Dennis' Recommended Reads

May 2026

In this short book, The Art of Disagreeing: How to Keep Calm and Stay Friends in Hard Conversations, author and pastor Gavin Ortlund has provided the church with a “timely, wise and practical.”  Ortlund speaks to what has become increasingly obvious — an increasingly polarized and divided society.  Broadly speaking our society, include the church, has “lost the ability to disagree well.”  After describing why disagreement is difficult, he highlights how disagreeing poorly, mars our witness as followers of Christ.  Ortlund contends that this should and can be different. In the following chapters he speaks first to two essential virtues if we will disagree well — kindness and courage — and then to very practical matters — listening well and the art of persuading — before concluding with a chapter on love.  Readers of this short book will find encouragement and a plan for learning to disagree well.

 

 

March 2026

Both Feet on God’s Path: The Story of Julie Fehr, is the compelling story of a reluctant young school teacher who struggled mightily with language courses whom God called into Bible translation and more in Gabon, West Africa.  Fehr would be the first to acknowledge her feelings of insecurity, weakness and inadequacy but when she surrendered to God’s leading and His plan for her life, God accomplished great things through her for His glory.  Author Lisa M. Rohrick does a excellent job in recounting the story of this woman who become known in Gabon as Monyepi — “The Beautiful One.”  Through struggles, heartache and moments of incredible joy, Rohrick traces the inevitable ups and downs that a life of faithful discipleship brings.  Read and be both inspired and challenged to give your all to the Saviour who has given his all.

 

 

 

February 2026

Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Reclaiming Life in a Digital Age is a vitally important book for our times.  Drawing from Neil Postman’s Amusing Ourselves to Death published 40 years ago, this collection of essays explores the challenges and dangers with which we are faced in the age of screens and the internet.  “Screens are reshaping our world and warping our minds.  The onslaught of social media and smartphones has brought an appetite for distraction, an epidemic of loneliness, and increased rates of mental health challenges” (from the back cover).  Various Christian contributors help readers carefully consider the effects of screens.  Some introduce ideas about how we can “live faithfully and grow spiritually in a world determined to scroll itself to death” (from the back cover).  This is an important book!  I cannot recommend it more highly.  It is a must-read!

 

February 2026

Questions about the violence we encounter in the Old Testament can be deeply and genuinely troubling to us as readers.  These legitimate questions defy simplistic answers and when ignored or glossed over, many readers are left frustrated or disillusioned.  In short, they deserve our careful attention.  In his book Flood and Fury: Old Testament Violence and the Shalom of God, Old Testament scholar Matthew J. Lynch tackles this issue.  In his book Lynch focuses his attention on two of the most violent stories we encounter in the Old Testament — the flood and the Canaanite conquest.  While acknowledging the persist challenge of violences in Scripture, Lynch also provides surprising insights that arise if we learn to read “with the grain of the text.”  Certainly Lynch’s book will not do away with all of the challenges raised by violence in the Scripture, nor will it necessarily convince of at every point.  Nonetheless, it can serve as a helpful conversation partner as we wrestle through this challenging topic.

 

January 2026

This book does not argue what you might conclude from a quick glance at the title — that climate change is a myth or that it is not something that requires our attention.  However, in his book False Alarm, Bjorn Lomborg does argue that the current response of most western nations is deeply problematic and failing to remedy the problem.  The subtitle of the book — “How climate change panic costs us trillions, hurts the poor, and fails to fix the planet” — is insightful and hints at some of what Lomborg will flesh out in the book.  Within these pages Lomborg explains how fears have been intentionally stoked and he educates readers about the reality of climate change before going to speak to both, how not to and how to, fix climate change.  You may not agree with all that Lomborg contends or recommends but reading his book will leave you much more informed on this hot-button issue of our day.

 

October 2025

In her novel, Loving Zoe, Marie-Blanche Mitchell takes readers on a captivating journey into the intertwining lives of a diverse cast of characters.  Though the characters and story are fictional, the issues addressed through the story are anything but.  Mitchell’s story, set in fictitious Maskwa Point, centres primarily on the issue of abortion but also touches on euthanasia and the sanctity of life more broadly.   Through the lives of the story’s many characters, each developed with both care and great depth, Loving Zoe leads readers to reflect on the grievousness of abortion but also on  the profound beauty and value of life.  Throughout the story, glimpses of grace shine brightly in the midst of experiences of darkness and pain, gently but persistently nudging readers towards Christ and the hope found in Him.  Mitchell’s story is a moving cry for the sanctity of life in our world and I commend it to you.

