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Book Recommendations
 

I love to read.  God has used so many books to help me to understand and appropriate biblical truth.  Through the centuries God has given many teachers to His Church.  Christians have much to benefit from the works produced by these great teachers. 

Christians, wanting to benefit from good books, often ask me what books they should be reading.  The writing of books is endless.  There are very good books and very bad books.  There are a zillion mediocre books.  God has given me the ability to read, the desire to read, and the time to read.  I have read a lot of Christian books.  I would like to offer a list of books for you to read.  You can 't read every book written, so read the best books.  Here are some that I think are the best.  I plan to expand this list of recommendation as time progresses.  Please check back for additional titles and descriptions.

 

Categories

apologetics/defending the faith

Christian life (general)

church, the local

counseling/psychology

discipleship

marriage

gospel

parenting

reference

roles of men and women

sanctification

spiritual gifts

spiritual warfare

theology

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apologetics/Defending the faith

Here is some reading to prepare you to defend the faith. 

 

every thought captiveEvery Thought Captive: A Study Manual for the Defense of Christian Truth  by Richard Pratt.  Pratt originally wrote this to help highschoolers.  It is very readable and even has a parable at the end to demonstrate how to put the truth into practice.

 

 

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The Gospel

Read these books for an understanding of the gospel (everyone should definitely read all of these books):

 

The Whole Gospel

The Whole Gospel of Christ: Helping Christ's Ambassadors to Faithfully Proclaim the Message of the King by Craig N. Johnson - This booklet will show you from Scripture your responsiblity to evangelize.  It will then layout the essential truths of the gospel and prepare you to interact with others about them.  Click here to read more.

 

The Gospel for Real LifeThe Gospel for Real Life - Jerry Bridges makes the gospel abundantly clear.  He will 'fill in the gaps' of your understanding of the gospel.  He will help you to enjoy the gospel.  You will always be looking forward to the next chapter.

 

 

bitesize theologyBitesize Theology - Peter Jeffrey has written this brief (120 pages or so) theology.  He is clear.  He deals mainly with the doctrines of salvation (soteriology), but also things like the Trinity and the Second Coming.  You can read the book quickly, but it would be good to study it. 

 

 

gospel according to jesusThe Gospel According to Jesus by John MacArthur - This book shows from the Gospels that Jesus' call to salvation was a call to submit to His lordship - to submit to Him as their Master.

 

 

 


tell the truthTell the Truth: The Whole Gospel to the Whole Person by Whole People ("A Training Manual on the Message and Methods of God-centered Witnessing") by Will Metzger.  You would do well to read and study this book.

 

 

 

hard to believeHard to Believe by John MacArthur - This book communicates the same message as The Gospel According to Jesus and The Gospel According to the Apostles, but in a more readable, popular style. 

 

 

 

gospel according to the apostlesThe Gospel According to the Apostles by John MacArthur - This book shows from the NT (except for the Gospels) that the promise of salvation is a call to submit to the Lordship of Christ.

 

 

 

evangelism and the sovereignty of godEvangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer - This book walks through the content of the gospel and then reconciles the responsibility of the evangelist with the sovereignty of God in saving sinners.

 

 

 

doctrine of repentanceThe Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson - This book explains the gospel in that it explains the true meaning of repentance.  In a way it tells the Christian how to live a life of repentance, or how to live out the gopsel.

 

 

passion of jesus christThe Passion of Jesus Christ by John Piper – This book gives 50 reasons why Christ died.

 

 

 

 

 

salvexposedSalvation Exposed by Peter Jeffrey - This is written to one seeking to understand what it means to be saved (it isn't written to the person who has already been saved).  For believers, this books demonstrates a proper method of evangelism.

 

 

 

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Sanctification

Read these books for an understanding of sanctification:

 

Changed Into His ImageChanged Into His Image - This book discusses the biblical teaching on the process of sanctification.  Jim Berg does not only deal with specific issues relating to sanctification, but also the overall process.  You will get the 'big picture.'  I of no better book that attempts to give the 'big picture.'  This book is to be read and studied.  It is a resource that you will go back to many times. See my review of Changed into His Image by clicking here.

 

pursuit of holinessThe Pursuit of Holiness - The book was a great help to me when I first read it in high school. I sometimes struggled to understand God's role and my role in the pursuit of holiness. I wanted to be holy. I wanted to be growing. I understood from messages at church that I needed to be doing certain things in order to be holy. At other times, from the same preacher, I would hear that I could not be holy just by working really hard because "God has to make you holy." The Pursuit of Holiness helped me to understand what the Scriptures say about how I should work to be holy, but also how I need to put all of my hope in God to change me.

