The Big 5 Books

The Reader Speaks | Best Books of 2012

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2012 Books

I don't usually post my favorite books of the year as a list, probably because I feel like compared to music it's less complete. I tend to spend the most time reading things that are of interest, that's for review, or that's scratching an itch as a pastor or disciple, etc. It's not a hobby as with music that I can do when also doing other things. Much of it is work or based on need. So it's just different for me.

But we all have books that have significantly affected us during the year. I figured a "The Reader Speaks" list would be a great place for getting a variety of books listed that we could all benefit from. So share your #1 book, a few faves, a Top 5 or 10, faves according to genre, or whatever works for what you consider to be the best books of 2012. ALSO (per Jared Wilson's comment), feel free to list books not published in 2012 but that you read in 2012. If you have an affiliate account somewhere and you know how to link your books in the comments with html, feel free. For other readers, if you see a book you like, use the affiliate links. It blesses those in ministry around you. 

The Big 5: Books on Church History

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Church_history1

I have been asked by a friend about my favorite books on church history, so I thought I would throw it out for everyone. Try to limit to the most expansive books on church history, at least for your first few. If you want to add a couple of faves from certain time periods (reformation, early church, baptist, puritan, etc), feel free to do that as well. But make sure they are books about the history of that time, not books from that time. And do your best to stay to 5.

So, what are your big 5 books on church history?

The Big 5: Books on Spiritual Warfare

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6280spiritual-warfare-postersThere's a demon under every rock, around every corner, lurking in every dark alley, and in your closet!  MUHahahaha!  *Ahem.*  So...

What are your Big 5 books on spiritual warfare?

These would be books on the theology and practical reality of demons, demon possession and oppression, or stories about people dealing with these issues.  These can be books that deal primarily with sin or prayer, spiritual "armor," etc, as long as they have a significant "warfare" component.  There are a lot of kooky books and authors out there, but there are some really good ones too.  Go!

The Big 5: Books on Sin & Temptation

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Forbidden FruitIt permeates your life.  You were born with it, live with it, and die because of it.  It's in your thoughts, words, and deeds.  You do it far more than you admit and you think others do it way more than you.  Even your humble admission of how much you do it makes you feel sinfully proud of your humility.  We need to learn more about it so we can kill it, avoid it, hate it, stomp on it, run from it, and rip it out.  So...

What are your Big 5 books on sin & temptation?

These can be books on the doctrine of sin, specific sins, overcoming temptation, etc.  In general these should be books about understanding and avoiding sin.  These books should not have forgiveness as its main focus, though it very well may play a role in the book.  Go!

The Big 5: Books on Biblical Hermeneutics

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Bible-studying-pen-papger.gifThat's right, I dropped the "H" bomb.  Knowing how to read the Bible is just as important as reading it.  I've heard too many Christians say they read it but don't get it.  It's not just a lack of spiritual understanding, it's a lack of a hermeneutic.  So...

What are your Big 5 books on biblical hermeneutics?

These are books on biblical interpretation, understanding biblical genres, etc.  There is a range from text books all the way down to the very practical for average Christians.  Don't list books on biblical languages...that's another list.  Don't just list reference books on the Bible either.  Go!

The Big 5: Biographies

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PowersBiographies can teach us things that non-fiction instruction can never teach, or never fully teach.  There's something about examples and real life experiences that impact us more directly and deeply.  So...

What are you Big 5 biographies?

Let's say no memoirs, though those can be great too.  These can be of Christians or Presidents or whatever.  Should be fun.  Go!

The Big 5: Books on Calvinism

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JohncalvinYeah, I know that some (many?) of you aren't Calvinists.  And you probably know that I am, but that's not the point.  The point is we all need to read on theological topics of importance regardless of our personal positions.  Often those well-written books persuade us.  So...

What are your Big 5 books on Calvinism?

Actually, be a little more free with the topic if you like.  List a book on Calvinism, Arminianism, both, the sovereignty of God, or even a particular topic like predestination, election, etc.  Go!

The Big 5: Daily Devotionals

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370accf55-38-1What are your Big 5 daily devotionals?

I'm not asking what books you like to read during a devotional "quiet time." I'm asking about books that are created as daily devotionals. Often they are dated or numbered for daily use. Sometimes they are not yearly but are still written for daily reading. Just make sure they are true devotionals. Got it? Go!

The Big 5: Short Books

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Tiny_book_largeI love short books.  Really love them.  I think too many times authors write "book-length" books because that's what you do.  But when I find a good short-and-to-the-point book I not only get something worth reading, but also giving away.  As a pastor, finding shorter books that are quick reads to give away is something I search out.  So...

