T4G Four Books

I asked a couple of the T4G guys for four book they benefited from in the past year (whether published in 2009 or not). Here’s what I received from C.J. Mahaney and Mark Dever. I commend these books to you. I’ve only read one in each of their lists.

C.J. MAHANEY

Books I have benefited from (big time) this past year:

Adopted into God’s Family by Trevor Burke

J.I. Packer once wrote, “To be right with God the judge is a great thing, but to be loved and cared for by God the Father is greater.”* Packer was speaking of the greatness of the doctrine of adoption, the topic of Burke’s fine book. You may find that you are delighting in your justification before God, but have not invested much time in studying your adoption by God. If that is the case, this book will help you contemplate and comprehend the personal, passionate, particular love of God for sinners like me and you!

He Who Gives Life by Graham Cole

As one who combines reformed soteriology with charismatic belief and practice, I am always looking for books on the person and work of the Holy Spirit that are both doctrinally sound and pastorally perceptive. This book represents some of the best and most balanced writing I have read. And I would say the same about his book written for a more popular audience, Engaging with the Holy Spirit.

Shepherds after My Own Heart by Timothy Laniak

When we think of leaders we often think of a board of directors or a CEO. But when the Bible speaks of leaders, it uses the word shepherd. This pervasive metaphor is too often neglected in discussions about church leadership. But it is this metaphor that Laniak thoroughly unpacks in this book. He effectively presents the identity of the pastor as shepherd and the centrality of this image in Scripture. The shepherding metaphor that Laniak describes will serve pastors. It will help protect them from the intrusion of the managerial model of leadership, it will inform them of their biblical roles and responsibilities, and it will sustain their souls for the pastoral task.

How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins

Though not written from a biblical worldview, it does reflect a biblical emphasis on humility. And given the presence of pride in my heart and life, I am always looking for books to help me discern pride and cultivate humility. This book provides a sobering reminder of the presence and consequences of pride in the business world. Insightful, and humbling!

MARK DEVER

In addition to “more of Spurgeon’s sermons !!!! and his autobiography (which I am kind of always reading)” Mark mentioned three books that he has really benefited from in the past year.

The Trellis and the Vine by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne

The Unquenchable Flame: Introducing the Reformation by Michael Reeves

The Unlikely Disciple by Kevin Roose

Tomorrow: Books to Look For from Zondervan and Moody.