12 for 23

This is the sixth year of reading 12 books together in a year. For the past five years I began each year’s list with a little exhortation to read good books. It seems to me the exhortations of the past five years remain as true and needed as ever. I encourage you to read the previous years’ exhortations: 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022.

All Year

As Reformed Christians, one of our most cherished convictions is Sola Scriptura — Scripture alone! This does not mean that Christians should only read the Bible and no other books at all. Sola Scriptura means God’s Word is the final authority over all things concering faith and life. All other books are good and useful to the extent they help us to understand and apply God’s Word. And I believe the books listed below will do just that. That also means our first priority is always God’s Word. Here are Bible reading plans that will help us to be in the Word. Please choose one that best fits your schedule and goal: One-Year Reading Plan | Two-Year Reading Plan | Three-Year Reading Plan.

In 2023 we are reading twelve books. Ten of the twelve books are assigned to each month (or two) below. Two of the twelve books are meant to be read throughout the year.

The first is “The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism” by Kevin DeYoung. This book contains 52 lessons corresponding to the 52 Lord’s Days of the Heidelberg Catechism. We will be using the Heidelberg Catechism as a part of our weekly worship service as well as for personal devotion during the week. Each chapter is only 2–3 pages long, and ideally suited to prepare our hearts before the Lord’s Day worship service. Amazon | WTSBooks | Ligonier.

The second is “Select Letters of John Newton” by John Newton. This book contains 39 of Newton’s most beloved letters. In them we see faithful doctrine matured with warmth and grace. We will start reading one letter each week beginning the first week of February. Amazon | WTSBooks | Banner of Truth | Ligonier.

January

“In the Year of Our Lord: Reflections on Twenty Centuries of Church History” by Sinclair Ferguson. Amazon | WTSBooks | Ligonier.

February

“A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Loving the Old Testament: One Book, One God, One Story” by Alec Motyer. Amazon | WTSBooks.

March & April

“The Shadow of Calvary” by Hugh Martin. WTSBooks | Banner of Truth.

May

“Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution” by Carl R. Truman. Amazon | WTSBooks.

June

“The Legacy of John Calvin: His Influence on the Modern World” by David W. Hall. Amazon | WTSBooks.

July

“The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis. Amazon | WTSBooks | Ligonier.

August & September

“Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?” By Timothy Keller. Amazon | WTSBooks.

October

“Faith Alone” by R.C. Sproul. Amazon | Ligonier.

November

“Deeper: Real Changes for Real Sinners” by Dane Ortlund. Amazon | WTSBooks.

December

“In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel Centered Life” by Sinclair Ferguson. Amazon | WTSBooks | Ligonier.