Year 3

April 25, 2024 • 4 MIN

Hi, my name is Terence and I'm your host for Reading and Readers, a podcast where I review Christian books for you. Except I have not been reviewing any books for nearly two months now. Have I quit the podcast? No. I am still looking forward to the 100th episode of Reading and Readers. I have a special book in mind for that one. So if I do end this podcast, and I don't have any intention of doing so, I would definitely do it after the 100th episode.

Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology by Neil Shenvi and Pat Sawyer

February 25, 2024 • 0 MIN

Today's book could be the most important book of the year. Hopefully not the decade. Because I would really hate to talk about Critical Theory again. If everybody in the world read today's book, we would never have to talk about it ever again.

The Spirit of Grace by Alister McGrath

January 28, 2024 • 31 MIN

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The Apostles Creed. What does it mean?

The Legacy of John Calvin by David W. Hall

January 14, 2024 • 26 MIN

Everyone knows John Calvin was a great theologian but did you know he was more than a theologian? Do you know how he has influenced our schools, governments and our very way of life?

Jesus and the Land: The New Testament Challenge to Holy Land Theology by Gary M. Burge

January 7, 2024 • 31 MIN

It's a nightmare that never ends. A nightmare of rape, murder, of unspeakable evil to the young, to the old, to pregnant women and babies. A nightmare that is all too real. What does the Bible say about the Israel-Palestine conflict? Or more specifically, what does the New Testament say about the Christian's posture towards the Holy Land?

Year End Reflection 2023

December 31, 2023 • 14 MIN

Hi, my name is Terence and I'm your host for Reading and Readers, a podcast where I review Christian books for you. Except today, I don't review a book. Instead I do my annual Year End Reflection where I look back and consider what are the books that have, thus far, made a lasting impression on me.

Saint Augustine: Four Anti-Pelagian Writings

December 31, 2023 • 36 MIN

A theologian writes a critical response to a popular teaching. He destroys it. The teaching and teacher are irredeemably branded as heresy and heretic. Augustine vs. Pelagius, the battle of the ages. Today I read what nobody else wants to read to find out was Saint Augustine correct? Is Pelagianism a heresy? Is Pelagius a heretic?"

After Acts: Exploring the Lives and Legends of the Apostles by Bryan Litfin

December 10, 2023 • 21 MIN

Every good book or movie or TV series ends with closure for the characters. After so many years, Rachel and Ross finally got together. After so many doubts, Chandler finally accepts he is going to be a father. But the Bible does not give us such closures. What happened to Peter? He just disappears halfway through Acts. What happens to Paul? We left him in house arrest. We expect to turn the page to find out what happens next and it just ends like a canceled Netflix series.

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer

November 26, 2023 • 28 MIN

Evangelism. The Great Commission is so important which is why people get upset when it's done differently or wrongly or not according to what the Bible teaches. Sovereignty of God. Arguably the greatest of all the great doctrines. And people do argue about it, what it means and how it changes our lives. Put Evangelism and Sovereignty of God together and it's like the fusion of two atoms. You get a tremendous release of energy that can either power up or destroy your faith.

The Message of Discipleship by Peter Morden

November 9, 2023 • 31 MIN

In every church you will hear that the most important thing is discipleship. "Get discipleship right, and you get everything else right", "Christians are disciples of Jesus" and so on. Is discipleship a trending buzzword or is it rooted in Scripture?

Romans (Interpretation Bible Commentary) by Paul J. Achtemeier

October 31, 2023 • 32 MIN

While others collect seashells, I collect interpretations. And I seem to have a growing collection of interpretations on Romans. And today's book offers a different definition of righteousness, a different understanding of election and more.

A Christian's Guide to Mental Illness by David Murray and Tom Karel Jr.

October 22, 2023 • 28 MIN

If you need a guide to navigate through mental illness for yourself or someone you know. Today's book is for you.

When Worlds Collide: Where is God? by R.C. Sproul

September 28, 2023 • 30 MIN

9/11 was a singular event. For a moment it united America like nothing else did. It shaped America in politics, war and religion. Today's book was written within a year of the event. Now 20 years later, are the words written for America then helpful for all Christians today?

