Understanding the Bible by John R.W. Stott
I have yet to find a book this good that is this short. John Stott writes as if the reader has very little understanding of the Bible (which includes must of us). He summarizes the over-all story and message of the Bible like no other book I’ve seen. It’s 216 pages long and very readable. Sadly, this book is out of print, but www.ChristianBook.com still has copies to sell. I highly recommend this book to anyone who feels that the Bible is just too foreign to them to even begin to understand. In other words, if you feel you don’t know anything at all about the Bible, start with Stott!
Why I Am a Christian by John R.W. Stott
Another great book from one of my favorite authors. This is a short book that explains exactly what Christianity is and why you need it! There’s a copy in the church library.
First Principles: Basics of Biblical Faith by David Crosby
Does the name sound familiar? Dr. Crosby is the pastor of our very own First Baptist Church of New Orleans. This book came out of years and years of him teaching new member classes. He covers a very broad range of Christian teachings in a short and easy to read book. It will help you clarify your beliefs as a Christian.
The Purifying Power of Living by Faith in Future Grace by John Piper
This is a long book, but I included it because it has been such a help to me in my own personal walk with Christ. Dr. Piper really connects faith with daily living and overcoming temptations by trusting in something greater, the joy of knowing Jesus Christ! Don’t be afraid of it’s length. Just do what I did and read it for a long, long time! It’s not meant to be read quickly anyway. Read it slowly and let it change you.
Celebration of Disciple by Richard Foster
Okay, this one’s a little deep, but definately worth it. Dr. Foster identifies 12 disciplines of the Christian spiritual life that move us closer into the presence of God for Him to work within us. Some might be obvious to you like prayer, Bible reading, and church attendance. Some might surprise you such as solitude, simplicity, and celebration. This is another one that has meant a great deal to my own spiritual walk and helped awaken me to centuries of good writing by Christians who now live in Heaven.
Deacons: Servant Models in the Church by Henry Webb
John Breakfield, John Triplett, and I read this leading up to their ordination as deacons. This is a short, easy to read book about the Scriptural role of deacons in the church. It touches on the deacon’s personal life, family life, public life, and church life. I would recommend it to anyone in the church, but I highly recommend it for someone who feels called to be a deacon.
What’s So Great About Christianity by Dinesh D’Souza
Through the use of reason, history, and science, D’Souza answers common objections that atheists bring against Christianity. It’s not an easy read, and it’s pretty long. But it’s well worth the read for those of you who struggle reconciling reason and faith. It also debunks some commonly held misconceptions about Christianity. I’ve donated a copy of this to the Grace Library.
Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I would never lie to you. This is a long and hard read, but I believe that Bonhoeffer’s message against cheap grace is needed in our generation. Costly grace is what the gospel offers. It took me a long time to complete this book, but it helped me go deep in my understanding of the Gospel of Matthew and what a relationship with Jesus is really about. This book will help you grow in your faith by thinking deeply about the cost of discipleship.
Brother Charlie’s List of Recommended Books
Understanding the Bible by John R.W. Stott
I have yet to find a book this good that is this short. John Stott writes as if the reader has very little understanding of the Bible (which includes must of us). He summarizes the over-all story and message of the Bible like no other book I’ve seen. It’s 216 pages long and very readable. Sadly, this book is out of print, but www.ChristianBook.com still has copies to sell. I highly recommend this book to anyone who feels that the Bible is just too foreign to them to even begin to understand. In other words, if you feel you don’t know anything at all about the Bible, start with Stott!
Why I Am a Christian by John R.W. Stott
Another great book from one of my favorite authors. This is a short book that explains exactly what Christianity is and why you need it! There’s a copy in the church library.
First Principles: Basics of Biblical Faith by David Crosby
Does the name sound familiar? Dr. Crosby is the pastor of our very own First Baptist Church of New Orleans. This book came out of years and years of him teaching new member classes. He covers a very broad range of Christian teachings in a short and easy to read book. It will help you clarify your beliefs as a Christian.
The Purifying Power of Living by Faith in Future Grace by John Piper
This is a long book, but I included it because it has been such a help to me in my own personal walk with Christ. Dr. Piper really connects faith with daily living and overcoming temptations by trusting in something greater, the joy of knowing Jesus Christ! Don’t be afraid of it’s length. Just do what I did and read it for a long, long time! It’s not meant to be read quickly anyway. Read it slowly and let it change you.
Celebration of Disciple by Richard Foster
Okay, this one’s a little deep, but definately worth it. Dr. Foster identifies 12 disciplines of the Christian spiritual life that move us closer into the presence of God for Him to work within us. Some might be obvious to you like prayer, Bible reading, and church attendance. Some might surprise you such as solitude, simplicity, and celebration. This is another one that has meant a great deal to my own spiritual walk and helped awaken me to centuries of good writing by Christians who now live in Heaven.
Deacons: Servant Models in the Church by Henry Webb
John Breakfield, John Triplett, and I read this leading up to their ordination as deacons. This is a short, easy to read book about the Scriptural role of deacons in the church. It touches on the deacon’s personal life, family life, public life, and church life. I would recommend it to anyone in the church, but I highly recommend it for someone who feels called to be a deacon.
What’s So Great About Christianity by Dinesh D’Souza
Through the use of reason, history, and science, D’Souza answers common objections that atheists bring against Christianity. It’s not an easy read, and it’s pretty long. But it’s well worth the read for those of you who struggle reconciling reason and faith. It also debunks some commonly held misconceptions about Christianity. I’ve donated a copy of this to the Grace Library.
Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I would never lie to you. This is a long and hard read, but I believe that Bonhoeffer’s message against cheap grace is needed in our generation. Costly grace is what the gospel offers. It took me a long time to complete this book, but it helped me go deep in my understanding of the Gospel of Matthew and what a relationship with Jesus is really about. This book will help you grow in your faith by thinking deeply about the cost of discipleship.