Born Again
By: Charles Colson
The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – July, 2016
After quoting from Charles Colson’s memoir, Born Again in a sermon and shortly thereafter hearing a colleague quote from the same book, I thought it might be a good idea to recommend this for reading.
Although the events of the early 1970’s may seem like ancient history to many, the conversion story of Charles Colson is a timeless account of the power of the gospel to change lives. As the Chief Counsel for President Nixon, Colson had reached the pinnacle of worldly power only to be brought low by scandal and corruption before encountering the saving power of the cross. Born Again is the personal testimony of how Jesus Christ transforms the human heart and turns sinners into saints. I recommend this work for its historical content as well as the powerful spiritual message it proclaims.
What to read on summer vacation? … George Marsden is considered to be possibly the foremost living authority on Jonathan Edwards. His recent work, A Short Life Of Jonathan Edwards, is a nice introduction to the life and times of this important figure from colonial America. By weaving the life of Edwards together with insights about contemporary figures, such as Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield, the author presents a fascinating picture of the religious, social, and political landscape that lead up to the American Revolution and laid the groundwork for an evangelical tradition that continues to this day. In 145 pages Marsden offers a quick and enjoyable read about the man that many believe was the greatest theologian in American history. I highly recommend this as a book that may inspire as well as challenge the reader’s presuppositions about Christianity in America.
Originally released under the title Deceived By God?: A Journey Through Suffering, author and theologian John Feinberg updated and re-released this account of the struggle faced by him and his wife upon her diagnosis of Huntington Chorea. Although Feinberg wrestles with the hard questions that arise when tragedy strikes, he also relates the continuing faithfulness of God in all circumstances. The author includes observations of ministry that are useful for people who wish to encourage and walk with those facing troubling ordeals. I recommend this book for people trying to make sense of God’s will as well as those seeking greater insight on how to minister to the hurting.
Many people have heard of John Calvin, claim to adhere to his theology, and either malign him or embrace him as a reformer and theologian. Yet, many of those same people have never read Calvin. The reason for that is understandable. He was one of the most prolific writers of the Protestant Reformation. Simply knowing where to begin can be a daunting task. In Heart Aflame, Presbyterian & Reformed Publishers have compiled a delightful array of meditations from Calvin’s commentary on the Psalms and placed it in a format for daily devotional reading. Working his way through the Psalms, Calvin gives insight into the wonder of God and the outworking of our relation with Him. I highly recommend this devotional by a man that believed the Psalms to be “An anatomy of all parts of the soul.”
Is the Bible really sufficient to direct me in this 21st Century? Can the Bible actually be the authoritative voice in my life? In light of all that we know in this age, is the Bible truly necessary?
A Faith Worth Sharing was the last book written by John (Jack) Miller before he went home to be with the Lord. It is an encouraging and challenging set of accounts focusing on Jack’s own development as a witness of the Lord Jesus Christ. The author takes us through his own personal journey as he learned what it meant to share the good news of his Savior by stepping into the lives of others and finding the need for God’s grace in his own struggles. Although Jack Miller became a pastor and seminary professor, he found that he had lost sight of the joy of knowing Christ and had become more of a joyless pharisee than a joyful child of God. This short volume relates how the gospel not only restored a man who had become prideful, critical and disillusioned, but it reveals how all Christians can experience a spiritual refreshment by embracing the marvelous grace of God. I highly recommend this book as an encouragement in our spiritual journey.