Doctrines of Grace by James M. Boice and Philip G. Ryken

September 24, 2023 • 38 MIN

Do you know what are the Doctrines of Grace? If you are not a Calvinist, you might fumble and try to recall your pastor's sermon on grace. If you are a Calvinist, the Doctrines of Grace means something specific. Whether you are a Calvinist or not, this book has something to offer, and today's episode will give you one tidbit to take home.

Letters of John (NIVAC) by Gary Burge

September 10, 2023 • 33 MIN

Have you read those letters from John? He seems to repeat himself over and over again, love, truth, love, truth. Is it because he is old and can't remember what he just said or wrote? Or maybe, there is something deeper here that I don't get. It would be nice if someone could help me get into the meaning, help me understand the context so that I can apply it in my own life.

The Book of Acts: A Commentary by C. Peter Wagner

August 20, 2023 • 36 MIN

When you read the Book of Acts, you can't help but think, "Why isn't the church today like that?" Well, maybe it can and it should.

Lord Peter Wimsey series by Dorothy Sayers

August 6, 2023 • 30 MIN

If ever there was a category called the Theologian's Favourite Mystery Novelist, a serious contender would be Dorothy Sayers for her Lord Peter Wimsey series.

He Walks with Me by Warren Wiersbe

July 23, 2023 • 22 MIN

I know that Christ saved me. That happened 10, 20, 30 years ago. I know that Christ will save me. That may happen tomorrow, next year, or the next millennia. What I need to know is Christ is with me now. And he is because Jesus declared, "I AM". How do these two words, "I AM", assure us of his presence?

The Consequences of Ideas by R.C. Sproul

July 9, 2023 • 22 MIN

As you listen to my voice, how do you know the real you is not hooked up to a machine feeding reality into your brain? Or when you go to bed at night how do you know that the world did not switch off and that when you woke up, the world switched back on. Today, dead philosophers tell us what is and what is not.

Bonhoeffer Speaks Today by Mark Devine

June 25, 2023 • 29 MIN

"When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." That chilling -- or is it sobering -- quote comes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer and today we will learn more about the man and more importantly, what he believes and why we must listen.

Five Models of Scripture by Mark Reasoner

June 5, 2023 • 27 MIN

The way we read the Bible can affect what we get from the Bible. And since there are five ways to read the Bible there are five ways to feast on what the Bible offers. Find out more in today's episode.

What's Your Worldview? An Interactive Approach to Life's Big Questions by James N. Anderson

May 21, 2023 • 19 MIN

If you are a Christian, have you ever wondered how life would be if you chose to an Atheist or if you were born in a Muslim family? If you are not a Christian, what would change if you had embraced Jesus as Lord and Saviour?

On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living by Alan O. Noble

May 7, 2023 • 22 MIN

The loudest alarm clock, the most inspiring motivation speaker, even a world-ending earthquake can do nothing to get a tired, overwhelmed, sad soul out of bed. What all of them can't do, a humble, gentle, book can.

Prayer: Communing with God in Everything - Collected Insights from A.W. Tozer

April 30, 2023 • 20 MIN

Do you know how to pray? In one of his books, A.W. Tozer wrote: "Some of the churches now advertise courses on how to pray. How ridiculous! That is like giving a course on how to fall in love." And I got that quote from his book on prayer! How ridiculous!

Two Years Old!

April 19, 2023 • 22 MIN

Today, according to the BBC, "There are currently around three to four million podcasts internationally, but just over half of those have more than three episodes, with only 720,000 podcasts comprising more than 10 episodes." Well, not to brag, but the podcast you are listening to has 70 episodes and is today two years old!

A Ransom for Many: Mark 10:45 as a Key to the Gospel by John Lee and Daniel Brueske

April 16, 2023 • 27 MIN

The Whole Gospel of Mark in a Single Verse. That's the title of Chapter 1 of today's book but it could just as well be the title for the whole book. Intrigued? Keep listening.

Paul's Thorn in the Flesh: New Clues for an Old Problem by Kenneth Berding

March 19, 2023 • 31 MIN

After nearly two thousand years, finally the answer we have all been waiting for arrives. The question is, "What is Paul's thorn in the flesh?" And the answer is found in today's book.

Dad Tired and Loving It: Stumbling Your Way to Spiritual Leadership by Jerrad Lopes

March 10, 2023 • 24 MIN

A man comes home from work and flops on the coach. His children runs and jumps all over their father, but he remains motionless. His lovely wife comes over and asks, "Dead tired?" And the man says, "Dad tired." Fathers everywhere, how is fatherhood going for you?

