- A Few Books That Have Helped Us Along the Way
AngerUprooting Anger: Biblical Help for a Common Problem
by Robert D. Jones (2005) A biblical and practical look at this issue of anger, intended to give biblical instruction and hope. CallingThe Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life
by Os Guinness (1998) Excellent meditation on calling by one who is a deep thinker and understands our times. Engaging God’s World: A Christian Vision of Faith, Learning and Living by Cornelius Plantinga (2002) Approaching the topic of education from a variety of angles, Plantinga shows that Christ-centered learning teaches people to correctly see the world as God's creation, to see providence in history, to handle secular knowledge critically, to develop good judgment and, ultimately, to use faith-filled learning in the service of God's kingdom. Heaven is a place on Earth: Why Everything You Do Matters to God by Michael E. Wittmer (2004) Rich and basic treatment of calling from a reformed world and life view. Here I Am: Now What on Earth Should I Be Doing by Quentin Scheultze (2005) Looks at God’s calling and what it means for you to live it out. Redeeming the Time: A Christian Approach to Work and Leisure by Leland Ryken (1995) A careful look at calling with a deep appreciation for the English puritans who were the first to write and speak about this biblical truth. The Christian LifeThe Christian Life
by Sinclair B. Ferguson (1981) Excellent treatment of the doctrine of the Christian life which covers the application of Christ’s work to our lives. Cry of the Soul: How Our Emotions Reveal Our Deepest Thoughts About God by Dan Allender and Tremper Longman (1994) Focuses on what our negative emotions reveal about our relationship with God. The Disciplines of Grace: God's Role and Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges (1994) Explores how the same grace that brought us to faith in Christ also disciplines us in Christ. Future Grace: the Purifying Power of the Promise of God by John Piper (1995) Focuses on the exercise of faith and seven sins at work in our lives. When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy by John Piper (2004) Addresses the crucial question of what we should do when we don't desire God and aims to help us find a deep joy in Jesus. When People are Big and God is Small by Edward T. Welch (1997) How to overcome peer pressure, codependency, and the fear of man. ForgivenessForgiving and Reconciling: Bridges to Wholeness and Hope
by Everett Worthington (2003) Explores the freedom of forgiveness and reconciliation with a clear scriptural foundation, from the perspective of a Christian Psychologist. Offers some clarifying insights about how to move to forgiveness when you are hurt and bitter. The Peace Maker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict by Ken Sande (2004) Offers a clear presentation of biblical teaching with practical suggestions for any relationship needing reconciliation. Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds by Chris Brauns (2008) Goes beyond a feel-good doctrine of automatic forgiveness, balancing the beauty of God's grace and the necessity of forgiveness with the teaching that forgiveness must take place in a way that is consistent with justice. Whiter than Snow: Meditation on Sin and Mercy by Paul David Tripp (2008) Unpacks Psalm 51 through 52 brief and engaging meditations, reminding readers that by God's grace there is mercy for every wrong and grace for every new beginning. GodThe Beauty of God’s Holiness
by Thomas L. Trevethan (1995) A vivid reminder that holiness is an essential characteristic of the biblical Lord, which awakens us from spiritual slumber and uncages the living God so often domesticated in our time. Communion with the Triune God by John Owen (2007) A challenging look for believers at the ministry that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit have in their lives. Encourages Christians to enjoy true communion with each person of the triune God. Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith by Michael Reeves (2012) An introduction to Christianity and the Christian life that is from start to finish rooted in our triune God—Father, Son and Spirit. The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship by Robert Letham (2004) After examining the doctrine’s biblical foundations, the author traces its historical development through the twentieth century, and explores critical issues. Knowing God by J. I. Packer (1973) A classic work on the wonder and joy found in knowing God. The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God's Delight in Being God by John Piper (1991) An amazingly rich look at God. The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian faith by Tim Keller (2008) Explores the parable of the prodigal son to reveal an unexpected message of hope and salvation. Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Tim Keller (2008) Addresses the frequent doubts that skeptics and non-believers bring to religion. Helping OthersInstruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change
by Paul David Tripp (2002) A look at God's plan that through the faithful ministry of every part, the entire body will grow to maturity in Christ. |
GraceCaught Off Guard: Encounters With The Unexpected God
by William P. Smith (2007) True stories from today and biblical times to point you towards some of the surprising things you may have overlooked about our loving and purposeful God. Future Grace by John Piper (1995) Explores how grace is not only God’s undeserved gift to us in the past, but also God’s power to make good happen for us today, tomorrow, and forever. Putting Amazing Back into Grace by Michael Horton (2008) A classic reminder of the Reformation's radical view of God and his saving grace, the liberating yet humbling truth that we contribute nothing to our salvation. It lays out the scriptural basis for this doctrine and its implications for a vibrant evangelical faith. Transforming Grace: Living Confidently in God's Unfailing Love by Jerry Bridges (1991) A look at how inexhaustible and generous God's grace is and how the gospel impacts our lives. Jesus the ChristThe Cross of Christ
by John R. W. Stott (1986) A classic study of the work of Christ, the heart of the Christian faith. MarriageClick here for the marriage book resource page.
