Here are some highlights of books, articles, and podcasts that were helpful to me in January.
Books:
None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different from Us (and Why That's a Good Thing) by Jen Wilkin
God is not like us, and that is good. If God were just like us than he wouldn’t be God. In fact, the essence of idolatry is remaking god in our image.
I’m trying to read more on the doctrine of God this year and Jen Wilkin’s None Like Him was the first book on my list. She highlights the attributes which are unique to of God (though we desperately want them). Attributes like Immutability: God does not change, Omnipotence: God knows all things, Eternal: God is not bound by time, and Sovereignty: God alone is in control. Contemplation of God, simply for who he is, was central to worship and discipleship in the church for ages. Wilkin encourages readers to contemplate God for who he because it leads us to deeper worship, enduring faith and an abiding rest in him. If you need a resource to help you contemplate God, read None Like Him.
Amidst Us Our Beloved Stands: Recovering Sacrament in the Baptist Tradition by Michael Haykin
Michael Haykin is a top notch church historian. In this short book he explores the Baptist tradition around the Lord’s Supper. I grew up in churches where the language around the Lord’s Supper was merely a memorial. A service where we commemorated and remembered the death and resurrection of Jesus. Haykin shows, this is not the normal for the Baptist tradition. The Lord’s Supper is a means of grace, where Christ is present among his people and nourishing their faith through the elements of the bread and the cup.
A bit more academic but still readable. If you like history, and are interested in theology, this is a good read.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J. K. Rowling
Entering 2024 I had never read any of the Harry Potter books or seen any of the movies. At Christmas though, my nephew told me how awesome the movies were and that I had to watch them. I trust him, but since I’m a bit nerdy I’m reading the books first.
I really enjoyed this first book in the series. The ending is a bit clunky, but the magic, the mystery, and the friendship between Harry, Ron and Hermonie drew me in. I’m looking forward to reading more (and probably watching the movies also).
I also read some good articles. Here’s a couple of them
If Perseverance is a Gift Why Do People Seem to Fall Away from Faith? Wyatt Graham
How Should Christian Writers Pursue Their Well-Being? Ishah Broad
Sermons/Podcasts
John Piper’s sermon from the TGC conference on Exodus 3 is excellent.