Genesis Chapters 1-3: Postcards from Home (References)

• General Resources: o Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible (Richard Pratt) . In my opinion, the best Study Bible out there. Excellent comprehensive notes (very helpful Genesis notes), a good mix of relevant theological articles, as well as The Heidelberg Catechism (my favorite), The Belgic Confession, The Canons of Dort, and The Westminster Confession of Faith. [Note: there are other study Bibles with “Reformation” in name – make sure to get this one]. o Institutes of the Christian Religion (John Calvin) . The Four Books actually come in a two-volume set. Book One deals with matters of The Knowledge of God the Creator. Personally, I loved every “ounce” of this writing. Although it is not an “easy read”, it is much more accessible and devotional than most people think. o ST Books Frame/Bavinck [Doctrine of God] . • Books on Genesis/Creation: o Creation and Change (Douglas Kelly) . A must read – get it! I had the tremendous privilege of studying under Dr. Kelly – a godly man who is world-renown for his writing on Creation. o In The Beginning (Herman Bavinck) . Excellent, excellent! I have always been drawn to Bavinck’s writing. It is fairly “deep reading” but incredibly worth the effort. If you get this take the time to read the editor’s introduction. o The Primeval History – DVD Set (Richard Pratt) . A DVD study of the first eleven chapters of Genesis. . Get this! Especially if you are not a big reader. The quality of graphics and video presentation is excellent (as are any of the Thirdmill DVD’s). . I had the incredible privilege of not only studying under Dr. Pratt, but I am grateful that he remains a close personal friend. Dr. Pratt and Dr. Kelly have been the two primary influences on my life when it comes to study of Creation. . Please take the time to get familiar with Dr. Pratt’s ministry – Third Millennium Ministries (www.thirdmill.org). There are incredible free resources on this website for anyone wanting further study on most any biblical matter. o Designed for Dignity (Richard Pratt) . The entire book is excellent, but in reference to study of Creation the first two chapters of this book are a must read!!! Please get this (make sure to get 2nd Edition). o Created in God’s Image (Anthony Hoekema) . An incredibly important study. I like his writing style. o Battle for the Beginnings (John MacArthur) . I have long appreciated the preaching and writing of MacArthur – this book is certainly no exception. He does an excellent job of debunking and exposing weaknesses of Theory of Evolution. • Commentaries on Genesis: o The NIV Application Commentary (John Walton) . I’ve always found the NIV Application Series of Commentaries to be very helpful and Walton’s Commentary on Genesis is no exception – one of my favorites. o Creation and Blessing (Allen Ross) . Excellent and much needed for any serious study on Genesis. o Gleanings from Genesis (A.W. Pink) . Read this many years ago – I really enjoy Pink’s writing in general and I certainly found this commentary to be helpful. o Genesis (Bruce Waltke) . This commentary is widely accepted and used by many. I found it helpful, but in my work on Genesis I found myself gravitating more to some of the other commentaries. o Genesis Vol 1 (G.CH. Aalders) . On my shelf but not heavily used. o Gen 1-4 (C John Collins) . Very Good o Commentaries on the First Books of Moses (John Calvin) o A Commentary on the Book of Genesis – Adam to Noah (U Cassuto) • Books on Worldview and Culture: o Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places (Eugene Peterson) . I loved this book. The writing is somewhat “deep” but really good stuff. Actually Peterson is hard to figure out. His writing has excellent illustrations and practical application but in no way is this book “theologically light” in any way – this style of writing is my personal favorite. o Creation Regained (Albert Walters) . A must read. This is a small, short paperback book. I will admit there were some small sections of this book I struggled through, but on the other hand there is some teaching in here that is absolutely a must read. One example that many will find interesting is to read his view on “Aggression” (page 84). o The Calvinistic Concept of Culture (Henry Van Til) . I do not remember how I came upon this book since it is not very well-known. In fact, few people I know have read it – including many of my seminary friends. The author is the brother (or nephew) of the famous Cornelius Van Til. To the best of my understanding this is Henry’s one and only book. Personally, I think he knocked it out of the park. Given the title one might think this is a book about the Five Points of Calvinism – not exactly. What I love about this book is that is magnifies the Person and Work of Jesus Christ by showing that his life, death, and resurrection has impact on “every square inch” of the universe and therefore impacts our daily cultural living. This book will be challenging at places but it is a must read because it will take you places where most authors do not go. o The Kingdom of God and the Church (Geerhardus Vos) . Get it – read it – Vos is a stud. A short paperback book – I have half of the book highlighted. o The Good of Affluence (John Schneider) . Most would think to categorize this as a “provocative” read. The title might lead one to think “prosperity gospel”, but trust me it is not what you think. Personally, I just thought it was good solid bible teaching, albeit from a perspective and manner from which most have not heard. It is somewhat heavy reading but worth the effort. I highly recommend this book. o Business for the Glory of God (Wayne Grudem) . Short book and easy read. The focus of this book “imitation” – mainly that being made in God’s image we are to imitate Him as we work. Short book and easy read. o The Divine Conspiracy (Dallas Willard) . Ugh, I gave my highlighted copy of the book away so I am unable to go back through my notes and highlights to give a few thoughts. As I recall, a very good book teaching the all-encompassing impact of living out the Christian faith in our world today. I guess I need to go back and read this again – Dallas Willard is a good author. o Engaging God’s World (Cornerlius Plantiga Jr) . Excellent book on shaping a Christian worldview. o He Shines in All that is Fair (Richard Mouw) . For those few brave souls who would dare read “The Calvinistic Concept of Culture” (highly recommended above), I would also recommend reading this book in an effort to keep balanced. It is not that the books oppose each other – in fact it is Richard Mouw who writes the forward of The Calvinistic Concept of Culture. However, Mouw does an excellent job of balancing out any tendencies for those who would want to take Van Til’s teaching to the extreme. o Desiring the Kingdom (James Smith) . A good book on Christian education. o Transforming Vision (Brian Walsh & Richard Middleton) . A good book on shaping a Christian worldview. o Spiritual Theology (Diogenes Allen) . There is a fair share in this book that would be considered theologically controversial. However, the writing in the second half of Chapter 8 is excellent teaching on the Christians responsibility to live out their faith in God in the work place. • Books on Heaven: o Heaven (Randy Alcorn) . All I can say is get this and read it. Author is very well-balanced and easy to read. This book will greatly enhance a biblical understanding of Heaven – a subject matter that most Christians know very little about. o Heaven is a Place on Earth (Michael Wittmer) . Here again, a good book on a subject matter which are greatly lacking in our understanding and the practical implications that come from this understanding. In fact, the subtitle of this is “Why Everything You Do Matters to God.” In other words, a greater understanding of Heaven has immediate and direct impact on our daily living.