Recommended Reading
There are books that have a lasting impact on a person's life and there are books that have a profound impact during a season of life. The top five that have had a significant influence in my life in recent moths have been:
Volumes on the nature and character of God
Charles Swindoll discusses the challenges, struggles, and priorities of the church in the twenty-first century.
Tempted and Tried
by Russell Moore
The Works of Stephen Charnock
by Stephen CharnockVolumes on the nature and character of God
David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (volume 1 & 2)
by Iain Murray
John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock
by Iain Murray
Church Awakening
by Charles SwindollCharles Swindoll discusses the challenges, struggles, and priorities of the church in the twenty-first century.
Spiritual Leadership
by Oswald SandersThis is one of the few books I have read more than five times, why, because it answers the following concerns:
• Cost of Leadership
• Responsibilities of Leadership
• Tests of Leadership
• Qualities of Leadership
The need for talented, vigorous leaders in the church today cannot be overemphasized. Such times demand the active service of men and women who are guided by God and devoted to Jesus Christ.
The Grace Awakening
by Charles SwindollI needed this book after leaving a very strict church. Believing in grace is one thing. Living it is another. This book helped me live a bit better grace filled life.
Disappointed With God
by Philip YanceyHere are three questions we dare not ask. Is God unfair? Is God silent? Is God hidden? I came back from England and asked all of them and I was disappointed with God. I wanted a God who would roll up his sleeves and step into my life with power.
The Hand of God
by Alistair BeggThis book showed me God rules and overrules in the circumstances of life. Very comforting book that I would like to speak on some time. Well unless all of you read it!
Looking for hope? This is the book to read.
The Jesus You Can't Ignore
by John MacArthurIf John MacArthur writes a book about Jesus, what more do I need to say! John MacArthur ask this question. "What you think of Jesus Christ will thoroughly color how you think about everything else?" So what do you think? Is it correct? Well this book will show you who Jesus really is. Must read
A list like this is difficult for me because inevitably really influential titles are left off however here is an attempt at some helpful reading for those who want to love God with all their minds!
This book when I first read it in 2001, shook many of the foundations of my understanding of God, and did so by bringing the bible to bear upon my mind and heart. This book has been used to bless me greatly, and it will bless you too. If you have never read John Piper - start here.
Though there are sections in this book that I would wholeheartedly disagree with, this book holds incredible insight for believers and their encounter with the Psalter. The chapter "A Word about Praising" is worth the cost of the book itself. C.S. Lewis rightly says, "In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us to enjoy Him."
The cross stands over eternity as the fullest display of love ever, and yet relating this incredible act to our daily lives, our past hurts, and our current struggles can often elude believers. This book helped me see how the cross really brings Jesus to bear on every aspect of our lives. It is direct and compelling.
This book is a great practical/applied theology. Easy to read and engaging, this book reminded me yet again of the timeless beauty and fun that the study of theology can be. This is theology from the pulpit and not a scholar's desk in an academic closet. Read it and be blessed greatly.
There is no book that I know of with more repetitions of the word "death" in its title, and no book has left me with a firm sense of gospel confidence than this one. I was assigned this book in seminary and I will for the rest of my life be grateful for that assignment. A challenging read due to its historical distance, however it remains precious to me.
Desiring God
by John PiperThis book when I first read it in 2001, shook many of the foundations of my understanding of God, and did so by bringing the bible to bear upon my mind and heart. This book has been used to bless me greatly, and it will bless you too. If you have never read John Piper - start here.
Reflections on the Psalms
by C.S. LewisThough there are sections in this book that I would wholeheartedly disagree with, this book holds incredible insight for believers and their encounter with the Psalter. The chapter "A Word about Praising" is worth the cost of the book itself. C.S. Lewis rightly says, "In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us to enjoy Him."
Death By Love
by Mark Driscoll & Gary BreshearsThe cross stands over eternity as the fullest display of love ever, and yet relating this incredible act to our daily lives, our past hurts, and our current struggles can often elude believers. This book helped me see how the cross really brings Jesus to bear on every aspect of our lives. It is direct and compelling.
Dug Down Deep
by Joshua HarrisThis book is a great practical/applied theology. Easy to read and engaging, this book reminded me yet again of the timeless beauty and fun that the study of theology can be. This is theology from the pulpit and not a scholar's desk in an academic closet. Read it and be blessed greatly.
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ
by John OwenThere is no book that I know of with more repetitions of the word "death" in its title, and no book has left me with a firm sense of gospel confidence than this one. I was assigned this book in seminary and I will for the rest of my life be grateful for that assignment. A challenging read due to its historical distance, however it remains precious to me.