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The majority of Christians are aware of the negative
impact that bad television and music can have on individuals. In fact, some
churches and denomination have been created based on this awareness. They have
banned types of music and some have even banned television and movies altogether
because of the evil that they bring to the audience. Although, often
among even the staunchest of these groups books are
consumed without thought of the content and the affect that it could have on the
reader. Books, like any other form of media, can have both a positive and
negative influence on individuals. There are even books written by Christians
that can have a negative impact on the hearts and lives of Believers. My goal
here is not to offer an extensive list of books that are good or bad. Instead, I
wish to list some books that I have personally found to have a great message,
that is true to the word of God; along with a list of what I am currently
reading.
Theology
|
Title |
Summary |
|
Lectures in Systematic Theology
(Unrevised Edition)
By Henry
Thiessen |
This Systematic
Theology, written by Henry Thiessen in 1949, has been considered by many
fundamentalist evangelicals to be one of the standard works on theology. It
was revised in 1979, by Vernon D. Doerksen. Though it was a revision,
Doerksen completely rewrote sections of Thiessen's theology, this has lead
some theologians to comment, "it was nice of the publishers to leave
Thiessen's name on Doerksen's theology textbook." As a result I would
recommend finding a copy of Thiessen's Lectures in Systematic Theology
that was published before 1979. One thing that Thiessen's original
edition offers is a view of soteriology that is well grounded in the Bible,
though vastly different from the more widely excepted "Calvinistic"
Soteriology; if for no other reason, this makes it a volume worth reading
and owning. |
|
Basic Theology
By
Charles C. Ryrie |
Basic Theology by Charles
Ryrie is one of the most widely read evangelical and dispensational
systematic theology books today. It provides a introduction to Bible
Doctrines in a easy to understand language. This book is for anyone that
wants to learn more about the teachings of the Bible, without having to use
a dictionary every fourth word. |
|
The Moody Handbook of Theology
By Paul
Enns |
Paul Enns describes
this volume in his Preface by writing, "Many theological works are entirely
too advanced for the average reader or beginning student of theology. Often
the student must consult numerous works to find simple answers to basic
questions. This Handbook of Theology is not intended to be definitive
of exhaustive; rahter, it is an introductory work that will provide
basic answers for questions in biblical theology, systematic theology,
historical theology, dogmatic theology, and contemporary theology." |
|
The Nature of the Church
By Earl
D. Radmacher |
Dr. Earl Radmacher is President Emeritus of Western Baptist Seminary. In
this book he has written what many claim to be the definitive work on the
Church. If ever you have thought that you would like to understand the
universal church as well as the local church better, this is the book to
help you to that end. Dr. Radmacher has done a brilliant job in not only
getting down to the details of the church, but in this exhaustive work, he
also made it extraordinarily practical and readable. |
|
Things to Come
By J.
Dwight Pentecost |
J. Dwight Pentecost's teaching on the end times has by many been thought the
most complete and well thought out. In this book that teaching has been
recorded for the generations that will never have the chance to sit under
Dr. Pentecost. For those interested in things relating to the end times this
book brings together all of what the scripture has to say regarding things
to come. While at times Dr. Pentecost's ability to reason through the
scriptures may leave you in a daze as you try to grasp all he has said, this
book offers many insights and helps to those interested in the topic of
eschatology. |
|
Charismatic Chaos
By John
MacArthur Jr |
There seems to be a
growing interest in the signs and wonders movement among Christians of all
kinds. Some of that allure seems to be the opportunity to "experience"
God and to simply "know His will better." In response to this growing
interest Pastor John MacArthur Jr. has written this book to talk about the
Biblical facts concerning tongues, healings, and other miraculous gifts,
about their use today, and what the affect of them can be upon believers.
