May 25- May 31: The Desecration of Man: How the Rejection of God Degrades our Humanity By Carl R. Truman
This book is a needed contribution to understanding the casualties of our secular age. I am grateful for Charles Taylor’s book, A Secular Age (recommended below), but Carl Trueman presses deeper than the popularized diagnosis that modern people are merely “disenchanted.” He argues the deeper crisis is humanity’s rejection of God and the attempt to create meaning, morality, and identity on our own terms. As Trueman writes, “In desecrating God, man has ironically desecrated himself.”
Trueman not only diagnoses the problem rightly, but also points readers toward the remedy: a return to God through historic Christian belief and practice. He addresses the redefinition of humanity where radical individualism promotes god-like limitless to life, addressing sex, technology, reproduction, the nihilism emerging from life detached from transcendence, and death. This book is thoughtful, timely, well-written, and highly recommended.
This book is a needed contribution to understanding the casualties of our secular age. I am grateful for Charles Taylor’s book, A Secular Age (recommended below), but Carl Trueman presses deeper than the popularized diagnosis that modern people are merely “disenchanted.” He argues the deeper crisis is humanity’s rejection of God and the attempt to create meaning, morality, and identity on our own terms. As Trueman writes, “In desecrating God, man has ironically desecrated himself.”
Trueman not only diagnoses the problem rightly, but also points readers toward the remedy: a return to God through historic Christian belief and practice. He addresses the redefinition of humanity where radical individualism promotes god-like limitless to life, addressing sex, technology, reproduction, the nihilism emerging from life detached from transcendence, and death. This book is thoughtful, timely, well-written, and highly recommended.
May 17-May 24: Simply Trinity, the Unmanipulated Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by Matthew Barrett
I am a huge Matthew Barrett fan, from his work with Credo to his speaking, teaching, and writing. I will spare you the full fanboy enthusiasm to recommend his book, Simply Trinity. Pictured with his excellent book on God’s attributes, None Greater, this week’s recommendation offers refreshing clarity on the eternal relations of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Barrett frames the doctrine of the Trinity within divine simplicity, anchors his work in the Nicene tradition, and retrieves the riches of classical Trinitarianism while confronting some of the unhelpful ways evangelicals have spoken about the Trinity in recent years and modern trinitarian issues. No book on the Trinity is perfect, and I am not sure such a book could be. But Simply Trinity is powerful, and, in my opinion, a needed read for Christians today. And if you have the capacity, read None Greater too.
I am a huge Matthew Barrett fan, from his work with Credo to his speaking, teaching, and writing. I will spare you the full fanboy enthusiasm to recommend his book, Simply Trinity. Pictured with his excellent book on God’s attributes, None Greater, this week’s recommendation offers refreshing clarity on the eternal relations of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Barrett frames the doctrine of the Trinity within divine simplicity, anchors his work in the Nicene tradition, and retrieves the riches of classical Trinitarianism while confronting some of the unhelpful ways evangelicals have spoken about the Trinity in recent years and modern trinitarian issues. No book on the Trinity is perfect, and I am not sure such a book could be. But Simply Trinity is powerful, and, in my opinion, a needed read for Christians today. And if you have the capacity, read None Greater too.
May 9- May 16: Daily Doctrine, A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology
by Kevin DeYoung
This past week, I recommended Daily Doctrine to a newer believer eager to wade into the waters of Reformed theology (pictured is the copy Amazon delivered to him). This book is accessible because broader themes such as the doctrine of Scripture, the being and works of God, covenant theology, humanity, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology are broken down into daily, digestible readings. DeYoung keeps God’s Word central while thoughtfully engaging historic theology and voices from church history.
Full disclosure: I do not read this book daily, but I return to it regularly throughout the week and use it as a reference. This may sound a bit nerdy, but I honestly wish there were more sections! That is largely because I love engaging DeYoung’s work and deeply appreciate his passion for making rich theology accessible to everyone. For believers wanting to deepen their theological understanding without feeling overwhelmed, Daily Doctrine is an excellent companion.
by Kevin DeYoung
This past week, I recommended Daily Doctrine to a newer believer eager to wade into the waters of Reformed theology (pictured is the copy Amazon delivered to him). This book is accessible because broader themes such as the doctrine of Scripture, the being and works of God, covenant theology, humanity, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology are broken down into daily, digestible readings. DeYoung keeps God’s Word central while thoughtfully engaging historic theology and voices from church history.
Full disclosure: I do not read this book daily, but I return to it regularly throughout the week and use it as a reference. This may sound a bit nerdy, but I honestly wish there were more sections! That is largely because I love engaging DeYoung’s work and deeply appreciate his passion for making rich theology accessible to everyone. For believers wanting to deepen their theological understanding without feeling overwhelmed, Daily Doctrine is an excellent companion.
