What were the best books of 2025? Pastor Heath Lambert shares not just two, but six of his favorite books from this year - including Tolkien's classic adventure, a contemporary novel with masterful prose, Churchill's wartime leadership, and Jonathan Edwards on heaven. If you're looking for your next great read, this episode delivers.

Timestamps

0:00 - Welcome to the final episode of 2025

0:33 - Annual book recommendations tradition

1:02 - Breaking the old two-book constraint

2:13 - Six favorite books from 2025

2:52 - Book 1: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

4:47 - Book 2: Theo of Golden by Alan Levi

8:46 - Book 3: The Life of Martin Lloyd-Jones by Iain Murray

12:35 - Book 4: The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson

17:32 - Book 5: On Theology by John M. Frame

20:38 - Book 6: Heaven is a World of Love by Jonathan Edwards

22:18 - Looking forward to 2026 reading

Key Topics Covered

Reading as a Hobby - Heath's love for books and why he reads extensively

The Hobbit - Tolkien's masterful children's story that adults will love

Theo of Golden - A contemporary novel with beautiful writing and gospel implications

Martin Lloyd-Jones Biography - The influential 20th-century preacher who prioritized God's Word

Churchill and the Blitz - Larson's gripping history of Britain's darkest hour

Contemporary Theology - Frame's accessible reflections on major theological debates

Jonathan Edwards on Heaven - A short classic about love and the world to come

Masterful Writing - Examples of excellent prose from multiple genres

Historical Heroes - Why Churchill and Lloyd-Jones matter for today

Gospel Living - How good literature helps us be salt and light

Book List Summary

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien - Classic fantasy adventure

Theo of Golden by Alan Levi - Contemporary novel with beautiful prose

The Life of Martin Lloyd-Jones by Iain Murray - Biography of influential preacher

The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson - Churchill and the Battle of Britain

On Theology by John M. Frame - Accessible theological reflections

Heaven is a World of Love by Jonathan Edwards - Short classic on love and eternity

About The Ten Commandments Book

Heath Lambert's new book "The Ten Commandments: A Short Book for Normal People" is now available. This accessible guide explains how God's commands apply to modern life without requiring theological education. Perfect for personal study, evangelism, or gifts to friends, neighbors, and family.

Order now and download a free chapter at fbcjax.com/tencommandments

Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to [email protected]