 

June 2025

Iain Provan’s book, Cuckoos in our Nest: Truth and Lies about Being Human is a timely and important resource for Christians today.  One of the pressing questions of our time is “What is a human being?” and many of the answers we encounter in our cultural moment are unbiblical and destructive.  Provan contends that many of these unbiblical and destructive ideas have even been smuggled into our Christian nest.  Many in the church today have accepted the answers our culture has provided, and have become comfortable with the “norms” of the prevailing culture.  In response, Provan seeks to equip Christians to recognize and to courageously reject these false answers.  However, before identifying the “cuckoos in our nest,” Provan shares the compelling and beautiful biblical answer to this question.  This book gifts readers with sound biblical and Christian thinking about what it means to be human, and the practical implications for life as a disciple of Jesus.

 

May 2025

The Bible ultimately tells one big story — the BIGGEST story, about God “who created the world, acted in history, and continues to act in the present.”  Beginning in Genesis and ending in Revelation, Pastor Kevin DeYoung “provides engaging retellings of various Bible stories” from throughout the Christian scriptures and helps readers see how each story fits into the larger story of God and his redemptive plan.  Beautifully illustrated by Don Clark, this volume will capture the attention of children and shares each story in an easy-to-understand and compelling manner.  Designed for children ages 6 to 12, I highly recommend this volume as a resource to parents for discipling your children in the gospel story.

 

In “Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage,” Gavin Ortlund helps readers think through some very important questions about Christian doctrine.  When should doctrine divide?  Upon which doctrines can we agree to disagree with others while maintaining unity?  How are we to discern the difference and make decisions in this regard?  Ortlund employs the imagery of “triage” from the medical world to illustrate that some doctrines are essential and urgent while others can be defined as less important to our gospel witness and to ministry collaboration.  Ortlund urges us to exercise humility as well as courage — and that we seek to avoid the dangers lurking in opposite directions — sectarianism or minimalism.  This book will help readers think clearly and carefully about the important matter of Christian doctrine and faithfulness.

 

April 2025

Jonathan Haidt’s “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” is a critically important book.  This is a must read for every parent, grandparent, teacher or school administrator.  Haidt examines hard data that shows a staggering increase of depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide among adolescents that is tied directly to the advent of smartphones.  What is revealed is that the shift from a play-based childhood to a phone-based childhood has profoundly interfered with the social and neurological development of children, doing untold damage. Despite the discouraging story Haidt tells, he also provides a clear call to action and proposes a way forward.  Restoring a more humane childhood is possible but we must act now.  I urge you to read and reflect deeply on the contents of this book — and then respond.

 

February 2025

Out of a Far Country by Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan tells the powerful story of a gay son’s journey to God and of a broken mother’s search for hope.  Christopher, the son of Chinese immigrants grew up knowing that he was different.  At 22 years old, Christopher announced to his parents that he was gay and walked out of their home and their lives.  He plunged into life in the gay community and soon into drugs, soon becoming a dealer.  Angela was utterly devastated and found herself spiralling into darkness and despair.  Heartbreak, confusion and, in time, surrender to Jesus eventually brought hope and healing.  It is a powerful story of God’s redemptive work, drawing lost and hurting people into his loving embrace.

 

December 2024

Being Elisabeth Elliot by Ellen Vaughn is volume two in the two volume authorized biography (volume one is Becoming Elisabeth Elliot).  As a young missionary in Ecuador, Elliot lost her husband when he and four of his colleagues were speared to death.  She went on to author dozens of books and speak at conferences around the world.  But she would not allow others to idolize her as “impervious to fissures” or “an airbrushed paragon of virtue.”  Elliot continued to be formed through suffering as she lived in the face of what she called “the ‘impenetrable mystery’ of the interplay between God’s will and human choices.”  Elliot’s story, raw and unadorned, challenges readers to trust and obey God undeterred by life’s pain and difficulties.

