Recommended Reading List

Recommended Reading List (alphabetic by topic)

Abuse
  • Becoming a Church That Cares Well for the Abused by Brad Hambrick
  • Is It Abuse? by Darby Strickland
  • Not Forsaken by Jennifer Michelle Greenburg
  • What Is A Girl Worth? by Rachel Denhollander

Adoption (the practice)
  • Orphanology by Tony Merida
  • Adopted for Life by Russell Moore  
  • Orphan Justice by Johnny Carr and Laura Captari

Adoption (the theological doctrine) 
  • The Gospel-Centered Life by Robert Thune and Will Walker
  • Sonship by World Harvest Mission

Advent
  • Classic Readings for Christmas by Stephen J. Nichols
  • The Dawning of Indestructible Joy by John Piper
  • The One True Light by Tim Chester
  • Come Thou Long Expected Jesus edited by Nancy Guthrie

Anger
  • Anger: Calming Your Heart by Robert D. Jones
  • A Small Book about a Big Problem: Meditations on Anger, Patience, and Peace by Edward T. Welch

Anxiety
  • Living without Worry by Tim Lane
  • Found: God’s Peace by John MacArthur

Apologetics
  • The Reason for God by Tim Keller
  • The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel 
  • The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel
  • More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell 
  • Why Should I Believe Christianity? by James Anderson
  • Tactics by Gregory Koukl
  • Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical by Tim Keller
  • Before You Lose Your Faith edited by Ivan Mesa
  • Confronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin
  • Surviving Religion 101 by Michael Kruger

Art
  • For the Beauty of the Church by W. David O. Taylor
  • Art for God’s Sake by Philip Graham Ryken
  • Culture Care: Reconnecting with Beauty for Our Common Life by Makato Fujimura
  • Rembrandt is in the Wind: Learning to Love Art through the Eyes of Faith by Russ Ramsey

Atonement
  • In My Place Condemned He Stood by J.I. Packer and Mark Dever
  • The Cross of Christ by John Stott
  • Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray
  • It is Well by Mark Dever and Michael Lawrence

Baptism
  • Understanding Four Views on Baptism by Paul Engle

Basic Christianity
  • Basic Christianity by John Stott
  • Who is Jesus? by Greg Gilbert
  • What is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert
  • Why Trust the Bible? by Greg Gilbert
  • Christianity Explored by Rico Tice and Barry Cooper

Bible Study
  • How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart
  • Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word by Kathleen Nielson

Biblical Theology (or Redemptive History) 
  • Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church by Michael Lawrence

Canon of Scripture
  • Canon Revisited by Michael Kruger
  • The Question of Canon by Michael Kruger
  • The Heresy of Orthodoxy by Andreas Kostenberger and Michael Kruger
  • Can We Trust The Gospels? by Peter J. Williams

Children’s Books
  • The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
  • The Big Picture Story Bible by David Helm
  • The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross by Carl Laferton
  • Everything a Child Should Know About God by Kenneth Taylor
  • God Made All of Me by Justin Holcomb
  • Learn About God Board Books by Carine Mackenzie
  • Christian Biographies for Young Readers by Simonetta Carr
  • The Ology by Marty Machowski
  • The Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton

Christian Biography
  • Basic Christian: The Inside Story of John Stott by Roger Steer
  • Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery by Eric Metaxas 
  • Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
  • A God Entranced Vision of All Things: The Legacy of Jonathan Edwards by John Piper and Justin Taylor
  • Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland Bainton
  • Portraits of a Radical Disciple: Recollections of John Stott’s Life and Ministry by Christopher Wright
  • The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
  • Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas
  • Joni: An Unforgettable Story by Joni Eareckson Tada
  • Born Again by Charles Colson
  • Katie Luther, First Woman of the Reformation by Ruth Tucker

Christian Classics
  • Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
  • The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
  • Confessions by Saint Augustine 
  • Desiring God by John Piper
  • Knowing God by J.I. Packer
  • The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer

Christian Living
  • Ordinary by Tony Merida
  • Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung
  • After You Believe by N.T. Wright

Church
  • Why We Love the Church by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck
  • Church by Edmond Clowney
  • Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever 
  • Center Church by Tim Keller

