Good Reads

I asked some the pastors and friends of Grace Partnership to share a book with us they are currently reading. Sometimes it’s the suggestion of a friend that spurs us on to keep reading, studying, and growing. Each of the books listed below are currently in the reading diet of pastors who are a part of or considering partnering with Grace Partnership. May the list below inspire your reading and discipleship!

“The Apostles’ Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits” by Al Mohler

“I am reading this book to strengthen my grip on the gospel truths on historic Christianity and why Creeds are important and necessary for believers today. Creeds separate truth from lies and real from fake. I hope to preach a series on this creed soon.” - Phil Courson, Abundant Grace Community Church, Gainesville, FL

“Proverbs” by Eugene H. Peterson

Our friend and pastor Volodymr Lanevych of Hosanna Church, Rivne, Ukraine, shared the following excerpt,

“Wisdom refers to skill in living…those who have acquired wisdom understand how the world works. They know about patience and love, listening and grace, adoration and beauty.”

“We Will Not be Silenced” by Erwin Lutzer

Our friend and pastor Randall Hildreth from Bay Point Christian Church, St. Petersburg, FL comments,

“It’s about the church’s response to socialism. His previous book, The Church in Babylon was very insightful regarding how to be the church in a culture of opposition.”

“LEAD” by Paul Tripp

Chris Jessee, Lead Pastor of Metro Life Church, Casselberry, FL says,

“Paul David Tripp has such a gift for getting to the heart of the matter. Lead is no different. Tripp captures 12 gospel principles for Leadership in the Church and helps strike the balance between concepts of leadership in organizations and theological truths, bringing the two together in the heart of any leader. No matter where you lead or level of leadership (even if it’s just learning to lead yourself…) Lead has core values that you’ll benefit from.”

“Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers” by Dane Ortlund.

Pastor Hector Cortes of Iglesia Morada in Orlando, FL says,

“Even though there is some controversy around this book, this book has helped me to ponder on Jesus love and mercy for me. In the aftermath of our sin and in the grief of our suffering, Jesus is never distant and impersonal. I highly recommend this book.”

Pastor Allen Snapp of Grace Community Church, Corning NY adds on this book,

“I too am reading Gentle and Lowly and find it strengthening and encouraging me in my relationship with Jesus. I didn't realize there was controversy over it, but after reading a bit of the criticism, I don't think the controversy is merited. The book is sound theologically and much of it comes from Puritan writings.

It is a book that richly and biblically reminds us of the heart of Christ for us, which is the heart of the Father and the Spirit, and encourages us to draw near to him in faith and assurance.”

“The Portable Seminary” Second Edition, Edited by David Horton

Aron Osborne, Director of Grace Partnership, quotes from the chapter entitled, “The Doctrine of Scripture”, which says,

“In Scripture, as in the person of Jesus Christ, the divine and the human elements are regarded as forming one indissoluble whole, dynamically united. The language is human; the message is divine. The human writers were God’s penmen, not merely his pens.”

Perhaps one or more of these books will make your reading list. Whether you are looking for a devotional or a book for more rigorous study, make reading a part of your daily rhythm.

“Against the Tide: Love in a Time of Petty Dreams and Persisting Enmities” by Miroslav Volf.

Friend and Pastor Jerry Cisar of Gulf Coast Community Church, St. Petersburg, FL reflects,

“It is a collection of his essays which he organized thematically into this book. The subtitle expresses its point well.

Volf is from a part of our family in Christ that we only visit once in a while so in many ways he is refreshing. It’s like reading the same Gospel truths expressed a different way.

These essays are poignant, each one pressing application of the Gospel in a culture that is infused with the self. Since it is a collection, each piece can be read in a brief setting. Keep your highlighter at your side. Expect to be challenged; expect to be stirred in your soul for God.”

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