 

August 2024

Alissa Childers and Tim Barnett have co-written a timely resource for the church in this season.  The Deconstruction of Christianity: What it is, Why it’s Destructive, and How to Respond, begins by helping readers understand this harmful movement that is sweeping through churches — and destroying the faith of many.  Childers and Barnett, however, do more than merely provide an understanding of this movement.  They also equip readers to carefully think through the foundational issues behind the movement — such things as truth, authority, doubt and faith.  Finally, in part 3 Childers and Barnett seek to provide hope to those impacted by a loved one who has deconstructed their faith, equipping them with practical advice. I highly recommend this book to both those considering deconstruction and those who know someone who is walking that path.

 

July 2024

 In Becoming Elizabeth Elliot, volume one of her two volume biography of Elliot, Ellen Vaughn has done a masterful job of  weaving together the story of Elizabeth Elliot’s early years — including her growing up years, her education and preparation for a life of missions, her relationship with and eventual marriage to Jim, his martyrdom and the years on the mission field that followed his death.  Often citing from Elliot’s unpublished journal entries, letters and other writings, Vaughn provides readers with an incredible window into the life of a truly remarkable woman — one of the most influential women in modern church history.  Elliot’s deep faith in God — despite great suffering — and her radial commitment to follow Him no matter what the cost, is truly inspiring and will leave readers challenged in their own discipleship journey

 

 In his book, Making All Things New: Restoring Joy to the Sexually Broken, the late David Powlison has provided us with a great gift.  Sexuality is a part of God’s good creation but because of sin, we now also experience a great deal of sexual brokenness.  Powlison writes to both those caught in sexual sin and those victimized by the sexual sin of others.  He does not offer easy answers or a quick fix.  Nor does he address these matters with shame or cheap moralizing.  The way forward is not just fresh resolve, flimsy forgiveness or simple formulas.  The road to healing is found, rather, in lasting mercy from God who intervenes in our lives to lead us on a lifelong journey of renewal.  This short book is a powerful resource that will serve as an encouragement and help to many.

 

 Loren Cunningham’s book, “Is That Really You, God?” is both a powerful story about the beginnings, growth and ministry of YWAM (Youth with a Mission) and a practical guide to hearing God’s voice and following His direction.  In this book Cunningham shares his story, which began before he was even born.  The legacy of his grandparents and parents set him on the path of following Jesus, and ultimately into world missions.  Cunningham recounts the initial vision God gave him which would ultimately give birth to YWAM and would shape the rest of his life.  Sometimes in pretty dramatic ways but often in the ordinary, God directed Cunningham’s steps in what proved to be an amazing life on mission for Jesus.  More than just a story, his account also provides practical guidance for others who are hungry to hear God’s voice and follow his leading in their lives.

 

June 2024

 In his book, Becoming a Face of Grace: Navigating Lasting Relationships with God and Others, Ed Khouri has given readers a great gift.  He contends for the vital relational character of grace.  Grace is about more than the just forgiveness of sins, though that is critical.  Grace also serves as the basis of how we attach to God and others.  In each chapter Khouri provides rich insights about grace along with powerful examples to illustrate what he is teaching.  In addition, each chapter contains explanations of how neuroscience intersects with the truths he is teaching about grace, as well as scripture exercises and reflection/discussion questions.  Reading this book will lead you to reflect deeply on your relationship with God and with others.  It will also equip you and leave you primed to grow in grace.  I commend Becoming a Face of Grace to you.

 Many in the church today know in their heads that God loves them but fail to deeply grasp this truth in their heart.  In his book Embraced: Experiencing God’s Father Heart of Love, Bob Carroll speaks to this longing for a heart-felt experience of God’s genuine and tender love.  Carroll shares from his own journey of growing up fatherless and his search for a father’s love.  Through scriptural teaching, personal stories, and practical steps, Embraced  he speaks into this deep longing for true intimacy with God.  Each chapter includes questions for reflection and can guide you through your own journey of healing from your wounds of the past, whatever they might be, and to a deeper experience of the love of God for you.  Read and be encouraged!