The Sacred Us: A Call to Radical Christian Community by Justin Kendrick

February 19, 2023 • 35 MIN

In a world that celebrates individuality and autonomy, too many of us struggle to form deep, meaningful relationships. Loneliness is the norm, rich friendships are rare, and the church is no exception. We long for real community but often don’t know how to get there. What will it take to develop healthy friendships? That's the description from today's book.

The Retreat: A Lighthearted and Humorous Story About a Soul Searching Pastor by Kees Postma

February 12, 2023 • 23 MIN

Before I became a Christian, I thought Christians were not free to have fun. After I became one, I've been having the fun of my life. Somehow, strangely, as a Christian I have freedom to have fun. And in today's book, the author brings out the funhouse mirror so that we can poke fun and laugh at ourselves.

After God's Own Heart: The Gospel according to David by Mark J. Boda

January 29, 2023 • 24 MIN

The future King David is foreshadowed in the ending of the book of Ruth. Thousands of years later, a blind man calls out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me." Who is David? Why is this name so important in the Bible and in my life and yours? Find out in today's book.

For Us and Our Salvation: The Doctrine of Christ in the Early Church by Stephen Nichols

January 22, 2023 • 32 MIN

What was the most important battle in history? Would you say a battle in Ancient Rome, or Ancient Egypt, or perhaps a battle in World War 1 or 2. What if I told you that the most important battle in history was a battle not fought with swords and spears or guns and tanks but it was a battle fought with words. The battle for the person of Jesus Christ.

Tolkien Dogmatics: Theology through Mythology with the Maker of Middle-earth by Austin M. Freeman

January 8, 2023 • 36 MIN

Do you love the Lord of the Rings? Doesn't everyone? Do you love Systematic Theology? Of course! Then today's book is perfect for you.

Year End Reflection 2022

December 30, 2022 • 37 MIN

Hi, my name is Terence and I'm your host for Reading and Readers, a podcast where I review Christian books for you except for today. Today, I ask the question, "How did I get here?" I look back at the books that I have reviewed that have influenced my worldview, my actions, my affections, my life.

27 Servants of Sovereign Joy: Faithful, Flawed and Fruitful by John Piper (Part 2)

December 18, 2022 • 33 MIN

Whoever subtitled this book, "Faithful, Flawed and Fruitful", said more than he knew. For he was not only describing the saints in this book, he was also describing the book itself.

27 Servants of Sovereign Joy: Faithful, Flawed and Fruitful by John Piper (Part 1)

December 4, 2022 • 33 MIN

If you were on a deserted island, what one book would you bring with you (other than the Bible)? Think about it, if it's only one book, it should be a big, big book cause you might be spending a long time on the island. Seeing that you will have no friends on the island, you should bring some spiritual friends. How about bringing exactly 27 spiritual friends?

The Counselor: Straight Talk About The Holy Spirit by A.W. Tozer

November 20, 2022 • 33 MIN

"Do you want to be possessed by a Spirit that is like Jesus -— a Spirit that is pure, gentle, sane, wise and loving?" That's a quote from A.W. Tozer. And if you want to take him up on his offer, keep listening.

Virtuous Persuasion: A Theology of Missions by Michael Niebauer

November 6, 2022 • 34 MIN

What is the best way to do missions? That is possibly the wrong question to ask. The right question could be, "What are the ethical means and goals of missions?" Or "How does missions produce virtuous Christians?"

Proverbs: Wisdom That Works by Ray Ortlund

October 23, 2022 • 28 MIN

Proverbs 1:5-6 reads: "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles."

Living in Christ's Presence: Final Words on Heaven and the Kingdom of God by Dallas Willard

October 9, 2022 • 25 MIN

This is the situation: You accepted Christ, you affirm everything your church believes but you are not growing spiritually. In fact, what does growing spiritually even mean?

Romans: A Concise Guide to the Greatest Letter Ever Written by Andrew Naselli

October 2, 2022 • 26 MIN

Martin Luther said of the Epistle to the Romans: This epistle is really the chief part of the New Testament, and is truly the purest gospel. It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but also that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. We can never read it or ponder over it too much; for the more we deal with it, the more precious it becomes and the better it tastes.