 

discipline of graceThe Discipline of Grace - I have said before that this book is my all-time favorite. I don't know if that is true, but it is certainly high on the list.  Jerry Bridges talks about how grace and disciple work together in the Christian life.  These are issues that you will deal with on an everyday basis.  You need to be clear.  

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Discipleship

Read these books for an understanding of how to disciple others:

 

why christians can't trust psychologyWhy Christian's Can't Trust Psychology - This book will help you to see clearly how the truth of the Scriptures cannot be mixed with the world's philosophies.  There are a few good things that the field of psychology has offered, but psychology as a whole cannot be trusted.  This book teaches biblical principles, and it provides a fictional story to illustrate how the principles should be applied in a real life situation.  The fictional story also make the book very enjoyable to read.

 

teach them diliigentlyTeach Them Diligently: How to Use the Scriptures in Child Training - This book is designed to help parents use the Word to disciple their children.  However, I am sure the book will be a great help to every Christian who reads it.  I think Lou Priolo does a great job of showing the value of  and the 'how to' of disicpling others using the Word. 

 

Changed Into His ImageChanged Into His Image - This book discusses the biblical teaching on the process of sanctification.  Jim Berg does not only deal with specific issues relating to sanctification, but also the overall process.  You will get the 'big picture.'  I of no better book that attempts to give the 'big picture.'  This book is to be read and studied.  It is a resource that you will go back to many times. See my review of Changed into His Image by clicking here.

 

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The Christian Life

Read these books to grow in your understanding of the Christian life in general (they are not listed in order of priority):

 

with an everlasting loveWith an Everlasting Love by Kay Arthur.  This book helps you to see your salvation as a love relationship with God.

 

 

 

 

 

through the looking glassThrough the Looking Glass: Reflections on Christ that Changes Us by Kris Lundgaard.  This book will help you see the preeminence of Christ in daily living

 

 

 

 

the enemy withinThe Enemy Within by Kris Lundgaard.  The book will help you in your battle against the flesh.

 

 

 


 

 

doctrine of repentanceThe Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson.  Every Christian should live a life of repentance.  This book will help you towards that end. 

 

 

 

knowledge of the holyThe Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer - This is a classic.  Many, many Bible teachers quote it.  Tozer will impress you with the attributes of God.

 

 

 

 

pursuit of holinessThe Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges - This book is a classic.  See my review of this book by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

discipline of graceThe Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges – This shows the biblical balance of man’s efforts and God enabling in the pursuit of Christian growth.

 

 

 

 

practice of godlinessThe Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges – this is an explanation of the fruit of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5 plus other Christian virtues.

 

 

 

 

 

joy of fearing godThe Joy of Fearing God by Jerry Bridges – This describes the necessary attitude for all of the Christian life.  Reverence and awe for our Almighty God is the only path to true and lasting joy.

 

 

 

transforming graceTransforming Grace by Jerry Bridges – This book tells how God always deals with Christians on the basis of His grace.

When People are Big and God is Small by Ed Welch – This deals with the fear of man versus the fear of God.  The fear of God brings true humility which enables you to have enjoyable and fruitful relationships with others.

 

sufficiencyinchristOur Sufficiency in Christ by John MacArthur

 

 

 

 

 

 

i really want to changeI Really Want to Change…So Help Me, God by James MacDonald – This is an exposition and application of Romans 6-7. 

 

 

 

 

spiritual disciplines for the christian lifeSpiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney - This book is a classic.  It's very practical.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ten questions to diagnose your spiritual healthTen Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health by Donald Whitney

 

 

 

 

 

the godly man’s pictureThe Godly Man’s Picture by Thomas Watson – This is a wonderful book which will help you to strive for godliness.

 

 

 

 

 

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Marriage

Read these books for an understanding of marriage:

 

the exemplary husbandThe Exemplary Husband by Stuart Scott - Scott is very biblical.  He is to the point.  He is balanced. 

 

 

 

 

 

the complete husbandThe Complete Husband - Lou Priolo's book is more "fun" to read than The Exemplary Husband.  He is not as organized in his appoached; he doesn't gives as balanced of a treatment of the subject.  However, he demonstrates how to carry out your responsibilities.  He gives great examples.  He gives hope that it can be done.  He is personable.  He 'inspires' you to be faithful.

 

the excellent wifeThe Excellent Wife - I loved reading this book.  It is so good.  It is well organized and balanced.  Martha Peace demonstrates well how wives are to live out the truth. Both men and women should read it.

