Recommended Reading

Here are some books that we enjoyed and recommend to others.

 

After some good books?

Books on Jesus as our Life

'Jesus Christ laid his life down for you, to give his life to you, to live his live through you.' - that's how one author summed up the Christian life and each of the books in this section present this fact. The Christian life is not people on earth trying to act like Jesus. The Christian life is the living, resurrected Lord Jesus living through us as we daily depend upon Him. These books were written by people who have discovered this and are extremely beneficial for every Christians' life.


The Saving Life of Christ
Major Ian Thomas (1961)

Amazing book. 'Christ in you, the hope of glory' is the books' (and the authors) consistent theme. The kind of book you always go back to. Taken mainly from pictures in the Old Testament concerning Israel's exodus from Egypt and entry into Canaan. Jesus as our life is its theme.

If I Perish, I Perish
Major Ian Thomas (1971)

Have you seen the Christian life in the book of Esther? It will be hard to see it any other way after reading this book! Uses each of the main characters to present an allegory of the Christians' battle between flesh and spirit. Awesome! Helps you learn how to see Christ in the Old Testament.

The Normal Christian Life
Watchman Nee (1965)

Based on Paul's letter to the Romans, this book has been seen by many as the classic on the Christian life. Awesome insight into what actually happened in the death and resurrection of Jesus and our identification with that while not neglecting how that applies to our daily lives.

The Green Letters (Principles of Spiritual Growth)
Miles J. Stanford (1975)

What started out as a collection of letters written to friends has turned into a widely read book presenting key spiritual growth truths. Very practical and encouraging, it presents all of the foundational components of the Christian life - the cross, faith, purpose, identification, discipleship etc - but from a Jesus centered approach.

Christ Esteem
Don Matzat (1992)

Really valuable in this age of self-esteem. Shows that we are the problem and that the answer is not in trying to feel better about ourselves but in looking away to find a new identity in Jesus. 2nd half of the book is very practical in how exactly the Lord is able to live through us.

Romans Verse by Verse
William R. Newell (1938)

Awesome commentary on Romans. It's in-depth and not exactly 'quick light reading' but is so clear on grace and our identification with Jesus that I had to put it in this section. Very beneficial. Known as a classic commentary on the book of Romans. Also recommended is Newell's Hebrews verse by verse.

The Indwelling Life of Christ
Major Ian Thomas (2006)

The last of Major Ian Thomas' books before going to be with the Lord. It is a great devotional type work with short chapters and the same liberating message of Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Rag dolls and Plastic Horses (These are mine!)
Bob Hobson (1999)

A great little book written with humor and insight! Easy to read, easy to understand and the type of book that you're bound to give to others.

Recommended Books on Grace

Books in this category show what it is like to live under grace. Not only that we are saved by grace, but that we continue to live and approach God by his grace, mindful of what Jesus has done for us. These books give a great foundation on which to base your Christian life.


Classic Christianity
Bob George (1991)

A call to return to 'Classic Christianity' where grace and not the law reigns. Very Christ centered with great illustrations and every day examples. Easy to read and useful for all ages of Christians. Highly recommended.

Grace Plus Nothing
Jeff Harkin (1990)

A series of short devotional thoughts on grace that came out of this pastors' own failure at living the Christian life in his own strength. Quick easy reading and straight to the point. Good insight into why understanding grace is so essential in the Christians' life.

The Liberation of Planet Earth
Hal Lindsey (1974)

Not dealing just with grace but presents a clear understanding on both the need for and the results from, Jesus' death on the cross. Goes into both the problem of sin and the complete solution that God has provided in Jesus.

Growing in Grace
Bob George

A follow up to his earlier book Classic Christianity, this book is about true growth - its all about keeping our eyes off ourselves and on Jesus in the midst of life's problems. Again, very refreshing and practical giving real life answers to real life problems.

Bible Prophecy Recommended Reading

This section is about the Lords return. Very relevant considering the times in which we live! Generally, the books presented here believe in the imminent return of Jesus, using both the Bible and current events to show the closeness of His coming.


Footsteps of the Messiah
Arnold Fructenbaum (2003)

An awesome overview of the last days, the return of Christ and the conditions of the Messianic Kingdom. A scholarly work from a Jewish believer and a must have if you are serious about understanding Bible prophecy and the Lord's coming.

The End - A Complete Overview of Bible Prophecy and the End of Days
Mark Hitchcock (2012)

I'd agree with the subtitle to this book shown above which fairly much says what it is. Yet it is easy to read at the same time. A great overview of this topic.

A Sword on the Land - The Muslim world in Bible Prophecy
Bill Randals (2013)

One big book covering nearly all the major themes concerning bible prophecy. Great as a reference book, or for the serious prophecy student who wants to examine the major topics surrounding the return of Christ.

