Gray Gardner

It’s always helpful for me to see what others are reading. I’m often hesitant to read something that hasn’t been recommended to me or that I have not heard of prior to picking up off the shelf. For those reasons I’ve decided to make a list (in no specific order) of the books that I have read in the last year, the books that am reading now, and the books that I hope to read in the coming months. I hope it is helpful for you.

Books I’ve read this year:

• The Mortification of Sin – John Owen — Owen argues from Scripture that the work of the Christian is to kill sin daily by the power of the Holy Spirit. Any serious follower of Christ should read this book.
• The Religious Affections – Jonathan Edwards — One of the most influential books I’ll probably ever read. Edwards hits it out of the ballpark speaking on the role emotions and desires (or affections) have in the Christian life.
• Concerning Christian Liberty – Martin Luther — Luther summarizes the Christian’s place in this world in one sentence: “A Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none; a Christian man is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to every one.”
• Sex Is Not the Problem (Lust Is) – Joshua Harris — A very practical yet profoundly theological approach to the problem of sexual sin. Harris offers no “self-help” solutions, but rather takes the reader to Scripture for a right understanding of sex within God’s design.
• A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World - Paul Miller — A book I will undoubtedly read again and again in the coming years. Miller writes mainly on his own experiences with prayer, but does so with wit and humility.
• The Reason for God - Timothy Keller — A great apologetics book that is easily accessible to the everyday believer or nonbeliever. Another book that I will reread in the future.
• What Is a Healthy Church? – Mark Dever — One of the most important books I can commend to you. Dever explains the importance of the local church and the “marks” that should be evident in a church that is healthy and biblical.

Books I’m reading now:

• The Grand Design - Stephen Hawking — I know what you’re thinking – You’re reading a book written from an atheist perspective?! Yes, yes I am. Hawking is brilliant in his theories about the creation of the universe. A difficult and challenging read.
• Scandalous - D.A. Carson — A compilation of sermons preached by Carson at a Resurgence conference a couple of years ago. Each chapter is a different sermon focusing on a different text, each showing how scandalous the cross really is.
• Future Grace – John Piper — Piper exhorts believers to kill sin by having faith in future grace, the promised rewards for obedience to God’s commands. An eye-opening exposition of a little-known truth in Scripture.
• Systematic Theology – Wayne Grudem — This is more of a textbook, yes. But it is written so that it can be read as an entire volume. This will probably be on my “currently reading” list for the next few years!

Books I plan to read soon:

• Radical Together – David Platt — Platt focused on the individual believer’s response to the Gospel in his first book, Radical. In Radical Together, he focuses on the church’s response to the Gospel.
• The Master’s Indwelling - Andrew Murray — I’ve wanted to read Murray for some time now. Hopefully by putting it on this list I will actually do it!
• The Cross of Christ - John Stott — In honor of Stott’s recent passing – and due to the fact that this book is regarded as one of the best ever written on the crucifixion – it seems necessary that I pick up a copy of The Cross of Christ.

What are you reading? Have you read any of the books I’ve mentioned above?