I share a list of my favorite books I’ve read this year. These could make great gift ideas, or they could be ones you want to add to your own reading list. I close out the episode with updates about my two upcoming novels: “Enough” and “Change of Plans.”

“Authority: How Godly Rule Protects the Vulnerable, Strengthens Communities, and Promotes Human Flourishing,” by Jonathan Leeman

“Love the Ones Who Drive You Crazy: Eight Truths for Pursuing Unity in Your Church,” by Jamie Dunlop

“The Gospel: How the Church Portrays the Beauty of Christ,” by Ray Ortlund

“Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?” by Tim Keller

“Rejoice and Tremble: The Surprising Good News of the Fear of the Lord,” by Michael Reeves

“One With My Lord: the Life-Changing Reality of Being in Christ,” by Sam Allberry

This is a special interview with Chris Staron, the host of Truce Podcast. His high-quality show has helped me understand the complexities of several issues regarding culture wars. Chris has much to offer, and I highly encourage you to check out the interview and subscribe to his show.

The call to discipleship is essentially a call to fellowship with Jesus. As we are with him, he transforms us and sends us out to share the message with others. This call to be in relationship with the Triune God is a theme that runs throughout the Bible. From beginning to end, God is calling people into a deep, personal fellowship with himself. What a glorious thought, and one that impacts the way we pursue discipleship.

“Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith,” by Michael Reeves.

“One With My Lord: the Life Changing Reality of Being in Christ,” by Sam Allberry

In the midst of the emotions of the election, we need an anchor of hope. That hope is Jesus and the coming kingdom. The Bible calls us to recognize we are simply exiles here on earth as we await our true home. We seek the welfare of the land we live in, but we don’t get too comfortable here. This offers hope and perspective in an emotionalay-charged election season.

“Reconstructing faith” podcast by Trevin Wax.

“The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why are They Going, and What Will it Take to Bring them Back,” by Michael Grahm and Jim Davis. Zondervan, 2023.

The story of the prodigal son is actually the story of two rebellious children. We don’t often think about that because the older brother cloaked his inner state with outward decency. Even so, he still stood in need of forgiveness, just as much as his younger brother. This episode explores both types of rebellion and points to the grace of the Father for all who repent. I also share how I bring these themes out in my upcoming book, “Enough: The Story of a Modern Prodigal.”

When it comes to art, how do we “approve what is excellent?” (Phil. 1:9). Excellence involves both content and craft/skill. This flows from the fact that the Lord creates for beauty and for function, as well as from the fact that God Himself is beautiful. In our art, we should seek to reflect the fullness of God’s nature, both by creating Christ-honoring content, and doing so with Christ-exalting skill.

Jefferson Bethke. “Jesus > Religion.” (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2013). 162, 163.

“One With My Lord” by Sam Allberry is an excellent book delving into our union with Christ. The author clearly and compellingly explains a different aspect of this truth in each of the eight chapters. I give a brief review of the book and its highlights in this episode. The book is one I highly recommend.

“One With My Lord,” by Sam Allberry. (Crossway, 2024).

“One With My Lord” by Sam Allberry is an excellent book delving into our union with Christ. The author clearly and compellingly explains a different aspect of this truth in each of the eight chapters. I give a brief review of the book and its highlights in this episode. The book is one I highly recommend.

“One With My Lord,” by Sam Allberry. (Crossway, 2024).

https://www.amazon.com/One-My-Lord-Life-Changing-Reality/dp/143358915X

This is the first look at my upcoming novel, “Enough: The Story of a Modern Prodigal.” It’s based on the parable Jesus told in Luke 15:11-32, but with a few changes. This episode introduces some of those changes and shares about some of the characters. One of the biggest themes in the book is that sin is rooted in our hearts. Regardless of whether we have everything together on the outside, regardless of our environment, we are each accountable for our sin. And no matter what we have done, the open arms of the Father are always waiting for us.