Favorite Books of 2017

1. You read the book this year
2. You really liked the book and would recommend it to someone
3. The book was helpful to you personally
4. The book may be helpful to a significant part of our church

Afshin Ziafat

The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther

This classic work was Luther’s reply to a diatribe on free will written by Erasmus. This debate centered on whether human beings, after the Fall of man, are free to choose good or evil. This book was greatly helpful in articulating the biblical position of the depravity of man and understanding the pervasive influence of sin on the will of man. It makes clear that our only hope if the intervention of God’s grace.

God’s Word Alone - The Authority of Scripture by Matthew Barrett

This book looks at the historical and biblical roots of the doctrine that scripture alone is the final and decisive authority for God’s people. It walks through the progression of the critical debate between the Reformers and the Catholic church over final authority. This book calls the church today to have a robust view of the authority of Scripture alone in the face of a culture drifting away from biblical ideals.

The Legacy of Luther by RC Sproul and Stephen Nichols

This book is not merely a biography of the great Reformer, but it focuses on the life, teaching, and enduring influence of Luther.

Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by David Martyn Lloyd-Jones

This book is a classic by one of my favorite expository preachers of all time. Lloyd-Jones brings incredible insight into one of the most important sermons ever delivered - the Sermon on the Mount. As always, he masterfully applies it’s teaching to everyday life. 

Matt Boswell

From Weakness to Strength by Scott Sauls

Sauls walks through many challenges that leaders face, showing from Scriptures principles that move us toward humility and dependence in the work of leading. This book is pastoral and useful, especially for those in various forms of leadership.

Treasury of David by Charles Spurgeon

The investment Spurgeon made in writing the Treasury of David pays dividends to this day. While Spurgeon's sermons are his greatest gift to the church, this commentary on the Psalms stands as one of his greatest works. Any student of the Psalms would benefit richly from this set.  

Grant Castleberry

The Cross of Christ by John Stott

A Peculiar Glory by John Piper

Everyone's a Theologian by R.C. Sproul

Rachael Deatherage

Enjoy: Finding the Freedom Daily to Delight in God's Good Gifts by Trillia Newbell

Giddy Up, Eunice: Because Women Need Each Other by Sophie Hudson

Because He Loves Me by Elyse Fitzpatrick

Jeremy Herron

Messy Grace by Caleb Kaltenbach

The Tech-Wise Familyby Andy Crouch

Bob Patton

Missions: How the Local Church Goes Global by Andy Johnson

Well Sent: Reimagining the Church’s Missionary-Sending Process by Steve Beirn

Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better by Brant Hansen

Josh Stewart

Think Again: Relief From the Burden of Introspection by Jared Mellinger 

Luther's Commentary on Galatians by Martin Luther 

The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes 

Tempted and Tried by Russell Moore

Jennifer Grisham

Confessions by Augustine

Answers to Prayer by George Müller

40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible by Robert Plummer

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport 

And the book of the year, which made the lists of three staff members:

The Imperfect Disciple: Grace For People Who Can't Get Their Act Together by Jared Wilson 

Matt Boswell: 

This book is for those of us who feel like our growth in Christ has been slower than we had hoped. Jared Wilson writes with all of his winsomeness in communicating the work of God’s grace that sustains us as we walk with Jesus.

Jeremy Herron: 

This book was a great reminder to me that the goal is not my own perfection because I cannot be Jesus (nor do I want to replace him!). Over and over again, this book encouraged me to be who God made me to be and to rely on Romans 5:8 as I continually make mistakes in this life God has given me. God uses all people, even as broken as we are, to do his will for his glory and I'm thankful to be part of his plan for creating and nurturing disciples. 

Josh Stewart: 

This may be my favorite introductory book on discipleship. Rich with gospel applications, Wilson has written a book to help those who feel burnt out, overwhelmed, or defeated by their inability to fix themselves. It reminds us of our constant need for Jesus and helps us see that discipleship involves resting in him, not in our own ability.