2025 Recommendations
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.).
February’s book of the month comes recommended by Pastor Robb Brunansky, and it is a very practical resource to help us all overcome the tendency to allow our world to dictate the ways we think and live. The greatest influence in our lives as believers should be the Lord through His Spirit and Word. Yet tragically, we often let people influence our decisions more so than God. As Christians, we know that the Lord and His Word should be the final arbiter, and this selection causes us to see that truth very clearly – as well as to give us steps to ensure that we have the proper perspective in this area.
March’s book of the month comes recommended by Pastor Jason Crothers, and it is designed to help believers – at all stages of their walks with God – grow in a warmth and love to be changed into the image of our Lord. This book, which is authored by Jim Berg, is a top resource for biblical counseling and discipleship, yet it is easy to read and follow along for everyone genuinely seeking a heart change that has lasting effects on his or her life. As you read this selection, you will understand more about the nature of sin, how change happens in the life of a Christian, and what you can do to maintain that sought-after change in your life for years to come. We hope you will pick up a copy of this book from our church library or online. Happy reading!
April’s book of the month comes recommended by Pastor Matt Yeary, and it is designed to help readers develop a deeper appreciation for the sufficiency and beauty of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. In this offering from “The Five Solas Series,” Dr. Stephen Wellum lays out the doctrine of ‘Christ Alone’ in three parts – the exclusivity of His identity, the sufficiency of His work, and in the Reformation and present day. Dr. Wellum makes the biblical case for the uniqueness of Christ, demonstrating how this truth should drive how believers share the gospel with the world. We hope you will pick up a copy of this book from our church library or online. Happy reading!
Our book of the month for May, as recommended by Brian Inman, is “The Hedge of Thorns” by John Carrol. It was written in 1610 and is a classic that can edify the whole family, picturing the consequences of sin in one’s life and how the Lord uses ‘thorns’ of sorts to keep those He loves from sin. Pick up a copy online or soon in the church library!
2024 Recommendations
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
For this month of June, Pastor Matt Yeary recommends “Following God Fully” by Joel Beeke and Michael Reeves.
September’s Book of the Month is “Shepherds for Sale” by Megan Basham.
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!
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!
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!