Reading A Book
I am one person in one place at one time. My experiences and perceptions are limited and guided by the environment in which I live. It would be arrogant of me to think that I can grow in knowledge and understanding of God through scripture by myself. The Holy Spirit is given to all God's children to enable us to comprehend and be conformed to the truths of the Bible.
Nevertheless, one of the primary means that God uses in the process of our transformation is reading of the many experiences of those in times past that are captured in their writings. These writings provide insight and clarity that help us understand the great truths of the Bible as they communicate on particular subjects in the Bible. The desire of every believer is to think God's thoughts. We can only do this as we give ourselves to His Word and consider the writings of Godly men who have gone before us. We stand on the shoulders of some great men of God.
Introductory Reading
Christianity is about knowing the One true God in order that your whole person may be conformed to His image.
- Christian Beliefs - Wayne Gruden
- Basic Christianity - John Stott
- The Truth of the Gospel - Peter Parris
- The Reformed Faith - Loranine Boettner (pamphlet)
Intermediate Reading
Grow deeper in the knowledge and understanding of God by studying how the Bible trains us in every area of life.
Who God Is
- The Attributes of God - Arthur Pink
- Holiness of God - R.C. Sproul
- Knowing God -J.I. Packer
- The Gospel of the Kingdom - G. L. Ladd
- Knowing Scripture - R.C. Sproul
Jesus Christ
- Finally Alive - John Piper
- The Passion of Jesus Christ - John Piper
The Holy Spirit
- Paul: the Spirit and the People of God - Gordon Fee
- Forgotten God - Francis Chan
History
- Church History in Plain Language - Bruce Shelley
- Turning Points - Mark A. Noll
- 7 Men Who Rule the World From the Grave - Dave Breese
Advanced Reading
Some things God has revealed about Himself are difficult to understand. However, with careful study of these works the reader will be rewarded for one's diligence.
- Systematic Theology - Wayne Grudem
- Salvation of the Lord, Introduction to Systematic Theology - John Frame
- Institutes of the Christian Religion - John Calvin
- According to Plan - Graeme Goldsworthy
- New Testament Theology - Thomas R. Schreiner
Evangelism
This is not a secondary issue but rather a command from Christ. We are commanded to share the good news for it is the necessary part of believing.
- Always Ready - Greg Bahnsen
- Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God - J.I. Packer
- Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis
- Gospel and Personal Evangelism - Mark Dever
- Reason for God - Tim Keller
- Who Made God? - Ravi Zacharias and Norman Geisler
Worldview Issues
“A worldview is a set of beliefs about the most important issues in life. It is a scheme of thought whereby we fit everything that we believe into interpreting and judging reality.”
person's worldview is a matter of personal belief and convictions that result in how one lives life.
- Creation Regained - Albert M. Wolters
- Truth Project - DVD series by Focus on the Family
Parenting and Children's Books
- Gospel-Powered Parenting - William P. Farley
- Big Truths for Little Kids - Susan & Richie Hunt
General Topics
These are some titles of some wonderful and insightful books written about a variety of subjects.
- Beyond Opinion, Living the Faith we Defend - Ravi Zacharias
- The Truth War - John McArthur
Reference Works
- Introduction to the Old Testament - Tremper Longman & Raymond Dillard
- Introduction to the New Testament -D.A. Carson & Douglas Moo
- New Testament Commentary - William Hendriksen
- NIV Application Commentary