 

April 2024

 The Silas Diary is the first in a series of five books in which author Gene Edwards imaginatively recounts the story of the ministry of the Apostle Paul found in the book of Acts.  Edwards weaves together details from Luke's account of Paul’s missionary journeys with imaginative first person reporting of how those events and details unfolded.  Though, to be sure, Edwards has taken creative license in imagining the “fuller story,” he has been faithful to what we know — and his retelling of the story of Paul’s missionary journeys helps readers stop and think more deeply about all that Paul and the early church encountered and endured for the sake of Jesus and the spread of the good news.  Together with The Titus Diary, The Timothy Diary, The Priscilla Diary and The Gaius Diary, this book will sweep you up in the exciting first century adventure that changed the world. 

 

February 2024

 Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices is the story of Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of one of the founders of the Islamic terrorist organization, Hamas.  Released in 2010, this book does not tell the most recent stories of what is going on in Palestine today but it will open the eyes of readers to better understand the roots of the today’s conflict. It also tells the powerful story of the grace of God working in the heart of a young man filled with hatred, leading him eventually to the place of surrendering his life to Jesus. Mosab’s story demonstrates the power of Christ in whom forgiveness is found and through whom the ability to love ones enemies comes.  His story points to Jesus as the only true hope for genuine peace in the Middle East. 

 

January 2024

 The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, by Nancy Pearcey is a much needed and timely book.  In a world that is deeply confused about masculinity, Pearcey challenges the idea that masculinity itself is the problem.  She argues that our culture has come to hold a profoundly warped and confused view of masculinity, and with an abundance of historical and sociological data, Pearcey traces out the story of how we got here.  Her book challenges our culture’s distorted understanding of manhood, both left and right, and provides readers with a biblical view and defence of true masculinity.  Pearcey also provides a road map forward, showing that the Christian church has a vital role to play in forming the sort of men the world and families desperately need.  Everyone should read this important book!

November 2023

 Elias Chacour was a young Palestinian boy living in the hills of Galilee in 1948 when the modern nation of Israel was born.  His riveting story, Blood Brothers: The Dramatic Story of a Palestinian Christian Working for Peace in Israel, will open your eyes, challenge your thinking, and touch your heart.  Learn about the Arab-Israeli conflict, the history of the turmoil in the Middle East, and the history leading up to the establishment of modern Israel.  Read heartbreaking stories of suffering and loss and inspiring stories of sacrifice and hope.  Chacour’s story will challenge you and what it means to follow Jesus, the Prince of Peace.  This book touched me profoundly and left me with lots to think about and pray through.  I strongly commend Chacour’s book to all!

 

 Hamas’ October 7th attack upon Israel prompted me to pick up and reread Brother Andrew’s book Light Force: A Stirring Account of the Church Caught in the Middle East Crossfire. Beginning in 1955, Brother Andrew followed God’s call to smuggle Bibles to believers living in countries behind the “iron curtain.”  In this book you’ll read the account of a new mission — to strengthen the church caught in the midst of the hatred and violence that has for so long characterized Israel and Palestine.  In these pages you will meet both Arabic and Jewish Christians, as well as various political leaders and even members of Hamas.  Read about the doors God opened for Brother Andrew to encourage the church and to share the good news with those who do not know Christ.  This story which will take you to Lebanon, into the West Bank and even to Gaza, will touch your heart and move you to prayer for our brothers and sisters caught in the crossfire.

 

October 2023

 Tim Keller was, without a doubt, one of the twenty-first century’s most influential church leaders.  His preaching and books have impacted countless Christians and skeptics alike.  In this book entitled, Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation, Collin Hansen has provided readers with a rich and unique window into the life and ministry of Keller.  Unlike a regular biography, Hansen’s book aims not just to tell Keller’s story.  Rather he has focused on sharing an account that highlights the different people and authors that deeply influenced and shaped Keller.  Hansen’s account spans from Keller’s beginnings in Pennsylvania, to his planting of Redeemer Presbyterian in New York city — and so much in between.  Hansen has masterfully crafted this moving and rich account.  I have been deeply blessed by Keller and now again through this amazing window into the process by which God formed him.  

 

September 2023

 In his book, Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ, Dallas Willard has provided a marvellous resource to every disciple of Jesus who longs to grow in Christ — to be transformed.  Willard’s book is a careful exploration of the human person and the God ordained process by which each essential part of the human self can be formed or reformed.  As he makes clear, real change happens from the inside out.  Our hearts need to be renovated.  Full of wisdom and grace, Renovation of the Heart lays a foundation for understanding both the ruin we all recognized when we take an honest look at ourself and what is needed for us to experience restoration.  Willard gives readers hope.  Growth in Christlike character is possible!  I highly commend this book for every disciple of Jesus.