The Action Bible by Sergio Cariello

September 18, 2022 • 34 MIN

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's the amazing, fantastic, incredible, book that inspires children all over the world to read the Bible and enjoy reading it.

Ruth (Anchor Yale Bible Commentary | AYBC) by Edward F. Campbell Jr.

September 11, 2022 • 28 MIN

The book of Ruth is a beautiful story centred on Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. We see God and God's people reflecting God, his kindness and redemptive work. If you want to dig deeper into the text, you need to keep listening.

Cur Deus Homo by Anselm of Canterbury

September 4, 2022 • 28 MIN

There was a time in Israel's history, when the Word of God was lost. Then while renovating the temple, the people found the scrolls and they rushed it to the king. When the king saw it, he recognised it as treasure. In a similar way, today's classic is a treasure for Christian readers everywhere .

Prayers for Knowing God by Tony Evans

August 28, 2022 • 24 MIN

Can prayer and theology mix? Isn't theology for the smart people and prayer for the spiritual people? How wrong you are.

Everyday Theology: How to Read Cultural Texts and Interpret Trends ed. Kevin Vanhoozer, Charles Anderson, Michael Sleasman

August 14, 2022 • 31 MIN

Culture, culture, everywhere. And not a drop of wisdom to drink. We spend, rightly spend, time and effort to read and interpret the Bible. And the Bible tells us that Jesus lived as a Jew in Roman-Greco times. And we look up from our Bibles and we wonder, "How should we live in our times?"

Biblical Worship: Theology for God's Glory, ed. by Benjamin Forrest, Walter C. Kaiser Jr., and Vernon M. Whaley

July 27, 2022 • 39 MIN

A preacher walks into a church. A church member asks him, "Can you please preach on worship." The preacher says, "Sure. I've got a great sermon on John 4:24, 'Worship in Spirit and in Truth'.". The church member says, "No, that wouldn't do. The last three preachers preached on that same verse. Do you have something else?" The preacher thought for a while and said, "Nope. I've got nothing." With today's book, you will know how other books in the Bible, verses other than John 4:24, speak on worship.

God's Grand Design: The Theological Vision of Jonathan Edwards by Sean Michael Lucas

July 17, 2022 • 33 MIN

300 years ago, many Puritans believed the return of Christ was imminent. After all, the Great Awakening was divine proof that America was the last stop in the global harvest. Alas! America today is not the America the Puritans knew. America today needs vision. Not political vision. Or social vision. But a theological vision! And who better to offer that theological vision to America than America's greatest theologian, Jonathan Edwards.

Why Believe?: A Reasoned Approach to Christianity by Neil Shenvi

July 10, 2022 • 27 MIN

Every generation has an apologetics book that they call their own. Will the meme generation trust a meme connoisseur to answer age-old questions on Christianity?

Billy Graham: Candid Conversations with a Public Man by David Frost

July 3, 2022 • 30 MIN

What happens when you get the world's top interviewer together with the world's top evangelist? You get a book something like today's.

The Message of Daniel: His Kingdom Cannot Fail by Dale Ralph Davis

June 19, 2022 • 38 MIN

You look around you and you see all those kings. Call them presidents, prime ministers or supreme leaders. Whatever the title, they are people in power. Who can stand against them? Who can bend them to their knees? Whose kingdom will outlast theirs?

Going Places with God: A Devotional Journey through the Lands of the Bible by Wayne Stiles

June 12, 2022 • 35 MIN

Covid is over or eventually over. You got places to go, people to meet. Before you book your trip for your next holiday, why don't you consider reading today's book? Who knows, you might get some soul-enriching ideas for your next destination.

No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions by Matt Rhodes

June 5, 2022 • 36 MIN

We all like shortcuts. Why take that long hard road when this road is faster? If we can get things done in a shorter time with the same or even better results, why shouldn't we? It's a no-brainer. What if I told you there is a shortcut to missions? For the Great Commission. Would you take it? Does that shortcut even exist? Find out in today's book review.

Theology of Reconciliation in the Context of Church Relations by Rula Khoury Mansour

May 22, 2022 • 35 MIN

A Palestinian Christian living in Israel writes a book on reconciliation. Palestinian. Christian. Reconciliation. Put all those words together and I couldn't resist to buy, read and review the book.

