Top 15 Best Books I Read in 2023

This might be my favorite and easy to write post this January. Favorite because I get to share some of the books that kept me company in that very memorable year that is 2023. Easy because I just copy and paste the link. LOL. Kidding aside, I yearn to always see my readers picking up the best picks of that year.

Now you might ask, why the top 15? Why not 10 or 5? I have two answers to that one question. One, there are lots of great books released in that year and obviously, I would rate it 5. Two, Two, I have this feeling that I haven’t read enough in 2023. Perhaps life happens in my work, family and ministry. But still I enjoy every opportunity to open my phone to read a digital copy of a book.

October’s Quick Review

It’s the middle of October and with this new installment of Quick Review, it’s beginning to look like Christmas with two fresh books from The Good Book Company. Also if you don’t want something about Christmas (but a good Christmas gift nonetheless) I have two of them here published by Crossway.

Comicbook Review: “The Temptation” (Simon Fletcher)

Summary: Jesus’ baptism was a great introduction for Him to start his ministry. As John The Baptist baptize Him, amazing things happened. The heaven opened, the Holy Spirit descended to Him like a dove and a voice from God confirms that He is His Son. What a spectacular event. However there was a detour. He would be tempted in the wilderness by Satan. So the question is: happened to Jesus Christ when the Spirit led Him to the wilderness? This and more is what Simon Fletcher explored in this comicbook, The Temptation.

(Interview) Author Wayne Ten Harmsel on His Time As A Missionary in China

We all have perceived notions about how registered churches are in China. We look at them as compromisers, liberals and bedfellow to a suppressive government. This issues surfaced as recent waves of persecution hits the unregistered church. However, as they saying goes, there is another side of the story. And it is quite a shocker to me as I read The Registered Church in China how I was so wrong about these fellow believers. It was an eye opener for me and I hope it will be to others as we focus our attention to the state of Christianity in China. I reach out to Wayne Ten Harmsel, author of the latest book, The Registered Church in China published by Pickwick Publications, an imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers to know about his time as a missionary in China and about the registered church in China.

Please tell me about yourself and how you got to know Christ?

The answer to this question is both simple and complicated. I could simply say that I have always known Christ. I grew up in a Christian home. I attended church and Sunday School. I went to a Christian school. But during high school I moved away from Christ. I considered myself to be an atheist. But due to the influence of professors and other students at Calvin College, during my college years I began a long slow process towards acknowledging the centrality of Christ in my life.

8 Favorite Quotes From The Book “A Poetic of Orthodoxy ” (Benjamin P. Myers)

Have you read my Top 10 Best Books I Read in 2020 yet? Want to know what I read last year? Do you know what made it on the list? Click this link to check it out.

Anyways, here are my favorite quotes from the book A Poetic Orthodoxy by Benjamin P. Myers, published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. If you like these quotes and want to support the authors, consider grabbing a copy of the book by clicking here.

“Art is something that God has given to all the creatures made in his image. God is so good that he allows even his rebellious creatures—looking at artists in the modern world, some might say some of his most rebellious creatures—to echo his creative goodness through creations exhibiting great beauty and containing great depth.”

8 Favorite Quotes From the Book “Expositional Preaching” by David Helm

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

Is blogging dead? Is it time bloggers to throw the towel? Read my response with a few dozen other bloggers on these questions on this article.

Anyways, here are my favorite quotes from the book, Expositional Preaching by David Helm published by Crossway. If you like these quotes, please get a copy of the book by clicking here.

“Knowing the historical and literary contexts can change everything for you. Good biblical expositors allow these contexts to control the meaning of the text. “

The Debut Album That Changed Everything (Including Me)

This day marks the 25th anniversary of the release of the self-titled album of the band, Jars of Clay. This debut record changed the course of modern Christian music. This band and the album paved the way for Christian acts to go to mainstream. There will be no Casting Crowns, Switchfoot, Creed or P. O. D. on the radio or music channels without Jars of Clay breaking the barrier.

Do you remember this album? Where were you when Flood hits the airwaves? What was the impact of this band, the album or song to you? What’s your favorite song in this album aside from the big hits? I don’t own a CD or cassette tape of this album. To tell you honestly, the only time I listen to the whole album was just recent and over Spotify (I’ll tell you why in a bit).

8 Favorite Quotes From the Book “Raising Kids with a Heart for Mission ” by Daniel Akin

Had a blast with my family for a 4 day staycation over my parents house. Minimal online time, had a short road trip, chatting, watching TV together, ate Ramen noodles and long sleeps. I thank God for the quality time we had.

Anyways, sample these quotes from the book, Raising Kids With A Heart for Mission by Daniel Akin published by 10 Publishing. If you like these quotes, buy the book by clicking here.

“Obeying the Great Commission should begin in the home, though it should certainly not end there.“

Comicbook Review: “Babylon: Madman” by Art A. Ayris and Mario Ruiz

Summary: After the fall of the nation of Israel, the focus is now on the lives of the captives of Babylon and their dealings with the powerful King Nebuchadnezzar. Unknown to the king, he will encounter the God of Israel and subdue him to bow to the only true King.

The Freebie Round-Up #69

Happy Monday! Do you miss waking up early and going to work? I know this because my wife is staying home because of the pandemic. But the good news is that she has more time for me and our daughter.

Anyways, here’s a list of great freebies that are waiting to be downloaded. If you’re new here to this post or you missed out other freebie round-ups, check the links to those post at the end of this article.

Also since I’m not 24/7 monitoring the latest freebies of publishing companies, I’m posting their e-mail sign up page, so you’ll be in the loop whenever they give out freebies. You can find it at the end of this round-up.

FREE ebook “Behold I Come Quickly” by Davideo Engelsma and Andrew Lanning- This free book discusses the end times with a scholarly and reformed treatment of “dispensationalism”.

FREE ebook “A Practical Treaties of Fear” John Flavel – A 123 page free book on with a much needed message  for this pandemic to overcome fear victoriously.