Top 5 Favorite Books I read over 2024
5. God’s Messiah in the Old Testament: Expectations of a Coming King (2020)
By: Andrew T. Abernethy and Gregory Goswell
A critical look into the Hebrew Scriptures, Andrew Abernethy and Gregory Goswell examine famous Old Testament passages that are often referenced to point to Jesus as Messiah. While both authors affirm the New Testament, they also caution against common errors of forcing Jesus into parts of Scripture that simply don’t speak of him. Instead, this book calls for a deeper, more mature look into how the Old Testament promises a King to represent God and lead His people, and how Jesus fulfills that role.
4. The Fathers on the Future: A 2nd-Century Eschatology for the 21st-Century Church (2024)
By: Michael J. Svigel
This was one I was looking forward to for a long time, and it didn’t disappoint. Michael Svigel gives a thorough Eschatology leaning toward a Pre-Millennial view of Christ’s return, but with a lens of 2nd century Church Fathers. Instead of seeking influence by pop culture Pre-Mil leaders like Tim LaHaye or C.I. Scofield, Svigel looks extensively at Irenaeus, who was one of the first Fathers to write their full eschatological view.
Svigel makes an interesting argument, both criticizing the pop culture presentation of Pre-Millenialism and wanting to distance his proposal from such figures, while also speaking against the oversimplified assumption that the early Church was always or at least mostly Amillennial. While he acknowledges Amillenialism becoming the dominant view by the 4th century, he argues that the majority of Fathers from the late 1st-2nd century shared the view that Christ would return and establish a literal reign on earth before final judgment.
Svigel’s argument is compelling, and his use of the early Fathers is what makes the book most intriguing. Some of his points I found unconvincing, particularly towards the end when discussing a Rapture/Assumption. But overall, this was a fascinating read and one of the better arguments I’ve seen for an Irenaean Eschatology.
3. Being God’s Image: Why Creation still Matters (2023)
By: Carmen Joy Imes
Dr. Imes gives great insight into common misconceptions about the Image of God and its relevancy to the Gospel. She helps map out the story of the Bible through the lens of humanity being God’s image, as well as the creation mandate to take care of the earth. This book is informative, challenging, and applicable to all Christians wanting to go deeper in Scripture. This would especially be a great resource for small groups.
2. Ancient Christian Worship: Early Church Practices in Social, Historical, and Theological Perspective (2016)
By: Andrew B. McGowan
Too often in theological debates, Christians look back at the New Testament and the Church Fathers and read their theological bias into the text, “proving” that their understanding has always been practiced. Instead, Andrew McGowan gives us a highly valuable resource, challenging readers to look at the early Church on their own terms, and reevaluating what it even meant to worship.
This book gives great insight to the diversity, development, and convictions of the early Church in their fellowship gatherings. The chapter specifically on the Eucharist is a must-read on discussing how the early Church viewed such a debated sacrament.
1. Ancient Wisdom for the Care of Souls: Learning the Art of Pastoral Ministry from the Church Fathers (2024)
By: Coleman M. Ford and Shawn J. Wilhite
Coleman Ford and Shawn Wilhite have given the Church a wonderful resource for Pastoral Ministry. The authors cover various Church Fathers and their unique perspectives on different subjects in shepherding others. The book is diverse, convicting, and encouraging. I don’t hold the title of pastor, but in different ways I tend to be a pastor-like mentor to many the students I minister to. I came away from this book very moved and motivated to be the best mentor I could be!