Very Helpful Books

I've had the opportunity in the past month or so to preach a couple of times at my church. On Wednesday nights, we are going through various parts of the Sermon on the Mount, Matt. 5-7. My texts have been Matt. 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart...", and Matt.5:13-16, where Jesus calls Christians salt and light.

As always, it is very refreshing to dig into Scripture in such a focused way. I have had several great aids in the form of books / commentaries.

Martyn Lloyd Jones preached for many, many months through the Sermon on the Mount, and these sermons are in book form. This has long been lauded as a modern-day Christian classic, and now I finally see why. This book is penetrating and masterful in dealing with the teaching of Jesus. It is a new favorite and I heartily (with all my heart; from the heart of my bottom) recommend it to all.

D.A. Carson rarely, if ever, disappoints. Almost 30 years ago, he wrote "An Evangelical Exposition of the Sermon on the Mount." This book is also very, very good. Carson is an excellent interpreter of Scripture and is very good in illustration and application as well.

I also relied a good bit on John Stott's exposition of the Sermon and on Kent Hughes, pastor at College Church in Wheaton, whose printed sermons are very helpful, especially for inexperienced preachers like me.

And, finally, for those eager to get the audio of my two sermons, I am in talks with Ligonier and Desiring God about putting together a collector's edition 'set', which promises to be released at a reasonable price soon.