The Real Scandal of the Evangelical Mind by Carl Trueman

May 7, 2022 • 30 MIN

The evangelical world has no shortage of scandals. But are you ready for the real scandal? The real scandal of the evangelical mind?

"The Care of Souls by Harold L. Senkbeil" and "Pastoral Leadership by Harold L. Senkbeil and Lucas V. Woodford"

April 24, 2022 • 32 MIN

Every pastor who has served 50 years in ministry should be legally compelled to write a book. After so many years of faithful service to the Lord, they should be designated a national treasure. That's my conclusion after reading today's books.

One Year Old!

April 17, 2022 • 33 MIN

Reading and Readers is officially one year old!

The Possibility of Prayer: Finding Stillness with God in a Restless World by John Starke

April 10, 2022 • 37 MIN

I'm recording this 2 hours before I am supposed to publish. It's been a busy week. Lots of deadlines, lots of work. My to-do list looks more like a wish list. Is it possible for busy busy Christians to have a vibrant prayer life? Or is that only for monks in monasteries of the past?

A Walk with God: An Exposition of Luke's Gospel by R.C. Sproul

March 27, 2022 • 27 MIN

The Gospel of Luke is a favourite for many Christians, including R.C. Sproul. In today's book he guides the reader through this beloved gospel, the way Luke wrote it, fixing our eyes upon Christ, from start to end.

"Short Prayers to Change Your Life" & "Timeless Hymns for Family Worship"

March 13, 2022 • 28 MIN

Prayers don't have to be long. We can learn and grow from the short prayers of the saints. Hymns don't have to be boring. Hymns can be timeless and enriching moments even for the youngest of Christians, dare I say, especially for the youngest of Christians.

Redeeming Our Thinking About History by Vern S. Poythress

March 6, 2022 • 32 MIN

The Russian invasion of Ukraine echoes the German invasion of Europe 80 years ago. Both Putin and Hitler recite history to justify the war. When a holocaust memorial was damaged in an airstrike, President Zelensky tweeted: "What is the point of saying 'never again' for 80 years, if the world stays silent when a bomb drops on the same site of Babyn Yar? At least 5 killed. History repeating..." The question we pose today is "How should we think of history?

Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage by Gavin Ortlund

February 27, 2022 • 28 MIN

I came to Ortlund's book hoping he can help me do triage. I have a doctrine in mind which I see as a first-level issue but some see it as a second- or even third-level issue. I think it's urgent and important, while others are indifferent. Will Ortlund help me?

God, Technology and the Christian Life by Tony Reinke

February 20, 2022 • 32 MIN

Have you seen this meme before? The first picture is a boy with polio, followed by a picture of scientists working hard in a lab, and concludes with "Science cures polio". Next, we have the same picture of the boy with polio. But this time followed by a group of people praying on their knees to God, and concludes with "Prayer cures nothing". Christian, what do you make of that? Is science and technology robbing God's glory?

Alive: A Cold-Case Approach to the Resurrection by J. Warner Wallace

February 13, 2022 • 23 MIN

"Surely you don't believe that the best explanation for an empty tomb is a resurrection. There must be tonnes of other far more reasonable explanations for that." Really? Well, I've got a cold case detective who says otherwise.

The Local Church: What It Is and Why It Matters by Edward W. Klink III

January 30, 2022 • 30 MIN

Hymn books give way to Powerpoint slides. Church organs to electric guitars. Offering bags to online transfers. Local churches to bible study groups, online communities, the metaverse? Is an insistence on local churches simply a clinging on to an outmoded way of the Christian life?

Sunsets: Reflections on Life's Final Journey by Deborah Howard

January 23, 2022 • 32 MIN

It's the beginning of the new year. Places to go. People to meet. Books to read. And what better way to start the year than to read a book titled Sunrises: Reflections on the New Year Ahead. Oh wait... It's titled Sunsets: Reflection on Life's Final Journey. Wait a minute, this is about death? Who thought it was a good idea to start the year by reading a book about death? Well, someone at Faithlife.

Revelation and the End of All Things by Craig R. Koester

January 9, 2022 • 33 MIN

A good advice in life is to "Begin with the End in Mind". If you know where you are heading, you'll know what you are doing. If you agree, then today's book review is for you.