 

 

 

strengthening your marriageStrengthening Your Marriage by Wayne Mack

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Reference

Buy these reference tools as well:

 

quick scripture reference for counselingQuick Scripture Reference for Counseling by John Kruis

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Theology

Most of these books cover many theological topics in one volume.  A few of them cover only one topic.

 

bitesize theologyBitesize Theology by Peter Jeffrey – This is really clear and concise.  You could possible read it in a day, but you will want to study it.

 

 


 

knowing god Knowing God by J.I. Packer

 

 

 

 

 

 

moody handbook of theologyMoody Handbook of Theology by Paul Enns

 

 

 

 

 

 

the enemy withinThe Enemy Within by Kris Lungaard – This book explains the biblical doctrine of “total depravity” (the sinfulness of men).  It will help you to be thankful for God’s work in your life and totally dependent of Him for spiritual growth.

 

 

 

 

the god who lovesThe God Who Loves by John MacArthur – This book will help you to understand and appreciate God’s love for you as His child.

 

 

 

 

knowledge of the holyThe Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer – This is a great explanation and application of the attributes of God.

 

 

 

 

 

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Parenting

 

for instruction in righteousnessFor Instruction in Righteousness: A Topical Reference Guide for Biblical Child-Training by Pam Forster.

 

 

 

 

shepherding a child’s heartShepherding a Child’s Heart by Ted Tripp

 

 

 

 

 

 

teach them diliigentlyTeach Them Diligently: How to Use the Scriptures in Child Training by Lou Priolo – This book shows you how to apply 2 Timothy 3:16-17 which speaks of using the Bible for “doctrine, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.”

 

 

 

age of opportunityAge of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teenagers by Paul David Tripp

 

 

 

 

 

 

your family god’s wayYour Family God’s Way by Wayne Mack

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Heart of AngerThe Heart of Anger: Practical Help for the Prevention and Cure of Anger in Children by Lou Priolo - See my review of this book by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

what the bible says about parentingWhat the Bible Says about Parenting by John MacArthur

 

 

 

 

 

 

christian living in the homeChristian Living in the Home by Jay Adams - See my review of this book by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

 

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The Local Church

 

The Local ChurchThe Local Church: God's Plan and Purpose for Biblical Ministry by Craig N. Johnson - This booklet discusses the importance of the local church.  You will be challenged to commit yourself to a local church.  Click here to read more.

 

 

 

spiritual disciplines within the churchSpiritual Disciplines within the Church by Donald Whitney

 

 

 

 

 

 

life in the father’s house Life in the Father’s House by Wayne Mack

 

 

 

 

 

 

the master’s plan for the churchThe Master’s Plan for the Church by John MacArthur

 

 

 

 

 

 

the crisis of caringThe Crisis of Caring by Jerry Bridges.  This book is a study of biblical fellowship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Spiritual warfare

 

power encountersPower Encounters: Reclaiming Spiritual Warfare by David Powlison - This is my first recommendation for a study of spiritual warfare.  Powlison begins in the OT and walks through the Scriptures examining the occasions of spiritual warfare mentioned.

 

 

demons a biblically based perspective

Demons: A Biblically Based Perspective by Alex Konya - This is an excellent resource for understanding spiritual warfare.  Konya adequately handles the relevant biblical texts.

 

 

 

 

precious remedies against satan’s devicesPrecious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks – Thomas Brooks wrote this in the 1600’s. 

 

 

 

 

 

how to meet the enemyHow to Meet the Enemy by John MacArthur

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Spiritual gifts

 

understanding spiritual giftsUnderstanding Spiritual Gifts by Robert L. Thomas – This is a study of 1 Corinthians 12-14, but it also has many appendices which answer other questions.

 

 

 

 

signs of the apostles

Signs of the Aposltes by Walter Chantry - This book is a bit easier to read than Understanding Spiritual Gifts, but it is very biblical and helpful.

 

 

 

 

satisfied by the promise of the spirit

Satisfied by the Promise of the Spirit by Thomas Edgar - This book is a rebuttal to Jack Deere's book, Surprise by the Power of the Spirit.  Edgar adequately answers Deere's unbiblical assertions.  Though you may not have read Deere's book, you will still find Edgar's work to be helpful to you.

 

 

charismatic chaosCharismatic Chaos by John MacArthur – This deals primarily with the more extreme expressions of churches that teach charismatic theology.