Anyone that is interested in the miraculous gifts, who practice them, or
have friends and family involved, should take time to read this work by John
MacArthur Jr. |
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Marriage,
Family and Relationships
|
Title |
Summary |
|
Marriage: Whose Dreams
By
Paul Tripp |
This short booklet by
Paul Tripp takes a look at marriages... |
|
I Kissed Dating Goodbye
By
Joshua Harris |
Many have baulk simply
at the title of this book, others have written books to stand in defiance of
it. In it Joshua Harris' goal is not to get you to stop dating, but to
re-evaluate the way you go about it. With so much sexual pressure these day
many teens are struggling with not having sex and doing other sexual acts.
Joshua Harris writes this book to those teens and there parents to be a help
and to show them the potential pitfalls and dangers of dating, as we think
about it traditionally. Every parent that has a child that is interested in
dating or will be in the next few years should take time to read through
this book with their child. And really people of all ages that are
interested in dating should take time to read this short book, to help them
approach each potential relationship in a godly manner. |
|
Boy Meets Girl
By
Joshua Harris |
In answer to questions
of "Now what?" Joshua Harris wrote this book about his courting experience
with his now wife. An excellent compliment to "I Kissed Dating Goodbye,"
this book offers some specifics on how to court/date in a way that will be
an spiritual encouragement to both people and honoring to God. If you have
read "I Kissed Dating Goodbye," be sure and pick up this book as well and
give it a read. |
|
Age of Opportunity
By
Paul Tripp |
For many families the
teenage years are a scary thing... |
|
War of Words
By Paul
Tripp |
Many couples, families,
friends, and even churches talk about the problems that exist, simply
because there is a lack of communication. Dr. Paul Tripp writes in this book
about communication through a biblical world view. What forms of
communication is honoring to God, and how to have better communication. For
anyone that has thought that what their struggling relationship needs is
better communication, this is the book for you. |
|
Instruments in the Redeemer's
Hand
By Paul
Tripp |
The psychology industry
has grown tremendously over the years, to the point were more than one in
four have received help from a psychologist, according to Psychology
Today. Often these individuals attend psychologist for the rest of their
lives, never getting over their "ailment." Dr. Paul Tripp believes that
psychologist do not have the answer, instead the Bible does. Further, we do
not need trained professionals to apply the Bible to our lives, each one of
us have access to it and can apply to our own lives and to the lives of
others if we take the time to do so. Dr. Tripp explains in this book how to
be an instrument of change in the God's hands in our own lives and the lives
of other, by having deeper relationships, asking questions, and studying the
Bible. This book should be a must read for all Christians, as we should
desire to provoke one another to love and good works. |
|
Sweethearts for a Lifetime
By Wayne
and Carol Mack |
There are a lot of
marriage-help books out there, an over abundance really, but the reality is
that most of them can really do more to destroy a marriage than help it. As
a result, I wanted to make sure an include a book that will help every
marriage, whether it has yet to begin or is past the silver anniversary.
"Sweethearts for a lifetime" is one such book. Written by Wayne Mack, a very
noted author on marriage counseling, and his wife, Carol, this book is
arranged in a devotional style to guide a couple through what the Bible has
to say about marriage and different difficulties couples face. |
|
Why Christian Kids Leave the
Faith
By Tom
Bisset |
This
book provides an insight into why individuals leave the church, this
includes more than just children and teens. It also isn't talking about
people who change churches or denominations, but who completely leave the
church.
The book
provides a lot of thought provoking ideas, though the author is an
integrationalist (someone who borrows from current psychology to "complete"
the Bible). As an integrationalist, Mr. Bisset fails in some of his
applications and deductions. That said, I would recommend this book for
thought, to individuals who have an understanding of how to separate
psychological ideas from Biblical ones. |
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Christian Living (Practical Theology)
|
Title |
Summary |
|
Christ and Your Problems
By Jay Adams |
A Booklet |
|
Motives: Why Do I Do the
Things I Do
By
Edward T Welch |
A Booklet |
|
Addictions: A Banquet in the
Grave: Finding Hope in the power of the Gospel
By Edward T Welch |
This book dealing with addiction,
is not limited to the normal kinds of addictions we think of... |
|
Will Medicine Stop the Pain?: Finding God's Healing
for Depression, Anxiety, and Other Troubling Emotions
By Laura Hendrickson M.D. and Elyse Fitzpatrick |
This book is written for anyone
that had ever considered anti-depressions, anti-anxiety, or any other
psychologically related medicines or knows someone who has. |
|
Depression: A Stubborn
Darkness--Light for the Path
By Edward T Welch |
For people that are experiencing
depression and those witnessing it, it can be a very confusing time. Edward
Welch writes this book as a tool... |
|
Suffering: Eternity makes a
Difference
By Paul Tripp |
This booklet |
|
Mere Christianity
By C. S.
