Every now and again, I get to recommend a book to someone. I always enjoy that. It’s like being able to tell someone where to get really good sweet tea, or recommending a really great vacation spot…but better! Christian books (good ones anyway) contain a wealth of help as we journey with the Lord. One of my hopes for this little blog community is that we will take advantage of the blessing God has afforded us in the printed page. To jump-start you, here are a few books that have been a great help to me through the years...
The Cross-Centered Life by CJ Mahaney. A fresh and brief reminder of how focusing on the cross of Jesus Christ, and what it means for us, can (and must) transform our everyday living. Maybe the most influential book I have read in the last 5 years!
Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper. Piper calls the next generation (and the current ones!) not to blow the seventy or so years of breath God affords us on the American Dream. There is so much more to live for!
The Art of Manfishing by Thomas Boston. Boston is my historical hero. This book was written, originally, as a sermon to himself…reminding him of the character and prayer-life that will make as effective witness for Jesus.
The Crown and Covenant Series by Douglas Bond. A trio of historical fictional novels, based in times of great persecution in 17th century Scotland. The novels follow the story of a faithful Christian family and how they dealt with the trials. There is much adventure…and much to learn about Christian family life. These are technically kids books…but compelling enough to bring out the kid in this thirty-year-old!
Revival by Brian Edwards. This book probably ranks, along with The Cross Centered Life, at the top of the list of books I am most thankful to God for. A survey of biblical revival—as we find it in the kingship of Hezekiah in Judah; and as God has done it again and again over the last 2000 years!
Anything by Iain Murray. Murray is, by far, my favorite author. He writes mostly historical and biographical books…but always with a devotional flair.
A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken. A collection of letters between the author and CS Lewis…detailing how God’s chastisements for our idolatry are sometimes severe, but always merciful. Have a box of Kleenex ready as you read this one!
The Pathway to Freedom by Alistair Begg. Had to include this one since I am currently preaching on the Ten Commandments! The best material I know of on the subject,
I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Josh Harris. A book on courtship (as an alternative to modern dating). One I didn’t read 15 yrs. ago…but wish I had!
The Gospel for Real Life by Jerry Bridges. In the same vein as The Cross-Centered Life, but more in depth. Wonderful, wonderful reminders of all that Jesus accomplished for us…and how joyful it is to cling to those truths…and preach the gospel to yourself every day.
Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper. Piper calls the next generation (and the current ones!) not to blow the seventy or so years of breath God affords us on the American Dream. There is so much more to live for!
The Art of Manfishing by Thomas Boston. Boston is my historical hero. This book was written, originally, as a sermon to himself…reminding him of the character and prayer-life that will make as effective witness for Jesus.
The Crown and Covenant Series by Douglas Bond. A trio of historical fictional novels, based in times of great persecution in 17th century Scotland. The novels follow the story of a faithful Christian family and how they dealt with the trials. There is much adventure…and much to learn about Christian family life. These are technically kids books…but compelling enough to bring out the kid in this thirty-year-old!
Revival by Brian Edwards. This book probably ranks, along with The Cross Centered Life, at the top of the list of books I am most thankful to God for. A survey of biblical revival—as we find it in the kingship of Hezekiah in Judah; and as God has done it again and again over the last 2000 years!
Anything by Iain Murray. Murray is, by far, my favorite author. He writes mostly historical and biographical books…but always with a devotional flair.
A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken. A collection of letters between the author and CS Lewis…detailing how God’s chastisements for our idolatry are sometimes severe, but always merciful. Have a box of Kleenex ready as you read this one!
The Pathway to Freedom by Alistair Begg. Had to include this one since I am currently preaching on the Ten Commandments! The best material I know of on the subject,
I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Josh Harris. A book on courtship (as an alternative to modern dating). One I didn’t read 15 yrs. ago…but wish I had!
The Gospel for Real Life by Jerry Bridges. In the same vein as The Cross-Centered Life, but more in depth. Wonderful, wonderful reminders of all that Jesus accomplished for us…and how joyful it is to cling to those truths…and preach the gospel to yourself every day.
2 comments:
Kurt,
you've got some pretty good books there, some classics which will benefit any believer. On my list would have to be 'Knowing God' by J.I.Packer, 'Basic Christianity' by John Stott...also 'The Cross of Christ' by him. 'The pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges, 'Humility' by C.J.Mahoney, and 'Hard to Believe' by John MacArthur Jr.
There are so many great books that God has used to build up people in the faith, only wish we had time to read them all! My favorite book for pastors would be the first volume of the biography of Dr.M.L.Jones "The first 40 years".
Great Post!
Bill,
Agreed on Lloyd-Jones! Murray's biography is priceless...especially for pastors.
For pastors I would also add Boston's 'Fourfold State'.
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