I guess I should say that I would like to pack this book, but I think I loaned it out and it has not come back. Anybody have it? Anyway, this is a much shortened version of Grudem’s Systematic Theology, which I have on my Kindle. What I like about Bible Doctrine is that Grudem has made systematic theology readable, yet it is still quite thorough. It is a great resource for all Christians.
There was a day when I didn’t like coffee. Now I love it. It has become an acquired taste. I think the same could be said for a book like this one. The Valley of Vision is a collection of prayers in the Puritan tradition. No lightweight stuff here. Every word is weighty. And beautiful. These people were serious about their walk and their language communicates that. This book ministers to deep places in my soul. It makes the cut of 20 “Must Pack” books.
This one might not seem so inspiring at first glance, but it has truly revolutionized my understanding of how a church is to be structured and led. The premise is that the model of pastor as CEO of the church is more cultural than biblical. The church was meant to be led by a team of biblically qualified men–a plurality of elders. This idea has been such an encouragement to me in ministry. While a “lead pastor/elder” has some unique responsibility, the burden of leading a church does not rest on his shoulders alone. God knew what He was doing when He instituted this model for shepherding a church. So, Biblical Eldership makes the cut of 20 “must pack” books.
It is actually rare that I re-read a book that is not a Bible commentary, but this one is an exception. It is the story of a small church pastor who learns to depend on the Holy Spirit through prayer. These are lessons I am still trying to learn. The gut-level honest stories of struggle and triumph inspire me and give me hope. I have great appreciation for Jim Cymbala and all that God has done at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. It makes the cut of 20 “must pack” books.
Well, what did you expect? But the truth is that I LOVE the ESV Study Bible. The translation is the perfect combination of being literal (word-for-word) and yet readable. Further, the Study Bible is like having a whole library of biblical resources in one volume: book intros, study notes, maps, articles, and so much more. If I am taking only one book with me, this is it, no question. In addition, the purchase of the hard copy gave me access to all of these resources online as well. A must-have, must-pack resource.
Packing is always hard for me (how many socks will I really need for a week-long trip?). When you are packing for a cross-country relocation, the stakes are even higher. Add to that the magnitude of a pastor’s library and there are some tough decisions to be made: Which of these books do I really need? Which of them will I really use again? Which will I really miss if I don’t take them? The situation makes for a unique opportunity to evaluate which books I truly appreciate and why. So, for the next few weeks I want to share with you at least 20 books that I feel are “must pack” to make the trek to Michigan. Maybe some of them you will want to check out for yourself.
I mentioned this book on Sunday. I haven’t read it yet, but I plan to. I am becoming much more aware of my own spiritual ADD and can’t help but think that my phone has a lot to do with it–like literally rewiring my brain. Jesus said to Martha that really only one thing is necessary: spending focused, unhurried time at His feet. How badly is my phone messing with that one all important thing? What could/should I do about it? Stay tuned…
With My Own Eyes 