One of the hardest books to preach from, and perhaps the hardest to preach Christ from, is the book of Proverbs. Most preachers just leave it well alone. Here are some of the best articles I’ve found over the years that I hope will encourage more Gospel-centered ministry from this neglected book.
UPDATE: I should have mentioned that greatest living scholar on Proverbs, Dan Phillips, is presently preaching his way through the book in the series: God’s Revolutionary Wisdom. See also his wonderful book below: God’s Wisdom in Proverbs.
Best Gospel-Centered Books on Proverbs
Here are the best Christ-centered books on the subject. These are topical more than verse-by-verse exegetical/commentary style.
When Depression Comes Back
Addie Zierman: “And this month, I am being saved again. By the pills and the poets. By Church Ladies, who send emails and slip books into my hands in the foyer before service. I am being saved by the God who does not let me go – not this time or last time or ever…no matter how deep the darkness of my heart. He is risen, and I am being raised too. No matter how dark it gets, Easter comes again. Every single time.”
God, The Gospel, and The Gay Challenge
This is an important response to Matthew Vine’s evil attempt to make gay marriage a mainstream Christian value. You’re going to need to know this issue inside out in the coming years, so this eBook response from SBTS Faculty is a great place to start. Justin Taylor explains the background to the response.
Logos Bible Software are offering the following free resources. Can’t vouch for all of these but definitely worth getting 17 free Sproul books in the “Crucial Questions” series.
Faithlife Study Bible A free study Bible with layers of notes, infographics, videos, maps, etc. Originally Logos were going to sell this product for about $90, but the CEO decided it was something he wanted to offer for free. If this were available in print it would be 12 feet thick!
Noet App 10 free books for downloading the app, an additional 18 free books are available for creating an account or logging in to an existing account.
This is one of the most moving and instructive testimonies I’ve ever heard, with some great advice here too about how to minister to and counsel suffering people.
As I’m often asked for book recommendations on various subjects, I decided to put together an online list of my top ten books in various categories. Basically, if I was only allowed 10 books in my library on that subject, these are the ten I would choose. Other posts include:
Today I’m listing my Top 10 Biographies of Christian Men. Of course, these are personal preferences, so after my list you’ll find a poll where you can cast three votes for your favorite books and help others choose the best books on the subject. Click on “View Results” to see what books are most popular.
You can also add any book not on the list by writing the title in “Other” or in the Comments I’ll add these to the end of the post under “Reader Suggestions.”
Companion volume, The Full Harvest. These two books were the first biography I read as a new Christian in my early twenties, and I’ll never forget it. Hugely influential in my call to the ministry and in my view of the ministry.
Condensed and partly re-written version of Murray’s earlier two-volume set, Vol. 1: The First Forty Years and Vol. 2: The Fight of Faith. Personally I’d choose the two volumes, but you’ll need a lot of time. As so many battles Lloyd-Jones started fighting are still being fought today, especially over the nature and authority of Scripture, there’s so much to learn from his life.
First book I read in pastoral ministry and it left an indelible impression. I’ve got pages and pages of quotes that I still refer to and use. A passionate lover of Christ and of souls.
A balanced and realistic look at Livingstone’s life. It emphasizes the Christian motivation and mission behind his explorations, but it doesn’t sugar coat his shortcomings either, especially in connection with his wife that he left at home for years at a time.
Hugely influential in English-speaking evangelicalism for the past 60-70 years. No one has introduced more people to the doctrine and piety of the Puritans.
One of the most highly acclaimed biographies of recent times and rightly so. Beautifully written with many incisive observations. Also consider Jonathan Edwards by Iain H. Murray
US is An Oligarchy Not a Democracy
OK, this is a bit rich coming from the home of constitutional monarchy, but this is a sobering and solemn reminder of the present state of American government.
Explaining Hard Things to Our Children Christina Fox: “One day, my 7-year-old overheard talk about same-sex marriage on the news. On another occasion, I had to explain abortion and euthanasia. Then there was the time I had to break the news about a dear friend waging a battle against cancer. For many of these talks, I was unprepared. They came before I thought my children were ready.”
11 Alternatives To The Traditional 4-Year College (HT: Trevin Wax). “We’ve highlighted 10 very legitimate options to consider after high school. Some of them can lead to lifetime careers, and some of them are seen more as transition periods to decide life’s next steps — whether that’s ultimately to go on to college or to take another path. Either way, they should be considered right along with 4-year colleges for every high schooler out there struggling to try to figure out what to do next.”
Amazing Grace by Amazing Bagpipes
I dare anyone to watch this and deny there will be bagpipes in heaven. Amazing Grace starts at 2.37. Hope my Macbook Air is water resistant.
