BEGINNING ...

* LEARNING THE BASICS OF THE FAITH: Below are some books that will help you learn the basic doctrines of the Christian Faith.

* a Kempis, Thomas, The Imitation of Christ (Paperback; Image, 1955) - Kempis, a fifteenth century monk, writes out a dialogue with God. The emphasis is our total dependence on God to become what He desires us to be - like Christ. A powerful little classic. STATUS: ONLINE & IN PRINT.

NO PICTURE AVAILABLE * Law, William, A Serious Call to a Devout & Holy Life (Paperback; Westminster John Knox Press, 1968) - Law was an eighteenth century clergyman who wrote much pertaining to truly knowing God intimately. This book, his most popular, influenced the likes of John Wesley, George Whitfield, and Andrew Murray. Read a biographical sketch of William Law. STATUS: ONLINE & IN PRINT. Also recommended by Law :

* Brother Lawrence & Laubach, Frank C., Practicing His Presence (Paperback; Christian Books, 1988) - This is the classic Practicing the Presence of God updated with modern language, and with the added content of the missionary letters of Laubach. Your daily life will take on a new dimension as you digest this book. Lawrence teaches us to live every moment in full awareness of God's presence, rather than our problems and worries. STATUS: ONLINE & IN PRINT.

* Hook, Cecil, Free in Christ (Paperback; privately pub., 1995) - The sentence on the cover tells all: "Freeing from the web of legal works and ritualistic details into the peace and security that grace offers." Although this book was originally written to promote reformation within the "Campbellite" bodies (Church of Christ, Disciples, Christian Church), I promise you that its message needs to be absorbed by believers of every stripe. Years ago a legalistic Galatianizing message put me in bondage to the law and I found myself out in the world for 7 years, deeper in sin than I ever had been. Although I only recently discovered this book, it was this same message that Mr. Hook unfolds that set me free. Chapters treat such subjects as heresy, sectarianism, grace and law, Christian liberty, etc. The book is a "quick read" with deep and fundamental content. STATUS: ONLINE & IN PRINT.

* Booker, Richard, The Miracle of the Scarlet Thread (Paperback - 168 pp.; Destiny Image, 1988) - My mother introduced me to this book years ago when her church was doing a class on it. In a nutshell, Booker follows the theme of redemption in Christ ('the scarlet thread') throughout the Scriptures. This book is a marvelous demonstration of the unity of both Old and New Testaments. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Bunyan, John, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners (Paperback; Penguin, 1987) - Every believer should read whatever he can of Bunyan. This is the best place to start for those not familiar with his work. A very inspiring autobiography of Bunyan's intense battles (both within and without) in coming to Christ and then in walking with Him. STATUS: IN PRINT. Also recommended by Bunyan:

* Reprobation Asserted (Paperback; GAM Publications, 1991)

* Fear of God (Paperback; GAM Publications, 1988)

* Strobel, Lee, The Case for Christ (Paperback - 303 pp.; Zondervan, 1998) - A gripping apologetic presentation demonstrating the soundness of the Biblical Jesus. While other apologetics works contain lists, charts, and facts - Strobel writes for the seeker. His case is set forth within the context of both his personal journey, and then in "devil's advocate" type interviews with experts on different facets of the topic. Start this when you have some time - you can't put it down. STATUS: IN PRINT. Also recommended :

* Kreeft, Peter & Tacelli, Ronald K., Handbook of Christian Apologetics (Paperback - 399 pp.; Intervarsity, 1994) - The great strength of this book is its organization of TONS of valuable apologetics information. Should be the first book a believer reads on general apologetics. Collects all of the great arguments for God's existence, concerning the problem of evil, Jesus Christ, fundamental Christian doctrine, the concept of truth, and the trustworthiness of Scripture. Uses an "Aquinas" system of questions and answers, making it very easy to follow. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Packer, J.I., Knowing God (Paperback - 286 pp.; Intervarsity, 1993) - Do you truly KNOW God, or do you just know ABOUT Him? An important question for us all, and one that Packer plumbs the depths to make sure that we have the right answer. As you read this book, there is no doubt that Packer genuinely WANTS his readers to know God. Packer's classic discussion includes God's love, grace, jealousy, and judgment. This book has now aided millions of believers in rediscovering just WHO God really is in His awesome attributes. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Augustine, Confessions (Paperback; Viking Press, 1979) - Those immersed in today's pleasure-laden society will relate to Augustine's testimony of his conversion in this book. A true hedonist, Augustine's heart was opened by our Sovereign Lord to experience the life-transforming grace of God. The book is filled with poetic descriptions and moving accounts that will move the emotions, lift the spirit, and challenge the most hardened skeptic. STATUS: ONLINE & IN PRINT.