Church Discipline
  • Biblical Church Discipline by Daniel Wray
  • A Handbook of Church Discipline by Jay Adams
  • Understanding Church Discipline by Jonathan Leeman
  • Church Discipline (Free Online Essay) by Jonathan Leeman

Church History
  • 10 Great Ideas from Church History by Mark Shaw
  • Introduction to the History of Christianity by Tim Dowley
  • Church History in Plain Language by Bruce Shelley 
  • Turning Points by Mark Noll
  • Church History 101 by Sinclair Ferguson and Joel Beeke

Church Planting/Revitalization
  • Planting Growing Churches for the 21st Century by Stuart Murray
  • Church Planting is for Wimps by Mike McKinley
  • Gaining by Losing: Why The Future Belongs to Churches That Send by J.D. Greear

Classical Christian Education
  • The Devil Knows Latin by E. Christian Kopff
  • The Lost Tools of Learning (Free Online Article) by Dorothy Sayers
  • Discover Classical Christian Education by Christopher Perrin
  • Introduction to Classical Education by Christopher Perrin

Commentaries on the Bible
  • Africa Bible Commentary by Tokunboh Adeyemo
  • The NIV Application Commentary Series
  • The Bible Speaks Today Commentary Series
  • Evangelical Press Study Commentary Series
  • New American Commentary (NAC) Series
  • New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT) Series
  • New International Commentary on the Old Testament (NICOT) Series
  • New Testament Commentaries (NTC) Series
  • Baker Exegetical Commentary of the New Testament (BECNT) Series
  • Pillar New Testament Commentary (PNTC) Series
  • Tyndale Old Testament Commentary (TOTC) Series
  • Tyndale New Testament Commentary (TNTC) Series
  • Word Biblical Commentary (WBC) Series
  • Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (ZECNT) Series
  • Top Commentaries on Every Book of the Bible (Free Online Article)

Compassion Ministry
  • Generous Justice by Tim Keller
  • When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert
  • The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns

Conflict Resolution
  • The Peacemaker by Ken Sande
  • Resolving Everyday Conflict by Ken Sande and Kevin Johnson
  • War of Words by Paul Tripp
  • Relationships: A Mess Worth Making by Tim Lane

Counseling
  • Side by Side by Ed Welch
  • Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul Tripp
  • How People Change by Tim Lane and Paul Tripp
  • Seeing With New Eyes by David Powlison
  • Christ-Centered Biblical Counseling by James Macdonald, Bob Kelleman, and Steve Viars
  • Understanding the Influences on the Human Heart (Free Online Article) by Michael R. Emlet
  • Listening to Prozac and the Scriptures (Free Online Article) by Michael R. Emlet
  • Ten Ways Ordinary People Can Help Those With Psychiatric Problems (Free Online Article) by Ed Welch

Creation
  • PCA position paper on age of earth (Free Online Article)

Culture
  • Christ and Culture Revisited by D.A. Carson
  • Onward by Russell Moore
  • The Secular Creed by Rebecca McLaughlin
  • Strange New World by Carl Trueman

Dating
  • I Gave Dating a Chance by Jeramy Clark
  • Sex Before Marriage by Tim Lane
  • Pre-Engagement by David Powlison and John Yenchko
  • Sex and the Single Girl by Ellen Dykas
  • With One Voice: Singleness, Dating & Marriage to the Glory of God by Alex and Marni Chediak

Devotionals
  • My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
  • The Valley of Vision by Arthur Bennett
  • New Morning Mercies by Paul Tripp
  • Growing in Christ by J.I. Packer
  • Moments with the Savior by Ken Gire
  • 50 Days of Heaven by Randy Alcorn
  • The One Year Praying through the Bible for Your Kids by Nancy Guthrie
  • Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

Discipleship
  • Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden 
  • Multiply by Francis Chan
  • Growing Together by Melissa Kruger
  • Discipling by Mark Dever
 
Elders (Office of) 
  • Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch and Stephen Sorenson
  • Church Elders by Jeramie Rinne
  • Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons by Thabiti Anyabwile
  • Gospel Eldership by Robert H. Thune

Emotions
  • Untangling Emotions by J. Alasdair Groves & Winston T. Smith

Eschatology (End Times)
  • Four Views of the End Times by Timothy Paul Jones
  • Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond by Darrell L. Bock

Ethics
  • The Doctrine of the Christian Life by John Frame
  • Conscience: What It Is, How to Train It, and Loving Those Who Differ by Andrew Naselli and J.D. Crowley

