Which Scripture Should I Read on Ladies Sunday?

Later preaching on Ecclesiastes 2 a few weeks ago, I had a few people ask me about what books I quoted from. Due to some good conversations over supplemental reading, I decided to write on 25 Books Every Christian Should Read.

Kickoff, please know that the heart of all the pastors at Mount Pleasant is for you to know, report and love the word of God in a higher place any other book. With that said, we practice believe that the Lord tin utilise supplemental reading to help challenge and edify us. Too, this is not an exhaustive list, knowing in that location are so many great writings that the Lord has used over the years. Even coming up with these 25, I consulted with our pastoral staff [and others] to see if there were any they would add to this list, because I desired to have recommendations from all sorts of writers.

It'southward my prayer that all believers would challenge themselves in reading both the Scriptures and other readings that help us improve empathize the Christian life and proper theology. If you ever demand aid finding a volume on a item subject, please do non hesitate to contact any of our pastoral staff members.

With all of that said, here's a listing of 25 books that every believer should read:

• Desiring God (John Piper) – 368 Pages

Desiring God has been one of the most influential books for me in my theology, ministry building and walk with Christ. This volume volition help you lot better empathize that our satisfaction and longing should exist in one thing: God. In a world where happiness can exist found in so many external things, Piper draws us toward the passions of God. John MacArthur says of Desiring God, "a must read for every Christian, and a banquet for the spiritually hungry." If y'all truly are wanting to learn more from Scripture how your desires can exist the same as God's, then I strongly recommend this book.

• Knowing God (JI Packer) – 288 Pages

Do you have a desire to know more than nearly God and His nature? If and then, I believe Knowing God will be a timeless piece of literature with how conspicuously it explains who God is. JI Packer is ane of greatest theologians of the twenty^th Century [and beyond] due to his clearly articulating the truth of God, so readers and listeners sympathise more virtually how awesome their God is. RC Sproul fifty-fifty says, "Knowing God is a masterpiece by a master theologian. It serves as a wake-up call for those who are asleep to the majesty of God." This volume tin can challenge and edify whatsoever Christian at whatever stage of their walk with the Lord.

• Mere Christianity (CS Lewis) – 227 Pages

I've frequently said that Mere Christianity should be on the bookshelves of every laic considering you lot never know when it could be used as an evangelism resource with an unbeliever. It'southward an easy read and can show how someone can move from skepticism to truthful belief in Jesus Christ. Lewis explains the foundation of our faith while in the middle of living during WW2. Because this volume is structured in such a way that it takes CS Lewis' broadcasts and puts them into a book that defends the religion, it is a not bad resource to walk through with a non-believer.

• The Prodigal God (Tim Keller) – 192 Pages

Tim Keller is ane of the strongest Christian voices and apologists of our current day. The Dissipated God, similar to Mere Christianity, has become a great resource to point non-believers to. Why? Tim Keller does an fantabulous job assuasive us to self-examine our belief of the story of the Prodigal Son, allowing us to see a clearer picture of the Prodigal God. Mark Dever adds, "This brief exposition is unsettling and surprisingly satisfying. Similar seeing something every bit your own home, or your ain cocky, with new eyes."

• Worship Matters (Bob Kauflin) – 304 Pages

Worship Matters is a great resource to sympathize why everything nosotros practice every bit believers matters because it'south all about worship. As Bob Kauflin discusses a hard topic in our American churches, he explains that what nosotros teach about worship and how we lead in worship can be just as dissentious to our religion as helpful. If our worship isn't based on revealing the nature of God, then it fuels the fire that worship is merely most cocky. Worship leaders, pastors, and every church member should read this book to help guide the states in our worship. DA Carson even says, "Bob Kauflin is teaching a new generation to take corporate worship seriously in a fashion that is simultaneously biblically founded and addressing today'south culture." This book has been a "go to" for me anytime I'k trying to become a little deeper into the conversation of worship.

• The Holiness of God (RC Sproul) – 240 Pages

I'm non sure at that place'due south a theologian in our previous generation that I could listen to speak, read their books or hear them preach as consistently every bit I could RC Sproul. The clarity with which he writes/speaks, including a depth in the cognition of God, is extremely rare. In The Holiness of God, RC Sproul writes about how we should view our living God. Topics many Christian writers avoid, Sproul hits caput on with fervency and vibrancy. The outset time I read this book, I could not put it downwardly because it left me always wanting more. Jerry Bridges says, "Every Christian who is serious virtually his or her growth needs to read The Holiness of God. I profited profoundly from this volume." Agreeing with Bridges, this is a must for all believers.

