Since I haven’t done one of these in a while, I thought it was time… While 2025 was a good reading year for me, since I met my annual goal for the first time (a book a week), it was disappointing in content. I only had a few that really stood out, but they stood out well.

Disclaimer: I’m selective about what I share. I don’t want someone thinking, “He reads this, so it must be good… or true… or accurate…” I read widely, so some stuff I would not recommend to everyone. Some stuff I would not recommend to anyone. For a simple reason: I don’t want anyone to be led astray by false teaching. With that said, even a mention of a book in anything I write is not an endorsement of everything the author said in the book. The only Book I fully endorse is Scripture. Everything else you read must be vetted by the Text from God.

In no particular order:

#1 God Unseen: A Theological Introduction to Esther by Nathan Ward

This little book was truly astounding and enriched my preparations for teaching Esther. It is not overly technical. However, if you are not familiar with technical studies, this will be a deep dive for you. 

Also, Nathan is currently working on a commentary on Esther. If it is anything like his introduction, it will be worth getting. 

Note: In my upcoming project file sits a commentary on Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. More on that soon… 

#2 Our Eyes Are on You: A Study of Biblical Prayer by Nathan Ward

Nathan is a talented writer. He has the credentials and ability to dig into heavy matters without drowning the reader in it. This is not a reinvention of the wheel, but it is a worthwhile study. 

#3 Too Good to Be False: How Jesus’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality by Tom Gilson

This is a good study, similar to an older book entitled: “The Man of Galilee,” by Atticus Haygood. (A high-ranking read from years past.)

#4 The Love of God: A Refutation of Calvinism by Bruce Reeves

Bruce is not only a good friend, but a talented defender of the faith. He does a good job of addressing the issues without spending 900 pages doing it. Plus, this issue has made its way around a few circles again. Good Bible readers must be on the alert, avoiding error, and those who promote it; no matter who they are. 

#5 Mere Christianity by CS Lewis

This classic is worth a read. This was my second time through it. Lewis had a marvelous mind, and an ingenious way of letting the reader into it. (Also a frequent flyer on my recommended list.)

#6 Romans for Everyone by Mark Roberts

Mark is a good friend and a good Bible student. He writes like he preaches, with an eye on the Text and an eye on how to help his audience understand and live it. 

#7 The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis 

This book is fascinating and frighteningly prophetic. In the vein of Paul Harvey’s “If I Were the Devil.” A fictional dialogue between a senior demon and an apprentice on how to corrupt humanity. 

Just for fun… Here are a few from my 2024 list, in no particular order: 

(1) Mind Your King: Lessons and Essays on Biblical Authority by Doy Moyer 

I’ve mentioned this book before, but it really is a worthwhile read. Doy is one of those few people with a truly great mind but can write in ways that are understandable and logical. (Always on my list, it seems—worth reading) 

(2) Our Help In Ages Past: A Primer in Church History by Daniel W. Petty

Some histories exhaust the reader. Some feel like it took longer to read the book than it would have to live through that period. Dan’s book isn’t like that. It is concise, readable, and insightful. (My 2026 list has several good church history books) 

(3) Salvation by Allegiance Alone by Matthew W. Bates 

This book is interesting. It challenges the traditional definition of “Faith” in the Protestant world. Bates attempts to define the term in more Biblical ways, as I see it. Faith is better understood as allegiance to Jesus as King. While I disagree with some things, it is still interesting to see someone challenge the traditional “faith only” doctrine.

(4) Mind Your Faith: Essays in Apologetics, 2nd edition, revised & expanded by Doy Moyer

As with Doy’s book on authority, this one on defending the Christian faith is exceptional. Written in Doy’s brilliant style, deep and thoughtful, but in a way that any interested reader will have no trouble following. (Note: 8/25/26, Amazon says it is out of print.)

(5) The Sermon on the Mount for Everyone by Mark Roberts

Mark gets another mention. This is his best book yet. Readable and relevant. He unpacks the greatest sermon ever preached exceptionally. You will benefit from this book.