Year End Reflection 2021

December 30, 2021 • 31 MIN

These are the last days of December and I've decided to start a tradition. You are listening to the first ever Reading and Readers Year End Reflection episode.

Hebrews (The Crossway Classic Commentary Series)

December 26, 2021 • 35 MIN

“This greatest work of John Owen is a work of gigantic strength as well as gigantic size; and he who has mastered it is very little short … of being an erudite and accomplished theologian.” That is J.I. Packer quoting Thomas Chalmers on John Owen's Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews.

A Year of Prayer

December 12, 2021 • 28 MIN

We need to pray more; we need to give more careful thought to the content of our prayers; and we need to spend more time preparing our hearts and our tongues for prayer. It is with that in mind that I offer this book. That's Pastor John MacArthur from the preface of his book, "A Year of Prayer".

Death of Porn

November 28, 2021 • 27 MIN

A row of men and women stand shackled. Society sees but says it's normal. They say, "This is the natural order of things". But one old man is rallying men to fight it. To fight this modern day slavery: pornography.

Scripture and Truth

November 21, 2021 • 34 MIN

"What is truth?” Pilate asked (John 18:38), perhaps not as a serious question since he did not wait to hear Jesus’ answer. Yet his question epitomizes an age-long query that arises in the human mind and has been the object of many discussions throughout the history of philosophy. That's a quote from today's book, by Roger Nicole. And while Pilate may not have taken his own question seriously, the authors in today's collection of essays do. They all contend for the Scripture and Truth.

The Psalter Reclaimed: Praying and Praising with the Psalms

November 7, 2021 • 28 MIN

Psalm 91:1–6 (ESV): He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A fitting, hopeful and comforting Psalm for these difficult times. But there is more to the Psalms than your favourites. Have you read all 150 of them? And if you have, have you made sense of them? Today's book might just show you how.

Bullies and Saints: An Honest Look at the Good and Evil of Christian History

October 31, 2021 • 25 MIN

If the Church is a force of good, then how do you explain the Crusades? The Inquisitions? Today we look at a book that addresses those questions head on.

Exalting Jesus in 1, 2, 3 John

October 17, 2021 • 33 MIN

"In a day of polarization to extremes and consequent fragmentation of churches and individual lives, we need to heed his [the Apostle John's] call to hold together truth and love on the basis of God’s self-revelation throughout the Scriptures and especially in this text [the Epistles of John]." That was a prescient quote from 1988 by David Jackman in his book, "The Message of John's Letters". What revelation does the Apostle John's letters have for us? If you want to know more, don't go away.

Fresh Eyes on Jesus' Parables: Discovering New Insights in Familiar Passages

October 10, 2021 • 32 MIN

When was the last time you heard a sermon or read a passage and thought, "Huh! I never looked at it that way before." Today's book promises you a new set of eyes to see passages in a new light.

Is Atheism Dead?

October 3, 2021 • 32 MIN

An atheist jumps off his seat and runs to his friend, "The Bible itself says, 'There is no God.' The Bible says that!" His friend, a Christian turns and smiles, "That's in Psalm 14:1. You should read the whole verse my friend for it says "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" After today's episode, we'll see that it's not just the Bible that atheist have read wrongly.

Recovering the Unity of the Bible: One Continuous Story, Plan, and Purpose

September 19, 2021 • 33 MIN

Many are first attracted to Christianity because of its simple message. Later, when one reads the whole Bible, that simple message becomes lost in the 66 books with its diverse authors, times, places and subject matters. It doesn't help when scholars seem motivated to highlight the diversities at the expense of what holds the Bible together. Does anything hold the Bible together? Today's book confidently answers "Yes!"

Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit: Growing in Christlikeness

September 12, 2021 • 31 MIN

Pop Quiz! Can you list the Fruit of the Spirit? More importantly, do you show love, joy, peace? Are you patient, kind, and good? How strong is your desire to exercise faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? A man prayed everyday that the fruit be ripen and he was the most Christ-like person people around him knew. Stick around for a fruitful review.

Imprisoned with ISIS: Faith in the Face of Evil

September 5, 2021 • 24 MIN

"It was supposed to be a four day visit. It turned into a 445-day imprisonment. And if God had not intervened, he would have been there for the rest of his life."