Lewis |
This is a collection of radio
messages given by C.S. Lewis. These messages will challenge you in your
thoughts regarding God and in your daily actions. C. S. Lewis also offers a
logical progression that shows more clearly the existence of God and even
helps to give insight into the trinity. Considered by all to be a classic
Christian work, this is well worth the time to read. Though as a note, C.S.
Lewis was an Episcopalian and so some caution should be exercised in matters
of his theology. |
|
The Biblical View of Self-Esteem,
Self-Love, Self-Image
By Jay
E. Adams |
"Don't say that, you will hurt
their self-esteem..." Most of us have heard this phrase and some may have
even spoken it. But what does the Bible have to say about Self-Esteem? Jay
E. Adams, a respected Biblical Counselor, has answered that question in this
book. This is an important book for everyone to read, as self-esteem oozes
from every pore in our society and even from some of our churches.
Does God want you to love and feel good about yourself? Find out what the
Bible says in this book by jay Adams. |
|
Sex is not the Problem (lust is)
Formerly "Not Even a Hint"
By
Joshua Harris |
In a society where virtually
everything is sexualized, from five-year-olds to sport drinks, it is no
wonder that many people are struggling with sexual temptations. In this book
by Joshua Harris, he discusses why the problem isn't sex, as some have
claimed, but lust. Lusting after things right or wrong, and trying to
constantly get our fill as we try to free ourselves is struggle that many
are facing each day. This is a book of hope as Mr. Harris attempts to help
individuals find the freedom that God's Word offers. |
|
Stop Dating the Church
By
Joshua Harris |
In this
book, Joshua Harris hits on something that is becoming an epidemic in
churches today. People "dating" the church. People who are not committed and
are just trying to get something out of it. This book offers some good ideas
to help people to understand what their part is in the church and how to
stop simply dating it.
As a
word of caution, Joshua Harris embraces covenant theology and as a
result recommends Wayne Grudems' Systematic Theology to the reader. While
there are many parts of Wayne Grudems' Systematic Theology that are very
well written, I personally do not agree with him on several important points
of theology. As a result I would recommend that instead of Wayne Grudem's
Systematic Theology to read one of the texts on theology that I have
recommended above. |
|
When People Are Big and God is
Small
By
Edward T. Welch |
"What will so-and-so think...?"
Most of us have thought or spoken this phrase at some point in our life. Ed
Welch writes "When People are Big and God is small" to address statements
such as that one. In this book he deals with issues of peer-pressure, being
shy, and just being afraid of what other might think in any situation. He
shows that in matters of obedience to the will of God, our first thought
should be "What will God think...?" This is a great book for every
Christian, both young and old to challenge them in how they approach
everyday situations and even confrontations. |
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Christian
Fiction
|
Title |
Summary |
|
The Screwtape Letters
By C. S.
Lewis |
According to the back of this book:
"A masterpiece of satire, this classic has entertained and enlightened
readers the world over with its sly and ironic portrayal of human life and
foibles from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to
"Our Father Below." At once wildly comic, deadly serious, and strikingly
original, C.S. Lewis gives us the correspondence of the worldly-wise old
devil to his nephew Wormwood, a novice demon in charge of securing the
damnation of an ordinary young man. the Screwtape Letters is the most
engaging account of temptation - and triumph over it - ever written." |
|
The Lion, the Witch, and the
Wardrobe
By C.S. Lewis |
The first published work of the
Chronicles of Narnia, this book follows four children as they discover
Narnia and help to save it from an evil witch. |
|
Prince Caspian
By C.S.