May 1- May 8: Tactics- A Gameplan For Discussing Your Christian Convictions
by Gregory Koukl
This is the most helpful book on engaging others in conversations about the Christian faith that I’ve read. Lately, I’ve been especially drawn to cultural apologetics... exploring how the gospel meets the deep longings of our culture, subverts misplaced hopes, and ultimately fulfills what people are truly searching for. What sets Greg Koukl’s book apart is its simplicity and effectiveness, equipping people to engage others on a worldview level. Tactics offers a framework for engaging others, fueling readers with thoughtful, well-placed questions that invite meaningful dialogue and point others toward the truth of the gospel.
Koukl's illustrations are memorable, the strategies are practical, and the writing is clear and engaging. This has become the first book I will recommend to anyone wanting to grow in sharing their faith with neighbors, family, friends, or coworkers because it’s both an accessible and effective resource for everyday evangelism.
by Gregory Koukl
This is the most helpful book on engaging others in conversations about the Christian faith that I’ve read. Lately, I’ve been especially drawn to cultural apologetics... exploring how the gospel meets the deep longings of our culture, subverts misplaced hopes, and ultimately fulfills what people are truly searching for. What sets Greg Koukl’s book apart is its simplicity and effectiveness, equipping people to engage others on a worldview level. Tactics offers a framework for engaging others, fueling readers with thoughtful, well-placed questions that invite meaningful dialogue and point others toward the truth of the gospel.
Koukl's illustrations are memorable, the strategies are practical, and the writing is clear and engaging. This has become the first book I will recommend to anyone wanting to grow in sharing their faith with neighbors, family, friends, or coworkers because it’s both an accessible and effective resource for everyday evangelism.
April 22-30: The Temple in Biblical Theology
I highly commend the work of G. K. Beale on a biblical theology of the dwelling place of God, the gold standard for understanding God’s covenant purpose to dwell with His people. This recent article in Themelios offers a clear and compelling summary, and it has already become a resource I’ve shared with many others.
I highly commend the work of G. K. Beale on a biblical theology of the dwelling place of God, the gold standard for understanding God’s covenant purpose to dwell with His people. This recent article in Themelios offers a clear and compelling summary, and it has already become a resource I’ve shared with many others.
April 13-21: Solviture Ambulando
This week’s recommended resource is simple: take a walk. Seriously, try walking with someone instead of getting coffee or lunch with them. Walk and talk, or walk alone with God.
The phrase solvitur ambulando (“it is solved by walking”) is from Augustine of Hippo (354–430), whose vision of peace flows from rightly ordered loves anchored in eternal realities. Augustine reminds us that our hearts are restless until they rest in God. And walking creates space to listen, reflect, process, and discern what God is doing… one step at a time.
This practice also echoes resurrected Jesus’ journey on the Emmaus Road (Lk. 24), where the disciples walked with Him before they recognized Him… until the Scriptures were opened and their hearts awakened. So too, solvitur ambulando leads us into deeper engagement with God’s Word, richer fellowship with Him, and deeper intimacy with one another. So, whether wrestling with sin, truth, suffering, discernment, direction, or calling, discipleship fruitfully unfolds as we embrace solvitur ambilando.
This week’s recommended resource is simple: take a walk. Seriously, try walking with someone instead of getting coffee or lunch with them. Walk and talk, or walk alone with God.
The phrase solvitur ambulando (“it is solved by walking”) is from Augustine of Hippo (354–430), whose vision of peace flows from rightly ordered loves anchored in eternal realities. Augustine reminds us that our hearts are restless until they rest in God. And walking creates space to listen, reflect, process, and discern what God is doing… one step at a time.
This practice also echoes resurrected Jesus’ journey on the Emmaus Road (Lk. 24), where the disciples walked with Him before they recognized Him… until the Scriptures were opened and their hearts awakened. So too, solvitur ambulando leads us into deeper engagement with God’s Word, richer fellowship with Him, and deeper intimacy with one another. So, whether wrestling with sin, truth, suffering, discernment, direction, or calling, discipleship fruitfully unfolds as we embrace solvitur ambilando.
