The following is a list of the books the AR editors and reviewers read in 2022. We have included the reads of the founders of #26books. Check-in daily, as we will be adding one contributor to the list daily.
Tammy Bauske (AR Reviewer)
Perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God by Robert E. Henson is an older book that presents a full view of holiness. Henson divides his book into two sections. The first part covers the principles of biblical holiness, and the second covers the applications of biblical holiness. Henson’s book prompted me to re-examine my heart. As I was reading, I asked myself, “Am I merely following a set of arbitrary rules, or do I understand the heart of our holy God?”
Maintaining Divine Operation by Eli Hernandez was published in 2021. This book is a transcript of a series he did with a youth group shortly before his passing. Hernandez delves into the biblical issues of the heart; humility, motives, submission, and discipline. Initially, I thought this book would be about the gifts of the Spirit. In reality, this book is about perfecting the fruit of the Spirit. Hernandez’s book both challenged and changed me. Maintaining Divine Operation is one that I will read annually.
One More Year by Greg and Vanessa Marshall, written in 2021, is an intense testimony of the faithfulness of God. This transparent view into the lives of pastors and church planters is a reminder that God writes long stories and never forgets a promise. Authentic, captivating, and beautiful, One More Year demonstrates the timeless truth that Christ is made strong in our weakness. Marshall’s book was unquestionably my favorite book of the year.
Adam Solorio (#26Books)
Jesus Through the Eyes of Women by Rebecca McLaughlin is a beautifully written book. It’s thoughtful, accessible, encouraging, insightful, and deeply biblical. McLaughlin examines the ministry and revelation of Jesus in the Gospels through His encounters with specific women. I Highly recommend this book; it is one of my favorites this year.
What God Has To Say About Our Bodies by Sam Allberry is much more than a cursory examination of biblical themes on the body. He considers, with great care, what it means to be human and redeemed, to live in two worlds at one time. Allberry does a fantastic job of exploring what the Bible says about our temporary but important time in our physical bodies and the future hope of resurrection, which is the believer’s great hope. Excellent, insightful, and instructive book!
The Forgotten Jesus by Robby Gallaty is an excellent study on the nature of Christ and his types and antitypes in scripture. Gallaty’s research is detailed, with valuable footnotes. This book is a treasure for both the student and teacher of the Bible. The Forgotten Jesus is a thorough look at Jesus and how He presented Himself in the scriptures. Very, very well done.
W. Clay Jackson (AR Editor/Podcast Host)
Surprised by Scripture by N.T. Wright. Typical Wright surveys the contemporary landscape of theological and ecclesiological controversy and then explains how we got here by elucidating cultural-historical trends. He then offers a way forward that transcends the categories of old debates by shedding the ideological constraints that birthed limitations in the first place in favor of a fresh reading of what God is doing in the world through the lens of scripture and the Spirit. Nearly any of his books will profit the pastor-theologian, but this one offers modular chapters that each explore a particular topic. You won’t agree with all his conclusions, but you will be the better for listening in on the conversation.
Ten Words by L.J. Harry. Harry’s distinctive speaking style (erudite, witty, organized, and anointed) is reflected in this accessible exploration of the Ten Commandments. He balances enjoyable reading with devotional and theological edification. This book would benefit the new Christian, the disciple, the home group leader, and the weary bi-vocational pastor searching for an engaging, doctrinally sound midweek study series. Buy multiple copies; you will want to share this one with friends.
The Unflawed Leader by Stan Gleason. This imminently readable book is leadership gold. In a time when transparency is often interpreted as disclosing every leader’s shortcomings until the point seems to be justifying the acceptance of failure, Gleason takes the opposite approach. He examines the only unflawed leader Jesus in the circumstances of His ministry to reveal the timeless principle of what it means to lead in a godly fashion. Keen insights, personal stories, and telling examples will keep you turning pages and making notes, then turning back to reread. Gleason’s book is full of anecdotes and the wisdom you’d get if you could converse with him late at night over coffee after the meeting has finished and dishes cleared from dinner. You need this book, as do the other leaders in your circle.
Pual McGee Jr. (AR Reviewer)
Holiness: Rabbinic Judaism and the Graeco-Roman World by Hannah K. Harrington. This book is now a treasured resource on my bookshelf. I do not keep every book I read. However, some books stand out more than others and find a place of permanence in my library. The divisions of this book are simple yet insightful. It covers the Holy One, the holy house, the holy land, the Holy Word, and the holy people. It contrasts these areas within Judaism and the Graeco-Roman world. Similarities and differences in practice are noted. The thread of holiness between these areas on the Judaism side provokes appreciation. The holiness of the Holy One impacts, influences, and permeates every other sphere. They are holy because they are in a relationship with Him. This book will be one of those books I’ll read several times. I highly recommend it.
