Charles Spurgeon said, “Give yourself unto reading…He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own.” Reading can grow you spiritually. The pastors have been greatly encouraged and edified in our reading this year.
We believe the following books are timely and important for what God is doing in our church body, and we wholeheartedly recommend them to you for your summer reading.
Theology/Church
Knowing God
by J.I. Packer
This timeless classic of true theology is both profound and practical. It will transform and enrich your understanding of God and how we relate to him. Deep, rich, and satisfying— just like our God—this is a book that you will want to read on a regular basis for the rest of your life.
How the Nations Rage: Rethinking Faith and Politics in a Divided Age
by Jonathan Leeman
This “extended meditation” on Psalm 2 is both practical and thoughtful. It is a timely call to the church to display God’s love as a change agent to a world that is divided and “raging.” This book will challenge and inspire you to move forward in our age of cultural contention by living as a redeemed and hopeful church.
Race
One Blood: Parting Words to the Church on Race
by John Perkins
Not since the civil rights movement of the 1960s has our country been as engaged in conversations on race relations and reconciliation. This book calls and compels the people of God to be the church as it is supposed to be: multiethnic, yet “one blood” from every tongue, tribe, and nation. This is the heart of who we desire to be at MacArthur Blvd, an ethnically diverse body of believers exalting Christ, living in community, and advancing His Kingdom.
Christian Living/Devotional
Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus Through the Spiritual Disciplines
by David Mathis
If we think of the disciplines of the Christian life as mere duties, then we are thinking of them wrongly. Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship are “habits of grace” through which we hear his voice, have his ear, and belong to his body. This book convicts by reminding us that neglecting the daily habit of being with God robs all of us of the power, joy, and strength to glorify Him.
Family
Married for God: Making Your Marriage the Best it Can Be
by Christopher Ash
Whether single, engaged, married, divorced, or widowed this book will enrich your understanding of what God wants in marriage. This is a deeply biblical and countercultural description of the purposes, challenges, and joys of marriage. This book will challenge and remind you that the “key to a good marriage is not to pursue a good marriage, but to pursue the honor of God.”
Missional
Scatter: Go Therefore and Take Your Job with You
by Andrew Scott
All of us have access to a mission field ripe for harvest: the marketplace. This book calls for a “new era of missions,” one where every Christian—engineer, baker, teacher, or other—looks to their daily place of work and career to advance the kingdom of God. You don’t have to leave what you are doing or travel to a foreign country to be on mission.
Let the Nations be Glad
by John Piper
The ministry staff is currently working through this book as a team. Rooting missions work in worship, prayer, and suffering, this book places God’s glory at the center of missional and evangelistic living. This is a book that will motivate you to live on mission daily as we work together to lead people to trust and follow Christ.
We would love to hear your thoughts on how these books have ministered to you. Grace and peace!
The Pastors of MacArthur Blvd