One of our members suggested that compile a book list of the most helpful reads for someone who is new to our church or new to the faith. I think that's a good idea, so I'll give a list below that will be helpful to someone who is looking to get his theological bearings straight.
Theological Books
The Gospel According to Jesus - John MacArthur
This book will give you a very clear understanding of what saving faith is, and what a false or watered-down gospel looks like so that you recognize it and avoid it.
The Holiness of God - R.C. Sproul
This book will open your eyes to the nature of who God really is and it will give you a thirst to know God in all His fullness and glory.
Chosen By God - RC Sproul
The Christian needs to be confronted as quickly as possible with the sovereignty of God in salvation in order to eradicate all man-centered, man-glorifying vain thoughts about himself, his God and his salvation.
Not By Chance - Layton Talbert
This is a book about the Providence of God which is essential to the Christian to understand if he is going to deal with life's difficulties correctly.
Famine in the Land - Steven Lawson
Don't think that a book about expository preaching is limited to preachers. This book ought to be read by every believer because he needs to know what true preaching is and demand it from his pastor for his own spiritual good!
Desiring God - John Piper
This is a classic that is a must read. It will put the whole Christian life into perspective. We were made to enjoy God and all of life is to be an expression of our pursuit for joy in God: marriage, worship, work, prayer, etc... These don't have to be duties, they can be delights!
What is a Healthy Church? - Mark Dever
A Christian needs to know what a healthy church looks like so he can be a part of one or help that church become healthy according to God's standards.
Christian Living Books
When People are Big and God is Small - Edward Welch
This book deals with the issues surrounding the fear of man. Fear of man is a big problem that seems to be at the root of most problems people are facing in counseling situations. This is a book I have given away to so many people and I have heard that many others have done the same. So, I recommend this as standard reading to everyone.
Changed into His Image - Jim Berg
This is a book about sanctification that is perhaps the best available today! It deals with how God changes us into being Christ-like. It deals with issues about how a Christian should live and what should energize his life so that he doesn't get trapped by legalism or lawlessness.
Why Am I So Angry? - Debi Pryde
This is a book that's a little harder to get and can only be found from the Ironwood Christian Camp website. However, it's worth doing whatever you have to, to buy it. In pastoral counseling, I have found that 99% of us have an anger problem. If you don't think so, I challenge you to read it and you're heart will be exposed and helped!
The Mortification of Sin - John Owen
This book is timeless. Written in the 1600's, updated in language so it's easier to understand in modern English. This is the best book ever written about the fight against sin.
What is a Healthy Church Member? - Thabiti Anyabwile
A Christian needs to know what is expected from him as a church member. There are certain marks of a healthy church member that we should all strive to make sure we are characterized by.
Humility, True Greatness - CJ Mahaney
The lack of humility is one of the biggest problems we have and it is the root of most inter-relational problems in the family and in the church. This book is an absolute must read. You can be no more Christlike, than when you are humble.
Worldliness, Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World - CJ Mahaney
There are very few books that actually deal with this subject, but it will help you with understanding that worldliness is a matter of heart attitudes that are expressed in outward actions. This is also a good read because it steers you away from legalism as a cure for worldliness and centers on Christ.
Radical, Taking back your faith from the American Dream - David Platt
This book teaches us about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus: radical obedience, radical generosity, radical love for one another! It is counter-intuitive to the self centered American dream mentality.
