Category: Book Reviews

Over the past few months, your fellow ACG members and leaders have written up their reflections on the books that they've read over the course of 2021. Our hope and prayer is that you'll enjoy these reflections and be encouraged to read these books for yourself or with others.

1. What is the book about? Why do we do what we do? And more importantly, why don't we do what we want to do? In this book, James K.A Smith argues that perhaps it's because we don't really want what we say that we want. The simple premise of the book is that our … Continue reading You Are What You Love – James K.A Smith

1. What is the book about? ‘What is Reformed Theology?’ is a book by R.C Sproul that explores the core beliefs and doctrines held by Reformed churches, such as beliefs about God, the Bible, saving faith, covenants, and Jesus. Throughout the Bible, we read of the importance of knowing God through his Word so that … Continue reading What is Reformed Theology? – R.C Sproul

If you’re like me, you use your phone more than you would like to admit. You may even be reading this book review on your phone! Although mobile phones are very useful tools, we often use (and misuse) them without considering the possible implications. While we may know that mindlessly scrolling through social media, among … Continue reading 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You – Tony Reinke

1. What is the book about? ‘None like Him’ by Jen Wilkin is a book that paints a picture of how God is set apart from us, inspiring our sense of awe and reverence for Him. This book poses the vital question: How should the knowledge that God is _______ change the way I live? … Continue reading None Like Him – Jen Wilkin

“Religion is irrational”. “Religion is no longer relevant.” These are common statements you might hear all the time. For the non-religious, these quotes are considered facts. For people of faith, it often makes them question whether their belief is legitimate. Whether you believe in God or not, this book is for you! 1. What is … Continue reading Making Sense of God – Timothy Keller

1. What is the book about? Gay Girl, Good God is a story of a woman whose life has been saved, transformed and kept by her Saviour. Written by first-time author Jackie Hill Perry, this memoir recounts her life story in a way that points us to the character of God and the person and … Continue reading Gay Girl, Good God – Jackie Hill Perry

Do we work to live? Or live to work? Is work just a means to an end? Or is it an end in and of itself? In today’s context, the idea of “work” has often been distorted so that it no longer reflects what God intended work to be. As a result, Christians often feel … Continue reading Every Good Endeavour – Timothy Keller

Feelings and emotions. Two words that take us on a continuous rollercoaster ride. They take us up and down between ‘positive and negative’ emotions. When we finally get a breather, the ride begins again. The Bible teaches us that emotions are from God and are an indispensable part of what makes us human. So how do … Continue reading Untangling Emotions – J. Alasdair Groves and Winston Smith

Just last month, we were celebrating the true joy of Christmas, our Lord Jesus Christ. But what does it mean to enjoy him? What do you do when you don’t desire God? More importantly, what can you do when you don’t desire God? 1. What is the book about? I’m not sure about you but … Continue reading Enjoying God – Tim Chester

If you've stuck around Christian circles long enough, you might have heard of the Doctrines of Grace, also known as the Five Points of Calvinism. Most could likely recite the catchy acronym of TULIP: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace and Perseverance of the Saints. Perhaps some could actually explain what the doctrines … Continue reading Grace Defined and Defended – Kevin DeYoung

What makes a marriage meaningful? Some answers to this might focus on the wedding ceremony, or the diamond rings, or even the love between a man and woman. The Bible tells us that marriage is only a shadow of the greater reality, that is, the relationship God has with us! So then, how does the … Continue reading This Momentary Marriage – John Piper

Do you tend to tolerate the sins that have become widely acceptable or are easily overlooked by others in Christian community? Do you stop repenting when it comes to the sins that are less noticeable? We may have become so preoccupied with the glaring sins of our society that we have lost sight of our … Continue reading Respectable Sins – Jerry Bridges

Two fifty-something year old retirees wasting their lives collecting sea shells. The American Dream or modern tragedy? What is the purpose of life? If we only get one shot at life, how do we avoid wasting it? 1. What is the book about? Pastor and theologian John Piper addresses the age-old question that plagues our … Continue reading Don’t Waste Your Life – John Piper

Do you ever feel like your Christian life is an endless cycle of sinful stumbling and redoubled efforts? Are you beginning to suspect that God’s patience with you must be wearing thin? At the very least, his love must come with a deep sense of disappointment. For the discouraged, exhausted and burnt out; this book … Continue reading Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers – Dane Ortland