Evangelicalism
  • Evangelicalism and the Future of Christianity by Alister McGrath
  • Evangelicals: Who They Have Been, Are Now, and Could Be edited by Mark Noll, David Bebbington, and George Marsden

Evangelism 
  • Tell the Truth by Will Metzger
  • Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels and Mark Mittelberg
  • Speaking of Jesus by Mack Stiles
  • A Faith Worth Sharing by C. John Miller
  • God Space: Where Spiritual Conversations Happen Naturally by Doug Pollock 
  • Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J. I Packer
  • The Gospel and Personal Evangelism by Mark Dever
  • Out of the Salt Shaker & Into the World by Rebecca Pippert
  • Uncovering the Life of Jesus by Rebecca Pippert
  • Honest Evangelism by Rico Tice
  • Joyfully Spreading the Word by the Gospel Coalition (Various Authors)
  • Evangelism in a Skeptical World by Sam Chan

Family Worship
  • Family Worship by Donald Whitney
  • Dinner Table Devotions by Nancy Guthrie
  • A Neglected Grace by Jason Helopoulos
  • Exploring Grace Together by Jessica Thompson

Generosity (Tithing)
  • The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
  • Managing God’s Money: A Biblical Guide by Randy Alcorn
  • Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn
  • Generosity by Gordan MacDonald
  • A 20 Day Study in Stewardship (Free Online Resource) by Redeemer Presbyterian Church
  • The Book of Giving by Pierce Taylor Hibbs

Gender Roles
  • Jesus, Justice, and Gender Roles by Kathy Keller
  • The Gospel Centered Woman by Wendy Alsup
  • God’s Design for Man and Woman by Andreas and Margaret Kostenberger 
  • The Masculine Mandate by Richard Phillips
  • Women and God by Kathleen Nielson

Global Christianity
  • Global Awakening by Mark Shaw
  • The Next Christendom by Philip Jenkins
  • Our Global Families by Todd Johnson and Cindy Wu

Gospel
  • Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler
  • Living the Cross-Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney
  • The Prodigal God by Tim Keller

Government
  • God and Politics by Mark Dever
  • How The Nations Rage by Jonathan Leeman
  • Republicrat by Carl Trueman

Heaven (New Heavens and New Earth)
  • 50 Days of Heaven by Randy Alcorn
  • Heaven by Randy Alcorn
  • A New Heaven and a New Earth by J. Richard Middleton
  • Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright
  • Coming Home: Essays on the New Heaven & New Earth Edited by D.A. Carson and Jeff Robinson Sr.

Hell
  • Erasing Hell by Francis Chan
  • Is Hell for Real or Does Everyone Go to Heaven? by Christopher W. Morgan and Robert A. Peterson
  • Hell on Trial: The Case for Eternal Punishment by Robert A Peterson

Holiness
  • The Hole in Our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung
  • Holiness by Grace by Bryan Chapell
  • Devoted to God by Sinclair Ferguson
  • The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
  • Holier Than Thou by Jackie Hill Perry
  • The Whole Christ by Sinclair B. Ferguson

Holy Spirit
  • Forgotten God by Francis Chan
  • The Holy Spirit by Sinclair Ferguson

Hospitality
  • A Meal with Jesus by Tim Chester
  • The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield

Humility
  • Humility by C.J. Mahaney
  • The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness by Tim Keller

Idolatry
  • Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller
 
Justice
  • Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth by Thaddeus Williams
  • A Biblical Critique of Secular Justice and Critical Theory (Free Online Article) by Timothy Keller
  • Justice in the Bible (Free Online Article) by Timothy Keller

Justification
  • The Cross of Christ by John Stott
  • By Faith Alone by Gary Johnson and Guy Waters
  • Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray

Law (Old Testament) 
  • The Shadow of Christ in the Law of Moses by Vern Poythress
  • Old Testament Law and the Charge of Inconsistency (Free Online Article) by Timothy Keller

Leadership
  • The Conviction to Lead by Al Mohler
  • Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders
  • Leadership Essentials by Greg Ogden
  • Lead by Paul David Tripp

The Lord’s Table
  • Understanding Four Views on the Lord’s Supper by John Armstrong

