 By: Phyllis Acker
I enjoy listening to podcasts and audiobooks. I often listen to them while doing tasks around my home, cleaning, yard work, cooking and sewing. For me, they are a great way to learn new things and to stay informed about what is going on in the world around me. Here are some of my favorites:
1 Comment
 “...knowing the King is so important. Knowing him shows you that you can’t be the center of the world because he already is. That is a good thing.”
A black cover embossed with intricate gold foil. Glossy pages filled with detailed symbols and illustrations. The book is beautiful. Simply holding it and turning the pages is a delightful experience. But it is more than just a bibliophile’s paradise—it portrays truth through a quest, one that both children and adults will enjoy. Emblems of the Infinite King (written by J. Ryan Lister and illustrated by Anthony Benedetto) takes kids on a journey through the Bible’s narrative. The author and illustrator combine beauty and truth as they teach key aspects of biblical doctrine — including the Trinity, mankind, sin, salvation, and the church. The concepts are explained with simple vocabulary and thoughtful analogies that young readers can understand. I found myself flipping back and forth through the pages to discover how the intricate symbols on each page illustrate the concept being taught. The one that stood out to me was the illustration for “The End of All Things”. It feels as though you could step into the scene itself — every detail draws the reader further into the story and its meaning. Emblems is marketed for ages 8-13, but it is a quest that we all need to read. It reminds us of who we are and who God is. This book rewards repeated reading — offering something new to notice each time its pages are opened.  “We love well when we affirm and encourage a person’s identity in Christ, pointing out where we see the Spirit at work. We love well when we bring consolation, hope, and help in the midst of a friend’s affliction. We love well when we bring admonition to highlight and correct sin.”
Mike Emlet, Saints, Sufferers and Sinners: Loving Others as God Loves Us Your friend just learned that her husband has received a devastating diagnosis. A teen in your church shares that she is struggling with friendships at school. Your neighbor, a single mom, was laid off from her job. A woman in your small group quietly admits she is battling anxiety and depression. How do you help? What biblical comfort and wisdom can you offer? Life is rarely simple, and there isn’t a book in the Bible that outlines a neat, step-by-step formula for walking alongside those who are suffering. However, Scripture does give us wisdom and principles for caring well for others. The nuanced descriptions and practical examples Emlet provides help bridge the gap between biblical truth and real life, boots-on-the-ground, messy, complicated situations. In his book Saints, Sufferers, and Sinners, Mike Emlet defines the biblical categories of saints, sufferers, and sinners—and explains how they shape the way we help one another grow in Christlikeness. As I read, I often found myself stopping to reread sections—not because they were unclear, but because they were uncomfortably familiar. The principles and examples applied directly to my own experiences, both past trials and present difficulties. I was also reminded of times when I failed to help someone well. Like Job’s so-called friends, I didn’t always take the time to truly listen before offering what I thought might be a quick fix. Yet even as he gently corrects our tendency toward “quick fixes,” Emlet offers hope to those of us who have, at times, been miserable comforters. He reminds us that God is patient with His people and that He graciously works even through our weaknesses. In this way, the book compassionately and constructively reflects Paul’s instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:14: “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” Emlet acknowledges that believers are all of these—saints, sufferers, and sinners—at the same time. Throughout the book, he consistently points us back to Christ and the gospel. He urges us to examine our own hearts as we minister to others. Drawing from both the Old and New Testaments, Emlet prompts us to remember our identity as saints, persevere with hope in suffering, and renew our minds as we confront sin in our own lives. Chapter 6, Ministry Priorities for Loving Saints, was one I especially needed to read. Emlet reminds us to actively look for evidence of God’s grace at work in others. It is often far easier to spot flaws in someone else—while remaining blind to similar flaws in ourselves. Instead, he urges us to be eager to point out where a person’s character reflects Christlikeness. While there are appropriate times to confront sin, our first instinct should be to go on a “grace hunt” rather than an “idol hunt.” At the end of the book, Emlet lifts our eyes to our certain hope. One day, the categories of sufferers and sinners will no longer exist. The promise of our future in the new heavens and the new earth is so sure that it can be considered a fait accompli—already done. Until then, we walk together through the “already, not yet” of the Christian life, with our minds and hearts set firmly on Christ. Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure. 1 John 3:2-3  “If we want our kids to stand firm in a culture that suppresses the truth of Christianity, we need to give them a grand view of God that overwhelms their hearts and fills them with wonder. Our children’s resolve is only as strong as the God they believe in, and if the God they believe in is presented to them as nothing more than a small deity, their loyalty will follow suit.”
