My Favorite Read of 2024: Astonished by the Word
December 29, 2024
2024 was another year where I found myself wishing I had more time for reading—a recurring theme, it seems. Much of my reading this year was focused on partial sections of books as part of my dissertation research at Asbury Theological Seminary.
A significant portion of my study centered on the Gospel of Luke, including a deep dive into commentaries. One standout read was A Bird’s-Eye View of Luke and Acts: Context, Story, and Themes (#ad) which I completed cover to cover. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore the richness of these texts.
Would you like a review of the Luke commentaries I’ve worked through?
Another highlight was Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies (#ad). I was thrilled to discuss this insightful book with Mike Bird himself—you can listen to our interview for more details.
On a different note, I started using the Libby app to borrow and listen to audiobooks from my local library. It’s been a fantastic way to fit more reading into a busy schedule.
My 2024 Favorite Read: Astonished by the Word
In early 2024, I had the privilege of reading Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation (#ad), published in 2023 by my friend and mentor Brian Russell. I worked through most of the book alongside a group of preachers, and the discussions we shared made the experience even more impactful.
Brian is an exceptional Bible teacher, and I was fortunate to take several classes with him during my seminary years. His ability to bring Scripture to life is unparalleled. If you ever have the chance to attend one of his classes, don’t miss it. But if that’s not possible, this book is the next best thing.
Here are three helpful ideas from Astonished by the Word.
On Submission to God in Scripture
“Biblical authority is a way of life in which I willingly submit myself to the probing and investigation of the text. It is only then that the Bible truly functions as the Word of God for me and for my community (page 19).”
On Modern Idolatry
“The biggest hinderance to out growth in grace and personal witness is our denial of the idolatry in our lives. One of the tragedies of the success of the Church in the Western world is that the triumph of monotheism has hidden the reality of gods and goddesses all around us (79).”
On the Challenge of Reading Scripture
Our conversation with Scripture requires patient and persistent listening. We cannot control the speed of illumination and insight. Some passages will release their riches quickly and easily. Others will only do so slowly and with difficulty. In either case, we must be willing to be fully present with God and the text in a spirit of humility. and dogged resilience (155).”
Looking Ahead to 2025
2025 is already shaping up to be a monster year for reading. With my main research chapter for my doctoral work completed, I’ll have much more flexibility to explore books outside of academic requirements. There are even a few books I’m close to finishing now, but they’ll likely spill over into the new year.
I’m especially excited to dive into a couple of books recently published by my preaching friends. It’s always inspiring to see their work in print and engage with their insights.
- My Friend Ted Goshorn’s book is Raise Your Ebenezer: A Field Guide to Suffering (#ad)
- My Friend Ben Gosden’s book is Grace Rediscovered: Finding Hope and Healing Through Faith and Recovery (#ad)
What about you? What are you hoping to read in 2025? If you’re curious, I’d be happy to share a list of the books I plan to tackle.
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More From David
Podcast Episode: Why Be South Georgia Global Methodist?
July 17, 2024
For David Donnan Podcast Season 3 Episode 2 we talk with Rev. Allen Cason about why he is a part of the South Georgia Conference Global Methodist Church.
Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Facebook, and Youtube.
Allen’s Podcast Website: https://podechesis.com/
David’s Info
Twitter: https://twitter.com/daviddonnan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidDonnanMedia/
Podcast: https://daviddonnan.com/podcast/
It is a new day in Methodism. The rapidly expanding Global Methodist Church (GMC) is blazing a trail for what the future of Orthodox Wesleyan-Methodism could and should be. Along the way, we can correct problems large and small.
One thing I implore all pastors and worship teams to consider is to celebrate an entire season of Pentecost instead of one Sunday. Most churches follow some sort of calendar to celebrate high holy days like Christmas and Easter. Some even celebrate the Christian seasons of Advent before Christmas and Lent leading into Easter. For each of these seasons there are colors traditionally associated with these seasons.
- Purple or Blue for Advent
- White or Gold for Christmastide
- Purple for Lent
- White or Gold for Easter
- Red for Pentecost
- Green for Ordinary Time
There once was a time where the church calendar celebrated an entire season of Pentecost. Now, the majority of churches I know of put out the color red on Pentecost Sunday then the majority of summer time they move to ordinary time which is green and last from Trinity Sunday until the start of Advent.
Pentecost is the day the Holy Spirit came to the church in what looked like tongues of fire (Acts 2:1-4). This is why the liturgical color is red. Pentecost is an important season for many reasons. Most important, the Day of Pentecost marked the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Christian church. The disciples who were hiding behind locked doors become bold in proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The church exploded with gifts of prophecy, teaching, healing, deep discipleship, encouragement, and hope. These are the types of movements we desire in the GMC.
The 1964 The Methodist Hymnal I think had it right. They had a season of Pentecost where the color was red and it lasted from eleven to sixteen Sundays.
Out of all the challenges facing the GMC the liturgical colors might not even crack the top one thousand. Still, let’s keep the red out and remind ourselves about the Holy Spirit, the birth of the church, and this important aspect of the life God is calling us to.
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