* Gurnall, William, The Christian in Complete Armour (Paperback; Banner of Truth, 1986, 1988, 1996) - A puritan classic detailing the believer's spiritual armour in Ephesians 6. Put away the modern stuff from Wagner and Otis - learn what "spiritual warfare" REALLY is! Greatly recommended by David Wilkerson. Read a portion of this great work here. Other portions are online at Community Christian Publications. Visit the Christian in Complete Armour Daily website. Need a second opinion? Three paperback volumes: Volume I ; Volume II ; Volume III (all in print).

* MacArthur, John, The Gospel According to Jesus (Paperback - 302 pp.; Zondervan, 1994) - Many are preaching a different gospel today - one that sets forth a "just believe" message, divorcing the Gospel of Jesus from commitment and repentance. MacArthur goes to Scripture and examines what Jesus taught about repentance, discipleship, and commitment. An antidote for the poison of easy believism, so rampant in this day and age. NOTE: A good follow-up to this book is Walter Chantry's Today's Gospel ... (in the INTERMEDIATE section). STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Tozer, A.W., Best of A.W. Tozer (Paperback; Baker, 1995) - Tozer, much like Ravenhill (see below), was a true prophet of God. His words continue to speak God's truths to every generation, creating in his readers both zeal and knowledge for our Lord. STATUS: IN PRINT. Also recommended by Tozer:

* Olson, Bruce, Bruchko (Paperback - 208 pp.; Creation House, 1989) - This book did two things for me. First, it revealed to me that we Western believers, by and large, only THINK we know what real commitment is. Bruce Olson headed to the jungles of South America at the age of NINETEEN to evangelize an unreached tribe of cannibals! Secondly, Olson's story demonstrates the often overlooked fact that the Gospel is transcultural, and that our missionary efforts should result in an INDIGENOUS community of believers. God forbid that we should CLONE our own culture! Olson's story is aided in that he is an excellent writer, and the book is difficult to put down once you have started it. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Fudge, Edward, Questions & Answers (Paperback; privately published, 1999) - Edward Fudge writes a daily e-mail newsletter called gracEmail. There are now hundreds in which Edward has answered difficult questions using Scripture and writing with both conviction and charity. As a gracEmail subscriber, I can say that Edward's comments are always enlightening and often uncover a perspective that had never dawned on me. This book is made up of "the best" of those questions and answers. STATUS: IN PRINT. (NOTE: this book may also be ordered by calling the following telephone #: 1-800-262-6625.)

* Woodrow, Ralph, Great Prophecies of the Bible (Paperback - 186 pp.; privately published) - I would heartily recommend Woodrow's books in general. They are written in plain language, and question much of the "popular" Bible teaching of our day. Woodrow will stimulate believers to study for themselves. STATUS: IN PRINT. Other titles I recommend from Woodrow:

* Ravenhill, Leonard, Why Revival Tarries (Paperback - 176 pp.; expanded edition; Bethany House; 1979) - This classic book stirs the heart by implanting a burning desire for revival! Very practical in content and an easy read. However, I warn you - you will want to read it over and over again! One reader writes, "I read this book on my knees and through tear-filled eyes No single book has proved more foundational to my Christian life and ministry than this. " Ravenhill is one of the most stirring Christian authors of this century! (See below for more Ravenhill titles). STATUS: IN PRINT.

