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In 2018 I did not set out to read a certain number of books. My goal was to read the major works of Jonathan Edwards and of C.S. Lewis, with other books scattered throughout. As the year progressed, I stuck with that, but a) I decided to read even more Lewis—finishing virtually all his works—and b) I ended up noting that at my pace, I’d read almost exactly fifty books. So in November, I planned out the rest of the books for the year to end up at fifty even…
In the previous post, I listed the fifty books I was privileged to read in 2018, focusing on Jonathan Edwards and C.S. Lewis. In this post, I’ll give my favorites by categories…
Before I list the books I read, I first here want to try to describe what I think makes Lewis unique and why it was just a joy to read him. As noted in the title of this post, the best phrase I could come up with is “sparks and whispers of wonder.” These two nouns, “sparks” and “whispers” summarize much of Lewis’ distinctiveness…
Before I list and summarize the books I read this year by Edwards below, first I would like to describe why this man of God is so unique and powerful, and what it was like reading him. I took some time thinking about how to succinctly describe his writing and thoughts…
I briefly want to compare and contrast C.S. Lewis and Jonathan Edwards. I read both this year, and enjoyed them almost equally. They had some similar traits, but also were quite different. For the sake of my own ease, I’ll make a bullet list of similarities and differences—twelve of each…
Starting in September of this year, I decided to attempt to read the Bible in 90 days. In 2010, for some reason (I don’t remember why) I bought The Bible in 90 Days…
In the past two years by the grace of God I have read 150 books: I read 100 books in 2017; and this year, I was privileged to read Jonathan Edwards’ major works and virtually all of C.S. Lewis. I have taking in much information, therefore, in these past two years…
We need boldness to speak the gospel of Jesus Christ—a certain willingness, confidence, courage, and strength. Without such, we will shrink back from fear. The apostles prayed for boldness: “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness” (Acts 4:29). Paul inquired his churches to pray “that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19). The mystery was that it was always about Christ; specifically, the mystery was that in Christ both all peoples have access to God—both Jews and Gentiles. Proclaiming such a ‘mystery’ took boldness. It required valor…
My wife is laying on a hospital bed beside me recovering from surgery as I write. Twenty four hours ago, we were planning on waking up and celebrating our daughter’s one year birthday. Now, it’s seven at night and she’s trying to cope with the pain. It began at 2:30 a.m. for her: vomiting, stomach pain, cramps. Her pain built until 10 a.m. when we drove to the emergency room with our two daughters. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. she was in more severe, escalating pain—likely the most I’ve seen her in. Finally at 2:30 p.m. she was admitted into surgery. The diagnosis was appendicitis—and she’s pregnant, so her health and our son’s life is at stake. The surgery went well—to the praise of God, from the fruit of many’s prayers. But now she’s in recovery. Not the day we planned; but it was his. In it all, he was faithful still…
During Christmas season, we wonder in the stories about Jesus’ birth—recounting the star, the magi, the manger, and the shepherds. We sing songs praising the mystery of the Incarnation. We wonder at the angelic visions and pronouncements. The consolation of Israel is celebrated; Mary’s faith is upheld; Jesus’ purpose in coming and presence as Immanuel is exalted. This is good, right, and fitting. But what about Joseph?…
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