Pastor Trevor’s Book Recommendations - 2021

Bible, Theology, Church, Apologetics, and Evangelism: 

Christ from Beginning to End by Trent Hunter and Stephen Wellum – One of the best introductions for helping you see how the whole Bible hangs together. 

Man of Sorrow, King of Glory by Jonty Rhodes – This is one of the best theology books I have read in quite a while. It is a Christology (study of Christ) aimed at all Christians and it has a wonderful devotional element by weaving in the lyrics of the great hymn. 

How Christianity Transformed the World by Sharon James – Sharon studied under Francis Schaeffer and it shows. Superb little book with great apologetic and evangelistic value. 

Deacons by Matt Smethurst – Deacons are essential for the life and health of a local church, but their role has often been misunderstood or misapplied. Smethurst takes us to the Bible to make sure we have a biblical understanding of the office of deacon. 

Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung – Probably the best introduction to the Doctrine of Scripture that you can find. Very accessible and helpful. 

Gospelbound by Collin Hanson and Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra – Excellent collection of stories of God’s work through ordinary people in this very broken world. 

When the Stars Disappear: Help and Hope from Stories of Suffering in Scripture by Mark Talbot – A must read whether in a season of suffering, or in preparation for when those seasons come. 

Apatheism: How We Share When They Don’t Care by Kyle Beshears – Excellent book on how to share the gospel with people who are apathetic and couldn’t care less. 

History: 

The Indifferent Stars Above by Daniel James Brown – This is a fascinating and haunting history of the Donner Party which drills down into the mental and psychological suffering those in the party would have suffered. 

American History Volumes 1 & 2 by Thomas S Kidd – These two volumes are now available in a single book; Kidd does a phenomenal job of showing the highs and lows of American history. Kidd is a confessional Baptist so his is a distinctively Christian worldview, and he has a great deal of helpful information about the history of religion in America throughout.  

Land of Hope by Wilfred M. McClay – An excellent telling of American history from a classical liberal (i.e. true conservative) view.

Biography: 

Seven Leaders by Iain H. Murray – This is a collection of seven short pastoral biographies, particularly of men who served at times of revival whether small or large. Very encouraging. 

Pierre Viret by R. A. Sheets – This was one of the most encouraging reads of the year. Viret was an incredible man, called “the angel of the Reformation” who fought for truth but sought to be a peacemaker. Throughout his many sufferings he is one of the silent giants of the Reformation. 

The Forgotten Spurgeon by Iain H. Murray – This book is more of a theological biography seeking to correct modern evangelicalisms misrepresentation of the famous Baptist preacher.

Politics and Culture:

Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth by Thaddeus Williams – Perhaps the best book that engages the conversations around justice with biblical fidelity. 

The New Reformation: Finding Hope in the Fight for Ethnic Unity by Shai Linne – Shai’s is a gentle and humble voice on this topic which needs to be heard. 

Republocrat by Carl Trueman – Great insights into American politics by a very theologically conservative British theologian who has lived here for a couple decades. 

The Devil and Karl Marx by Paul Kengor – Haunting history of the thought of communist leaders written by a conservative Roman Catholic scholar. 

Fiction: 

Sedition by E. M. Wright – Beautifully written and captivating story (note: the author is a family friend so I may be biased, but I don’t think so). 

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson – Interesting story of a retired pastor written by an author who has won many awards. 

Leave It to Psmith by P. G. Wodehouse – Almost done with this laugh out loud comedy, I will be reading more Wodehouse in the years to come. 

The Big Book of the Year that I will Reread: 

Providence by John Piper – This has been called his magnum opus, and it is a biblical tour de force. Piper unswervingly keeps his finger in the Scriptures showing from every possible angle.