April 5-April 12: All Sufficient Merit
This is the first song I've shared as a resource recommendation, and that probably says something about how deeply God used it this weekend. All Sufficient Merit closed our Good Friday service as a fitting response to the preaching of God’s Word, and then, on Easter morning, it prepared our hearts to hear God’s Word preached again. Few modern hymns so clearly, beautifully, and powerfully capture the finished work of Jesus Christ. Shane & Shane have given the church a rich gift in this song, one that helps us rest in the sufficiency of Christ's work alone. Take a few moments to meditate on the lyrics and let your heart be anchored again in the gospel by clicking the link below:
This is the first song I've shared as a resource recommendation, and that probably says something about how deeply God used it this weekend. All Sufficient Merit closed our Good Friday service as a fitting response to the preaching of God’s Word, and then, on Easter morning, it prepared our hearts to hear God’s Word preached again. Few modern hymns so clearly, beautifully, and powerfully capture the finished work of Jesus Christ. Shane & Shane have given the church a rich gift in this song, one that helps us rest in the sufficiency of Christ's work alone. Take a few moments to meditate on the lyrics and let your heart be anchored again in the gospel by clicking the link below:
March 29-April 4: PPT for Theology over Breakfast
God continues to give growth to Overland Church in Durango, and this new series is aimed at helping us go deeper in both our personal discipleship and our shared life of worship. After several people asked, “Which seminar was last week’s recommendation from?” It seemed appropriate to make the PDF available for download as a resource for your encouragement and edification. Click on the bottom of the box below, and enjoy!
God continues to give growth to Overland Church in Durango, and this new series is aimed at helping us go deeper in both our personal discipleship and our shared life of worship. After several people asked, “Which seminar was last week’s recommendation from?” It seemed appropriate to make the PDF available for download as a resource for your encouragement and edification. Click on the bottom of the box below, and enjoy!
March 22-29: The Question of Cannon- Challenging the Status Quo in the New Testament Debate by Michael J. Kruger
I read this book in preparation for a seminar and found myself wishing I had picked it up years ago. Published over a decade ago, Michael Kruger’s work is one of the clearest and most compelling treatments of the biblical canon, addressing its definition, origins, dating, and authorship with both historical rigor and theological depth.
Kruger helpfully engages common misconceptions about canon formation, using them as a framework to articulate five foundational tenets, each carefully grounded in Scripture and supported by historical evidence. The result is a work that is both academically robust and pastorally reassuring, strengthening confidence in the trustworthiness of Scripture.
This is not merely an endorsement of the president of the RTS campus where I am completing my doctoral work (or brown-nosing as I round the final turn towards the finish line). It is a genuine regret that I had not read and recommended this book sooner. I commend it wholeheartedly for personal study, teaching, or group discussion. It is available where books are sold.
I read this book in preparation for a seminar and found myself wishing I had picked it up years ago. Published over a decade ago, Michael Kruger’s work is one of the clearest and most compelling treatments of the biblical canon, addressing its definition, origins, dating, and authorship with both historical rigor and theological depth.
Kruger helpfully engages common misconceptions about canon formation, using them as a framework to articulate five foundational tenets, each carefully grounded in Scripture and supported by historical evidence. The result is a work that is both academically robust and pastorally reassuring, strengthening confidence in the trustworthiness of Scripture.
This is not merely an endorsement of the president of the RTS campus where I am completing my doctoral work (or brown-nosing as I round the final turn towards the finish line). It is a genuine regret that I had not read and recommended this book sooner. I commend it wholeheartedly for personal study, teaching, or group discussion. It is available where books are sold.
March 15-22: To The Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson
by Courtney Anderson
This is one of the best missionary biographies I have been through. It is long (over 550 pages) and written in 1950s English (which occasionally requires a quick vocabulary check), but the rich detail of Adoniram Judson’s upbringing, conversion, calling, and commissioning into God’s global mission is deeply engaging.
What resonated with me most was the book’s persistent emphasis on eternity. Judson’s conversion, his motivation for mission, his careful contextualization of the gospel, his endurance through profound suffering, and his perseverance in ministry were all shaped by a clear vision of eternal realities. Very few books I have been through stirred my heart for the mission of God like this one. You can buy the book HERE.
by Courtney Anderson
This is one of the best missionary biographies I have been through. It is long (over 550 pages) and written in 1950s English (which occasionally requires a quick vocabulary check), but the rich detail of Adoniram Judson’s upbringing, conversion, calling, and commissioning into God’s global mission is deeply engaging.
What resonated with me most was the book’s persistent emphasis on eternity. Judson’s conversion, his motivation for mission, his careful contextualization of the gospel, his endurance through profound suffering, and his perseverance in ministry were all shaped by a clear vision of eternal realities. Very few books I have been through stirred my heart for the mission of God like this one. You can buy the book HERE.
March 8-15: The Fountain of Life: Contemplating the Aseity of God by Samuel G. Parkinson.