Randles, Pastor Bill, Making War in the Heavenlies: A Different Look (paperback,) - A Charismatic pastor himself, Randles boldly questions the unbiblical theology and practices of the so-called "spiritual warfare movement." What makes this book a must-read for all believers is the excellent teaching as Randles strips away all of the garbage so prevalent today, and demonstrates that true spiritual warfare is something far different. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* W. Bingham Hunter, The God Who Hears (Paperback, 224pp.; InterVarsity, 1986) - Hunter has written an excellent book on prayer from a distinctly Reformed perspective. Going through most every Bible passage pertinent to the subject, he answers questions like, "How can I approach a Holy God?"; "Why pray if God is all-knowing?"; and "Does prayer really change God's mind?" A brother wrote to me recently: "Oh, by the way. I got the book on prayer by Hunter you recommended. I am about halfway into it and it is excellent. It addresses many of the questions I have wrestled with for a long time. Thanks for the recommendation." STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Lewis, C.S., Mere Christianity (Paperback - 191 pp.; Touchstone Books; 1996) - This is the classic defense of Christianity. Though Anglican, Lewis' apologetic is truly non-sectarian in the sense that he concerns himself here only with the grand truths that mark all of the Christian Church throughout her history - "mere" Christianity. The table of contents and the first chapter are both available online. Also available online is a study guide for the book. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Packer, J.I., Evangelism & the Sovereignty of God (Paperback; Intervarsity, 1991) - A Biblical understanding of God's sovereignty is important for the believer, but it is equally essential that FATALISM is not surrendered to. Packer here gives clear instruction concerning Biblical evangelism, the responsibility of every believer. Need a second opinion? STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Spurgeon, C.H., All of Grace (Pasadena, TX: Pilgrim Publications) - While it has been said of this book that its aim is "the conversion of the reader," it will prove a great value to the modern Christian. In a day when God's sovereign grace is ignored or watered-down and man's "freedom" is celebrated, every believer should understand that the salvation that is their's is so by God's grace alone. STATUS: ONLINE & IN PRINT.

* Clouse, Robert G. (editor), The Meaning of the Millennium (Paperback - 223 pp.; InterVarsity Press; 1977) - Four competent theologians (all evangelical) each present on of four different prophetic interpretations, as well as rebuttals to the other three positions. This is highly recommended for three important reasons : (1) the young believer needs to understand that true believers disagree on topics; (2) that such disagreements should not obscure our unity in Christ and can be discussed in a productive and civil manner; and (3) this book serves as a good general introduction to prophecy and its study. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Lewis, C.S., The Screwtape Letters (Paperback - 128 pp.; Simon & Schuster; 1996) - Lewis brilliantly instructs the believer on "the wiles of the devil" within this humorous fictitious dialogue between a senior devil and his nephew. A classic. Read an excerpt online. Also, see review #1 and review #2. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Friesen, Gary & Maxson, Robin, Decision Making & the Will of God: A Biblical Alternative to the Traditional View (paperback, 452 pp.; Multnomah Publishers, 1983) - If you have already been exposed to the "finding the will of God for your life" ideas that permeate much of the modern Church, this book offers a better way. In fact, the authors set forth a more BIBLICAL way. Taking full account of the absolute sovereignty of God, Friesen and Maxson present a very practical and thoroughly researched case for their position. Subjects include: defining God's will(s), a Biblical model of Divine guidance, and the place of wisdom and counsel in making life decisions. STATUS: IN PRINT.

Fee, Gordon D. & Stuart, Douglas, How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth (Paperback - 265 pp.; Zondervan, 1993) - A brother recommended this book to me in 1998, just before my annual summer trip. As is my custom, I ran through as many used bookstores as I could work into our schedule. On one of these trips, I stumbled upon this book and, considering it Providence, I purchased it. This book will motivate serious Bible study, and save you from a world of common error. I place it here under 'beginning' because it is a rather easy read, and contains instruction I wish I would have had when I first believed. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Morris, Henry, The Genesis Record (Hardcover - 716 pp; Baker Book House; 1981) - An excellent devotional commentary on Genesis that introduces the believer to what God's Word teaches concerning the origin our universe, of life, of man, and of culture. The author is one of the pioneers of the creation-science movement, having founded the Institute for Creation Research. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Hunt, Dave and McMahon, T.A., The Seduction of Christianity (Paperback - 239 pp; Harvest House; 1985) - This book drew the line in the sand. Every believer should understand that when our Lord warned of false teachers that He was very serious. Hunt alerts believers to the false doctrines deceiving many in our century. Unfortunately, this book is no less needed today than when it was first published. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Sproul, R.C., Chosen by God (Paperback - Tyndale House; 1994) - A modern classic! This is Sproul's basic defense of the Biblical doctrine of predestination. A very good introduction to the sovereignty of God in our salvation. Written in non-sectarian fashion and an easy to understand style. STATUS: IN PRINT. Also recommended by Sproul:

