Monday 1 September 2014
Great Quote
10 Books You Must Read
Below I have listed the 10 most influential books upon my Christianity (besides the scriptures themselves). I have put them in order & I would say the top three stand out far above the rest - read them and you will be changed. Most are written by men out of this century, half of them prior to the 20th century & have stood the test of time. I will provide links for the online editions of these texts if available.
1. Desiring God by John Piper
A brief summary: God is most glorified when when are most satisfied in Him. The pursuit of God as the foundation of happiness - how commanding the glory of God as our purpose results in our ultimate happiness if He alone is our treasure on earth.
2. All of Grace by C H Spurgeon
Hands down the best book I've read on grace. This unwittingly introduced me to the doctrines of grace & I haven't looked back.
3. Man the Dwelling Place of God by A W Tozer
Many small messages from a man who walked with God.
4. Humility by Andrew Murray
Humility - the root of all virtue.
5. A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life by William Law
This book is somewhat catholic in its works emphasis but it still challenges Christians to a more devout life. Take it with a grain of salt. I would recommended it for mature Christians only who understand the gospel well. There is much good to take from this book - but at points it may emphasize self-effort above God dependance. Also at points he implies our works justify us (they don't). Again, this ones for mature Christians only, but an inspiring read despite its flaws.
6. Confessions by Augustine
I recommend the use of the Pie-Coffin or Boulding translations (both modern English) - buy it cheap somewhere. The online versions are in old english and are hard to follow.
7. Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem
You'll have to buy this as well. I doubt you can legally find a version to read online. The best systematic theology I have read.
8. Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin
Many people hate on Calvin for the infamous Calvinism named after him. To be fair I would say most people think they hate Calvinism but what they are actually despising is hyper-Calvinism. Don't be fooled. His systematic theology shows the fight he put up against the catholic church during the heated years of the reformation - it is gospel & God centered not predestination centered. That said he does not shy away from teaching election as it is taught in scripture when it is required. Being God centered - he does rightly infer the reality of divine election - God, not man being the author of a persons faith. That is for another post though. He is eloquent, thought provoking & saturates his text with scripture. Highly recommended. If you hate Calvinism - I challenge you to read book 3 (his soteriology) & from scripture, find where he errs. Personally, I think he nails it.
9. The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun
The true story of brother Yun in China. An amazing account of how Christ transformed his life and his community, despite severe persecution from the government. God supernaturally intervening many times to save & preserve Yun.
10. A Prodigal God by Tim Keller
A rehashing of the story of the prodigal son - focusing on the elder brother, not the rebellious younger brother.