Reverend Bubba’s Intermittent Book Awards: Focused on Growth
Once in a while, we have some gaps in our rotation in our Faith Matters column in the Fowler Tribune. Since I heard there was one this week I thought it would be a great time to add some book recommendations for you. Specifically, as we head into the Lenten season in the church year I wanted to focus on recommending some books that may spur you on to deeper growth this spring. They are split between older books (written over 15 years ago) and newer books (written within the last 15 years).
Clint Walker, First Baptist Church, Fowler
Theology
Old: Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin—Agree or disagree with Calvin, he is one of the most thought-provoking, thorough and systematic Christian theologians ever to live. Men like Thomas Aquinas and Karl Barth may have written more. I’m not sure either wrote as well as Calvin.
New: The Jesus Way by Eugene Peterson—A tour de force of how the Old Testament points to Jesus as the way, and how Scripture identifies enemies of the way of Jesus in the New Testament. I read this book like I drink a good cup of coffee, slowly savoring every sip.
Christian Leadership
Old: In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen—If you want to be challenged to be the leader Jesus was and wants you to be instead of the leader the world and the contemporary church demands. Warning: This could really change your entire life. Based on the temptations of Jesus and how he responded.
New: The Emotionally Healthy Church by Peter Scazzero—Helps churches become more emotionally healthy places by challenging church leaders (volunteer and paid) to deal with the toxic issues that will inevitably bleed into their family and church lives.
Devotionals
Old: Words to Live By by C.S. Lewis—Arranged by topic, this set of readings organized by topic gives you brief readings to think about. This book challenges its readers to live a thoughtful Christian life in every sense of the word.
New: Cross-Shattered Christ by Stanley Haurwas—A brilliant reflection on the seven last words of Christ.
New: Reflecting the Glory by N.T. Wright—One of the world’s brightest and most prolific theologians also does an excellent job of writing for the everyday person. This devotional is smart and down to earth, and perfect for study during the Lenten Season