• The Attributes of God (AW Pink) – 127 Pages

This brusque book, forth with Knowing God and The Holiness of God, is a dandy book that explains thoroughly about the character of God. These biblical precepts in understanding our Creator allows u.s. to not only know Him at a surface level, just know Him at a foundational level that changes everything about your view of God. Yous'll be encouraged by the depth and simplicity with which Pink writes, and you should walk away feeling you're inverse past knowing God.

• The Gospel According to Jesus (John MacArthur) – 385 Pages

There are several John MacArthur books that could be added to this list as he has written a number of marvelous books. The Gospel Co-ordinate to Jesus has become one of my favorite books due to the way it clearly articulates the gospel. Too many "church goers" in American Christianity really practice not know what information technology ways to exist saved. John MacArthur urges us that Christian religion is much more than a ane-fourth dimension decision. If there's not fruit from the decision someone has made, are they truly a laic? This "easy believes" has crept into our churches, and John MacArthur conspicuously explains that that's no gospel at all. Jesus must not only be our Savior, but He must also be our Lord. To larn more about this topic, I believe The Gospel According to Jesus volition help.

• Experiencing God (Henry Blackaby & Claude King) – 368 Pages

I first read Experiencing God and did the report when I was a teenager, and information technology really opened my optics to truly trusting in the volition that God had for my life. I've heard from countless numbers of people how this book has been the virtually influential book in their Christian walk, outside of Scripture. As you become through this volume [and report] equally a student of God'due south discussion, yous'll be challenged not to accept a surface level relationship with Christ, but 1 that truly does depend on Him fully. Although this study has been around for a long fourth dimension, the truths taught in this book proceed to help believers who are struggling to grow in their faith.

• Prayer (Tim Keller) – 336 Pages

Shortly afterward arriving at Mount Pleasant, Pastor Joey had recommended this book on Prayer to the pastoral staff and other leaders in the church. And let me tell you lot … this has been the best book on prayer that I have read. After walking through some historical aspects on prayer, Tim Keller really does a smashing chore at challenging believers in their personal prayer life. Believers want to make their prayer life more personal and powerful, and not redundant. Keller helps constitute a practice that will help you lot feel more connected with the Lord through your prayer life. Permit the Lord to use this book to strengthen your prayer life.

• Pilgrim's Progress (John Bunyan) – 96 Pages

The Christian life is not meant to exist easy, merely rather it's a difficult journey at times. The Pilgrim'southward Progress is a fictional book that really gives a great representation of both the joy and struggles of a Christian life. Learning to get out sin behind, the main character turns to Jesus and desires to follow Jesus daily. Y'all'll get out this book desiring to exist faithful to the Lord in all things.

• The Cost of Discipleship (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) – 320 Pages

Today's church often has a misunderstanding of what true discipleship and living for Jesus looks like. In this book nosotros see how there'southward a cost to post-obit Jesus in how we live our humanity and borough duty. Along the way, nosotros may have people disagree with how we live considering it'southward not nearly comfort, only rather cede. If anyone understands the true sacrifice in post-obit Jesus, it'south Dietrich Bonhoeffer who left the comforts of America to render to Germany to push back against the Nazi regime and Hitler. In my personal opinion, at that place'due south not a greater resource [outside of Scripture] that explains more clearly the true sacrifice of post-obit Jesus.

• Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (Donald Whitney) – 352 Pages

I had the privilege of reading Spiritual Disciplines my first semester of Seminary with Donald Whitney as my professor. More than any other supplemental resource, this book has helped me clearly understand spiritual disciplines. This volume volition assist guide you through many different disciplines; some that you may non have known were fifty-fifty a command from scripture. I truly believe this will help you grow in your organized religion and living out the gospel. Alongside of reading this, there'southward a bully workbook that I strongly recommend going through.

• Confessions (Augustine) – 464 Pages

Written in the 4^thursday & 5^th Century, this could perchance be a little more hard of a read than others. Even though information technology may be a little more difficult, I believe translators have done a good job at clearly interpreting it. Also, don't non read a book due to it being a little more than difficult of a read, because that's what nosotros do sometimes with Scripture, and we should be challenged to read difficult texts. In Confessions we see an individual who struggles with surrendering over to Jesus, only when he does, it changes everything for him. This classic has helped me get a clearer picture of redemption and turning away from sin. If you truly have time to read and sympathise this journey of Augustine of Hippo, you lot'll be thankful for the foundation he ready for others in years to follow.

• Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God (JI Packer) – 122 Pages

Evangelism has oft go about united states convincing someone of a conclusion they must brand. If we truly believe in a sovereign God, nosotros and so realize we don't demand to convince people of conservancy just rather share the gospel and permit the Lord to do the work. JI Packer explains what true-blue evangelism looks similar while depending on the Begetter [and not cocky] to see the alter in someone's life. This doesn't change whether we do evangelism, but it allows the evangelist to just be faithful and depend on God. If y'all're truly looking for a resource to challenge you lot in your evangelism, I would highly recommend Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God.

