June Book Recommendations

Chris Parrish

Conscience: What It Is, How to Train It, and Loving Those Who Differ, by Andrew Naselli

In a time when there are seemingly endless opportunities for believers to be divided, it is incredibly important for Christians to understand and utilize their God-given conscience. Naselli helps us understand our consciences from a Biblical perspective and how to live at peace with other believers with whom we disagree.

Scott Riessen

Confronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin

Apologetic books are great resources to help one “make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” Rebecca’s book will encourage you in your faith and provide you with biblical defenses that are understandable and replicable for your use in discussions with your family and friends. The more we understand our faith and are equipped to answer tough questions, the more likely we will be to engage others in Gospel-centered conversations.

Adrian Mathenia

Rhythms of Grace by Mike Cosper

Mike does a wonderful job of conveying deep biblical truths about worship in a way that is inspiring, challenging, and very accessible. He has a passion to see God’s church unite around a robust worship ministry that serves the whole body, not just one segment. You will learn many of the terms and ideas that provide the framework for how we do worship at Buck Run.

Will Morris

Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis 

In one of his lesser-known fiction books, C.S. Lewis uses narrative to comment on the glory of God and the brokenness of mankind. Much like in the Narnia series, Lewis’ imagination paints striking pictures that are not only beautiful to read but also dripping with poignant messages about spiritual things. This first installment of the “Space Trilogy” is as thought-provoking as it is exciting.

Matthew Morvay

Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Suffers by Dane Ortlund

Ortlund writes this book for the discouraged, the frustrated, the weary, the disenchanted, the cynical, the empty. Those running on fumes. Those whose Christian lives feel like constantly running up a descending escalator. Those of us who find ourselves thinking: ‘How could I mess up that bad- again?” That is to say, it’s written for ordinary Christians. Many Christians know what Jesus has done-but who is he? Throughout 23 chapters, Ortlund shows us verse after verse what the heart of Christ looks like for his people. Gentle and Lowly is a comforting book that will increase your knowledge, incite your worship, and inspire your devotion.

Wesley Noss

Suffering by Paul David Tripp

Sometimes life hurts. Paul helps us to trust God in the middle of hurt, pain, and confusion. He identifies traps to avoid and gives biblical truths to embrace that leads to peace and comfort. In our suffering, we are not alone and can find hope in God’s promises that allows us to move forward through our trials with the hope of the Gospel. Very real and practical.

Dave Parks

The Pursuit of Holiness and The Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges

I’m going to couple these two little books together because they were written to accompany each other. Anything by Jerry Bridges is good, but these two are among my favorites of his writings. Both of these are smaller books with short, readable chapters for the common, simple, everyday follower of Jesus. These two books deal with a common subject: holiness, godliness, God-like-ness. He draws everything he writes from the texts of Scripture so that he counsels us about how to deal with sin in our everyday lives and walk with God from the words of God Himself. I am on my third re-read through many of these rich pages. If you are serious about personal sanctification, these brief messages will convict you and then give you resolve, strength, and encouragement to “pursue holiness.”