Top 100+ Online Resources on Reading

March 2, 2016 David Murray 1 comment

A student recently asked me for “some tips on how to improve reading speed and retention.” As I’m sure it’s a problem many of you wrestle with as well, I thought I’d share some of the resources on reading that I’ve gathered over the years. Here are the best books on reading followed by blog posts on various reading related subjects. For more resources and Top 10 lists of books on various subjects click here.

Books

How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading by Mortimer Adler. The classic bestselling book on how to read with speed, comprehension, and retention.

Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books by Tony Reinke. A Christian classic on reading. Overlaps with Mortimer Adler in parts, but it’s all from a consistent and comprehensive Christian worldview.

The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment by Tim Challies. Not a book on reading as such, but does focus on one of the vital skills for reading wisely and profitably as a Christian.

How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines by Thomas Foster. Entertaining, enjoyable, educational read.

There are also many speed reading books out there. But perhaps the greatest skill we need to develop today is How To Read Slowly.

And now the blog posts by category.

New Books in the PRTS Library

March 2, 2016 David Murray 0 comments

One of the privileges of working at PRTS is the weekly arrival of new books to supplement our library of 70,000+ books. Here are the new picks this week.

March 1 Library Books

Note: Inclusion in the library does not necessarily mean endorsement of contents. We often have to buy books to help students with specialist theses and also to train students to think critically. Also, a book new to the library does not necessarily mean a new book on the market.

Global Church: Reshaping Our Conversations, Renewing Our Mission, Revitalizing Our Churches by Graham Hill

“Christianity seems to be in decline in the West. But many churches in Asia, Africa, Latin America and other parts of the Majority World are growing rapidly. Western Christianity can no longer claim to be the center of the global church. Before long, two-thirds of Christians will live in Asia, Africa and Latin America. What does this mean for global Christian mission?”

Transforming Homosexuality: What the Bible Says about Sexual Orientation and Change by Denny Burk and Heath Lambert

“What does it mean for homosexuality to be transformed? Denny Burk and Heath Lambert challenge misconceptions on all sides as they present biblical answers on sexual orientation and change. Ultimately, hope rests not in heterosexuality, human effort, or willpower, but in Christ.”

An Historical Account of My Own Life, Vol. 1 of 2: With Some Reflections on the Times I Have Lived in (1671-1731) by Edmund Calamy

“Dr. Calamy has been long distinguished by his Defences of English Protestant Nonconformity, and by his very interesting biographies of Nonconformists.

Dictionary of Daily Life in Biblical and Post-Biblical Antiquity: A-Da by Edwin M. Yamauchi and Marvin R. Wilson

“Most Bible dictionaries on the market today completely miss a number of cultural and sociological issues of interest to the study of the Scriptures. The Dictionary of Biblical and Post-Biblical Antiquity aims to correct this. Written by a world-class historian and a highly respected biblical scholar, this unique reference work provides background information on the world of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament from 2000 BC to approximately AD 600.”

Encyclopedie Nadere Reformatie by WJ op ‘t Hof

For those of you up on your Dutch. “The first part of the three-volume encyclopedia about the Reformation… The first part contains hundreds of mini-biographies of the men and women who directly or indirectly have played a role in one of the most exciting trends in the Dutch church history.”

Great Commission, Great Compassion: Following Jesus and Loving the World by Paul Borthwick

“Go and do. Jesus commands it, and the world needs it. Word and deed go together. One without the other is not enough. We follow Jesus into all the world, and we follow his example in all we do.”

The Radical Pursuit of Rest: Escaping the Productivity Trap by John Koessler

“We live in a culture that values activity, achievement and accomplishment. Whether in our careers, churches, schools or families, busyness is the norm in our lives, and anything less makes us feel unproductive and anxious. We have to work all the harder, then, to pursue true rest in a 24-7 world that is constantly in motion.”

Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey by Craig L. Blomberg

“Jesus and the Gospels prepares readers for an intensive study of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the events they narrate. Craig Blomberg considers the historical context of the Gospels and sheds light on the confusing interpretations brought forth over the last two centuries.”

Contending with Christianity’s Critics: Answering New Atheists and Other Objectors edited by William Lane Craig and Paul Copan

“Contending with Christianity’s Critics is book two in a series on modern Christian apologetics that began with the popular Passionate Conviction. This second installment, featuring writings from eighteen respected apologists such as Gary Habermas and Ben Witherington, addresses challenges from noted New Atheists like Richard Dawkins (The God Delusion) and other contemporary critics of Christianity concerning belief in God, the historical Jesus, and Christianity’s doctrinal coherence.”

