March 2024 Recommended Reads

Each month I send a list of books that I hope will be of encouragement to you.  Because I know we have people with various interests, I send many different categories of books.  Don’t be overwhelmed by the list- I’m giving you a broad selection in hopes that you’ll pick one or two books to read this month. 

My Main Read for March: While most of these books fit fairly neatly into categories, Michael Reeves’ Rejoicing in Christ is a book that spans so many categories: theology, devotional, church history, and Christian Living.  Reeves is a model of the kind of pastor-theologian I would like to be, and I am always so refreshed and encouraged by his writing.  I’ll be taking a deep dive into this book during the month of March, and if you’d like to read it as well, I’d love to discuss it with you!  

Devotional: To Seek and to Save by another of my favorite authors, Dr. Sinclair Ferguson.  This book is excellent as it helps us to understand more about Jesus’ journey to the cross.

Bible Study: ESV Reformation Study Bible by Ligonier Ministries.  I think every Christian would benefit from a good study Bible.  One of the best is this one from Ligonier, the ministry of Dr. RC Sproul.  It has extensive study notes, all of which are well-thought out and consistent with the Reformed faith. 

Christian Living: Heirs with Christ by Joel Beeke.  Leaning heavily on the writings of the Puritans, Dr. Beeke expresses in beautiful detail all that it means that we are adopted into the family of God.

Church History: Church History by Simonetta Carr.  Simonetta Carr is one of my favorite children’s authors, and while this book is intended for children, it is actually more than adequate to teach adults the wonderful history of how Christ has been building His Church. 

Biography: Swift and Beautiful: The Amazing Stories of Faithful Missionaries by David Calhoun.  We need more stories of missionaries, and Dr. Calhoun gives us an outstanding look into several missionaries who have given their lives for the sake of the Gospel.

Family/ Parenting: A Neglected Grace: Family Worship in the Home by Jason Helopolous.  Practical, timely, and easy to read. Also, just FYI, this book is published by Christian Focus publications, which is always reliable!

Christianity in Culture:  No Place for Truth  by David Wells.  Wells is an outstanding author and cultural analyst, and he writes with incisive clarity about how the evangelical church is being eaten from the inside out because of worldliness.

Counseling: Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the Rest of God by Ed Welch.  

Dani Day, a Christian counselor and member of First Scots, highly recommends this book.  She says,  “Ed Welch’s Running Scared is an excellent resource for anyone struggling with anxiety, worry, and or fear.  The way he defines and provides examples of anxiety and fear are convicting because in many ways these things have become normalized.  He expertly applies scripture in a way that focuses on who God is, and who He promises to be. Some of the fears he focuses on addressing include money and possessions, people and their judgments, and death, pain and punishment.  It’s a very engaging book to read, with each chapter ending in action items for “personal response.”  For those wanting to dig even deeper into the topic, Welch also has a study guide that goes along with the book, titled When I Am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away From Fear and Anxiety.”

As always, while I recommend these books, it doesn’t mean that I recommend everything in all of these books.  Always read with discernment, that your soul may be nurtured and grow in the Lord Jesus. 

With love in Christ, dear saints- 

Alex Mark