• The Insanity of God (Nik Ripken) – 384 Pages

The Insanity of God tells a story of a missionary couple who discovered that missions may not always exist easy and glamorous, but totally worth it. They go through some of the most remarkable struggles you lot'll hear of, but in the end run across God's blessing and growth even from the difficult days. This volition rip autonomously the heart of westernized Christianity and their mission causes. If you're looking for a story to challenge you about your faithfulness in missions, delight read this book. You volition not be able to put it down without weeping out to the Lord for forgiveness due to a lack of faith. Danny Aiken said of this book, "Information technology completely and utterly wrecked me. Half the time I found myself sitting in heartbreaking silence on the verge of tears, and the other half I found myself wanting to shout and dance over some of the stories." You'll assert God'due south faithfulness and goodness throughout the pages of this volume.

• Awe (Paul David Tripp) – 205 Pages

What truly captures your heart? What leads you lot in what yous practice, say, and how you live? Is it the being in awe of God or the things of this world? Paul David Tripp in his volume Awe pushes believers that their life should be seen in what they're gazing upon, and if information technology's not God, and then we're missing the marker. This book is an easy read but volition take you to depth of finding your complete satisfaction and joy in the Lord. Craig Groeschel says, "If you will read this book with a hungry and apprehensive heart, God will use information technology to deepen your passion for Christ as you rediscover only who God is and why we're invited to revel in his awesome glory." You should not be disappointed by this book.

• Lectures to My Students (Charles Spurgeon) – 443 Pages

If I could become back in time and mind to whatever preacher [exterior of those in the bible] alive, I would choose the "Prince of Preachers," Charles Spurgeon. In his teachings, preaching, and writings he clearly articulates the gospel. More than whatever other pastor in the last few hundred years, Spurgeon was defended to making disciples of all nations. In this volume, you'll detect a masterpiece of teachings that he taught to those whom he was discipling. These lectures are rich, inspiring, and challenging. I read this while in seminary and often point leaders and teachers in the church to this resources.

• Crazy Dear (Francis Chan) – 224 Pages

I've had the privilege of leading iv different groups through this book. In Crazy Beloved, Francis Chan challenges how believers live in response to the dearest that God has for us. When people see the early on church, and live it out, information technology looks crazy. Every fourth dimension I read this volume information technology challenges me to think through how I'k finer living out the gospel. Am I just comfortable with going through the routine or truly sacrificing for the good of those around me? If you read this be prepared to brand some life changes on how you live for the glory of the Lord. Joni Eareckson Tada adds "In Crazy Dearest, Francis peels dorsum what we retrieve the Christian life is and guides u.s.a. down the path toward an uncommon intimacy with Jesus-an intimacy which can't help but change the world effectually us!"

• Don't Waste Your Life (John Piper) – 192 Pages

In 2003, John Piper spoke to 50,000 higher students preaching a message entitled Don't Waste Your Life. That sermon can also be seen in this book format, explaining that nosotros shouldn't be teaching our children and young people to chase after the "American Dream." Nosotros must stop wasting our lives on things that don't matter for eternity and start focusing our passion on living for Christ and His glory. This book truly was an influential ane early in my ministry, because information technology challenges me non to go after success like I've heard for so long. There's no incertitude that if you're a Christian, this volume could help steer your eye toward the Lord.

• In the Grip of Grace (Max Lucado) – 233 Pages

One of the hardest concepts to empathise is God's grace. The thought of understanding the grace of God is at that place is null that tin separate y'all from God if you're truly built-in-once more. Max Lucado eloquently answers some of these difficult questions and doctrines in his book In the Grip of Grace. Many of these answers to life will often push united states of america to try harder, while Lucado describes a grace that cocky-propels you. If y'all're looking for a light just compelling read on the grace of our Lord that will deepen your understanding of His grace, you'll want to pick this book upwardly quickly.

• Everyone is a Theologian (RC Sproul) – 357 Pages

We frequently must be reminded that everyone believes something nearly God. In believing something about God, you're a theologian. Although the word "theologian" tin exist an intimidating word, we all must recognize that we all are theologians – good or bad. In his book Everyone'south A Theologian, RC Sproul sets upwardly believers to take a skillful foundation while moving into the topic of systematic theology. Sproul gives u.s.a. a launching pad into the world of Systematic Theology, which we should embrace, non run abroad from.

