I like to write, but if you look at the dates on my previous blog posts, then that may be a shocking statement to you. Your bewilderment would be a reasonable conclusion, but I’ve been busy, and I’m hoping that’s changing.
I’m going to try to make this topic (what I’m reading, preaching) a more regular thing. Think of it as mini-book reviews or links to good articles, as well as occasional previews of what I am (or will be) preaching.
First, what am I preaching? This Sunday, Luke 18:31-43, about Blind Bartimaeus (though just calls him a blind beggar). Next Sunday, Luke 19, the Triumphal Entry. The Sunday after that, a section from Luke 20 about the Resurrection. What’s the common thread? I’ve been intrigued by these passages, which all take place near the Passion week, that seem to highlight the compassion of Jesus, even as He has the weightiness of His pending death approaching. (Pastor Josh, our assistant pastor, is sprinkling in Titus sermons when I need a break, and he’ll also give a Good Friday message soon.) After that, I’m planning to preach through the book of Hebrews, with minimal breaks. I’ve never preached or taught through that whole book before, and I’m anxious about it – anxious-excited and anxious-nervous, all at the same time.
What am I reading? A lot. That’s not a brag; it’s actually a recommendation to not do as I do. I have a really bad habit of reading widely and slowly, having way too many books partially completed at one time. That said, here are a few of my current favorites:
Daily Doctrine by Kevin DeYoung – Do the words systematic theology intimidate you? Then why not start small with this book, which includes daily (hence the title) 500 words entries on 260 different topics of systematic theology. Why 260 entries? 52 weeks x five entries per week = 260. It’s designed to be read daily, with margin for days when you’re too busy. I try to read it every day, but I took all of Spring Break off when we were out of town, and I think I’m still on track. As DeYoung says in his introduction, this book can be used as a daily devotional (what I’m doing), a reference tool (what a friend at church is doing), or as a mini systematic theology that you can read straight through.
New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp – Also a daily devotional, with even shorter daily entries than the selection above. (For comparison, DeYoung’s entries are about a 1.25 pages, and Tripp’s take up not quite a full page.) I’ve had this Tripp book on my shelf for years, and for some reason, I actually have two copies. At the risk of oversimplification, Tripp focuses more on heart application (but not at the expense of doctrine) while DeYoung focuses more on clear explanations on key doctrines (but not at the expense of application). I’ve enjoyed spending a short time on both books daily, at least on most days.
Those are two books I’m reading now, and I’ll save the rest for later. If you need something to read (in addition to your Bible, of course, which you can read fully in a year in just 15 minutes a day), I’d recommend both.
-Pastor Matt, 4-4-25