The Wingfeather Saga

August 22, 2021 • 27 MIN

Do you want the next best thing after the Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia? The books, not the movies. You are listening to Reading and Readers, not Watching and Watchers. Are you a concerned Christian who asks whether fantasy books is right for Christians? Listen to today's book review.

Empowered: Experience Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit

August 8, 2021 • 29 MIN

Of the three persons of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is the most mysterious. Wouldn't it be nice if there was a clear Biblical way to teach on the Holy Spirit? One where people could experience the power of living in the Spirit? Keep listening.

The Green Ember, The Green Ember Archer, and Tales of Old Natalia

July 25, 2021 • 25 MIN

Who would you pick to win a fight? A cuddly rabbit or a cunning wolf? A fluffy bunny or a vicious hawk? The rabbit! Always pick the rabbit. That's the Truth in the world of the Green Ember.

Redeeming Money: How God Reveals and Reorients Our Hearts

July 11, 2021 • 30 MIN

Do you struggle with money problems? Who doesn't? What if I told you there was a quick-fix to all your money problems? Would you be interested? Well, you shouldn't. Money problems have deep underlying causes and looking for quick-fix makes it worse. Today's book offers you not a quick fix, not a long-lasting fix, but an eternal fix.

The Young Christian; Or a Familiar Illustration of the Principles of Christian Duty

June 27, 2021 • 29 MIN

Duty. A word that was full of meaning 200 years ago. Less so today. Can an author from 200 years ago tell us to do our duty? And tell it to today's young Christians? Find out in today's book review.

All Things New

June 13, 2021 • 31 MIN

Are you tired of a religious life that only begins and ends on that one day in the week? Do you yearn to live out a Christian life Monday to Sunday as God had originally intended? Do you want to experience All Things New? Keep listening!

Fault Lines vs Cynical Theories vs Ministers of Reconciliation

May 30, 2021 • 41 MIN

A fault line emerges in the church. Critical Race Theory is a danger to the church and society. How should Christians speak on racial justice and reconciliation? All this and more in today’s review.

The Trinity, Practically Speaking

May 16, 2021 • 31 MIN

Can a book explain the most impossible doctrine that has confounded all Christians everywhere, the Trinity. Can a book prove that the Trinity is in the Bible? Can a book written by a Pentecostal be affirmed by a Reformed? Find out in today's book review.

Providence

May 2, 2021 • 36 MIN

John Piper drops a 752 page book titled Providence. 752 pages! This must be an author who trusts that God himself will bring readers to read this book. Readers who can commit the time to see and savor the providence of God. Are you that reader? Listen to today's review.

Episode 6: Behind the Scenes

April 18, 2021 • 24 MIN

What is Reading and Readers? How did it come about? What goes into making a podcast? Where is this podcast going? All these questions and more answered in today's special episode.

Universal Story: Genesis 1-11

April 18, 2021 • 25 MIN

Have you had the experience where someone comes to you with a problem and then you say, “Let's start from the beginning?” Well, we have a lot of problems in this life and in this world. So why don't we start from the beginning. And what can be more of a beginning than Genesis? Let’s do that with today's book Dr Johnson. He will guide us through Genesis chapter 1 - 11.

Bloodline: Tracing God’s Rescue Mission from Eden to Eternity

April 18, 2021 • 27 MIN

How important is the cross in the Bible? Christians say it is of utmost importance. The whole Bible, all 66 books point to the cross. Can you prove this? Can you back up your claim? With today’s book, the answer is yes.

Tempted and Tried: Temptation and the Triumph of Christ

April 18, 2021 • 26 MIN

2000 years ago, Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert. Because we are in Jesus, we were tempted and triumphant then. Because Jesus is in us, we can face and overcome our temptations today. Or can we? Dr. Russell Moore explains in his book Tempted and Tried.

Count It All Joy

April 18, 2021 • 24 MIN

A book on joy leaves me joyless. I disagree with how the esteemed Dr. David Jeremiah writes but I agree with what he writes. Even so, it gives me great joy to bring you today’s review of Count It All Joy.

Deep Church

April 18, 2021 • 26 MIN

10 years ago, there was a war between churches. Army Emergent took arms against Fortress Traditional, or is it the other way around? Dr. Jim Belcher wrote a book calling for a ceasefire. Did it work? 10 years later, do we still care? Find out in Reading and Readers.