Marriage
  • The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller and Kathy Keller
  • What Did You Expect? by Paul David Tripp
  • This Momentary Marriage by John Piper
  • Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
  • The Mingling of Souls by Matt Chandler
  • God, Marriage, and Family by Andreas Kostenberger and David Jones
  • Tying the Knot by Rob Green

Men’s Topics
  • Manhood Restored by Eric Mason
  • Sexual Sanity for Men by David White
  • Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes
  • The Masculine Mandate by Richard Phillips
  • Reset by David Murray

Mind
  • The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind by Mark Noll
  • Jesus Christ and the Life of the Mind by Mark Noll

Missions
  • Let the Nations be Glad by John Piper
  • Introducing World Missions by A. Scott Moreau, Gary Corwin and Gary McGee
  • Perspectives on the World Christian Movement by Ralph Winter and Steven Hawthorne 
  • Today’s All-Star Missions Churches by Tom Telford and Lois Shaw
  • The Mission of God’s People by Christopher Wright
  • Western Christians in Global Missions by Paul Borthwick
  • Global Church Planting by Craig Ott and Gene Wilson
  • The 3D Gospel by Jayson Georges
  • Ministering in Honor-Shame Cultures by Jayson Georges and Mark D. Baker
  • Missions by Andy Johnson

Missionary Biography
  • From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya by Ruth Tucker
  • The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken
  • Peace Child by Don Richardson
  • Through the Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot

New Testament Studies
  • The Message of the New Testament by Mark Dever
  • An Introduction to the New Testament by Carson and Moo
  • A Theology of the New Testament by George Ladd
  • Stories with Intent by Klyne Snodgrass

Old Testament Studies  
  • The Message of the Old Testament by Mark Dever
  • An Introduction to the Old Testament by Longman and Dillard
  • The Christ of the Prophets by O. Palmer Robertson
  • The Christ of the Covenants by O. Palmer Robertson
  • The Unfolding Mystery by Edmund Clowney
  • The Promised One by Nancy Guthrie 
  • The Lamb of God by Nancy Guthrie
  • The Son of David by Nancy Guthrie
  • The Wisdom of God by Nancy Guthrie
  • The Word of the Lord by Nancy Guthrie

Parenting
  • Parenting by Paul Tripp
  • Gospel Powered Parenting by William Farley
  • Give Them Grace by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson
  • Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
  • Praying Through the Bible For Your Kids by Nancy Guthrie
  • Walking with God in the Season of Motherhood by Melissa Kruger
  • Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full by Gloria Furman
  • The Gospel-Centered Parent by Rose Marie Miller

Philosophy
  • A History of Western Philosophy and Theology by John Frame

Prayer
  • Praying with Paul by D.A. Carson
  • Prayer by Tim Keller
  • A Praying Life by Paul Miller
  • Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney

Preaching God’s Word
  • Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chapell
  • Preaching and Preachers by Martyn Lloyd-Jones
  • Between Two Worlds by John Stott
  • Preaching by Tim Keller
  • Preaching to the Heart by Jay Adams
  • The Supremacy of God in Preaching by John Piper

Race
  • Divided by Faith by Michael Emerson and Christian Smith
  • Bloodlines by John Piper
  • Reviving the Black Church by Thabiti Anyabwile
  • Heal Us, Emmanuel by Doug Serven
  • Let Justice Roll Down by John M. Perkins
  • The New Reformation by Shai Linne
  • Talking About Race by Isaac Adams
  • The Bible and Race (Free Online Article) by Timothy Keller
  • The Sin of Racism (Free Online Article) by Timothy Keller

Reformation
  • The Unquenchable Flame by Michael Reeves
  • Confessions and Catechisms of the Reformation by Mark Noll

Rest/Recreation
  • Rest by Shannon Deal
  • Work, Play, Love by Mark Shaw

Sacraments (see Baptism and the Lord’s Table)

Sanctification (see Holiness)

Sanctity of Human Life
  • The Case for Life by Scott Klusendorf
  • Common Ground without Compromise by Stephen Wagner
  • Pro-Life from Womb to Tomb  (Online Article) by Marshall Segal

Scripture
  • Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung
  • Why Trust the Bible by Greg Gilbert