I love short books that open wide vistas into the greatness of God. Parkinson’s The Fountain of Life: Contemplating the Aseity of God is exactly this kind of book. It invites readers to behold a breathtaking truth: God is eternally the fullness of life in Himself. He does not depend on anything outside Himself but is the fountain from which all life flows.
Seeing God this way reshapes how we live. When we know that God is the inexhaustible source of life, we begin to understand more deeply the abundant life Jesus offers His people and learn to draw from Him in our daily discipleship.
I first encountered Parkinson’s work through my study of Matthew Barrett, which also introduced me to Credo. I’m grateful for their commitment to helping the church recover the beauty and depth of classical Christian theology. My hope is that their work will help lead you further up and further in, to behold more of who God has revealed Himself to be and to live more fully in response to His sovereign grace.
I love short books that open wide vistas into the greatness of God. Parkinson’s The Fountain of Life: Contemplating the Aseity of God is exactly this kind of book. It invites readers to behold a breathtaking truth: God is eternally the fullness of life in Himself. He does not depend on anything outside Himself but is the fountain from which all life flows.
Seeing God this way reshapes how we live. When we know that God is the inexhaustible source of life, we begin to understand more deeply the abundant life Jesus offers His people and learn to draw from Him in our daily discipleship.
I first encountered Parkinson’s work through my study of Matthew Barrett, which also introduced me to Credo. I’m grateful for their commitment to helping the church recover the beauty and depth of classical Christian theology. My hope is that their work will help lead you further up and further in, to behold more of who God has revealed Himself to be and to live more fully in response to His sovereign grace.
March 1-8: Theo of Golden
by Allen Levi
Theo of Golden is an engaging story helping readers understand the virtue of love manifest in a life marked by simple kindness and compassionate connection. It invites readers into a deeper way of living: seeing faces, entering stories, sending generously, and risking vulnerability. The surprise ending awakens the reader to the potential of a new beginning characterized by wholehearted presence. I cried, laughed, and loved this book... and hope to continue the journey to love deeply, give freely, and behold beauty.
by Allen Levi
Theo of Golden is an engaging story helping readers understand the virtue of love manifest in a life marked by simple kindness and compassionate connection. It invites readers into a deeper way of living: seeing faces, entering stories, sending generously, and risking vulnerability. The surprise ending awakens the reader to the potential of a new beginning characterized by wholehearted presence. I cried, laughed, and loved this book... and hope to continue the journey to love deeply, give freely, and behold beauty.
February 22- March 1: A Penitent People, The Doctrine of Repentance by Harrison Perkins
I was first introduced to Perkins through his systematic introduction to Reformed Covenant Theology. As I prayerfully sought the right companion for this season of Lent, this small book by Perkins crossed my path... and I intend to read it again, and then repeatedly in the weeks ahead. Repentance is essential to our sanctification, a gospel gift freeing us from the power of sin. Perkins is thoroughly Biblical, refreshingly historical, and whimsically inviting in his presentation of the doctrine of repentance. Beyond the season of Lent, repentance is a relational reality where we turn from our sin, again and again, to love and obey Jesus, who meets us with grace and restores the joy of our salvation. You can buy this book here.
I was first introduced to Perkins through his systematic introduction to Reformed Covenant Theology. As I prayerfully sought the right companion for this season of Lent, this small book by Perkins crossed my path... and I intend to read it again, and then repeatedly in the weeks ahead. Repentance is essential to our sanctification, a gospel gift freeing us from the power of sin. Perkins is thoroughly Biblical, refreshingly historical, and whimsically inviting in his presentation of the doctrine of repentance. Beyond the season of Lent, repentance is a relational reality where we turn from our sin, again and again, to love and obey Jesus, who meets us with grace and restores the joy of our salvation. You can buy this book here.
February 16-22: Turned Upside Down, a Tim Frickenschmidt sermon
This is the first sermon I’ve heard in 2026 that rises to the level of a weekly resource recommendation… and once you listen, you’ll understand why. Truly, “bienaventurado” joy comes when the gospel turns your life upside down! I listen to a handful of preachers each week, always downloading Tim's sermons. Tim is the senior pastor of All Saints Presbyterian (PCA) in Austin, Texas, and you can watch the sermon here, listen to the sermon here, or subscribe to All Saints on Apple Podcast (as I do).
This is the first sermon I’ve heard in 2026 that rises to the level of a weekly resource recommendation… and once you listen, you’ll understand why. Truly, “bienaventurado” joy comes when the gospel turns your life upside down! I listen to a handful of preachers each week, always downloading Tim's sermons. Tim is the senior pastor of All Saints Presbyterian (PCA) in Austin, Texas, and you can watch the sermon here, listen to the sermon here, or subscribe to All Saints on Apple Podcast (as I do).
