Book of the Month

The True Christian's Love to the Unseen Christ

Join Pastor Robb from Desert Hills as we kick off the New Year with our January Book of the Month: “The True Christian’s Love to the Unseen Christ” by Thomas Vincent. This timeless piece, originally penned by a Puritan in the 17th century, speaks volumes even today, encouraging believers to reflect on their love for Christ.

In this video, Pastor Robb discusses:

The Author: Learn about Thomas Vincent, who lived from 1634 to 1678, and how his work remains relevant after nearly 400 years. The Book: Dive into the specifics of this short, yet profound book, which is just over 125 pages with large print in its particular edition. Discover additional features like a forward by John MacArthur and a biography of the author. Scriptural Foundation: Explore the book’s basis in 1 Peter 1:8, emphasizing love for Christ despite never having seen Him physically. Practical Application: Understand how this book helps examine and grow our love for Christ, addressing the critical issue of losing our ‘first love’ as mentioned in Revelation 2.

Pastor Robb also touches on the contemporary relevance of Vincent’s teachings, contrasting it with modern views on God’s love and our love for Him. This book isn’t just for reading alone; it’s perfect for discussion in small groups or with friends, offering practical insights for spiritual growth.

Don’t miss out on this enriching read. Check your local church library or find it on Amazon (note: the edition discussed might differ from the currently available.).

The Bruised Reed

January’s book, recommended by Pastor Robb, is “The Bruised Reed” by Richard Sibbes. This book is a short and encouraging read for people. It showcases two extremes of our Christian population – those who are struggling spiritually and those who are lacking compassion for others. Whichever pole you may find yourself in, Sibbes’ book will remind you of God’s tender care or of God’s compassion as our standard.

Buy this book online or check it out from our church library! We hope you are encouraged and edified by this recommendation.

Expository Listening

For February, Pastor Robb has selected “Expository Listening” by Ken Ramey for our next book of the month. This selection is a short and practical read that will highlight the importance of hearing the Word of God and the reasons why “listening” is so vital in the life of a believer. When you finish this book, you will be challenged and encouraged to get more out of Scripture as you read and hear the truth of God’s Word. There are also discussion questions at the end of each chapter to help you understand the material.

Providence

The book of the month for March is “PROVIDENCE” by JOHN PIPER!

The massively significant doctrine of divine providence permeates throughout Scripture, and many Christians struggle to grasp the truths found in God’s sovereignty over their lives and world events. Thankfully, John Piper has written an exceptional book that encapsulates a treasure trove of wisdom about the wonders of divine providence – and at a level for most believers to gain a greater understanding of this foundational doctrine for our faith.

Don’t be scared away by the size of this book! Faster readers can definitely get through this selection in a month. If you are a slower reader, take your time and read as much as you can for the month. Find a group of friends at DHBC to read this book with and to discuss what you’re learning together. ‘

We hope you grow in your understanding about the providence of God from this recommendation!

The Godly Man's Picture

For this month of April, Brian Inman recommends “THE GODLY MAN’S PICTURE” by Thomas Watson.

There is a massive amount of godlessness that we are surrounded by in today’s world. So how are we called to live as Christians in such a time as this?

Thomas Watson answers that question with the title of this book. We are called by God to live godly lives. In this book, Watson gives 24 characteristics of the godly man. The pages are steeped in Scripture and sure to convict the heart.

This book is not a long read, but it is a deep one that will challenge you to live in such a way as to be a sweet fragrance to our Lord Jesus Christ. We hope that you will pick up a copy and that you will grow in godliness through the reading this month!

Pursuing Preace

For this month of May, Pastor Jason Crothers recommends “Pursuing Peace” by Dr. Robert D. Jones.

This book is helpful for every believer, young and old, in a very real and practical way, because we all encounter conflicts in our broken world.

How do we fight the temptation to just give up working through the conflict?
How do we keep from making the situation worse?
How can we pursue peace?
Is it even possible to resolve conflict?

Yes it is.

In his book, Dr. Jones gives biblical insight and guidance to navigate conflict in a God-honoring way. He lays out a step-by-step process for pursuing peace, with case examples, and even suggested things to say to help with specific situations you may encounter.

The book is filled with wisdom from God’s word – many passages to meditate upon and to apply – not simply anecdotal, but practical help, that is Christ-exalting. Dr. Jones seeks to help us respond to our conflicts in a way that pleases the Lord, even in the most difficult of situations.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of this book and work through it with your spouse or a friend, seeing how to handle conflict in a godly way and to pursue peace with others.

Happy Reading!

Following God Fully

For this month of June, Pastor Matt Yeary recommends “Following God Fully” by Joel Beeke and Michael Reeves.

Shepherds for Sale

September’s Book of the Month is “Shepherds for Sale” by Megan Basham.

Faith Alone

For October’s Book of the Month selection, Pastor Matt Yeary recommended one of Dr. Thomas Schreiner’s many books – “Faith Alone” – as we commemorate another anniversary of the Reformation on the 31st. This well-written book informs readers about the importance of justification – not just for scholars, but for ALL believers. A correct view of justification gives Christians more hope, confidence, and comfort as they better understand their God-given faith. We encourage you to pick up a copy of this book in the church library or online to give you more knowledge about this doctrine, and an even greater wisdom and joy in the complete salvation found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Happy Reading!

Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving

Pastor Robb is pleased to recommend a Thanksgiving-themed book for this great month of November – “Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving.” This selection is a true story about how the Lord used the tragedies Squanto encountered during his early life for his good and for the good of many others – even to this day in our nation. As Pastor Robb highlights, Thanksgiving is such a reminder of the goodness, generosity, and faithfulness of our God – and this book is perfect for families to read together and discuss what the Lord has done throughout history and in our own lives to bring about His perfect and sovereign will. Happy reading!

One-Another

This month of December, Pastor Robb Brunansky is recommending “31 Ways to Be a ‘One-Another’ Christian” by Dr. Stuart Scott for the DHBC Book of the Month.

What is the greatest gift you could give to your local body of believers this holiday season? It would be to faithfully apply the commands of the Lord in His Word that are directed to individual Christians. This book covers the various “one-another” commands throughout the New Testament, sharing illustrations and applications for each one to help readers practically understand what God expects of them.

We hope you will pick up a copy of this selection from the church library or online. Happy reading!