12 books every Christian should own and read
A series of book reviews used for the monthly church bulletin of 2013
Book no. 1: Profiting From the Word by A.W. Pink
It is appropriate that the first book I recommend relates to Bible reading. Reading books should never be a substitute for reading the Bible and it is fitting for us to begin with a book that encourages us to be students of scripture. In this book by Arthur Pink he expresses a concern that while Christians may read the Word of God many do not get a great deal from it – at least not in a way that benefits them spiritually. He contends that we should read the Bible not merely to gain knowledge for knowledge sake, but that its truth might have an effect upon us.
The chapters in the book explain what scripture has to say in relation to: sin, God, Christ, Prayer, Good Works, Obedience, the World, the Promises, Joy, and love. Pink addresses each of these subjects explaining their significance to us as Christians. If our Bible reading is not helping us to come to grips with them in such a way that we are better enabled to walk with God, then we are really deriving no benefit from our effort.
We need to be challenged not only to read the Bible but to consider the ways in which are we profiting from it. Is our reading correcting and encouraging us; is it producing love and thankfulness to God; is it moving us to repentance; is it motivating us in good works; is it helping us to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit; is it enabling us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ our Saviour.
Paul says to Timothy that the Word of God is profitable. I would encourage you to read Pink’s book and allow him to open up the ways in which you can and should be profiting from God’s Word.