• What is a Healthy Church Member? (Thabiti Anyabwile) – 128 Pages

We have seen a plethora of books written on what type of church yous are or what information technology means to be a church, merely few on what it looks like to be a church member. By far, What is a Healthy Church Fellow member is the best book I have seen or read on the responsibility and part every bit a church member. Far too often the church is comprised upward of members who feel as if the pastors/elders and deacons should practice all the work. Thabiti Anyabwile explains biblically what the Bible instructs members of the church building. I would love if we got to a point where every fellow member of Mount Pleasant was given a copy of this when joining our church. John MacArthur says of this book, "In an era when Christians seem dislocated about what kind of community the church ought to be, here'due south a helpful handbook outlining the church's true biblical priorities, peculiarly every bit they apply to private church members."

• Taking God at His Discussion (Kevin DeYoung) – 144 Pages

Kevin DeYoung has go i of my favorite writers in contempo years due to clarity and sense of humor. In this brusque book nosotros're challenged past asking if our lives truly show nosotros believe the give-and-take of God. Information technology's easy to say we believe in Jesus, His word, and His teachings, but oft our lives don't display that. This book will assistance you empathise what the Bible says about itself and encourage you to read, believe, and live what it truly says. David Platt says, "My trust in God's Word is greater, my submission to God's Word is deeper, and my dear for God'due south Word is sweeter equally a issue of reading this book." That'southward what I hope you will find by reading this book.

• Heaven (Randy Alcorn) – 560 Pages

All believers probably have a desire to know more nearly Sky. In this book, Randy Alcorn answers questions almost Heaven you take both thought and not thought almost. This volume volition help u.s. not create a vision of heaven that comes from Hollywood, but i that is with real people and real bodies that we run into in the pages of Scripture. If y'all have a desire to know more well-nigh the doctrine of Sky, here's a great resource for you to start with. Joni Eareckson Tada says, "Randy does an crawly job of answering people's toughest questions about what lies on the other side of death."

25 Other Books that Could've Made This List:

• The Prayer That Turns the Globe Upside Down (Albert Mohler)
• The Knowledge of the Holy (AW Tozer)
• Aback of the Gospel (John MacArthur)
• Seeing with New Eyes (David Powlison)
• Divided We Fall (Luder Whitlock Jr)
• Christ & Culture (DA Carson)
• For the Honey of God (DA Carson)
• Gospel (JD Greear)
• Worship by the Book (DA Carson)
• The Reason for God (Tim Keller)
• Walking with God Through Hurting and Suffering (Tim Keller)
• Christ In the Passover (Ceil & Rosen Moishe)
• Style of the Principal (Ray Comfort & Kirk Cameron)
• Explicit Gospel (Matt Chandler)
• Radical (David Platt)
• What is Reformed Theology (RC Sproul)
• The Lion, the Witch & The Wardrobe (CS Lewis)
• The Holy Spirit (Sinclair Ferguson)
• The Whole Christ (Sinclair Ferguson)
• Onward (Russell Moore)
• The Case for Christ (Lee Strobel)
• Authority (Martin Lloyd-Jones)
• How the Gospel Brings Us All The Way Dwelling house (Derek Thomas)
• Does God Care How We Worship? (Ligon Duncan)
• A Quest for Godliness (JI Packer)

What are other resources (and recommendations) Christian should have?

• Study Bible
  • ESV Written report Bible
  • John MacArthur Report Bible
  • Reformation Report Bible
• Commentary
  • John MacArthur Commentary
  • Christ-centered Exposition
  • Andrew's Expositional Commentary
• Concordance
  • Strong'southward Cyclopedia
• Systematic Theology Books
  • Systematic Theology (Wayne Grudem)
  • Christian Theology (Millard Erickson)
  • Theology for the Church (Danny Akin)
  • Systematic Theology (Robert Culver)
• Biblical Theology Books
  • Biblical Theology (Michael Lawrence)
  • Biblical Theology (Roark & Cline)
  • God's Glory in Salvation Through Judgment (James Hamilton)
  • Life's Big Questions (Vaughn Roberts)
  • Old Testament (Marker Dever)
  • New Testament (Mark Dever)
• Hermeneutics: Understanding Studying the Bible
  • Getting The Bulletin (Daniel Doriani)
  • According to Plan (Graham Goldsworthy)
  • CrossTalk (Michael Emlet)
  • Gospel Centered Hermeneutics (Graham Goldsworthy)
  • How to Read the Bible Book by Book (Fee Stuart)
• Church building History
  • Documents of the Christian Church (Bettenson & Maunder)
  • Church History (Woodbridge & James)
  • The Story of Christianity (Gonzalez)
• Cults
  • The Kingdom of Cults (Walter Martin)
• Devotions
  • Utmost for His Highest (AW Tozer)
  • 365 Days with Spurgeon (Charles Spurgeon)
  • Daily Reflections from the Life of Christ (John MacArthur)

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Source: https://mpbclife.com/25-books-every-christian-should-read/

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