David’s Longer Books for Summer Reading

Stephen has posted a list of suggested books for summer reading, focusing on shorter books. I have to admit that I like to take a different approach with my summer reading. For me, summer means vacation, and vacation is a time when my mind is less cluttered, so I like to tackle bigger books during vacation. For a number of years I had what I called my “vacation book” – a big, think, somewhat difficult book. I couldn’t read it any other time of year – it was too hard (I tried). But on vacation, I could go for it with an uncluttered mind.

So if you’re like me and like to challenge yourself over vacation, here are some suggestions. I must admit, I haven’t read most of these (yet), but they are all on my list.

Expository Listening: A Practical Handbook for Hearing and Doing God’s Word By Ken Ramey

I’ve made a couple of references to this in previous blog posts, so I almost have to put it on the list. The weekly preaching of God’s word we receive each week at PCF is a great gift from God for us, and this book will help you understand better how to maximize that blessing.

Dig Deeper: Tools for Understanding God’s Word by Nigel Beynon and Andrew Sach

We also have the great gift of God’s word which we can study ourselves. If you’re sometimes frustrated when you read the Bible because it doesn’t make sense, or if you’re trying to figure out how to move from reading it to studying it, this book is for you. It will show you 16 tools you can use every day to better understand God’s word.

Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters by Joshua Harris

This book has one of the coolest promotional videos I’ve ever seen for a book. We all need to know God better, but often the idea of theology seems either scary or dull. Joshua Harris explains what he believes, and why each of these “points of theology” really matter for our lives.

Surprised by Grace: God’s Relentless Pursuit of Rebels by Tullian Tchividjian

If you’ve enjoyed studying Jonah in Life Group, you’ll enjoy this. Tullian looks at the story of Jonah to see God’s grace as he pursues rebels. If you’re not familiar with Tullian, he pastors a church in south Florida, and is the grandson of Billy Graham.

Rescuing Ambition by David Harvey

Stephen has recommended another book by David Harvey in the past, When Sinners Say “I Do”. In this book, he shows us how ambition and humility are not enemies, provided that our ambition is not for self-glory or selfish gain, but rather for the glory of God. I received this book for Fathers’ Day, and am looking forward to getting into it!

Bonhoeffer Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas

This one is a truly thick book! Bonhoeffer’s life is an amazing story – a pastor and church leader in Germany during World War II, he had to decide how a Christian responds to the evil of the Nazi Regime. Ultimately this lead him to participate in an attempt to assassinate Hitler, for which he ultimately lost his life.

The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul

In every book list I’ve posted, I always try to include one “Modern Classic”. We often talk and sing about God being holy. What does that really mean? Read this to get a glimpse.

Happy reading!

Posted by David Fenton on Jun 21, 12:47 AM