February 8-15: A Secular Age by Charles Taylor
This book has become foundational for understanding the cultural condition of Western civilization. In his sweeping 776-page work, Charles Taylor offers profound insight into the rise of secularism and the reshaping of faith over the past five centuries. Several of Taylor’s key terms, including "the nova effect," "immanent frame," "buffered and porous self," "open and closed frames," "secularity," "cross pressures," and "malaise," help illuminate the cultural air we breathe and are essential for translating the gospel into our current cultural reality.
Taylor’s massive volume is daunting, so I suggest a helpful companion in The Gospel Coalition’s Ten Years of Reading Charles Taylor, which translates and applies many of his insights for Christian readers engaging contemporary culture. As always, Scripture provides the ultimate interpretive lens. Marginalizing God and His purposes is, as Ecclesiastes reminds us, “vanity, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14; 2:11). There is “nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). While Taylor’s vocabulary may be new, the human tendency to construct meaning apart from God (and its consequences) is not.
This book has become foundational for understanding the cultural condition of Western civilization. In his sweeping 776-page work, Charles Taylor offers profound insight into the rise of secularism and the reshaping of faith over the past five centuries. Several of Taylor’s key terms, including "the nova effect," "immanent frame," "buffered and porous self," "open and closed frames," "secularity," "cross pressures," and "malaise," help illuminate the cultural air we breathe and are essential for translating the gospel into our current cultural reality.
Taylor’s massive volume is daunting, so I suggest a helpful companion in The Gospel Coalition’s Ten Years of Reading Charles Taylor, which translates and applies many of his insights for Christian readers engaging contemporary culture. As always, Scripture provides the ultimate interpretive lens. Marginalizing God and His purposes is, as Ecclesiastes reminds us, “vanity, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14; 2:11). There is “nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). While Taylor’s vocabulary may be new, the human tendency to construct meaning apart from God (and its consequences) is not.
February 1-7: "The Private Interpretation of Scripture" by R. C. Sproul
This video has become a favorite piece of supplemental content in my Bibliology cohorts. Maybe it’s R.C.’s hair. Maybe it’s the suit. Or maybe it’s his clear and memorable explanation of the first principle of interpretation: there is only one correct meaning of any biblical text (sensus literalis). While a passage may yield many faithful applications and layers of significance, Scripture itself speaks with a single, intended meaning in any given text. Enjoy this short lesson!
This video has become a favorite piece of supplemental content in my Bibliology cohorts. Maybe it’s R.C.’s hair. Maybe it’s the suit. Or maybe it’s his clear and memorable explanation of the first principle of interpretation: there is only one correct meaning of any biblical text (sensus literalis). While a passage may yield many faithful applications and layers of significance, Scripture itself speaks with a single, intended meaning in any given text. Enjoy this short lesson!
January 25-31: Grounded in Heaven, Recentering Christian Hope and Life on God. Michael Allen’s 2018 book deserves renewed attention for its rich theological retrieval, biblical insight, and pastoral guidance toward a heavenly-minded life shaped by holy discipline. I utilized this work in my doctoral thesis and continue to return to it in my own discipleship and leadership. You can purchase this book wherever books are sold.
“To walk unto the sun was to flee darkness. To journey towards Heaven was to leave behind the things of this earth.”
“To walk unto the sun was to flee darkness. To journey towards Heaven was to leave behind the things of this earth.”
January 17-24: Born to Reproduce. Dawson Trotman's 1955 talk at the "Back to the Bible Conference" is a timeless call to intentional discipleship. This talk was recently referenced in a men’s group I attend, and after listening to it twice, I knew I needed to share it on Dwelling Conversations. You can read it HERE or listen to it HERE. Either way, it is worth your time. I’m confident this message will both challenge and enrich your understanding of Christian discipleship and leadership.
January 10-17: A Heart Aflame for God, A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation (Matthew Bingham) I picked up this book to sharpen our service for guests who stay at The Dwelling Mtn Home but could not put it down because of the refreshing re-orientation it provides to other books on spiritual formation. This book is worth your investment, and
this interview with the author is a good preview of the content.
this interview with the author is a good preview of the content.
January 3-10: Waiting on God, Daily Messages for a Month (Andrew Murray)
Take time to peruse the content and read some of the messages to steward your season of waiting through worshipping God and trusting His Word.
FREE PDF HERE
Take time to peruse the content and read some of the messages to steward your season of waiting through worshipping God and trusting His Word.
FREE PDF HERE
Other Helpful resources
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Desiring God Ministry: Resources
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Knowable word |
Cannon fodder |
The bible project videos |