People often ask me for study Bible recommendations. (A study Bible is essentially a Bible that includes helpful commentary and notes). In the past, I’ve given a mixed recommendation to several different resources. But, I’ve had reservations. It is my impression that the most significant study Bible in decades will hit the shelves this October.
You can read all about it here. For instance, you can read the introduction to the Psalms.
I’ve already ordered a copy and recommend that you do the same.
It would make a great Christmas present. Just think - - you could get some Christmas shopping done this early!
Paul Tripp has a new book out on Psalm 51, Whiter Than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy. (Psalm 51 is David’s Psalm of repentance, post-Bathsheba). If you do nothing other than watch this 4 minute clip, your understanding of how to read the Psalms will grow.
Most of the time, we think of anger as a negative thing. Perhaps, most of the time it is. But, in this insightful post, Tullian Tchividjian distinguishes righteous or God-centered anger from self-centered anger.
Tim Challies is commenting on a recent book about Boys Adrift. If you are raising sons, you probably at least need to look at Tim’s reviews. Like Fox News, he is usually fair and balanced. Click here. Or, order the book: Boys Adrift.
Given that the magazine Vanity Fair’s name originates from Sin City in Pilgrim’s Progress, one might not expect it to be a source of a thoughtful critique on hedonism and narcissism. But, this article on former President Clinton is credible and telling, and so sad. The article is written by, Todd S. Purdum, who is the husband of former White House Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers.
You can read the article here. I’ve intentionally linked to the print version in an attempt to spare you Vanity Fair’s sidebars, which by means of pictures, tend to promote the outlook that has gotten President Clinton in trouble more than once.
In 2007 a well known atheist named Athony Flew published an unexpected book. The title of the book is, There Is a God: How the World’s Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind. In it, Flew shared why he renounced being an atheist, though he is still not a Christian. I’ve not read the book, but it must be a fascinating read. You can read a review by R.C. Sproule here. (HT: Justin Taylor).
In the mean time, I will add Flew’s book to my online store. Slowly, I’m building a list of recommended reading.
You can see my online store here. Notice that there are categories at the upper right so, you can move away from this particular aisle. (Full disclosure. The theory is that if you buy a book via my online store, I get some sort of reward).
Al Mohler writes a provocative column on how the digital age is changing our attention spans. College students no longer simply listen to a lecture. Instead, they instant message, shop, and read online newspapers during college classes.
We need to be aware of how we are being shaped by technology. Read Mohler’s article here.
In 2005 a man named William P. Young wrote a book called The Shack. Originally, it was writtenfor his children. Soon, however, a small, little known publishing house, made it available to the public, and now it is wildly popular.
The fact that a work of fiction has gotten so much attention, especially coming from an unknown author and publishing house is surprising.
On another level, it is not so surprising. The goal of The Shack is to address the question, “Where is life in world so filled with pain?” This an itch that everyone knows. Any book that scratches, or appears to scratch, that itch in a compelling way is going to sell like ice cold bottled water in the Gobi dessert.
If you haven’t read the book, you know someone who has. And, because the Shack has a theological agenda, it is important that it be read discerningly.
I would encourage all of you to read Tim Challies’ excellent review of The Shack by clicking here. Tim’s review, not The Shack is the reading I am recommending here.
“. . . Chris Brauns has done a magnificent job in helping us understand the true nature of biblical forgiveness. Every Christian will profit from reading and applying this book.” Jerry Bridges.
“ . . . Unpacking Forgiveness is an engaging, convicting but emphatically encouraging treatment of this hugely important (and sometimes mindbogglingly challenging) part of life. Dr. Brauns writes from the standpoint of a faithful, wise, experienced and caring pastor . . .” Ligon Duncan, First Pres, Jackson, MS
. (Psalm 51 is David’s Psalm of repentance, post-Bathsheba). If you do nothing other than watch this 4 minute clip, your understanding of how to read the Psalms will grow.
. In it, Flew shared why he renounced being an atheist, though he is still not a Christian. I’ve not read the book, but it must be a fascinating read. You can read a review by R.C. Sproule 