Eighteen Book Recommendations

Just in time for your last-minute Christmas shopping, John and Matthew share 18 book recommendations in this week’s Behold Your God Podcast. These aren’t necessarily their favorite books of 2018, or the top 18 books that have changed their lives. But they are 18 books they highly recommend to have on your 2019 reading list and books to consider giving away as Christmas gifts. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell if you buy a few for yourself.)

There are books from several genres: Biography, History, Devotional, Commentary, and Theology. The full list is linked below in the Show Notes.

(~2:00-8:00) First up is biographical / historical. John discusses Amy Carmichael of Dohnavur by Frank Houghton, while Matthew commends Iain Murray’s Revival and Revivalism.

(~8:00- 20:00) Then the guys move to devotional literature. One of John’s picks is John Owen’s Communion with God. One of Matthew’s picks is John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. We also include links to two study helps for this particular devotional work below.

(~16:00-19:00) John and Matthew take a short detour into discussing the importance of reading in the Christian life. Their local body reads several books congregationally each year, but they aren’t necessarily a highly educated church. It is primarily a blue-collar church that finds green pastures in these helpful works.

(~20:00-28:00) The third genre for the guys is commentaries. Matthew opens this segment with The Inner Sanctuary by Charles Ross. It is a short, approachable commentary on John 13-17. John recommends a commentary he tries to make sure every family of his local church has in their homes, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels by J.C. Ryle. His writings on the Gospel of John are the jewel of the set.

(~28:00-40:00) Lastly, the duo focuses on theological works. Matthew’s pick, All That Is In God by James Dolezal is one book we are giving away. (Information on giveaway under Show Notes.) John showcases John Murray’s Redemption Accomplished and Applied. We are also giving copies of this way. Again, check below for info.

(~40:00-47:00) With so many good books mentioned in this week’s episode, John and Matthew share some wisdom regarding how to read difficult writers and pursuing a balanced diet in your reading.

Supporters

In the Supporter Appreciation Episode, John and Matthew discuss the use of evangelistic literature. These short works can be beneficial to believers who want to accurately, carefully, and concisely communicate the truths of the gospel. Some tracts are best for those who have no interest in God. Others are best for those who are religious but do not know God. The titles to all the tracts, with links to where you can find them are under Show Notes.

We give access to the Supporter Appreciation Episode as a tangible way of showing appreciation for those who partner with Media Gratiae monthly. If you are a monthly supporter, click here for the additional content.

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