The Shaping of Ulster Presbyterian Belief and Practice, 1770-1840 by Andrew R. Holmes

“This is a historical study of the most influential and important Protestant group in Northern Ireland – the Ulster Presbyterians. Andrew R. Holmes argues that to understand Ulster Presbyterianism is to begin to understand the character of Ulster Protestantism more generally and the relationship between religion and identity in present-day Northern Ireland.”

Abandoning America: Life-stories from early New England by Susan Hardman Moore

“Abandoning America brings together the biographies of hundreds of people who crossed over to New England in the 1630s but later braved the Atlantic again to return home. Some went back quickly, disenchanted or discouraged. Many invested everything to make New England a success, yet after ten or twenty years resolved to leave America – against a backdrop of civil war and Cromwell’s commonwealth in England, and personal dilemmas about family ties, health and prospects.”

Builders of the Chinese Church: Pioneer Protestant Missionaries and Chinese Church Leaders by G. Wright Doyle

“From 1807, when the first Protestant missionary arrived in China, to the 1920s, when a new phase of growth began, thousands of missionaries and Chinese Christians labored, often under very adverse conditions, to lay the groundwork for a solid, healthy, and self-sustaining Chinese church. Following an Introduction that sets the scene and surveys the entire period, Builders of the Chinese Church contains the stories of nine leading pioneers–seven missionaries and two Chinese…”

After Imperialism: Christian Identity in China and the Global Evangelical Movement by Richard R. Cook

“…in May 2008 over a dozen evangelical scholars (Chinese and Western) from the United States, Hong Kong and Taiwan, came together to address issues of Christian and evangelical identity. The “Inter-Cultural Theological Conversation” was titled “Beyond Our Past: Bible, Cultural Identity, and the Global Evangelical Movement.” This collection of papers from the conference demonstrates the value of the careful balancing of judicious appropriation of the social sciences and thorough biblical inquiry.”

Wise Man from the East: Lit-sen Chang (Zhang Lisheng): Critique of Indigenous Theology; Critique of Humanism by Lit-sen Chang, edited and translated by G. Wright Doyle, translated by Samuel Ling

“How should Christianity relate to Chinese culture? That question has engaged the minds of both Chinese and Western Christians for several centuries. Lit-sen Chang (1904-1996) was brought up as a Buddhist and educated in the Confucian classics as well as in modern political philosophy. He later delved deeply into Daoism as well. After World War II, he founded Jiangnan University in order to “exterminate” Christianity and revive Eastern religion. Conversion to Christianity in 1950 radically altered the course of his life… His Critique of Indigenous Theology and Critique of Humanism are published here in English for the first time, and provide excellent examples of his wide learning, insightful analysis, powerful writing, and firm commitment to historic Christianity.”

On the Road to Siangyang: Covenant Mission in Mainland China 1890-1949 by Jack R. Lundbom

“On the Road to Siangyang tells the story of a Swedish immigrant church in America undertaking, soon after its organization, a mission to central China that would last nearly sixty years, from 1890 to 1949, when Christian missionaries had to leave the Chinese Mainland upon the establishment of the People’s Republic.”

John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress: Themes and Issues by Barry Horner

“In this volume Barry Horner highlights the major themes running through the allegory and discusses important issues concerning its relevance and how best to make it known in the twenty-first century. He shows how, rightly understood and suitably presented, The Pilgrim’s Progress has a vital message for today’s generation and is a most valuable tool both for evangelism and for encouraging the spiritual growth of believers.”

The Heart of Revelation: Understanding the 10 Essential Themes of the Bible’s Final Book by J. Scott Duvall

“Taking a thematic approach to Revelation, Duvall helps you focus on the vision of hope Revelation provides believers by exploring the biblical themes of God, worship, the people of God, the Holy Spirit, our mission, the Lamb of God, judgment, perseverance, and more, allowing you to understand and apply the message of Revelation–right here, right now.”

Check Out

March 2, 2016 David Murray 0 comments

Blogs

The Secrets I’ve Learned from 30 Years of Church Planting | Ed Stetzer, The Exchange
“I love church planters and I love church planting. That’s why I want to share with you a few of the secrets that I’ve learned from my thirty years of experience. They have proven to be true across denominational traditions, so my hope is that these secrets will prevent unnecessary heartache and help you in your journey of planting and multiplying.”

5 Truths We’re Keeping from Our Youth Groups | Jordan Standridge, The Cripplegate
“When I do campus evangelism, I often start the conversation this way: ’What are two reasons you stopped going to church?’ I’ve asked hundreds of students that question, and the most common responses make me think that church youth groups have failed dramatically.”

Ministry In The Tough Times | Peter Mead, Biblical Preaching
“Ministry is usually challenging. Sometimes it can be brutal. What do we need for ministry in the tough times? I have found help from an unlikely source – the book of Ruth. ”

Some Benefits from Pastoral Visitation | Erik Raymond, TGC
“By pastoral visit I mean that you the pastor go to the homes of your church members. You set up a meeting and come to their house to talk about their Christian walk. You spend some time talking with them about a range of things to gauge how they are doing and how you can serve them. After a time you pray with them and leave. That’s it. Sounds pretty easy right?”

