At the Book Table

by Peter F. Whyte, 29 Nov 2006

The book table is back. But what should I buy? As a self-confessed bibliophile I can find it harder to ask what should I not buy? But I appreciate that not all Christians are as avid readers as I, so let me encourage you to buy one book from the table for yourself, and consider giving books as Christmas presents.

We may live in a video age, but the good book is not dead. Reading is one way we can put into practice Philippians 4:8,9 from which David preached recently. Reading a good Christian book is a sure-fire way of helping you to think about “whatever it true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable.”

There’s a wide selection of books on the table, so there ought to be one that suits you. Of course, getting a recommendation from someone who has read a book is a good way of helping to choose one. So I’ve added a few brief recommendations on some of the books I’ve read, to help you decide. If you’ve got a recommendation you’d like to share, see or e-mail me and I’ll add it to the list.

Often people complain they do not have the time to read. In my busy experience the only answer to this problem is make time. David encouraged us from Philippians 4:14–23 to make an investment in the Royal Bank of Heaven by supporting gospel work financially and prayerfully. Here is another investment you can make for eternity for a modest outlay. We can all make time for the trivial things in life—been there, done it, got the tee-shirt. If the choice is half an hour to watch my favourite television programme or read a good Christian book, I challenge you—go for the book. You won’t regret it. Your faith will be strengthened, and you will get to know Christ better.

And finally, a suggestion to the men and fathers. Have you considered the benefit of a family book reading? I try to do this once a week, usually at weekends. We read a chapter, or a portion together as a family. Some of the books we’ve read from this year are on the table: Faithful God, Faith in the Dark, Overcoming the World. We’ve also read some of the C. S. Lewis Narnia books (yes adults can enjoy them too!), Pilgrim’s Progress, and we’re currently going through Phil Ryken’s book The Communion of Saints. With younger children in the family you will have to select the books appropriately and take time to explain things. Your children will have the blessing of hearing their dad explain spiritual things to them, and you will grow in your faith by doing it. It will be a blessing to the whole family and become a precious time together.

I do hope these suggestions and recommendations will encourage you to buy a book from the table this month.