Lewis |
The second published work in the
Chronicles of Narnia, this book follow the four children back to Narnia, as
they once again help to save it. |
|
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
By C.S. Lewis |
In this, the third published work
of the Chronicles of Narnia, only the youngest of the four children return
to Narnia along with their cousin to assist King Caspian as he attempts to
save Narnia once more. |
|
The Silver Chair
By
C.S.Lewis |
This being the fourth published
book in the Chronicles of Narnia, is the first to not have the any of the
original four children. Instead their cousin, from the previous novel, is
accompanied by a friend as they attempt to rescue the son of King Caspian. |
|
The Horse and His Boy
By C.S.
Lewis |
This is the first book that falls
out of chronological order with the rest of the published book, being the
fifth book published, yet taking place during the final chapter of "The
Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" chronologically. It follows the story of
a horse and a boy that have been held in bondage, as they seek the freedom
Narnia offers and attempt to help a king stave off an invasion. |
|
The Magician's Nephew
By C.S. Lewis |
This is chronologically the first
book of the Chronicles of Narnia, though is stands sixth in the publishing
order. It tells of Aslan's creation of Narnia and how evil was first allowed
to enter a land created in perfection. |
|
The Last Battle
By C.S. Lewis |
This is the final installment in
the Chronicles of Narnia, being the last chronologically as well as in
publication. In it the cousin and his companion of "The Silver Chair" have
returned to Narnia to save it one last time from the evil that has infected
it for so long. |
|
The Last Sin Eater
By
Francine Rivers |
(Fiction) This novel
is based on the Welsh tradition of the sin eater. The sin eater comes at the
time of death to take the sins of the individual upon himself. In this story
by Mrs. Rivers, little Cadi is burdened by the sins that she has already
committed, so following her Grandma's death and her first time witnessing
the sin eater, she strikes out to find the sin eater for herself... |
|
Redeeming Love
By
Francine Rivers |
I am normally not in favor of
romance novels of any sort, but this story set in California during the gold
rush brings to life the story of Hosea in a way many may never have thought.
While the story does not fully parallel the prophet Hosea's life, it teaches
many of the same lessons on love and relationships in a captivating manner. |
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Books in Defense of the Faith
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Mere Christianity
By C.S. Lewis |
This book was based on a series of radio
broadcast done by C.S. Lewis in 1943. Lewis is ingenious in his formation of
an argument for a absolute Moral law and defense of a creator. He also
presents a thought provoking and concise thesis on Christian Ethics and
Christian beliefs, including the trinity. This is a book that is well worth
the time of all Christians to read. |
|
The Truth War
By John
MacArthur Jr. |
The description on this
books reads, "Right now, Truth is under attack, and much is at stake.
Christians are caught in the crossfire of alternative Christian histories,
emerging faulty texts, and a cultural push to eliminate absolute Truth
altogether. As a result, many churches and Christians have been deceived.
Worse still, they propagate the deception that poses itself as Truth! In
The Truth War John MacArthur reclaims the unwavering
certainty of God's Truth and anchors Christians in the eternal, immovable
promises that are found in His Word." |
|
The Case for Christ
By Lee
Strobel |
Lee Strobel is a
former criminal investigative journalist and atheist. After finding out that
he was wrong on one of the cases that he investigated and condemned as
guilty in his newspaper article, he realized that there are things that all
of us can be wrong on. One thing that he thought needed another look
in his own life was his thoughts on God and Jesus. So Mr. Strobel started to
investigate Christianity in much the same way he did his investigative
journalism. This book chronicles that investigation, and provides an
interesting look into one man's investigation of Christianity and his
journey from atheist to believer. |
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Books for
Pastors
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Preaching with Freshness
By Bruce Mawhinney |
Part of the Preaching with...
series, this books speaks of introducing a freshness into your preaching, in
a fresh way. The author has written this instructive book in a teaching
novel. Follow along with one pastor as he searches for a way to add life
back into his preaching and learns all those important principles of
preaching over again. A instructive and interesting read that becomes a page
turner as you read the story of one down-and-out pastor. |
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Preaching with Passion
By
Alex Montoya |
Part of the Preaching with...
series, this book is written to encourage pastors to develop a contagious
passion in their preaching... |
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Rediscovering Expository
Preaching
By John MacArthur Jr. |
Written to aspiring pastors... |
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Current Reading
This
is what I am currently reading...
|
Title |
Summary |
|
The Last of the Mohicans
By J.F.
