The Top Ten Books That I Read In 2009

Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions
I greatly appreciate Greg Koukl's ministry.  He is very thoughtful and articulate.  If you are not listening to his podcast you should.  You can find it here.  This book will help you more thoughtfully and winsomely engage in conversation concerning spiritual matters with those who might not see things the same way you do.  It is very understandable and easy to read.  I found it to be very helpful.




The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible's Grand Narrative
Does God have a mission?  Christopher Wright thinks so and I am convinced after reading this book.  He shows you from Genesis to Revelation what that is and what that implies for our mission as Christians.  This book will greatly increase you passion for joining God in his mission and I think every Christian could probably use that shot in the arm.  It will also help you understand your Bible better and the importance of that goes without saying.



When People Are Big and God Is Small
This book will crawl up into your lap and get in your face.  But we all need it.  It's a painful read from that perspective but extremely helpful.  I still have the phrase "need people less and love people more" ringing in my ears.  Who doesn't struggle with the fear of man?  I know I do, but this book helped me attack that sin issue with new ferocity.




Learning Evangelism from Jesus
Jerram Barrs is a guy you may have not heard of yet but now you have.  This book does what it says.  You'll get a look into how Jesus did evangelism.  I found fresh angles that I have not considered before but more than anything I was simply encouraged to do what I know I am supposed to be doing, namely, telling people the good news of Jesus.




The God I Don't Understand: Reflections on Tough Questions of Faith
Christopher Wright is a gifted author.  He is clear, articulate, and full of grace.  His treatment of four hard questions concerning Christianity I found to be encouraging, honest, and humble.  He tackles four issues that most of us have wrestled with or will at some point.  You won't regret picking up this one.





God's Big Picture: Tracing the Story-Line of the Bible
Can you articulate the storyline of the Bible?  I couldn't until I went to seminary and then I was left wondering, "How come no one told me these things before?"  Seeing how all the Bible fits into one cohesive story make your Bible reading richer and gives context for how your personal story fits into The Story.  This is a huge need in our evangelical culture.




Death by Love: Letters from the Cross (Re:Lit)
A raw (painfully raw at times) look into how Mark Driscoll counsels a variety of different people in the midst of horrific situations.  I have read other books by Mark but this one, by far, is my favorite since it greatly increased my understanding of the Gospel and its implications.  You won't regret reading this one.





Just Do Something
I wish I had read this book in college.  It should be required reading for all high school and college students.  More than ever before this type of book will be immediately practical for young people who are growing up in a world that tells them they can do anything, be anything, and have anything.  The challenge becomes not being paralyzed by all the options.  This book will help accomplish that.




How Long, O Lord?: Reflections on Suffering and Evil
This is a book that every Christian should read once a year.  Each chapter approaches the issue of suffering from a different angle and every one seems vital for our understanding.  We did this book this past semester in our home group and everyone seemed to benefit from it.





Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families & Churches
Dr. Moore book is very very good.  He is a brilliant writer with a passion that is contagious.  You would think that a book like this might be boring if you are not interested in adoption but I think if you give it a shot you'll think the opposite.
Full of theological and practical wisdom, you'll catch a vision for why orphan care should be a priority for Christians.