Recommended Reads
President Harry S. Truman once said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” In my Christian walk, I have been influenced by many authors. I have also picked up books that were a total waste of time and even an affront to biblical Christianity, though they carried the label of “Christian books.” Sometimes, the task of sifting through books and authors can be a bit daunting, to the point that some Christians are afraid to pick up any book that labels itself Christian in the fear that it may mislead them. This is a genuine concern that I believe comes from well-placed intentions, but it can put quite a damper on potential spiritual development.
Just as God has used men to preach and exposit His word from the pulpit, He has also gifted men and women to write well about the application of His word in books and other publications. The following is a list of books that have been a blessing to me personally or useful for understanding/encouraging others as they go through various situations in life. My desire is to continue to add to this list as time permits. Click on the images to open links to purchase the books.
– Pastor Mike Jones
The small print: Just because a book is recommended in this list does not necessarily mean that I agree wholeheartedly with all of its contents or with every stance the authors have. We should recognize that none of these books are the inspired word of God, nor are any of the authors infallible. I urge everyone that reads any of these books to prayerfully consider every thought expressed in them and match them up to what the Bible says. If anything is found that does not line up with God’s word, toss it out. This is meant as a resource for you as you walk your daily life with Jesus and not a replacement for the study of God’s word or an intimate prayer life.
Family
How to Lead Your Family
This book by Joel R. Beeke is an amazing resource for husbands and/or fathers. I highly recommend this to every man. It is, as the cover says, short and to the point. The whole book can be read in about an hour or two, but the lessons will impact your life. I recommend reading this book all the way through for three days straight, and then once a month until you find yourself practicing all the well-articulated, biblical principles therein.
What Radical Husbands Do
Whether your marriage is as rock-solid as they come or it is crumbling before your eyes, this book will help improve each husband as a Christian, a man, and a husband. Direct and to the point, some of the chapters are not easy reads as they confront the reader with truths that can be harsh. When read with the intention to put these things into practice regardless of how uncomfortable they may be, noticeable changes will happen in the reader. Each chapter comes with an exercise that can be found here.
Bible Studies
Experiencing God
An amazing Bible study that will guide you into knowing and doing the will of God. This book comes with video access to each session and is best done with at least one other person. Do the twelve sessions over twelve weeks or spread each session out across two weeks if you need to.
Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table
Everyone will eventually go through very difficult times in life. Unfortunately, there will be multiple times like this. It is essential that Christians understand that we are not alone in our struggles and that Jesus is our Good Shepherd who both guides us through the valley of the shadow of death and sets a table for us in the presence of our enemies. This Bible study will be a great resource for every Christian. Be sure to get both the book and the workbook. The workbook comes with access to videos corresponding to each session.
Christian Living and Discipleship
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret
This book was recommended to me by a friend and pastor when I was in a very difficult season in my life. I recommend it to all Christians as it shows the life of a person wholly committed to trusting Christ with their personal life. Hudson Taylor’s highly effective ministry in China was one that depended fully on the guidance and provision of God. The manner in which Hudson Taylor prepared himself to depend in such a radical way on the Lord will both amaze and convict the reader.
A Tale of Three Kings
Some leaders are great, others are not. There are those who abuse their positions of authority and hurt many of the ones they have been entrusted to lead. Unfortunately, Christians in leadership are prone to fall to pride in the same ways as those that are not believers. This book will help in the reader’s journey of healing from abusive leadership as well as understanding how God is capable of using our suffering in a way that glorifies Him and edifies ourselves and others.
The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More
This is an AMAZING resource for learning how to communicate effectively even with those who seem to domineer conversations and arguments. Though not a “Christian” book, many biblical principles can be found revolving around the second greatest commandment – “love your neighbor as yourself.” If you are married, I highly recommend you read this book with your spouse. If you are a leader of any sort, I highly recommend this book. And if you have trouble with confrontation (whether you are very non-confrontational or you find yourself losing your temper in confrontations), I also recommend this book.
Bo’s Cafe – A Novel
This is a great book that highlights the importance of vulnerability in accountability. If you are participating in a small group, have an accountability partner, looking to be discipled personally by someone, or looking for someone to disciple – this short book will show both the benefits and the difficulties of true discipleship.
Apologetics
Cold-Case Christianity
Read about thee journey from devout atheism to disciple of Jesus Christ by cold-case detective J. Warner Wallace as he applied the skills he learned as a police detective to determine the veracity of the gospel eyewitness accounts. A must read for those interested in apologetics or questioning the reliability of the New Testament.
The Case for Christ
Another look at an investigation into the reliability of the New Testament, this time from the perspective of an investigative journalist. Follow Lee Strobel’s journey from atheism to faith in Christ.
Other books by the author: The Case for Christmas; The Case for a Creator; The Case for Faith and more.
Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus
Nabeel Qureshi shows what it is like living in a loving Muslim home in which he developed a passion for Islamic apologetics. His journey from devout Muslim to outspoken Christian is one that will inspire the reader to continually pray for unbelievers and be ready to “give an answer for the hope that lies within us.”
Dealing with Hardships and Grief
The Moon Is Always Round
When tragedy and grief enter the home, children often have questions about God, His goodness, His love, and His faithfulness. In this book, Jonathan Gibson gives insight into the conversations he had with his young son when their family went through a miscarriage. Using what he calls “the catechism of the moon,” Jonathan was able to explain to his son that God’s goodness is always present even through the different stages of life, including grief.
The back of the book gives a resource to parents and caregivers in using the moon to explain God’s presence and goodness to children.
I would recommend this to all parents, even if tragic situations have not been encountered as a family. The “catechism of the moon” is something good to go through with young children, though I would not recommend this book be read to children that have not gone through something like this.
Safe in the Arms of God – Truth from Heaven about the Death of a Child
Going through the death of a child is perhaps the most devastating thing a parent can experience. This book written by John MacArthur offers biblical answers, hope, and encouragement as parents navigate this most difficult time.