Cooper |
(Fiction) This is a
classic novel that has been consider as one of the top hundred of all time.
It is part of a series of stories Cooper wrote called the Leatherstocking
tales, regarded to be the finest of these tales, it follows the search of a
Scottish General's daughters that have been captured during the French
Indian War. The search for the young ladies is lead by a British Soldier,
that had assumed the life of an Indian, named Hawkeye and his two faithful
companions, Uncas and Chingachgook which are the last of the Mohican tribe.
The first chapter of the novel reads more like a history book, but once past
it the story really takes flight. |
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The Purpose Driven Youth
Ministry
By Doug Fields |
This book is meant to be a companion volume to Rick Warren's Purpose Driven
Church, and while many have expressed grave concerns about Rick Warren's
book, many of those same individuals have recommended this book for
consideration. The goal of this book is really to develop a complete Youth
Program, avoiding a program that only does one of the many things that God
desires of us (for example only evangelism, or only discipleship), but
instead to have a balanced and focused ministry. While I will say that I do
not agree with all of what Doug Fields has written, what I have read so far
has been insightful and encouraging. |
|
One thing you can't do in
Heaven
By Mark
Cahill |
This book provides an
interesting approach to the topic of evangelism and outreach. It isn't so
much of an instruction manual or a new system of "getting people saved" as
much as it is a book to encourage you in doing so while offering some help
and pointers along the way. |
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Future Books
to Read
|
Title |
Summary |
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A Grief Observed
By C. S.
Lewis |
According to the back of this book:
"Written after his wife's tragic death as a way of surviving the "mad
midnight moments," A Grief Observed is C.S. Lewis's honest reflection on the
fundamental issues of life, death, and faith in the midst of loss. This work
contains his concise, genuine reflections on that period: "Nothing will
shake a man - or at any rate a man like me - out of his merely verbal
thinking and his merely notional beliefs. He has to be knocked silly before
he comes to his senses. Only torture will bring out the truth. Only under
torture does he discover it himself." This is a beautiful and unflinchingly
honest record of how even a stalwart believer can loser all sense of meaning
in the universe, and how he can gradually regain his bearings."
|
|
The Great Divorce
By C. S.
Lewis |
According
to the Back of this Book: "C.S. Lewis takes us on a profound journey through
both heaven and hell in this engaging allegorical tale. Using his
extraordinary descriptive powers, Lewis introduces us to supernatural beings
who will change the way we think about good and evil." |
|
The Problem of Pain
By C. S.
Lewis |
According
to
Amazon.com: "'The Problem of Pain answers the universal question,
"Why would an all-loving, all-knowing God allow people to experience pain
and suffering?' Master Christian apologist C. S. Lewis asserts that pain is
a problem because our finite, human minds selfishly believe that pain-free
lives would prove that God loves us. In truth, by asking for this, we want
God to live us less, not more than he does." |
Twelve Ordinary Men
By John MacArthur Jr
|
According to Amazon.com: "Contrary to popular belief, we do not have to be
perfect to do God's work. Look no further than the twelve disciples whose
many weaknesses are forever preserved throughout the pages of the New
Testament. Jesus chose ordinary men - fisherman, tax collectors, political
zealots - and turned their weakness into strength, producing greatness from
utter uselessness. MacArthur draws principles from Christ's careful,
hands-on training of the original twelve disciples for today's modern
disciple - you." |
|
The Hounds of Baskerville
By Sir
Arthur Conan Doyle |
(Fiction) Considered to be the best of the Sherlock Holmes
novels, this novel has earned a place on many top one hundred best novels. |
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I am always looking for another good book to read, please share one with me
below:
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