By Gods grace, I was able to clear through 45 books this year. The rest of the year will be consumed by the number 1 book on this list. Its kind of crazy looking back at the past year, I never wouldve thought I would be able to read as much because I never had. So here they are:
5. Generous Justice - Tim Keller
Whats a favorite book list without at least one book by Keller? This was an easy, relatively quick although confrontational read. Keller simply has a way of speaking to my heart and dissecting the idols that sway me either to legalism or licentiousness. Then he gives the Gospel and points me to a better way.
4. In my place condemned He stood- Mark Dever and J.I. Packer
I wept at the destructive nature of sin. And then rejoiced in how far God was willing to go to free me from the penalty of sin.
3. Les Miserables – Victor Hugo
This is easily my favorite novel of all time (at least for right now). Although Hugo isnt necessarily trying to point us to Jesus, the redemptive elements are rich throughout the book. Like all good stories, we can all identify with Jean Valjean and with the grace and love that set him free to give it to others.
2. Keep in step with the Spirit – J.I. Packer
During the summer, I did a short study and read about 20 books on the person and work of the Holy Spirit. I was hungry to learn and am happy to say that I am still a charismatic. (Insert joke here) Although I am not claiming to have read everything and am not claiming to have everything figured out, this book has been my favorite thus far. Packer handles everything with precision and has an unbelievable section on revival a la John Owen that I really enjoyed .
1. Systematic Theology – Wayne Grudem & Louis Berkhof
For clarification, I am not completely finished with Berkhof’s yet but should be by years end. I am young and am a student of theology, so reading these larger works fascinated me. These werent exactly heart-warming spiritual books that made me rejoice in God, but they helped me be disciplined in the study of God and made me more well rounded in my theology.
