That Book Post

Woooooah, two blog posts in as many weeks? What is happening? Haha, don’t get used to it because I can’t guarantee this type of consistency, but— as promised— here is a post that will include a couple reviews of books that I have devoured recently.

Gospel-Formed by J.A. Medders

I cannot — I repeat “CANNOT”— recommend this book highly enough. I believe I got it a year or two ago through a special deal on either Tim Challies’ website or the Gospel Coalition’s. Regardless, I regret not picking it up earlier. I had no idea the treasure trove of encouragements, tender rebukes, and exhortations to joy in Christ are hidden in the pages of this devotional. It is so packed full of scripture that, although I am being slightly hyperbolic, if every Bible on earth was destroyed, you could still have it entirely from the pages of this book. Paired with my personal devotion time (and by the wonderful power of the Holy Spirit) my love for and devotion to Christ has expanded so much more than I thought it could! Now, I only want more. Seriously. MUST READ.

To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain by Matt Chandler and Jared C. Wilson

Another “wow, Simeon, if you had only known” moment (actually, many of those moments). I’ve had this in my iBooks library for at least three years, and although I started it around the time I bought it, I lost interest a couple chapters in. HOW?! HOW DID YOUNGER ME LOSE INTEREST IN THIS GEM?! I thought that I understood what Paul means by the verse which is the title of this book. So much, in fact, that I have Ж Х С П (the first letter in every word in the Russian translation: Жизнь (life)- Христос  (is Christ), Смерть (death)- Приобретение (is gain)) tattooed on my arm. I was so wrong. Now, although I do have a more thorough understanding, I feel like there is so much more to learn. I’m not going to say much else besides “Dear friend. Read. This. Book.” (It’s only twelve chapters). Your faith will be so very uplifted and the truth of Philippians will ring true in your hearts. I’ll leave you with the final quote of the book “To live truly is Christ. And to die is incomparable, infinite gain.” May those words be truer than ever in your life.

Sovereign Grace by D.L. Moody

This one is a collection, mainly, of sermons by him on the title, but the end has three pretty cool interviews that he did with other prominent pastors of his day (sadly, my hero Charles Spurgeon is not one of those). This one was free in iBooks some time ago and, again, I had no idea what I’ve been sitting on. Please don’t make the mistake I did, but rather, go find a copy and read it! I honestly did not realize how deep into reformed theology Mr. Moody was, but now, my goodness, I want to read more of his writings! It has been said by many a Christocentric pastor, but I will quote him here (hopefully this will inspire you to crack open Sovereign Grace’s pages) “We work from the cross, not to it. We work because we are saved, not in order to be saved. We work from salvation, not up to it. Salvation is the gift of God.”  

Although there are several more books that I would like to tell you about (most by Pastor John Piper), I will leave it be... for now. I would like to clarify, too, that all these books have given me a better love for Scripture and —thank you so much, Holy Spirit!— I am able to more fully see and savor Christ and “the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are hidden in him” (paraphrase of Colossians 2:3). I hope that you will pick up one of these priceless writings and that, through them, you will gain a deeper love for our wonderful Savior and Friend, Jesus Christ. 

I will try very hard to write again soon!