June Reviews

This month has been very busy.  While I haven’t had much time to add new posts, I have done some reading…

I re-read Anointed Expository Preaching by Stephen F. and David L. Olford.  I am growing to value this book in many ways.  It is incredibly helpful in that every chapter is a presentation and expository treatment of a selection of text from the Scripture.  In addition, it addresses technical issues, provides templates and graphs that are very helpful, and emphasizes incarnational preaching.

I also re-read Preaching That Changes Lives by Michael Fabarez.  Upon first reading, I enjoyed it more than Anointed Expository Preaching.  However, while I continue to enjoy Fabarez’s work, I believe there is more “meat” in the Olfords’ work.  Nevertheless, Fabarez’s book should be read.  It is valuable in understanding the relational aspects of preaching and pastoring.

A new book that I had only previously read parts of was Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s, The Cost of Discipleship.  This book is spiritually challenging.  Essentially, Bonhoeffer tries to find balance between grace and works in the life of the Christian.  A key phrase within this work is, “Only those who believe obey…and only those who obey believe.”

Additionally, I read Conformed to His Image, a textbook on spiritual formation written by Kenneth Boa.  I generally enjoy Boa’s writing, but must admit…this read exactly how one imagines a textbook reads.  He presented nothing new save for discussion of some areas not typically addressed in spiritual formation.  An example would be his discussion on solitude as a necessary component in spiritual growth.  This book would be valuable to someone seeking a bit of information over many topics within spiritual formation without getting to deep in theology or technicalities.

I have several other books that I will read in July that look very interesting, so check back next month.