Books You Might Read in 2020

Books You Might Read in 2020
Posted on January 7, 2020  in Book Reviews and Recommendations, Christian Classics, Holiness, Recommended Resources
One of the ways that we grow in Christian maturity is by reading. Reading helps us to discover, and delight in, the surpassing beauty of Christ. Christians should be a reading people for the very reason that God has revealed Himself in words. We are able to know God and obey God through His Word.
As we enter a new year (and new decade), why not increase our interaction with spiritual things via reading? It might be worth spending some of your Christmas money on one or two of the titles below.
 

1. Maturity – Sinclair Ferguson

Ferguson highlights one of the great themes in the New Testament, ‘maturity.’ The Bible calls all Christians, at all ages and stages, to mature in Christ (Colossians 1:28). A look through the table of contents alone is sufficient to show any prospective reader that this is a comprehensive and crucial theme for whatever age and stage they find themselves. Ferguson deals with topics like: the importance of maturity, symptoms of decay, the problem of sin, overcoming temptation, fighting the enemy, coping with suffering, serving faithfully, and running patiently.
 

2. Holiness: It’s Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots – JC Ryle

The Christian is called to live a holy life (1 Peter 1:13-16; Hebrews 12:14). Ryle unpacks what it means to be holy, why holiness is important, and by what means a Christian becomes holy. If you have never read Ryle before, you need to. Ryle is biblically driven, clear, concise, and extremely practical. Although this book was first published 140 years ago, it reads like it was written yesterday.
 

3. The Mortification of Sin – John Owen

This book is spiritual surgery; necessary, illuminating and uncomfortable all at the same time. Banner of Truth provides a great description of this classic work,
“…the famous Puritan John Owen shows the need for Christians to engage in a life-long battle against the sinful tendencies that remain in them, despite their having been brought to faith and new life in Christ.
Owen is very insistent that believers cannot hope to succeed in this battle in their own strength. He sees clearly that the fight can be won only through faith in Christ, and in the power of the Spirit. Fighting sin with human strength will produce only self-righteousness, superstition and anxiety of conscience. But with faith in Christ, and with the power of the Spirit, victory is certain. The temptations in times like Owen’s and ours are obvious on every side; the remedy to them is clearly pointed out in this practical and helpful book.”[1]
 

4. None Greater: The Undomesticated Attributes of God – Matthew Barrett

AW Tozer famously said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”[2] In our thinking and functioning, we often bring God down to our level; we trivialize sin and humanize/minimize God. In twelve remarkable chapters, Matthew Barrett takes us through a selection of the attributes of God and shows us that there is no one like Him. God is to be feared, esteemed, worshipped, obeyed, trusted and adored. This book will increase your awe of God as you explore His attributes.
 

5. Studies the in Sermon on the Mount – Martyn Lloyd-Jones

In this spiritual classic, Martyn Lloyd-Jones faithfully unpacks the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7), verse by verse.  This is one of those classics you will read again and again.
 

6. Christ-Centered Exposition

This is a terrific Bible Study series well worth collecting. The format is superb and the line-up of authors and editors speaks for itself. If you are looking for a resource/guide as you study Scripture, this series is an excellent option. There are thirty-one different volumes to choose from. Check out their webpage for more information and a list of the current publications.  https://www.christcenteredexposition.com/
Here are a few suggestions, for those of you looking for somewhere to start…

1. Hebrews – Al Mohler
2. Isaiah – Andrew Davis
3. Matthew – David Platt

 

7. New Morning Mercies – Paul David Tripp

Are you looking for a short, daily devotional for you and/or your spouse? This is a great resource! Every day Tripp provides his readers with a reflection on the Gospel and related readings from Scripture.
 

8. Tabletalk Magazine

This year our church has subscribed to Tabletalk Magazine. We will be receiving 25 copies of this magazine every month. They will be displayed on our library table each week. Please feel free to take one.
Tabletalk is a monthly magazine dedicated to helping you grow in Christ. With articles from pastors, scholars, and teachers, every issue of Tabletalk focuses on something different. Each issue contains feature articles, daily Bible studies, and columns touching on biblical, theological, and practical themes to help strengthen and encourage you in your faith.
Let us know if you need any other suggestions!
 
 
 
[1] https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/christian-living/the-mortification-of-sin/
[2] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/tozer-vs-lewis-whats-the-most-important-thing-about-us/