ll find thousands of illuminating notes, charts, introductions, and pictures. Also included are almost 30 articles on key themes of scripture, written by leading scholars, that are tracked all the way through the 66 books of the Bible, emphasizing that scripture tells one basic, overarching story. This study edition is almost the equivalent of a Bible college or seminary education!
Reverend Tommy Davidson