One of pastor John’s favorite things is reading books.  He has taken the time to recommend a few for our summer reading pleasure!

Theology

• Chosen By God by R.C. Sproul ~ This is a fantastic introduction to the Biblical doctrine of election.
  It is a good place to begin your study and, as always, Sproul puts things in plain language.
• Chosen in Christ by Richard D. Phillips ~ A very thorough study of Ephesians chapter one.
  It is a collection of sermons by the author, but his ability to explain the text and apply it is a blessing.

History

• Churchill by Paul Johnson ~ Perhaps the best single volume biography of this great man. The more
  I read about Churchill and his role in WW II, the more I appreciate so many aspects about him.
• Church History 101: The Highlights of Twenty Centuries by Sinclair B. Ferguson, Joel R. Beeke, and
  Michael A. G. Haykin ~ This is a very good introduction to church history for the laymen. It doesn’t get bogged
  down in details, but is useful for the laymen who simply wants to know the major snapshots of the history of the church.

Literature

• The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene ~ One of my favorite novels which reads almost like an old western
  set in Mexico. It is the story of a fallen Catholic priest who ultimately finds the redemption and courage to die a martyr.
• Moby Dick by Herman Melville ~ If I had to name an absolute favorite novel, this would be it. I try to read it every summer. I love the story and the almost biblical style of language in the writing. When one looks at the symbolism of the white whale representing God and Ahab representing sinful fallen man, it brings a whole new perspective to the book. I have loads of books just on this book alone.

Miscellaneous

• The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean by Susan Casey ~ I love anything about the ocean, so naturally I am fascinated by waves. This book is written in a popular tone as it explores many of the notorious waves of the seas. Some of the waves even have specific names!
• The Art of the Personal Essay: An Anthology from the Classical Era to the Present by Phillip Lopate ~ I have always enjoyed reading well-written essays. In particular, I enjoy reading essays by people who have contributed to history in one way or the other. This is
  a nice anthology of essays spanning centuries of history. Another brilliant conservative thinker and essayist was William F. Buckley Jr. Any of his works are well worth the effort.

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