 

 

 

 

 

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Counseling/psychology

 

psychobabble iconPsycho-Babble by Richard Ganz - See my review of this book by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

 

why christians can't trust psychologyWhy Christians Can’t Trust Psychology by Ed Bulkley - This book will help you to see clearly how the truth of the Scriptures cannot be mixed with the world's philosophies.  There are a few good things that the field of psychology has offered, but psychology as a whole cannot be trusted.  This book teaches biblical principles, and it provides a fictional story to illustrate how the principles should be applied in a real life situation.  The fictional story also make the book very enjoyable to read.

 

psychobabbleBlame it on the Brain? by Ed Welch - It is difficult to discern whether people's problems have true physical causes or not. This book will help you be discerning.

 

 

 

 

a biblical view of self-esteem, self-loveA Biblical View of Self-Esteem, Self-Love, and Self-Image by Jay Adams

 

 

 

 

 

a theology of christian counselingA Theology of Christian Counseling by Jay Adams - This is not your typical theology book.  Adams talks about theology but shows how good theology is necessary for counseling

 

 

 

 

Introduction to Biblical CounselingIntroduction to Biblical Counseling by John MacArthur and Wayne Mack - See my my the chapter summaries for this book by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

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Roles of men and women

 

men and women equal yet differentMen and Women: Equal Yet Different by Alexander Strauch - This book walks through all the main passages of Scripture that talk about the roles of men and women.  It is very clear and readable.

 

 

 

 

different by designDifferent by Design: Discovering God’s Will for Today’s Man and Woman by John MacArthur

 

 

 

 

 

recovering biblical manhood & womanhood

Recovering Biblical Manhood & Womanhood editedy by John Piper and Wayne Grudem - This book does a thorough study of the biblical passages of the roles of men and women.  Many well-known bible teachers and scholar contribute to this work.

 

 

 

 

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 Recent Book Reviews

How to Behave Yourself in the Church: A Guide to Church Life
How to Behave Yourself in the Church: A Guide to Church Life
How to Behave in Church is a short book by Peter Jeffery which discusses life in the local church.
Out of the Blues: Dealing with the Blues of Depression and Loneliness
Out of the Blues: Dealing with the Blues of Depression and Loneliness
Wayne Mack has written a helpful little book on depression and loneliness.
The Gospel for Children
The Gospel for Children
A simple, yet complete guide to help parents teach their children the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

Recent Book Summaries

Back to the Blackboard: Design for a Biblical Christian School
Back to the Blackboard: Design for a Biblical Christian School
Here is a truly provocative book on what qualifies as Christian education. These ideas are also very adaptable for the home school curriculum.

 

 Recent Articles

A Whole New Earth? So What? A Study of 2 Peter 3:14-18
There was a day when the people heard that the earth would be destroyed. They laughed at the thought.We have been warned again. The earth – everything – will be destroyed. Everything you see now will be gone. We have been warned. Everyone has been warned. How will this warning affect us? How will you be affected by this warning?
Tue, Apr 26, 2005
The Timing of the Rapture and John 14:2-3
The study of the timing of the rapture is a large task. The theologian needs to exegete many passages in order to synthesize the teaching of Scripture on the whole topic. John 14.2-3 is a passage that is used by many pretribulationists to support their position.
Wed, Apr 20, 2005
Speaking Against Your Brothers: James 4:11-12
Does slander and gossip kind of seem like it isn't that bad of a sin? James 4:11-12 tells us why it is a BIG deal.
Sat, Jan 29, 2005

 

 Recent Family News

Busy summer with the Aliens
Well, WAC has just ended, and we are wiped out. WAC (Week At Church) is a week where the teens camp out at the church, have group study times, help with VBS, and have nightly activities.
Mon, Jul 25, 2005
Tiffany is expecting...again!
We found out Memorial Day weekend that we are expecting another child. Tiffany is completing her third month of pregnancy.
Mon, Jul 25, 2005
A couple weeks in California: Week two at the Shepherd's Conference
I (Craig) left on Friday, February 25, to back to NH with the young people. Tiffany stayed in CA to visit with her family in Fresno, CA. I returned to CA on Monday, February 28. The next week I spent at the Shepherd's Conference with Eric Grald and Pearce Beissinger from our church.
Wed, Mar 9, 2005

 

 Recent Photo Albums

Mercedes Patience Johnson is born
Mercedes Patience Johnson is born
The early days of Mercedes Patience Johnson.
Tue, Feb 14, 2006
Silas, Mommy, and a pool: June 28, 2005
Silas, Mommy, and a pool: June 28, 2005
Tue, Jun 28, 2005
Silas Pics from Spring 2005
Silas Pics from Spring 2005
Here are some pictures of Silas from the Spring of 2005. He is as cute as ever.
Fri, Jun 3, 2005

 

 

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