How to Teach Kids Theology by Sam Luce and Hunter Williams In Aesop’s fables, we encounter a collection of stories with memorable characters designed to deliver a moral lesson. In The Boy Who Cried Wolf, we learn not to lie. In The Tortoise and the Hare, we see that good things come to those who are patient and consistent. We come away from each story with a simple slogan meant to help us do better. Unfortunately, when we teach our children or teens, we can unintentionally create the impression that the Bible is not much different from Aesop’s fables. The Good Samaritan becomes a lesson about being kind to others. The narrative of Jonah and the whale turns into a reminder that we should obey when we are told to do something. These approaches reduce Bible passages to little more than character lessons, rather than revealing who God is and what he has done. When we treat Scripture this way, we forget that any time we teach the Bible we are teaching theology. The real question is not whether we are theologians, but whether we are good ones. Reading this book pushed me to examine my own habits when teaching. As I was reading the examples of how parents and leaders can miss the mark when teaching Scripture, I cringed many times. I have used almost every one of those techniques or explanations when talking with my own children or teaching at church. It was eye-opening to see how cute stories, analogies, and moral takeaways can minimize the true purpose of a biblical passage. Sometimes it can be daunting to talk to children or teens about who God is and what he has done. We need to use vocabulary and concepts that they can understand, but without minimizing the deep truths that Scripture presents. This book reminds us that we can be transparent and admit when something is hard to understand. We can tell children and teens that we will have to study more and return to the subject another time. I appreciated that the book introduces basic principles for studying Scripture. The authors encourage us to take time to read the passages we are teaching, understand them, and look for gospel implications. These are invaluable steps to take before attempting to teach. Luce and Williams also give excellent principles for preparing for lessons, and choosing appropriate curriculum. In addition, they provide practical tips for designing engaging, gospel-centered lessons. So who would benefit the most from reading this book? The book is written for people who teach children and teens — including parents and grandparents. But I also recommend this resource for new believers who want to understand how to study Scripture. There are also many ideas that are also helpful for adult small group leaders. In short, if you are a believer, it is well worth adding to your reading list. See also: Next Generation  Welcome to my “book buffet”—a sampling of reads that have encouraged and challenged me in different ways. Each one offers something unique, from rich storytelling to practical biblical wisdom. Here’s a taste of four books I’ve enjoyed recently. Theo of Golden by Allen Levi This book surprised me. Although it isn’t marketed as Christian fiction, it carries a redemptive thread throughout. It blends all the ingredients of a savory read—drama, romance, mystery, and even touches of humor. The story weaves together the lives of the people in the town of Golden, centering on a stranger who quietly leaves a lasting impact. Most of the time, when I read fiction, I move steadily from page to page without stopping to admire the “scenery,” so to speak. But with this book, I found myself pausing—sometimes rereading entire paragraphs—just to savor the beauty of the author’s language and imagery. Impossible Christianity by Kevin DeYoung This book comes with quite the subtitle: Why Following Jesus Does Not Mean You Have to Change the World, Be an Expert in Everything, Accept Spiritual Failure, and Feel Miserable Pretty Much All the Time. The subtitle may be long, but the book itself is a quick read. Don’t let its size fool you—it offers plenty of substance to digest. With equal measures of encouragement and biblical conviction, DeYoung serves up a helpful perspective on pursuing godly living in a balanced and practical way. As we grow in spiritual disciplines, he reminds us that we don’t have to carry the burden of perfection. Time Out: The Gift of God of Youth Sport by John Perritt This book takes a thoughtful look at sports and stewardship. How can we use involvement in sports to wisely steward our time, resources, character, and bodies? How should parents evaluate their children’s participation in these activities? Perritt gives parents, coaches, and teens plenty to chew on as he serves up a balanced plate of both the redemptive aspects and the potential dangers of sports and physical activities. He brings an honest and nuanced perspective to this topic—something I found especially refreshing. The Lost Letters of Pergamum by Bruce Longenecker This is one I had to keep reminding myself was fiction. Longenecker skillfully blends historical and archaeological detail with imagined correspondence between two New Testament figures. As we read fragments of letters written by Luke and Antipas, we gain insight into the culture and structure of the Roman Empire in the first century. It’s a rich and immersive read that kept me engaged from beginning to end, even as I anticipated the bittersweet outcome. If you sample one of these “book buffet” selections, I’d love to hear what you think!