 

August 2023

 In his book, Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?, Tim Keller asserts that forgiveness has a central role in our lives in this imperfect world.  Without it, resentment, bitterness and vengeance will consume people and destroying lives.  In the book Keller analyzes the approaches to forgiveness that the world around us attempts and shows why they are bound to fail.  He then explains to readers what true forgiveness requires, and he anchors true forgiveness in God’s costly forgiveness of sinners accomplished at the cross.  Keller does a masterful job of equipping his readers with the knowledge of both why forgiveness is essential to a life well lived and how one can forgive and move past even deep wounds and experiences of injustice.  This book will challenge readers deeply but it will also bring freedom and healing to those who learn the lessons Keller provides.

 

July 2023 

 In her book, The Hiding Place, readers encounter the remarkable, true story of Corrie Ten Boom and her family who   became integral members of the Resistance in Holland during World Way II.  When Germany invaded and then occupied their homeland, the Ten Booms willing risked their lives to help save Jews and underground workers from the Nazis.  Eventually arrested, Corrie and her sister found themselves in a Nazi death camp from which only Corrie would emerge.  Yet despite horrific suffering, they looked to God for strength and grace to meet the needs of others around them, to share the hope of Jesus, and even to forgive their enemies.  This moving story will inspire and challenge you in your faith.

 

June 2023

 Amazing Grace is the remarkable true story of God’s amazing grace poured out into the life of John Newton, a former slave trader who would in time, pen the well known and beloved hymn Amazing Grace.  In this biography that reads like a novel, Bruce Hindmarsh and Craig Borlase do not excuse or airbrush Newton’s faults or the glaring contradictions in his life.  They expose the shocking horrors of the slave trade and Newton’s participation in it, as well as his transformation into a man who boldly spoke out against it, proclaiming “the relentless love of God and his forgiveness of sins.”  Newton’s story “speaks to the brokenness within us all and our need for God’s amazing grace.”  Hindmarsh and Borlase conclude this story by highlighting the profound lessons readers can take from Newton’s life.  I commend this book to all.

 

May 2023

 Mark Buchanan begins his book, Things Unseen: Living in Light of Forever, with these jarring words — “I’m dying.  Sometimes I forget that.”  No, Buchanan was not at the time he penned those words, suffering from a terminal illness or a mortal wound.  Rather he had in mind the words of the apostle Paul, that he, like everyone of us, was “wasting away.”  That reality need not cause us alarm.  Buchanan reminds us that we were created for eternity — that our deepest longings cannot and will not be satisfied in this world.  His book is about our instinct for heaven and about living this life in light of that deep longing for what is yet to come. 

 

March 2023

 In her book, Fallen: Out of the Sex Industry and into the Arms of the Savior, Annie Lobert shares her remarkable story of Jesus’ saving and transforming power in her life.  What at first looked like an opportunity to escape her tumultuous, abuse-filled home, soon proved to be a dangerous and dark path.  Needing money, wanting love and desperately seeking control of her life, she stumbled into the sex industry as a glamorous, high class escort in Las Vega.  Lobert soon discovered that she was heading towards self-destruction that brought incredible pain and brokenness.  Beatings, abandonment, and death threats become routine, and left her wondering if death was the best way out.  Instead she encountered Jesus who patiently pursued her, and in time rescued her.  Now Annie works to help others escape the industry and find freedom in Jesus.  

 

February 2023

 In her book, Chariots in the Smoke, Margaret Epp recounts the story of one branch of the Mennonites (Dutch-Prussia-Russia).  From the Spanish Inquisition to twentieth century North America, Epp shares this moving account of what our Anabaptist ancestors endured because of their radical spiritual commitment to Jesus, to the authority of His Word over church tradition, and the way of love and peace. Over the centuries these forebears faced harsh oppression, even martyrdom, disease and starvation, as well as the dangers of affluence in times of plenty.  In this work of historical fiction, Epp leads readers across the landscape of Asia, Europe and North America, and across the centuries, all the while following the remarkable pilgrimage of the Mennonites.  Readers will be both challenged and encouraged through the stories and individuals encountered in this book.