• MH: 10-25

Recent Reads



A list of books I've the past week—some cover to cover, others only in part—which I believe are worth your time.



october 2025



21 Oct



Alistair Begg (38 pages)



The Man on the Middle Cross tells of three lives transformed by an encounter with Jesus—the woman at the well, the paralytic, and the thief on the cross—each given hope, restoration, and a way back to God.



22 Oct



Matthew McCullough (157 pages)



From the Introduction (about the plan of this book): "I begin by showing what is missing in our lives if this world is everything and there's nothing more to hope for. Then, I insert the hope of heaven into that void, like a key into a lock. Finally, I bring the hope of heaven back into our experience of life in the meantime."



23 Oct



Natalie Brand (83 pages)



This is a call to all Christians—but especially to Christian women—to engage more deeply in the joys of theology.



24 Oct



Gavin Ortlund (95 pages)



In a world where disagreement so easily leads to division, this warm and insightful book offers a timely guide in five concise chapters—Kindness, Courage, Listening, Persuasion, and Love—showing how to handle disagreement in ways that honour Christ and strengthen relationships.



25 Oct



David Mathis (108 pages)



David Mathis shows how exercise can help us glorify God in our bodies, sharpen our minds, strengthen our wills, deepen our joy in Christ, and serve the good of others.

Thoughtful and deeply practical, this little book reminds us that caring for the body is not a distraction from godliness but a way to delight in the God who made us whole.



26 Oct



Rico Tice (63 pages)



Capturing God poses a striking question: If you could see one photograph that captured the essence of God, what would it be?

Rico Tice takes readers to the cross of Christ to view the single most insightful image of God. Through Luke's Gospel, readers discover a God of integrity, justice, and peace—and one who welcomes sinners. This brief but powerful book offers a warm, engaging, crystal-clear presentation of the gospel, making it an excellent evangelistic tool for those exploring the Christian faith.



27 Oct



Gavin Ortlund (176 pages)



In theology, just as in battle, some hills are worth dying on and others are not. But how do we know which ones? When should doctrine divide, and when should unity prevail? Just as a medic on a battlefield treats the severely wounded first and then moves on to the less serious injuries, we must prioritize doctrine in order of importance. Pastor Gavin Ortlund implores us to cultivate humility as we prioritize doctrine into four ranks—essential, urgent, important, and unimportant—so that we will be as effective as possible at advancing the gospel in our time.



28 Oct



Jonathan Gibson (32 pages)



Even young children want answers to the hard questions about God and suffering. In The Moon Is Always Round, seminary professor and author Jonathan Gibson uses the vivid imagery of the moon to explain to children how God's goodness is always present, even when it might appear to be obscured by upsetting or difficult circumstances.



29 Oct



John Calvin (126 pages)



A timeless Christian classic from John Calvin's Institutes, guiding believers to pursue holiness, practice self-denial, bear their cross, meditate on eternity, and rightly use earthly blessings. This accessible work helps Christians reflect on their faith and lean on Christ's grace in everyday life. For centuries, believers have turned to this book for guidance in living faithfully for God's glory.



30 Oct



John Hindley (141 pages)



"The truth is that we are weak, and Hindley urges us all to come clean and admit our weakness--and to let it drive us to the One who is strong. The book is itself a lovely illustration of its own message: it is full of honest and illuminating examples from the author's own life."

-- Mike Cain, church minister and author of Real-Life Jesus



31 Oct



Paul & Sarah Hastings (132 pages)



"Compelled is a gripping, powerful, faith-inspiring page-turner that showcases how God uses all things, no matter how hopeless they may seem, for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose."

-- Ginger Hubbard, Bestselling Author of Don’t Make Me Count to Three



01 Nov



Edward T. Welch (185 pages)



"Ed Welch masterfully combines biblical analysis and a lifetime of counseling experience with a gentle exposing of our true condition--and then prescribes gospel medicine. Complete the course! At first it may not taste good. But if offers the hope of long-term spiritual health."--Sinclair Ferguson, Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries.