By: Corrie ten Boom

The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – June, 2019

As we enter the vacation season, many people are looking for a good book to take with them on their travels. I recommend The Hiding Place as a classic work that will encourage and inspire you to see the gracious love of God in some of the most difficult circumstances. In the dark days of Holland’s occupation during the Second World War, Corrie ten Boom and her family made the decision to work with the resistance by hiding Jews in their home. Arrested by the Nazis, Corrie and her sister were sent to a concentration camp, and their father was killed. However, it was in this terrible situation that God impacted Corrie’s life so that she would later go throughout the world telling people that “There is no pit so deep that the love of God is not deeper still.” This is a tremendous book that describes the faithfulness of God, the providential outworking of His grace, and the power of God to change lives.

The Bruised Reed

By: Richard Sibbes

The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – May, 2019

Banner of Truth has republished a marvelous work by the Puritan Richard Sibbes. This piece focuses on the text from Isaiah 42:3 that says, “A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoking flax he shall not quench.” Sibbes’ short treatise is medicine for the weary and battle-worn believer. The author presents Christ to those driven to God by their own failures, encouraging them not to lose hope even when sin and the devil seek to undo them. Dr. Sibbes emphasizes the patience of God who will not forsake His own children, but will willingly fan the smallest spark of grace into a flame that transforms them into the likeness of Christ.

If you are struggling with weakness and in need of great hope, I recommend Richard Sibbes’ wonderful book that will turn your attention to the Christ who is always gentle and compassionate to His own.

Praying Backwards: Transform Your Prayer Life by Beginning in Jesus’ Name

By: Bryan Chapell

The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – April, 2019

              Most Christians struggle with prayer. They’ve read the prayers in the Bible, they know that it’s good and right to pray, but they wrestle with a roller coaster prayer life. In their worst moments, they might even wonder whether prayer actually accomplishes anything.

              Bryan Chapell has written a helpful book for those of us who desire to draw closer to God through this means of grace. It is common in Christian circles to end our prayers with the words “in Jesus’ name.” Chapell challenges this traditional wisdom by encouraging the reader to understand exactly what is meant by that phrase and then by asking us to begin our prayers with it rather than to tack it on at the end. In this way, we are able to submit our prayers to the purposes and will of God rather than expecting God to fulfill our wishes simply because we added the words “in Jesus’ name.”

              After laying this important foundation, Chapell delves into the topics of how we are to pray the way Jesus prayed as well as what it means to pray without doubting, to pray in the Spirit, to be bold, expectant, and persistent in prayer, and to pray according to God’s wisdom.

              Chapell also reminds the reader that all three persons of the Godhead are active in our prayers. Since the Spirit moves us to pray, and the Son intercedes for us, our prayers become conformed to God’s will, and our desires are aligned with God’s purposes. In this way, we begin to seek those things God places in our hearts, and we can expect that we will receive what we request.

           I recommend this work to those wishing to strengthen their prayer life and draw closer to God through it.

Martin Luther: The Man Who Rediscovered God and Changed the World

By: Eric Metaxas

The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection–March, 2019

Eric Metaxas has given us a well-written biography of Martin Luther that avoids many of the misconceptions and legends that have grown up around the man. While neither slandering Luther’s character or painting a picture of a herculean figure, Metaxas has created a work that is balanced, informative, and enjoyable.

This well-researched study draws from recently discovered information that keeps the interest of those who’ve already read previous biographies of Luther. The political and ecclesiastical climate of the day is well-represented so as to clearly demonstrate the need for a reformation within the western church.  The author paints a refreshing portrait of Luther as a thoughtful scholar who is initially timid and respectful of authority but who becomes bold as he grows in his understanding of the God of Scripture. Nevertheless, Luther was no fire-eating reactionary, but a man truly concerned for the souls of his people and the honor of Jesus Christ.

Looking back at the Reformation from the year 2019, it is easy to forget the cost involved for men like Martin Luther. Metaxas reminds the reader that the stand this priest took for the gospel was life-threatening. He was in danger from the papacy, unpopular with many of the secular authorities, and often at odds with his fellow reformers who wanted to take a more radical approach to the situation. For better or worse, the Protestant Reformation changed the political landscape and paved the way for greater individual freedom in the west. Even more important, this movement unleashed the gospel, thereby freeing people from the bondage of ecclesiastical superstitions so that they might embrace the grace of Christ through faith. Although this is a rather lengthy work, I would recommend it to anyone wishing to see the providence of God at work through one of the most momentous events in history.

Indwelling Sin in Believers

By: John Owen

The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – February, 2019

Banner of Truth Trust has hit another home run with the publication of an abridged and modernized version of Indwelling Sin in Believers. The title might seem somewhat unappealing, but I have found Owen’s thought-provoking treatise to be a refreshment to my soul.

Not only does the author speak to the experience of every believer in his/her battle against sin, but he does so in a manner that gives us confidence in the grace of Christ, brings comfort to our hearts, and causes us to rejoice in our relationship with our all-sufficient God. As I read Owen’s material, I found myself enlightened by his insights regarding the inner working of sin and encouraged to draw nearer to God in sweet communion.

I recommend this book to the congregation of Grace & Peace Presbyterian Church as a companion to our current series through Galatians or simply as a cup of cold water to a thirsty soul.

https://www.heritagebooks.org/products/Indwelling-Sin-in-Believers.html