I’ve been thinking this morning about some of the books which have ministered the most to my soul over the years. Here is a partial list which I limited to ten. None of these books can take the place of Scripture. But each one of them, in its own way, has nurtured me and shaped me as a follower of Christ. By enriching my soul, these books have enriched my preaching.
Again, the list is partial. I did not include the commentaries, theologies, or preaching textbooks which inspired me. The order is simply chronological (date of publication), not the rank of their impact or importance to me.
1. Confessions, St. Augustine
2. The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God, Jonathan Edwards
3. The Weight of Glory, C. S. Lewis
4. Worship: Rediscovering the Missing Jewel, Ronald B. Allen and Gordon Borror
5. The Supremacy of God in Preaching, John Piper
6. A Call to Spiritual Reformation, D. A. Carson
7. The Art of Pastoring, David Hansen
8. The Sacred Romance, John Eldredge
9. A Work of Heart, Reggie McNeal
10. Eat This Book, Eugene H. Peterson
What books have made the most impact you as a follower of Christ and a preacher of Scripture?
Posted by Steve Mathewson at 11:03 AM on November 2, 2007
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BOOKS ON PERSUASION: A seminary professor from India posted a comment asking about books on persuasion in preaching (the post was accidentally deleted). I'm scratching my head on this one. Duane Litfin's classic article, "The Perils of Persuasion," can be accessed online (just use Google to search for it). Litfin also discusses persuasion on pages 139-141 of his second edition of 'Public Speaking' (Baker Books).
If any of you (especially Jeff Arthurs!) have suggestions, please share them.
Posted by: Steve Mathewson on November 9, 2007
Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor is a jewel, Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies Against Satan's Device is priceless. John MacArthur, Ashamed of the Gospel; David Wells, No Place for Truth speak to modern errors. Classics are: Jeremy Taylor, Rule and Exercise of Holy Living; J.C Ryle, Holiness; J.I. Packer, Knowing God; Tozer Knowledge of the Holy.
Posted by: duane dunham on November 13, 2007
Thanks, DUANE, for some great recommendations. 'The Reformed Pastor' by Richard Baxter made a great impact on me, as did J. C. Ryle's 'Holiness.' I should have mentioned them and done a top 12!
Posted by: Steve Mathewson on November 15, 2007