See also: How to Find Jesus in the Old Testament, Literarily by Kristie Anyabwile  “As you follow the Lord Jesus, may you be one who sets your face to finish the course the Father has set before you. May God bless you in the afternoon of your life and make you a faithful follower of Jesus.” Christopher Ash, Not Old, Not Young, Not Done Here I am, in that lovely stage of life referred to as “perimenopause” which may last from 2 to 67 years. (Yes, I pronounced that as six-seeeven when I typed it -- I am a middle school teacher, after all). Our kids have left the nest, I am counting the days (and seconds) until retirement, and I am trying to age semi-gracefully. So when I spotted Christopher Ash’s book “Not Old, Not Young, Not Done: Following Jesus in Your 50s and 60s”, it only took me 6-7 seconds to decide to add it to my TBR list. After a couple of hot flashes, I quickly decided to upgrade the book from my ever-growing TBR list to the MRN (must read now) list. Within a few chapters, it had me nodding and thinking, this should go on my RAS (read again soon) list. I found myself wishing that this book had been published twenty years ago so that I could have been more prepared when the hormone roller coaster started. The “Menopause” appendix by Sarah Allen was itself worth the price of the book. (And yes, now her book Pause is on my TBR list.) With that said, don’t overlook this book if you are in your 40s, or 30s, or even 20s. It is never too soon to think about how we can follow Jesus faithfully in any stage of life. Ash’s book has a redemptive focus for every aspect of aging. Yes, we are going to lose muscle. Our reaction times will slow (oh good, now I have a legitimate excuse for being clumsy and uncoordinated). Our bodies will deteriorate (spoiler alert) and our minds are not exempt, either. Our frustration over these changes is because these things are not supposed to be normal. The creaky joints and leaky bladders are a reminder of the weight of sin. But as believers we know that this weight is light compared to the weight of glory that is coming (2 Corinthians 4:17). As I dove into this book, I kept thinking of people from our church—walking, talking examples of everything Ash was describing! I met regularly with a woman who, even before retirement was on the horizon, would talk about the plans that she and her husband had for serving after retirement. Ash encourages us to establish Titus 2 relationships — both with older believers who can help us and younger believers that we can mentor. These encouragements challenged me to reexamine how much time I spend filling my TBR list—and how little time I invest in relationships. Our bodies may be sagging and our minds may be lagging, but Ash gently reminds us that we can’t use those as an excuse to slack off in consistent godly habits. Reading our Bible, praying, and serving others can keep our hearts focused on an eternal perspective. Ash also warns us of the temptation to think that aging means we have earned the right to be grumpy or selfish. This made me pause — I can’t use second puberty as an excuse to treat others poorly. It is so easy to be blind to my faults and motives. These are reminders that I need to rely on Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in my life. So, even as I struggle to make it through another day when I am mad at the world or feel like crying for no reason — his strength is evident in my weakness. From this book I learned that there is no retirement from growth in grace and sanctification. I can find ways to intentionally and diligently glorify God and serve others. I can even find joy amidst the rollercoaster of menopause and ever-changing middle school lingo. Because my identity is rooted in Christ, I am not defined by my physical and mental limitations. Because I am anchored by the hope found in his Word, I can do more than just survive —I can thrive. The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. Psalm 92:12-15 (ESV)  “The Bible is a message from God written in epic fashion as a collection of anthologies to chronicles the story of Jesus’ redemption of sinners and His appeal for us to live considering His work on our behalf.” Kristie Anyabwile, Literarily: How Understanding Bible Genres Transforms Bible Study Literarily: How Understanding Bible Genres Transforms Bible Study by Kristie Anyabwile
Have you ever tried to put a puzzle together without having the picture to use as a reference? I have. Well, I tried…and my husband helped a little. Our friend gave us a ziploc bag that said “Snow White” on the outside. That was all we had to guide us. The outside wasn’t too hard to put together. But then we had no idea which side was the top. We tried each piece one by one around the outside without much success. And then we tried to group the pieces by colors to make sense of the overall picture — but the odds were not in our favor. Making sense of the Bible can feel like that sometimes. At first, it seems like a random collection of stories and philosophical musings, even though we know it’s ‘the Bible.’ But if we understand the overarching narrative of Scripture and look at each piece in light of that story, the puzzle starts to click—and the picture begins to emerge. Kristie Anyabwile’s book Literarily is a guide that helps us understand each of the BIble’s pieces — the genres that shape its story. In her approachable, thoughtful style, she shows how the Bible’s many genres—law, narrative, poetry, prophecy, letters, wisdom literature, and even apocalyptic writing—fit together into one epic story pointing to Jesus. Anyabwile walks readers gently through each genre, with clear examples and study questions that curiosity, discovery, and reflection. One of my favorite insights is her suggestion to look for “Easter eggs”—recurring themes woven throughout Scripture. Taken together, these threads unify the Bible’s message and consistently point us to Christ. Reading this book reminded me that studying Scripture is never just an intellectual exercise. The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to shape our hearts and conform us more into Christ’s likeness. Literarily is a treasure for anyone who has ever felt confused or overwhelmed by certain parts of the Bible. Whether you’re a teen trying to make sense of the Psalms, a parent walking with your kids through the Gospels, a ministry leader shepherding others, or a seasoned reader hoping to see familiar passages in a fresh light, this book equips you to read Scripture thoughtfully, joyfully, and with confidence. After reading Literarily, you’ll be able to piece together the Bible in ways that make sense—but unlike a puzzle, this isn’t just a pastime. It’s a lifelong adventure, one that will shape your heart, your mind, and your walk with God. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 |
RSS Feed