PrayerPray With Your Eyes Open: Looking at God, Ourselves, and Our Prayers
by Richard Pratt, Jr (1987) Excellent book on the principles of prayer that marks the prayers recorded in the Bible. Pratt is a professor of the Old Testament. Prayer: Does it Make Any Difference? by Philip Yancey (2006) Tackles the topic of prayer, facing our deepest doubts about it. Praying Backwards: Transform your prayer life by beginning in Jesus’ name by Bryan Chapell (2005) Strong look at the New Testament's teaching on prayer from a grace filled perspective. Praying: Finding Our Way Through Duty to Delight by J.I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom (2006) The authors state that the book "is a heart-to-heart affair, in which two Christians who try to pray and wish they prayed better share thoughts about what they are doing with people whom they envisage as being like themselves. . .Our aim is not just to clarify Christian understanding but to foster Christian living. In real praying, head, heart and hands go together." A Praying Life: Connecting With God in a Distracting World by Paul E. Miller (2009) Paul has taught thousands about prayer in his seminars through his down-to-earth approach and practical nature. He has listened deeply to people and can help you get started if you are stuck. If your prayer life feels fake or powerless this is the place to turn. Space for God: the Study and Practice of Prayer and Spirituality by Don Postema (1983) A series of meditative readings and spiritual exercises to help deepen your faith. The Transforming Power of Prayer: Deepening Your Friendship with God by James Houston (1996) Rich book on Prayer as a relationship. Houston has a mastery of the spiritual life informed by a close reading of the history of spirituality in the church. SinCounterfeit Gods: the Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters
by Tim Keller (2009) Explores the truth about faith, our hearts' desires, and the pursuit of happiness - and where all of it can ultimately be found. Not the Way it's Supposed to Be: A Breviary of Sin by Cornelius Plantinga (1995) A brief theology of sin with the broader goal of renewing our memory of the integrity of creation and sharpening our eyes for the beauty of grace. Unspeakable: Facing Up to the Challenge of Evil by Os Guinness (2005) An invitation to explore the challenge of contemporary evil, a call to confront our culture of fear, and a journey to find words to come to terms with the unspeakable so that it will no longer leave us mute. SonshipChildren of the Living God
by Sinclair B. Ferguson (1989) One of the few works on the love the Father has for his children. The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming by Henri J. M. Nouwen (1992) Nouwen is a Catholic priest and offers in this book a rich treatment of Jesus best known parable. The book offers some very helpful insights about the parable that more than any other opens the meaning of sonship. A discerning reader will find immense profit in this book. SufferingThe Life God Blesses: Weathering the Storms of Life that Threaten the Soul
by Gordon MacDonald (1997) This book looks at how to weather the storms of life. Deserted by God? by Sinclair B. Ferguson (1993) A book of hope to help us understand the ways of God. Suffering and God by Alister E. McGrath (1992) Speaks to the heart as well as the mind, making it clear that there are no easy answers to the problem of suffering. Explore how a perspective of faith can bring help and understanding to even the darkest of situations. When God Weeps by Joni Eareckson Tada (1997) A look at suffering and God’s role in it, by a woman who knows what she is talking about. WorryRunning Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest
by Edward T. Welch (2007) Investigates the roots of fear in the human soul and the ramifications of living in the grips of anxiety, worry, and dread. Welch encourages readers to discover for themselves that the Bible is full of beautiful words of comfort. |