As 2017 draws to a climax it is time for a review of my top books from the year. Its difficult for me to cull down my list to just ten books, because I’ve read several outstanding works this year. Not all of the books were published in 2017, its just that I’ve read them this year. Either way, these are some of the books that had a great impact on me in 2017.
- Reading the Bible Supernaturally by John Piper. Last year my number one book was Piper’s A Peculiar Glory, which was the first installment of this trilogy on the topic of Scripture. This second installment was even better than the first. Whereas A Peculiar Glory was an introduction to the doctrine of Scripture, in this book Piper offers insight in how God opens our eyes to understand and apply Scripture.
- Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp. I am a father of a two year-old little girl. Parenting is still very new me, and as my little girls continues to grow the challenges increase each day. I believe my family is my first responsibility as a man. My wife and daughter are counting on me to lead and guide them, and this book radically helped me. If you haven’t read Tripp I highly recommend that you do. This is not just about parenting, this is a book that is baptized in the gospel. Tripp’s parallels between the Law and Grace in our salvation and then how those same principles are applied in parenting is some of the best I’ve read. Read this book if you are a new parent, a soon to be parent, or a veteran parent, the principles are worthy of your time.
- How to Understand and Apply the New Testament: Twelve Steps from Exegesis to Theology by Andrew David Naselli. This is more or less a textbook on how to interpret the New Testament. However, this is not your grandfather’s hermeneutics textbook. Naselli is a fine writer who does a great job of communicating how to properly interpret Scripture. I absolutely devoured this book in just a few sittings, and there is hardly a page that isn’t highlighted and annotated. A great introduction to the world of hermeneutics and exegesis.
- The NIV Zondervan Study Bible edited by D.A. Carson. While working on my Biblical Studies degree through Indiana Wesleyan University it was required that we used the New International Version Bible. I mostly use the English Standard Version, King James Version or New American Standard Version for reading and studying. Working on my bachelor’s degree gave me the opportunity to use this translation. I picked up this particular study bible and was blown away. Now, whatever you think of the NIV translation is of little concern to me, but the book introductions, notes, and articles are absolutely outstanding. I have three copies: one for my office, one at the house, and a digital copy. It’s that good! The ESV Study Bible is still my favorite study bible, but the Zondervan Study Bible edited by D.A. Carson is right on the ESV’s heels. This does use the 2011 edition of the NIV, which I really like. But again, the notes and articles are worth the price of the Bible.
- Lessons From a Third Grade Dropout by Rick Rigsby. I watched a clip of Rigsby’s commencement speech on the same topic on YouTube and was blown away, so I of course quickly downloaded his book. Rick Rigsby tells of the influence that his father, who was a third grade dropout, had on him. This is the kind of book I want to give to people who want to change, mature, and grow as a person and Christian. These are old and proven principles that will transform your attitude and life.
- Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff. I’ve got a few go-to motivational books that I read when I need a swift kick in the backside. Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art, and Do the Work are two standards on my digital bookshelf. I needed some new motivation that was the same message. That’s where Acuff’s Finish comes in. I am really good at starting projects, but rather mediocre when it comes to finishing. This blog was kind of like that. I had a lot good ideas but wasn’t finishing them. After reading Acuff’s book I’ve kicked my production into high gear and have seen great results. Acuff is a very good writer, one that will make you laugh as he motivates you to finish your work. A needed book at a needed time for me.
- Twelve Ways Your Phone is Changing You by Tony Reinke. Some books come at just the right time, and this one by Tony Reinke came at just the right time for me. Reinke is an editor and creator at DesiringGod.com, and he seems to always have his finger on the pulse of the culture and Christianity. There is no denying that we as a people are addicted to our smartphones and social media. Reinke is very even handed in showing the obstacles and opportunities with our smartphones. This should definitely be on your reading list.
- The Ephesians Letter by M.L. Walls. I bought some tools when I purchased my house a few years ago. Granted, I don’t know how to use most of those tools perfectly, but I do have them when I need them. My books are my tools, and sometimes I buy books knowing that they might serve a purpose later. I bought this commentary on Ephesians many years ago. Recently I was working on a sermon concerning the believer’s warfare, so I pulled this commentary off of my shelf. I ended up reading the entire commentary in about a week’s time. Bishop Walls is the consummate bible preacher and scholar. This is a very accessible commentary that will enrich your devotional life, and sermon preparation. You can contact the church on how you can purchase this commentary and many of the other works of Bishop Walls. You can also follow Pastor Tim Gill on Twitter and find more information about some upcoming resources along with Bishop Walls’ works.
- The Cost: What it Takes to Follow Jesus by Steven J. Lawson. I am a big fan of Steven Lawson’s writing and preaching. I waited patiently for a few months for this book to hit Amazon. Lawson doesn’t hold back many punches in revealing what it takes to faithfully be a follower of Jesus Christ. Lawson’s exposition of Luke 14:25-35 is outstanding. The message of the book is wonderful, but it is also a prime example of faithful biblical exposition.
- None Like Him: 10 Ways God is Different From Us and Why That’s a Good Thing by Jen Wilken. Last school year I taught our high school students about the attributes of God. When I came across Wilken’s book I immediately grabbed it. This is a short, but very succinct introduction to God’s attributes. Wilken’s writing is engaging and insightful. I hope to read more of Wilken’s works in the near future.
These are just a few of the standout books that I read in 2017. You can follow me on Goodreads to see what I’m currently reading, and intending to read. You can also watch me fail to reach my reading goals each year, if that’s your sort of thing.
You check out my top ten books from 2016 here.