* Bakker, Jim, I Was Wrong (Paperback - Abridged - 480 pp.; Thomas Nelson; 1997) - Bakker tells his story - and it's not at all what you might expect! Finding himself in prison, abandoned by his wife, Jim learns to trust God all over again. He is also made to see the folly of the "prosperity" doctrine which he preached for so long, and the wisdom of our Sovereign Lord. In the end, Jim discovers that he was "wrong" about many things. One of the most inspiring biographies I have ever read. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Ravenhill, Leonard, Sodom Had No Bible! (Paperback - Bethany House; 1981) - Ravenhill's books are collections of short, very stirring messages. He pulls no punches in his intensely practical and timely expositions of Scripture topics. This book will motivate you to pray, weep, repent, and live Godly. Status: IN PRINT. Also in print from Ravenhill:

* Richardson, Don, Peace Child (Paperback - 288 pp; Gospel Light, 1975) - This is a true missionary adventure that will open your eyes to the fact that God has not left Himself without witness - even in the most pagan of cultures! How pagan? Well, let's just say that the tribe the Richardson's ministered to actually VALUED evil acts and practiced cannibalism! Nevertheless, God opened a door for the Gospel - a door within the very same culture! Read this one along with Eternity in Their Hearts, also by Richardson (listed on the INTERMEDIATE page). STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Lloyd-Jones, Martyn, The Baptism & Gifts of the Spirit (Baker; 1996) - I actually read this as two books: Joy Unspeakable and The Sovereign Spirit. Both are reprinted here in this one volume. Reformed believers have often over-reacted to Charismatic excesses by maintaining that certain miracles and gifts of the Spirit have "ceased." Both Reformed and Anglican, Lloyd-Jones provided a balanced position in this book - one that refuses to "throw out the baby with the bathwater." While there is much modern "charismania" that must be exposed and rejected, this should not mean that we deny His spiritual gifts, not even healing, tongues, and miracles! STATUS: IN PRINT.

*Martin, Walter, The Kingdom of the Cults (Hardcover - 656 pp., w/ Cd-Rom; Bethany House, 1997) - The standard reference on the larger cults and their doctrines. Essential reading for all believers. Currently available in a new expanded edition featuring additional material from Martin's successor, Hank Hanegraff, and also a CD-Rom! STATUS: IN PRINT. Also recommended:

* Hunt, Dave, Confessions of a Heretic (originally pub. by Logos) - This is the book that literally changed my life as a young Christian! Dave Hunt tells his own story: rejected by the Plymouth Brethren for believing that God heals and for experiencing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, he finds that he cannot go along with the Pentecostal doctrine of "tongues as evidence" either! The whole point of the book: Scripture is our sole authority for life and doctrine, NOT the teachings of any group or denomination. STATUS: OUT-OF-PRINT. OUT OF PRINT

* Murray, Andrew, Abide in Christ (Paperback; Whitaker House, 1980) - This Dutch Reformed pastor ministered in South Africa during revival in the mid-1800s. He was a prolific writer, and his works have been reprinted continualy. Murray's writing will make you aware of God's presence and graces in your life. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Phillips, J.B., Your God is Too Small (Paperback - 124 pp.; MacMillan, 1997) - Phillips takes to task common misconceptions about God in order to present a balanced Biblical picture of Who God really is. Very understandable reading. A small classic that every believer should read. STATUS: IN PRINT.

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Upon reading any of the above books, let me know what you think! Or perhaps you can recommend some "must reads" to me?

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