Top 15 Books of 2012
It’s that time of year again for top books of the year. Rather than give a list from 1-15 (I have 15 books on this list), I decided just to give you the fifteen books that I most benefited from reading this year. I encourage all of you to read these books in the next year (or two years as some as these are very long).
The Hole in our holiness by Kevin DeYoung (You can read my review here: http://servantsofgrace.org/2012/08/06/book-review-the-hole-in-our-holiness-filling-the-gap-between-gospel-passion-and-the-pursuit-of-godliness/)
Finish the mission by Dr. John Piper and David Mathis (You can read my review here: http://servantsofgrace.org/2012/11/06/book-review-finish-the-mission-bringing-the-gospel-to-the-unreached-and-unengaged/),
Shame interrupted by Dr. Ed Welch (my review of this book is forthcoming in the next few weeks)
Popologetics by Dr. Ted Turnau (You can read my review of this book here: (http://servantsofgrace.org/2012/10/26/book-review-popologetics/
The conviction to lead by Dr. Albert Mohler (my review is forthcoming in the next few months)
A Puritan Theology by Drs. Beeke and Jones (We are going to review this book here on Servants of Grace but it is going to take some time to read it and then write the review).
When your husband is addicted to pornography by Vicki Tiede (You can read my review here: http://servantsofgrace.org/2012/10/22/book-review-when-your-husband-is-addicted-to-pornography-healing-your-wounded-heart/)
Contend: Defending the Faith in a Fallen World by Aaron Armstrong. I wrote an endorsement of this book and said the following: “The Internet has brought with it online shopping at the click of your fingers, e-books, blogs, and podcasts, some of which are edifying for Christians to read and grow in their faith. Sadly, a great deal of the content on the Internet in addition to what is taught through movies, television, and radio today isn’t helpful but rather harmful to the daily walk of grace of the Christian. In Aaron’s new book he argues that in order for Christians to contend well to the glory of God they must love doctrine and people. This is precisely why I’m excited about this book, because it will help a generation of Christians to rightly understand from Scripture that to contend for the Gospel doesn’t mean compromising our doctrine or our concern for people, but in fact means loving God, His Word, and His people. I encourage you to pick up this book and learn from the Word of God and Aaron’s example about what it means to contend for the faith once and for all delivered to the saints.”
Real: Owning Your Christian Faith by Dan Darling. I wrote a review of this book here: http://servantsofgrace.org/2012/07/02/book-review-real-owning-your-christian-faith/ I also endorsed the book and said, “Rarely does a book come along that combines faithfulness to the Bible, the Gospel, and practical suggestions that is as raw and creative as Real Owning Your Christian Faith is. Real: Owning Your Christian Faith written by my friend Dan Darling, a Pastor and seasoned Christian will not only help second generation Christians but every Christian to understand what it means to not play religious games, but to be an authentic and honest disciple of Jesus Christ. Reading Real: Owning Your Christian Faith will be a wakeup call not only to those who are apathetic but will also help those who minister to second generation Christians.”
Gospel Deeps by Jared Wilson. You can read my review of this book here: http://servantsofgrace.org/2012/11/21/book-review-gospel-deeps/
Everyday Church by Steve Timmis and Tim Chester. You can read my review of this book here: http://servantsofgrace.org/2012/10/07/book-review-everyday-church-gospel-communities-on-mission/
Dangerous Calling by Paul David Tripp. You can read my review of this book here: http://servantsofgrace.org/2012/10/31/book-review-dangerous-calling-confronting-the-unique-challenges-of-pastoral-ministry/
Every Good Endeavor Connecting Your Work to God’s Work by Dr. Tim Keller. My review of this book is forthcoming.
Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City by Dr. Tim Keller. You can read my review of this book here: http://servantsofgrace.org/2012/12/19/book-review-center-church/
Finally, The Two Fears: Tremble Before God Alone by Chris Poblete. I endorsed this book and said the following: “In this excellent and easy to read book, Chris Poblete tackles a topic that is often overlooked in contemporary Christian theology. As he examines an unhealthy fear of man and the fear of God, he leads his readers straight into the throne room of the One who is sovereign in and over all things—the One who is wisdom from God—the Lord Jesus Christ. Read this book, but beware—rather than you examining it, the Word of God will examine you and encourage you to consider that the God of the Bible is far more majestic and glorious than you ever dared to imagine.”
Here are two lists by our contributors Aaron Armstrong who gives his top ten list of books for 2012 here and Jared Oliphint who does so here
About the Author:
Dave is a Christian, husband to Sarah, freelance writer, avid golfer, and the Director of Servants of Grace Ministries.
Dave Jenkins – who has written 922 posts on Servants of Grace.
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Great list. Many of those are on my list for this coming year. The books by Al Mohler and Tim Keller are at the top of my list. Thanks for posting!