Things to Come
J. Dwight Pentecost (1958)

A follow up to his earlier book Classic Christianity, this book is about true growth - its all about keeping our eyes off ourselves and on Jesus in the midst of life's problems. Again, very refreshing and practical giving real life answers to real life problems.

A Cup of Trembling - Jerusalem & Bible Prophecy
Dave Hunt (1997)

Dave Hunt points out that over 800 times in the Bible, Jerusalem is prophesied as playing a key role in world destiny. Thoroughly documented and well written this books traces Jerusalem's past present and future and explains why the stage is now being set for the 'grand finale'.

Planet Earth - The Final Chapter
Hal Lindsey (1999)

Following on from his best selling 'The Late Great Planet Earth' this books gives a good overview of the events to come. As in all his books, it is easy to read and presents a good mix of current world events and straight Bible prophecy.

Other Recommended Books

Pilgrims Progress
John Bunyan, Edited by C.J Lovik (2009)

Pilgrims Progress is one amazing book (no matter how many times you read it!) and this edition is fantastic - my favorite actually! It has awesome pictures and great notes at the end to help understand the book.

Eradicate - Blotting out God in America
David Fiorazo (2012)

Focuses on the moral and spiritual decline within America society and the silence and apathy of the Church. Not always comfortable reading but useful in this difficult age.


The Divine Romance
Gene Edwards

Unique! The love of God for the believer told in story form, stretching from eternity to eternity! Presents the creation, the cross, and the return all from Gods' point of view, and all showing Gods' love for us. Definitely worth reading!!!

Major Bible Themes
Lewis Sperry Chafer

All the major Bible themes in one volume. A very useful resource from the founder of Dallas Theological Seminary.

Inside the Revolution
Joel Rosenberg (2009)

Interesting book following the Iranian revolution in 1979 through to the God-given visions that various Muslims are experiencing today leading to salvation in Jesus.


The Way of Agape - Understanding Gods Love
Nancy & Chuck Missler

What is agape love? What is Gods love like? Shows how its only through experiencing Gods 'agape' love for us that we can in turn, love others.

Faith Undone - The emerging church - a new reformation or an end-time deception?
Roger Oakland (2007)

Important book on the dangers of the 'Emerging Church' movement in this age of apostasy.

Extended List of Recommended Books

Christian Life Author
The Saving Life of Christ Major Ian Thomas
If I Perish I perish Major Ian Thomas
The Mystery of Godliness Major Ian Thomas
The Indwelling Life of Christ Major Ian Thomas
Pilgrim's Progress John Bunyan
Salvation Lewis Sperry Chafer
Grace Lewis Sperry Chafer
The Normal Christian Life Watchman Nee
Sit Walk Stand Watchman Nee
Changed into His Likeness Watchman Nee
The Complete Green Letters Miles Stanford
The Position Papers Miles Stanford
The Divine Romance Gene Edwards
A Tale of Three Kings Gene Edwards
Classic Christianity Bob George
Growing in Grace Bob George
Christ Esteem Don Matzat
Absolute Surrender Andrew Murray
Rag Dolls and Plastic Horses Robert Hobson
Spiritual Depression (causes and cures) Martyn Lloyd Jones
When Being Good Isn't Good Enough Stephen Brown
Turkeys and Eagles Peter Lord
Grace Plus Nothing Jeff Harkin
The Liberation of Planet Earth Hal Lindsey
The Way of Agape Chuck and Nancy Missler

Commentaries / Theological Author
Romans Verse by Verse William Newell
Hebrews Verse by Verse William Newell
The Christ in the Bible Commentary (6 vols) A.B. Simpson
Systematic Theology (8 vols) Lewis Sperry Chafer
Major Bible Themes Lewis Sperry Chafer
The Believers Bible Commentary William MacDonald
What Does Jesus Say About... Cecil Price

Prophecy / End Times / Israel Author
Judgment Day Dave Hunt
Things To Come J. Dwight Pentecost
Philistine - The Great Deception Ramon Bennett
The Wall - Prophecy, Politics and Peace Ramon Bennett
A Cup of Trembling - Jerusalem and Prophecy Dave Hunt
How Close Are We?  Dave Hunt
Planet Earth - The Final Chapter Hal Lindsey
The Footsteps of the Messiah Arnold Fruchtenbaum
Messianic Christology Arnold Fruchtenbaum
A Sword on the Land Bill Randals
Psalm 83 - The missing prophecy revealed Bill Salus

Others Authors
Inside The New Age Nightmare Randall Baer
The Beautiful Side of Evil Johanna Michelson
Brucho Bruce Olsen
Hell's Best Kept Secret Ray Comfort
Satan is Alive And Well on Planet Earth Hal Lindsey
The Case for Christ Lee Strobel
The Case for the Real Jesus Lee Strobel
Kingdom of the Cults Walter Martin
Inside the Revolution Joel Rosenberg
Eradiate - Blotting out God in America David Fiorazo
Faith Undone Roger Oakland
Inside the Revolution Joel Rosenberg