Have you not read? Part Two: Christian Books - GBC Bulletin Column #12

The most important thing you could ever read is the Bible. It is perfect, pertinent, profitable, and powerful, teaching us about God and about ourselves. Written by divinely chosen men according to the direction of the Holy Spirit, its translation into the languages of the world – including English - has often been violently opposed by cruel despots all too aware of its idol-shattering, life-transforming nature, and still is in some countries. If you have a Bible, and can read and understand it in your own language, you are greatly blessed indeed. The privilege of reading and studying Scripture is certainly not something to pass up, especially if you profess to be a Christian and desire to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is not at all to say that there is no benefit in reading other books. First of all, there are many good books written by Christians, for Christians, that you would do well to read. Certainly there is a lot of rubbish out there pumped out over the ages by false teachers, and sadly in many ‘Christian’ bookshops you will find shelf after shelf of these – the prosperity gospel is particularly popular nowadays. But don’t let the thorns keep you from the roses! While they are the flawed products of fallible people, good Christian literature (books, blogs, newspapers, websites, etc.) can be useful in providing mental stimulation and spiritual food. They can help illumine our understanding of the Scriptures, and draw out helpful applications of relevance for our daily lives. Christian literature serves as a helpful corrective to two misguided notions: an arrogant “We are the only…” attitude and a despairing “We are alone…” mentality. 2000 years of Christian writing exists and who are we to just throw it away as though there is nothing from which we can draw encouragement and instruction? Likewise, the Christians who have written over that period of time disabuse us of any notions of isolation, and with useful material still being published by Christians in the present day, there is no room for us to join Elijah in saying, “I am the only one” (1 Kings 18:22; 19:10).

At the end of his life Paul asked Timothy to bring him his books (2 Tim. 4:13). Of this passage the Victorian preacher Charles Spurgeon said “Give yourself unto reading. The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own. You need to read. We are quite persuaded that the very best way for you to be spending your leisure time is to be either reading or praying.

You may get much instruction from books which afterwards you may use as a true weapon in your Lord and Master’s service. Paul cries, “Bring the books” — Join in the cry.”

This was printed in the worship bulletin of Grace Baptist Church (Wood Green) on 14/07/2013.