Sexuality
  • Sex and the Supremacy of Christ by John Piper and Justin Taylor
  • Is God Anti-gay? By Sam Allberry
  • What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality by Kevin DeYoung
  • Transgender by Vaughan Roberts
  • Rid of My Disgrace by Justin Holcomb and Lindsey Holcomb
  • God Made All of Me by Justin Holcomb and Lindsey Holcomb (Children’s Book) 
  • The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield
  • Gay Girl Good God by Jackie Hill Perry

Singleness
  • Redeeming Singleness by Barry Danylak
  • 7 Myths About Singleness by Sam Allberry

Sovereignty of God
  • Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer
  • Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul
  • Desiring God by John Piper

Spiritual Disciplines and Gifts
  • Habits of Grace by David Mathis
  • A Hunger for God by John Piper
  • You Are What You Love by James Smith
  • Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney
  • Discerning and Exercising Spiritual Gifts (Online Article) by Timothy Keller
  • What Are Spiritual Gifts? (Free Online Resource) by Vern Poythress
  • S.H.A.P.E. by Erik Rees

Suffering
  • Walking with God in Pain and Suffering by Timothy Keller
  • Being There by Dave Furman
  • What Grieving People Wish You Knew by Nancy Guthrie
  • When Trouble Comes by Philip Graham Ryken
  • The Scars That Have Shaped Me by Vaneetha Risner

Systematic Theology 
  • Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
  • Know the Truth by Bruce Milne
  • Concise Theology by J.I. Packer
  • Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem
  • Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin
  • Systematic Theology by Louis Berkhof
  • Systematic Theology by John Frame
  • Systematic Theology Series by Douglas Kelly

Teaching God's Word
  • Creative Bible Teaching by Lawrence Richards and Gary Bredfeldt
  • Show Them Jesus by Jack Klumpenhower

Technology
  • 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You by Tony Reinke
  • The Tech Wise Family by Andy Crouch
  • The Next Story by Tim Challies
  • From the Garden to the City by John Dyer
  • Social Sanity in an Insta World edited by Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra

Theology
  • Doing Theology with Huck and Jim by Mark Shaw
  • What is Reformed Theology? by R.C. Sproul

Trinity
  • Delighting in the Trinity by Tim Chester

Union with Christ
  • Found in Him by Elyse Fitzpatrick
  • Union with Christ: The Way to Know and Enjoy God by Rankin Wilbourne 

Urban Ministry
  • Planting and Growing Urban Churches by Harvie Conn
  • Church in Hard Places by Mez McConnell and Mike McKinley

Vocation (Work)
  • Work, Play, Love by Mark Shaw
  • How Then Should We Work? By Hugh Whelchel
  • Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
  • Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller

Vocational Ministry
  • Dangerous Calling by Paul Tripp
  • Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome by Kent and Barbara Hughes
  • Brothers, We Are Not Professionals by John Piper
  • The Path to Being a Pastor by Bobby Jamieson
  • The Imperfect Pastor by Zack Eswine

Women’s Topics
  • Word-Filled Women’s Ministry by Gloria Furman and Kathleen Nielson
  • Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin
  • Missional Motherhood by Gloria Furman
  • Sexual Sanity for Women by Ellen Dykas
  • Women and God by Kathleen Nielson
  • Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full by Gloria Furman
  • None Like Him by Jen Wilkin
  • In His Image by Jen Wilkin
  • Refresh by Shona & David Murray

Worldview
  • What’s Your Worldview? by James Anderson
  • The Universe Next Door by James Sire

World Religions
  • Cross and Crescent by Colin Chapman
  • Islam in Context by Peter Riddell and Peter Cotterell
  • Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi
  • Is the Injeel Corrupted? By Fouad Masri
  • What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur’an by James White
  • Answering Jihad by Nabeel Qureshi
  • Neighboring Faiths by Winfried Corduan
  • Pocket Guide to World Religions by Winfried Corduan
  • The Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin 

Worship
  • Doxology and Theology by Matt Boswell
  • Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin
  • Worship in Spirit and Truth by John Frame
  • Sing! by Keith & Kristyn Getty

Youth 
  • Soul Searching by Christian Smith and Melina Lundquist Denton
  • Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry by Cameron Cole
  • Spiritual Formation for Emerging Adulthood by David Setran and Chris Kiesling
  • Age of Opportunity by Paul Tripp
  • Preparing Your Teens for College by Alex Chediak
  • Thriving at College by Alex Chediak