Seven Reasons Why Your Church Should Have a Ministry to Widows | Thom Rainer
“Though the biblical mandate to care for widows should be sufficient motive for our churches, consider some of the struggles widows experience. These seven factoids should give you at least a glimpse of the need for ministries to widows in your church.”

Five-fold Paradigm to Voting with Christian Wisdom | Harry Reeder
“Given the position I have taken (for multiple reasons) to not publicly endorse candidates, I feel it is important to pastorally share a Biblical process by which candidates for public office should be evaluated.”

Puritan Preaching: The Art of Prophesying | Bob McKelvey, Meet the Puritans
“Perkins, a converted drunk, became one of the most famous Puritans ever through his teaching at Christ ‘s College Cambridge. He did much to further the cause of preaching among Puritans through his book, The Art of Prophesying”

Kindle Books

Leading on Empty: Refilling Your Tank and Renewing Your Passion by Wayne Cordeiro ($1.99). Written by a megachurch pastor, but still extremely helpful book for anyone in a burnout situation.

We Need to Talk: How to Successfully Navigate Conflict by Dr. Linda Mintle ($1.99). We need all the help we can get.

How to Preach without Notes by Charles W. Koller ($2.99). It might not persuade you to go note-free but it will help you cut down your dependence on notes.

Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness by Eric Metaxas.

New Book

The Enduring Authority of the Christian Scriptures by D. A. Carson

Video

D. A. Carson | Eerdmans Author Interview Series
And here’s a video about the book.

Four Reasons to Remember Your Creator in Your Youth

March 1, 2016 David Murray 0 comments

Our enemy says, “Youth for pleasure, middle age for business, old age for religion.” The Bible says, “Youth, middle age, and old age for your Creator.”

But as it’s especially in our youth that we are most inclined (determined?) to forget our Creator, it’s especially in these years that we must work to remember our Creator (Ecc.12:1). Remember that He made you, that He provides for you, that He cares for you, that He watches you, that He controls you; and remember that He can save you too. That’s a lot to remember, but it’s much easier to start memorizing when we are young!

1. Energetic Years
That, however, is not the only reason why God commands us to remember our Creator in our young years. It’s also because these are our most energetic years.

Why wait until we are pegging out, until we are running down, until our gas is almost empty, before serving our Creator? The God who made us deserves our most active and healthy years: our bodies are strong and muscular (well kind of), our minds are sharp and clear, our senses are receptive and keen and sensitive, our enthusiasm is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, our wills are steely and determined. Remember Him in your energetic years.

2. Sensitive Years
Why do far more of us become Christians in our youth than in our middle or old age? It’s because youthful years are sensitive years. Without giving up our belief in “Total Depravity” we can say that it’s “easier” to believe and repent when we are younger. It’s never easy, but it’s easier. And it’s easier because as we get older our heart is hardened thicker, our conscience is seared number, our sins root deeper, our deadness becomes deader.

Let’s use our youthful sensitivity and receptivity to remember our Creator before the evil days of callous indifference set in.

3. Teachable Years
We learn more in our youth than in any other period of life. That’s true in all subjects, but especially true in religious instruction. All the Christians I’ve met who were converted to Christ late in life have expressed huge regrets about how little they know and how little they can now learn. I encourage them to value and use whatever time the Lord gives them, but they often feel they have to study twice as hard to learn half as well.

4. Dangerous Years
Young years are minefield years: hormones, peer pressure, alcohol, drugs, pornography, immorality, testosterone, etc. Few navigate these years without blowing up here and there. Dangers abound on every side – and on the inside. How many “first” temptations become “last” temptations! How much we need our Creator to keep us and carry us through this battlefield.

Remember to Remember
Let me then give you some helps to remember your Creator during these best of years (and “worst” of years):

Be persuaded that you have a Creator: Get well grounded in a literal understanding of Genesis 1-2 and shun all evolutionary influences.
Get to know your Creator: Study His Word using sermons, commentaries, and good books. But also study His World using microscopes and telescopes and any other instruments He gives.
Join with your Creator’s friends: Build friendships with other creatures that love to remember and respect their Creator.
Follow your Creator’s order: He set and gave the pattern of six days work followed by one day of rest for contemplation of His Works.
Ask for your Creator’s salvation: Even if your rejection of your Creator has broken you in pieces, He’s willing to re-create you in His image.

And while we’re on the subject of salvation, I don’t want elderly readers to be discouraged. Compared to the aeons of eternity, you are still in your “youth.” It’s not too late to remember Him, before these evil days come even nearer.

Extracted from The Christian Life.