The 12 Books of Christmas…Continued

Hopefully you have been able to read the previous blog here: (found here). But if not, each December I enjoy doing something that causes me to slow down…reading. In an attempt to read 12 books throughout the Christmas season, I’ve really enjoyed some of the titles listed below. Maybe my short write up will cause you to pick up a copy or reach out for a copy.

Third

Corporate Worship by Matt Merker

Corporate Worship is a wonderful book that explores the gathered church and its primary function as worship. Merker reminds the believer that worship in the church is not only biblically outlined, but effective as a means of encouraging one another’s faith. Seeing other believers gathered in worship provides a glimpse of heaven on earth.

Merker also includes a nice section on the “regulative principle,” which shows how the Bible not only encourages worship, but also shows us how to worship according to God’s expectation. I encourage you to pick this one up, even if you are not a great singer like me.

Fourth

Joyful Perseverance by Ajith Fernando

Joyful Perseverance is a preventative read rather than a necessary one. Why is that? Well, I’m not in a season of dryness in ministry. This book displays some really practical ways to stay “fresh” in ministry over the long haul.

You may not be aware, but 42% of pastors have considered quitting the ministry(https://www.barna.com/research/pastors-well-being/). It can be hard to have a very public task in ministry and maintain proper priorities in the home. This book displays the helpful ways that ministry leaders can continue to persevere in joy—providing practical tips (seasons of rest/sabbath, regular communion with the Lord, refreshment in prayer) with Biblical truth (it is all grace, God’s time of groaning, etc.).

If you are wrestling in a season of burnout, please pick up this book.

Fifth

The Reformation of the Church edited and introduced by Iain Murray

Murray is, without a doubt, one of my favorite writers/editors. Each work that he touches really impresses the goodness of the Lord into my heart. This tome (450 pages) are documents from different churches and leaders throughout protestant history. They include issues such as politics and religion being knit together in England and taking the Lord’s Supper in a parish setting.

I find it helpful and fascinating to read works from centuries ago to remind myself of past church issues (many have not changed) and see how others brought resolution through the Word. Our age has a history of believing that the church past is of no consequence of the current church, a blind spot of our growing advances in technology.

If you are interested in the history of the church across centuries, this is a great book that you can read devotionally (short sections) each day.

Sixth

The Gospel and the Modern World by D.A. Carson

The Gospel and the Modern World is a great book for those that are interested in making sense of the current church and how to see it theologically. Carson is a writer that people will need to read with a thesaurus open and in hand. But few in our lifetime have such a wide range of knowledge and works to humbly weave them together.

A few quotes that display that reality:

• In relation to the information age:“Information does not necessarily spell knowledge, and knowledge does not necessarily spell wisdom, and the incessant demand for unending sensory input from the digital world does not guarantee we make good choices.”

• In seeing and understanding church revival and reform:“Times of reformation and revival are driven by the rediscovery of the written word (Josiah) or by the exposition of that word (Nehemiah).”

• On discussion of the importance of the church over and above other institutions, charities, and parachurch ministries:“the church is the body that is not only getting ready for the new heavens and the new earth… (of the local gathering) it is the outpost of the new heavens and the new earth. It is the local church that constitutes the body of the counterculture.”

Please consider these great books as a way to slow down and open your eyes to a deeper understanding of the Lord and his church.

-Pastor John Richardson