Winter Reading List

We usually have a few books recommended here on the website (you have to be logged in to see it) during the year, but this winter everyone from the staff pitched in and we compiled a Winter Reading List. Here it is, put 'em on your 2011 reading list, and enjoy!

1. On Christian Liberty by Martin Luther. (Peter's pick) Easy to read, historically important, theologically significant, wonderfully concise; you can finish the book in an hour or two. This book is worth reading, especially given its historical significance and the fact that it succinctly summarizes Luther’s thoughts on justification. Why read about Luther’s thoughts from either his detractors or defenders, when you easily can read his translated works? Here, Luther sets forth the whole of the Christian life in two theses: "A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all." Some of his other more poignant thoughts of the book are as follows: "One thing, and only one thing, is necessary for Christian life, righteousness, and freedom. That one thing is the most holy Word of God, the gospel of Christ." And again, it is the "wedding ring of faith" which unites believers to Christ. "So let him who wishes to do good works begin not with the doing of works, but with believing, which makes the person good, for nothing makes a man good except faith, or evil except unbelief."
2. God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew. (Chuck's pick) As a boy he dreamed of being a spy undercover behind enemy lines. As a man he found himself undercover for God. Brother Andrew was his name and for decades his life story, recounted in God's Smuggler, has awed and inspired millions. The bestseller tells of the young Dutch factory worker's incredible efforts to transport Bibles across closed borders-and the miraculous ways in which God provided for him every step of the way.
3. Radical by David Platt. (Nathan's pick) It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily...BUT WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO LIVES LIKE THAT? DO YOU? In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple--then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a "successful" suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus. Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment --a one-year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring.
4. True Sexual Morality by Daniel Heimbach and 40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible by Robert Plummer (Matt's picks) * Daniel Heimbach examines the biblical teachings on sexual morality in True Sexual Morality as well as four counterfeit views that have crept into our "sexually revolutionized" society. He gives us an in-depth look at the moral relativism that has spread through our culture and opens our eyes to the effects that nonbiblical sexual choices have on individuals, the family, the church, and the culture. * In 40 Questions about Interpreting the Bible, New Testament Professor Dr. Robert L. Plummer tackles the major questions that persons ask about reading and undestanding the Bible. Questions include: Does the Bible contain error? Were the ancient manuscripts of the Bible transmitted accurately? What is the best English Bible translation? Is the Bible really all about Jesus? Do all the commands of the Bible apply today?
5. BONUS PICK: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis