Biography
To the Golden Shore
by Anderson, Courtney
Moving account of the life of Adoniram Judson, the first North American missionary (to Burma). Judson's life has local connections (Plymouth, Boston, North Shore, western MA). Exciting and inspirational, the book reveals God's sufficient grace even in impossibly difficult circumstances (death of spouse, child, imprisonment, etc). Recommended reading for teens through adults.
Billy Sunday and the Redemption of Urban America
by Dorsett, Lyle
This work illustrates how God can use the willing. Sunday was among the most outspoken for the Lord in his day. His zealous desire to see souls saved and the change in his life show a faithful man who loved the Lord at all costs. Recommended for teens through adults.
D.L. Moody, Soul Winner
by Mann, Chester
This is only one among many works written about this very unusual man of God. His life and ministry continue to be encouraging and challenging for today's Christians in search of commitment and spiritual power. Recommended reading for all Christians.
Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret
by Taylor, Dr. & Mrs. Howard
A condensed version of the two volume classic, this brief version rewards the reader with the "highlights" from Taylor's amazing ministry in China.
Children of the Storm
by Vins, Natasha
Written as an autobiography by the daughter of Georgi Vins, Children of the Storm shows another exciting side to God's deliverance in the true story of Christian persecution.
The Gospel in Bonds
by Vins, Georgi
An easy to read, yet fascinating account of a Baptist preacher in Communist Russia. Vins, who died in 1998, faithfully proclaimed God's Word even in Siberian prison camps.
Russian Gospel Ministries, Elkhart, IN, 1995
Hudson Taylor (two volume set)
by Taylor, Dr. & Mrs. Howard
This definitive account on the life of James Hudson Taylor, 19th century missionary to China, details his life in narrative and in journal form.
- Volume I, entitled "The Growth of a Soul," traces the early life of Taylor including his conversion and his call to and preparation for China.
- Volume II, entitled "The Growth of the Work of God" focuses on Taylor's ministry and the founding and growth of the China Inland Mission.
This biography includes many personal anecdotes and diary entries from Taylor himself which make the reading of it highly rewarding. Also appreciated is the authors' purpose not to glorify a man, but to glorify the great God of His servant.
These two volumes (for the serious reader) will be an immense blessing to both teens and adults. See also Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret for a condensed, one volume summary.
Christian Living
Life in the Father's House
by Mack, Wayne
Subtitled "a laymen's guide to the local church," this book covers the importance of God's local church, and our roles within it. Recommended for adults.
War of Words
by Tripp, Paul David
Our Lord tells us that our mouth speaks "out of the abundance of the heart." This book helps you examine what you say, when you say it, and what it all reflects about your heart. Very convicting. Good for teens through adults.
The Gospel for Real Life
by Jerry Bridges
What is the Gospel? Who needs the Gospel? How do I apply the Gospel to my life? These are questions that Bridges presents and answers in this book about the Gospel. Bridges in this book unpacks the riches of the Gospel and discusses how the Gospel transforms a believer’s life. In Bridges’ own words, “So preaching the gospel to yourself every day is what this book is about.” This book is timely in a day when feelings, opinions, and personal standards take precedence over the Gospel of Christ. This book stresses the necessity and obligation of each believer to turn to the Gospel every day, for in the Gospel one finds the liberating power of the cross of Christ.
Essential Virtues
by Jim Berg
Subtitle: Marks of the Christ Centered Life
Author Jim Berg examines the Apostle Peter's exortation to
- Faith
- VIrtue
- Knowledge
- Temperance
- Patience
- Godliness
- Brotherly Kindness
- Love
The mature saint is characterized by these essential virtues. The book reviews what each of these is, their place in Christian living, and how we can grow in them. This is a book you won't just read once, but will refer to again and again.
Trusting God
by Jerry Bridges
Author Jerry Bridges repeatedly cites Biblical principles and examples as he exhorts us to trust God. This book compassionately reminds us that all things happen for God's glory and our good - even when we have no idea why we are suffering.
Don't wait until you're in the storm of trial before reading this encouraging book about the God who has the very hairs of your head numbered.
The accompanying study guide (purchased separately) is equally excellent, and will lead you to meditate on Scripture by helping you think through the practical application in real life situations.
Recommended for teens through adults.
Biblical Leadership
by Ken Collier & Matt Williams
With Jesus as the role model, this book discusses "becoming a different kind of leader." Easy to read and brief (150 pages), the book abounds with principles worth meditating on. Recommended for teens through adults.
Absolute Surrender
by Andrew Murray
This book is the work of the great Scottish preacher, Andrew Murray, who spent most of his pastoral ministry in South Africa until his death in 1917. Absolute Surrender is actually a collection of a series of sermons that Murray delivered on the topic of surrender to Christ. Murray in Absolute Surrender exhorts believers at all stages of spiritual development to completely give everything to Christ. He stresses the knowledge of God, the filling of the Spirit, and an intimate fellowship with Christ.
This work will be both inspirational and convicting to all believers.
Changed Into His Image
by Jim Berg
This book discusses living the Christian life from A to Z. Easy to read, yet comprehensive in content. You will finish the book motivated to better know and serve our loving God. Highly recommended reading for teens through adults.
Study guides are also available (teen and adult).
Pilgrim's Progress, The
by John Bunyan
Allegorical and easy to follow, this classic Christian work was for many years only second to the Bible in worldwide ownership. Bunyan's insights into the Christian experience is immensely helpful to any Christian seeking to "fight the good fight of faith." Highly recommended for children through adults.
Pursuit of God, The
by A.W. Tozer
In this Christian classic, Tozer continuously challenges us to seek an ever deeper relationship with Christ. A highly recommended book for Christian living. Although somewhat more difficult to read than average, this book is well worth a careful reading for any Christian.
Church History
The Mayflower Pilgrims
by Beale, David
A well documented account of the Pilgrims' journey to the New World. This book puts into perspective who these godly people were and the reason for the journey they made.
The Power of Prayer
by Prime, Samuel
One of the finest works on the impact of revival and prayer. The book includes first-hand accounts of a relatively unknown revival.
or buy:
Foxe's Book of Martyrs
by Foxe, John
Described as "a history of the lives, sufferings and triumphant deaths of the early Christian and the Protestant martyrs." While such reading is not inherently pleasant, the book will inform and inspire.
"After the Bible itself, no book so profoundly influenced early Protestant sentiment as the Book of Martyrs. Even in our time it is still a living force. It is more than a record of persecution. It is an arsenal of controversy, a storehouse of romance, as well as a source of edification." - James Miller Dodds, English Prose.
Recommended for teens through adults.
Devotional Helps
Abide in Christ
by Murray, Andrew
Rich in Biblical truth, this book helps you consider your walk with our Lord. Easy to read, written in 31 short chapters, so it can be used as a month-long daily devotional. Recommended for teens to adults.
GOD IS... (learning about my God)
by Hummel, Rand
Intended for ages 10-13 (grades 5-8), this book is takes you on a six week daily Bible journey discovering more about God. Consider this book a devotional tool to point readers to the scriptures, pencil in hand, to explore God's love, forgiveness, patience, power, omnipresence, and mercy/grace. Daily lessons are brief, but meaningful.
Recommended for late elementary & Jr. high.
An Exposition of the Whole Bible
by Morgan, G Campbell
Morgan, known for his depth of Bible reading and understanding, provieds a summary of each chapter of the Bible.
Morning and Evening
by Charles Spurgeon
Among the treasured works of the "Prince of Preachers" is Morning and Evening, a devotional intended to be read daily both in the morning and evening. For each time of day, Spurgeon gives some devotional thoughts based upon either one verse or a brief phrase. His way with words and his gift of illustrations helps to drive his point home to his readers.
This is a wonderful tool to use both in the morning and evening as an aid to one's personal time with the Lord. In addition, families will find it a wonderful resource.
This Day in Baptist History
by David L. Cummins and E. Wayne Thompson
This book is a devotional book intended to read through each of the 365 days of the year. Each day's reading features either the life of a specific Baptist pastor of the past or a historical event that relates to the history of the Baptist movement. The material is fascinating to read and is permeated with tidbits that most believers are not aware of.
It is highly recommended families read this book together to discover the treasures of Baptist history and to praise the Lord of these Baptist pastors who gave their lives so willingly for the cause of Christ.
What Do I Know About My God?
by Mardi Collier
Written for women, this book is a great resource for improving the quality of personal devotions. Mrs. Collier begins by recognizing that the Scriptures reveal God to man, and suggests a method of devotional note-taking that consistently points us to the goal of Bible study - growth in the knowledge of God.
Parenting
Age of Opportunity
by Tripp, Paul David
Excellent resource for parents of teens (or for parents of children who will be teens). The author provides helpful advice to keep parents focused on raising teens who have a heart for God. Though we differ with some of Tripp's personal standards, we are humbled by his wise Biblical counsel, and are grateful for this resource. Recommended reading for all Christian parents.
Shepherding a Child's Heart
by Tripp, Tedd
Excellent resource for parents of young children. Tripp applies Biblical principles in practical settings, reminding us to focus not only on the behavior, but on the heart which produced it.
Reference
Adventuring through the Bible
by Stedman, Ray
This book summarizes of each book of the Bible in a few pages. Helpful as part of a Bible study program.
The MacArthur Bible Commentary
by MacArthur, John
Covering the Bible in one volume, great resource for personal Bible study.
Wiersbe Bible Commentary (Complete Set)
by Warren Wiersbe
A two volume (OT & NT) Bible commentary written in plain English. Easy to understand by teens to adults. Great study resource.
Holman QuickSource Bible Atlas
by Wright, Paul
Maps, charts, historical descriptions and explanations. An excellent source for basic study, providing helpful background.
Hammond's Atlas of Bible Lands
by Hammond World Atlas Corp.
Clear, large maps of OT and NT lands. Immensely helpful for the student of the Word, or even for the casual inquirer.
Unger's Bible Handbook
by Unger, Merrill
A classic Bible handbook providing a synopsis of each chapter or section of every book of the Bible. This helpful resource is also filled with information to help students understand the Bible in its historical setting.
Topical Studies
Pain, the Plight of Fallen Man
by Halla, James
Written by a rheumatologist, this book considers the biblical response a believer should have to health problems (specifically pain).
Prayer: A Holy Occupation
by Chambers, Oswald
Not a detailed study, but a very basic book on prayer with some thought-provoking suggestions. The believer will be inspired as he reads simple comments about a commonly discussed subject.