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Best Christian Books of 2007

January 2nd, 2008 by James Grant

There are many people giving their “Best of 2007″ book lists. Some are listing a “best of” reading list [whether published in 2007 or not], while others are listing a “best of” publication list for the year. I will add my thoughts to the list by category. Maybe I will get around to posting a few books that I found helpful this year. For now, I will start with 2007 [or late 2006]:

D. A. Carson & G. K. Beale, Commentary on the New Testament use of the Old Testament

For me, there is no tie here. I think this is the most significant publication because it is unique. I realize the limitations for one-volume works, but this will provide foundational work in terms of more research in this much needed area. This book, because of its approach [NT us of the OT] cuts across many disciplines [commentaries, hermeneutics, homiletics, theology, etc.]. We are dealing with what I consider to be one of the most important areas of research for interpretation and preaching: the NT use of the OT. This book is #1 not mainly for its content [which I have enjoyed], but also for its role in the future development of Biblical Theology. It will help numerous preachers develop further insights into fabric Scripture for the sake of being formed in the image of Christ.

Theology

Michael S. Horton, Covenant and Salvation: Union with Christ

Practical Theology

Dave Harvey, When Sinners Say “I Do”

Spiritual Formation

Eugene Peterson, The Jesus Way

Preaching

Dennis Johnson, Him We Proclaim

Children’s Books

The Jesus Storybook Bible

Biblical Studies

Richard Bauckham, Jesus and Eyewitnesses

Apologetics

Andrew Hoffecker, ed., Revolutions in Worldview

Christianity and Culture

Kevin Vanhoozer, ed., Everyday Theology

Pastoral Ministry/The Church

John Stott, The Living Church

Other Notable Lists [some are books read in 2007]:

If I missed your list, let me know and I will add it.

UPDATE: From the comment section, Michael Lynch suggested this list by Dustin Crowe. It is broader than 2007 in both the publication and reading date.

Posted in Books | 11 Comments »

11 Responses

Michael Lynch Says:
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:39 am
Dear Pastor Grant-

Just wanted to let you know of a good list by Dustin Crowe (student of SBTS) which can be found here:

http://21stcenturytabletalk.blogspot.com/2007/12/top-books.html
Justin Buzzard Says:
January 3rd, 2008 at 10:55 am
Great list. I’m eager to get my hands on the Bauckham and Stott books.
Sean LeRoy Says:
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I might have to add a few of these to my amazon basket!
Someone should also write a book on the use of the old testament in the old testament – seriously…its a pre-cursor to understanding the use of the OT in the NT. I think apostles thought in the same basic fashion of the OT authors.
BTW, on the Beale / Carson book – are all the contributors NT scholars? Pitty if all are.
Tim Says:
January 4th, 2008 at 6:37 am
I think you have forgotten “Letters from Home, Our Father’s Message of Love”. In my opinion this is by far the best book of 2007!

God bless,
Tim
PS – you can find a description here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Letters-Home-Fathers-Message-Love/dp/0825461553/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199446586&sr=8-1
JHG Says:
January 5th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Yes, the Beale/Carson book is all by scholars. I think it will provide foundations for future work. I would love to see a work like that by preachers.
Top Christian Books Lists | Scripture Zealot Says:
January 8th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
[...] Best Christian Books of 2007 Scroll down on that page to find more [...]
Scripture Zealot Says:
January 8th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Thanks for your list. I added it to mine.
Jeff
bayo Says:
February 4th, 2008 at 9:45 am
calvary greeting to you in the name of our Lord Jesus,

kindly help me get the author’s name and where i can buy this book: Discerning the Holy Spirit.

thanks for your promt response.

Shalom
JHG Says:
February 4th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Sorry, I don’t know what book you are talking about.
Commentary on the New Testament use of the Old Testament, D. A. Carson & G. K. Beale | Scripture Zealot Says:
February 8th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
[...] In Light of the Gospel – Best Christian Books of 2007 [...]
TheoSource: Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament: Reviews Says:
September 26th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
[...] Riddleblog, listed this at #2 on his list of the Five of the Best Books of 2007.James H. Grant, at In Light of the Gospel, considers this to have been the most significant publication of 2007.Colin Hansen of Christianity [...]