Let’s start out by telling our readers a little about you. (Current ministry context, family, joys in life, etc.)
I’m currently a High School Bible Teacher at Shiloh Christian School in Northwest Arkansas. Before this, I’ve been a student intern for several churches across America. My desire is to serve the local body in the area of millennial/discipleship ministry
I did my undergraduate studies at Ouachita Baptist University with a major in Christian Studies. I also minored in Biblical Greek and History. I did my graduate studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where my emphasis was in Biblical Studies. I’m currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in the arena of New Testament studies.
What are you reading right now?
Tim Keller’s book on Prayer. This is one of those books where the Spirit has really been convicting me of my prayer life and the need for prayer every day.
Tom Schreiner’s New Testament Theology: Glorifying God in Christ. This is my “go through it slow” book. The main idea of this book is how the New Testament authors center their theology in the glorification of God through the person of Jesus Christ. Schreiner structures his book through several main themes that are seen throughout the New Testament.
What are some books you regularly re-read and why?
Desiring God by John Piper. This has been an influential book for my walk with Jesus Christ. I was introduced to John Piper’s works about nine years ago and one of the first ones I read was Desiring God. This introduced to Christian Hedonism and really began my journey towards Reformed theology.
Knowing God by J.I. Packer. I was introduced to Packer very later in my life. But this book has really shaped and molded me in my walk with Christ. Perhaps the chapters on the “God only Wise” and “God’s Wisdom and Ours” are perhaps the best two chapters I’ve read on Wisdom.
The Hole in Our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung. In recent years, the doctrine of sanctification has been pushed by the wayside and the pursuit of holiness has been undermined by some. Kevin DeYoung has re-emphasized the importance of sanctification. In this book, DeYoung emphasizes the importance of the pursuit of holiness.
What biographies or autobiographies have you read recently?
- Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas
- John Calvin: A Heart For Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology edited by Burk Parsons
Speaking of biographies and such, is there any particular one that has influenced you a great deal in your faith?
John Calvin edited by Burk Parsons. Calvin is a polarizing figure in Christian history and Christian Theology. Some people love him, but other people loathe him. This book really takes a strong look at his preaching, his ministry in Geneva. John Calvin went through a lot during his ministry and his resolve to preach the gospel in spite of the circumstances around him.
If you were sitting down with a fellow believer and they asked for your top five book recommendations on Christian living, what would they be?
- Desiring God by John Piper
- Let the Nations Be Glad by John Piper
- Knowing God by J.I. Packer
- Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul
- Recovering Redemption by Matt Chandler
What books have molded how you serve and lead others in the gospel?
Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart by J.D. Greear. Greear is onto something when he talks about the sinner’s prayer and how it has really harmed the doctrine of assurance. He also discusses how assurance is not about the words you say, but the one who your faith is in. He highlights this idea from Keller. So Greear’s work has been helpful is guiding me into how to talk with people who may be questioning their salvation, struggling with doubt.
Expository Preaching by David Helm. Helm’s book has really helped me understand the why of Expository Preaching. This book has helped shaped how I teach and preach.
The Pastor’s Justification by Jared C. Wilson. With a desire to be a pastor, Wilson’s book has been instrumental in teaching me what the office of the pastor demands, looks like, and the trials that come with the call.
Finally, let’s conclude with this question. What are you learning about life and daily following Jesus?
I’m desperate for the things of God. Every time I read his Word, I’m aware of how much I need him in every aspect of my life. There are days when I long for the things of God because I feel drained. There are days that Jesus is so sweet and patient with me when I’m an absolute idiot. But oh how sweet His love, grace and mercy are in my life.
Matthew D. Adams serves as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, PCA in Dillon, SC. He graduated from Erskine Theological Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina with a Masters of Divinity. He lives in a small town by the name of Hamer, SC and is married to Beth.