The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr is one of those books I have talked about with others. I have shared information that I found fascinating. If neuroscience or neuroplasticity interest you, then several chapters and scientific studies are mentioned in this book that you’ll thoroughly enjoy. Furthermore, if you are a history buff and are enthralled by the development of things, this book is your read. A strong foundation and background are built for the book’s first half to support the conclusion. You will anxiously look to the bibliography of The Shallows for other books it mentioned and referenced. Your “Want To Read” list will grow after reading this.
This book is for every Christian who desires to find their place in the church or those that have been involved for a long time. The concept developed throughout is that serving in the church is not for the entitled members alone or some group of special ops ministry elite. It is the privilege of every Christian who is part of the functioning body we call the church. Please read my entire review here: http://apostolicreview.com/2022/06/21/church-work/.
JAMES CHESSOR (AR PODCAST PRODUCER)
The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul is a must-read classic. I have seen this on several favorite lists. I am glad I picked it up this year. This book is a must-have for every minister’s library.
Father Hunger by Douglas Wilson. I reached out to my friend Pastor N.S. Whitely for a recommendation. I was looking for a book on the crisis of Fatherlessness. He directed me to this book. It is fantastic, and I highly recommend that every man add this to his library, especially if you are involved in a men’s ministry or group.
Leading with a Limp by Dan Allender. Allender’s title intrigued me, so I bought it. It had a profound effect on my leadership perspective. Here is my favorite quote from this resource. “We should expect
anyone who remains in a formal leadership context to experience repeated bouts of flight, doubt, surrender, and return.” Why would this be God’s plan? Why does God love the reluctant leader? Here is one reason: the reluctant leader is not easily seduced by power, pride, or ambition.”
Tony “Book Mentor” Mansinho (AR Editor)
Church Together by Daniel C. Dickard. The subtitle captures the theme, “THE CHURCH OF WE IN THE AGE OF ME.” Labeled a “Christian leadership book,” Church Together is designed to give pastors, church leaders/members a working plan to overcome the greatest underlying threat to the church today, me-centered individualism. Part 1 examines the three rotten fruits of individualism within the Church of Me — consumerism, pragmatism, and the extremes of legalism and liberalism — and how to spot each of these problems. Part 2 offers a solution, through five relationships of surrender, that churches can take to make a healthy transition from the Church of Me to the Church of We … that is, become the Church of We in the Age of Me. A very convicting message!
Notable Qoute: “The Christian life has never been about trying your best. It is not about ‘living for God.’ It is not about doing your best. The Christian life is about dying to self and allowing Christ to live His perfect life through you. And how do you die to yourself? The graveside burial of self occurs daily at the altar of prayer.”
Luke as Narrative Theologian by Joel B. Green. This volume comprises (20) essays by Joel B. Green on the Gospel of Luke; he has written the Luke commentary in the NICNT series, Eerdmans, and the Acts of the Apostles. This book contributes to our understanding of the theological and narrative unity of Luke-Acts by pursuing a variety of topics, including conversion, prayer, miracles, baptism, Christology, etc. It is not easy to read; however, it does, in many places, strengthen and confirm Apostolic doctrine, especially in regards to Acts 2:38. Unfortunately, it is very pricey. Save up, or wait for PB.
Notable Quote: “Peter’s address, especially the extension of the citation from Joel to include the phrase, ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord (i.e., Jesus — Acts 2:36) will be saved; and by the directive that people should respond to the message of salvation by being baptized ‘in the name of Jesus Christ’ (Acts 2:38), appropriating the blessings available through him and signaling one’s allegiance to him … Salvation can properly be called the theme of Acts.”
The Anointing of Sonship by Douglas D. White. Volume 2 (of 4) of Bishop Doug White’s “A Prelude to the Pulpit Series.” Re the back cover: “Explores the purest pathway to true anointing in an individual’s life. Through the principles of this book, you will find God’s chosen plan to develop further the potential anointing that lies in every individual.” This book delivers! Presents the Father-Son ministry principle throughout! Get it, and the other volumes as well. Actually, get extra copies for your sons.
Notable Qoute: “The only thing I don’t have is a spiritual son who wants to carry my anointing when I’m gone.”
