It’s time to revive my “Three Things” series where I suggest three resources or ideas on a particular topic. Most of my entries in this series are focused on three books that I think are important to know about. I restrict my list to three to keep things simple and memorable.
Without further ado, here are three book recommendations from my recent sermons in 1 Samuel.
1. God in the Dock by C. S. Lewis
Clives Staples Lewis may be the most famous for his The Chronicles of Narnia series, but he also wrote several books on Christian apologetics. As a scholar and a theologian at Oxford and Cambridge, Lewis looked for ways to present the claims of Christianity to the modern world. This book is a collection of essays and speeches on ethics and theology. The title is taken from the layout of a courtroom, where the defendant is seated in “the dock” awaiting the conclusion of the trial.
2. He is There and He is Not Silent by Francis Shaeffer
Francis Shaeffer is another familiar name in the area of Christian apologetics, philosophy, and ethics. His writings helped believers counter the claims of peers who were swept up in the secularization of the Western world in the last century. This book has helped shape my understanding of the dynamics that went on during Israel’s search for a king. Invisible does not mean non-existent, uncaring, or uninvolved.
3. I & II Samuel: A Commentary by Robert P. Gordon
This recommendation may be a little too “on the nose,” since it’s a commentary on the text. But this book has a lot of value as a study companion for the books of Samuel. Dr. Gordon balances length with depth while providing some rich theological insights. He includes some deeply devotional nuggets without falling into the trap of making the story all about the human actors. The book’s outlines follow the narrative of the Biblical text, making it easy to access.
These books are available at your favorite retailers and may even be found in your local library.
You can find an introduction to my “Three Things” series here: https://wp.me/p1hRxR-lc
Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash
Thank you Jeremy!