What are your Big 5 short books/quick reads? (Please list exact # of pages)

I almost called this the books under 100 pages, but that's too narrow.  For example, Mahaney's Living the Cross Centered Life is about 150 pages.  But it also has small dimensions, so it would read like a wider & taller book at 100 pages or so.  Pick books that feel like quick reads, that you might give to someone who isn't a reader.  Get it?  Go!

The Big 5: Books You Haven't Read

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Homer_simpson_doh_02Who doesn't love a little humiliation? 

What are the Big 5 books you are ashamed to say you haven't read?

Admit what you haven't read, books that are supposed to be awesome or "required reading."  You should feel some shame in admitting it.  It should confound your closest friends.  Sure, we know you haven't read a few classical novels that many people have read.  But who cares?  Give us the scoop on the MOST embarrassing books you have neglected.  Who knows?  Maybe it will light a fire under your butt to get'r done.

The Big 5: Books You Haven't Read

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Homer_simpson_doh_02Who doesn't love a little humiliation? 

What are the Big 5 books you are ashamed to say you haven't read?

Admit what you haven't read, books that are supposed to be awesome or "required reading."  You should feel some shame in admitting it.  It should confound your closest friends.  Sure, we know you haven't read a few classical novels that many people have read.  But who cares?  Give us the scoop on the MOST embarrassing books you have neglected.  Who knows?  Maybe it will light a fire under your butt to get'r done.

The Big 5: Books that Changed Your Mind

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Free-your-mind-steve-sawyerYou have beliefs, doctrinal convictions, mission convictions, and much more.  Some of those are different than what they used to be.  Maybe someone helped to change your mind.  At times there's a book that challenged us and helped to change our minds.

What are your Big 5 books that changed your mind?

This won't work unless you give us a phrase or two on what actually changed about your thinking, beliefs, doctrines, whatever.  You may not have 5, and that's fine.  Oh, and if you want to cheat and use a book of the Bible, I'll let that slide here.  Please only do that once, though.

The Big 5: Books on Prayer

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Praying Hands2Really pumped to see the lists for this one. 

What are your Big 5 books on prayer?

I'm very flexible on this one, so feel free to get creative in your answers.  Just be sure to list the books you think are most helpful on prayer, for prayer, or about praying people. 

The Big 5: Books that Made You Laugh Out Loud

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Laughing_jesus_1What are your Big 5 books that made you laugh out loud?

We've all read them, right?  You are working through a book and you just can't contain a chuckle at a story or the way the author put something.  Any book that made you laugh is eligible, but I want to encourage you to not list too many books that are in the "humor" or "comedy" section of the bookstore.  One or two of those at most.  I'm hoping to find books/authors with a more natural humor, not just books by comedians.  BONUS: If you want to offer a short (!) quote or funny part, feel free.  But it must be funny.  If it's not funny, I will sound the gong.  Also, please don't list things like Far Side books.  These need to be reading books.  If you don't know 5, list what you have. 

The Big 5: Books on Writing

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Poetry_by_AbstraKtPhotographyI'm always interested in books on writing and becoming a better writer.  It's easier to read books on writing than to write, but the question is still worth asking...

What are your Big 5 books on writing?

These should be books written with the intent of teaching you to write.  I know other books can help you be a better writer (including books about writers), but let's stick to your favorites on the art and craft of writing.  It can be about fiction or non-fiction writing.  It can be about poetry, articles, essays, letter writing, or most anything else.  This is not a list of books on how to write a sermon.  Feel free to throw one or two in there on grammar issues or issues directly related to writing if you like.  If you don't have 5, no prob.  List what you have read that you like.

The Big 5: Books for Seekers

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Job postings fhcc binocularsLike you, I'm always on the lookout for good books for seekers.  You know who seekers are, right?  These are the folks who come to your church NOT because they occasionally like to feel less guilty by attending, but because they are actually looking for answers.  These are the folks who want to sit down and ask you questions about life, suffering, truth, the Bible, or where is God in all this mess, and seem to genuinely want answers. So...

What are your Big 5 books for seekers? 

These will likely be books on the gospel or apologetics.  You should try to stick to books that are meant for seekers or books that unintentionally just work very well with seekers.  As best you can, stick with general books for seekers and not books on one issue only.  If one really stands out to you, that's cool, but I would prefer lists that will help us all with good books for seekers in general.  And please don't mention Scripture.  We get it, the Bible is good for seekers.  :) 

The Big 5: Study Bibles

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Esvsb-featureI'm very happy to see the ESV Study Bible coming out in October.  I will own and use a copy and provide them on my church's book table.  So, it makes me wonder...

What are your Big 5 study Bibles? 

This is a list of the study Bibles you personally think are the best.  If you think you would choose the ESV SB as one, please mention that.  Also, let us know what version of the Bible you like for each study Bible (if they vary).  Go!