Reading is a powerful tool for growing in grace. The most important reading is, of course, Scripture. The Word of God is living and active and continues to work in us and through us as we dive in.
However, there are books written by others that help us understand God’s Word. I would like to recommend a few to you.
Theology:
- Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
- Great Doctrines of the Bible by Martyn Lloyd-Jones
- Knowing God by J.I. Packer
- The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Pink
Christian Living:
- Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges
- Desiring God by John Piper
- Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney
- Discipling: How to Help Other Follow Jesus by Mark Dever
- Gospel-Centered Life by Robert H. Thune and Will Walker
Biography
- Jonathan Edwards: A Life by George Marsden
- The Life of Martyn Lloyd-Jones by Iain Murray
- Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxes
- The Daring Mission of William Tyndale by Steven Lawson
- Martyn Lloyd-Jones: His Life and Relevance for the 21st Century by Christopher Catherwood
- Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland H. Bainton
Marriage/Family
- The Meaning of Marriage by Tim and Kathy Keller
- Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
- What Did You Expect? by Paul David Tripp
- Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
- Family Shepherds by Voddie Baucham Jr.
- Adopted For Life by Russell Moore
Fiction/Poetry
While often overlooked, I believe fiction and poetry, if done well, can illustrate beauty and truth in a fresh and unique way that stirs our hearts for Christ.
- The Wingfeather Saga (4 book series) by Andrew Peterson
- The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
- The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
- Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
- A Year With George Herbert: A Guide to Fifty-two of His Best Loved Poems by Jim Scott Orrick
- A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Preaching and Ministry:
- Preaching and Preachers by Martyn Lloyd-Jones
- Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chappel
- The Supremacy of God in Preaching by John Piper
- Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever
- Light and Heat: The Puritan View of the Pulpit by Bruce Bickel
- Spirit-Empowered Preaching by Arturo G. Azurdia III
- Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture by Graeme Goldsworthy
- Revitalize by Andrew M. Davis
Martyn Lloyd-Jones:
I’m recently finished my dissertation on Martyn Lloyd-Jones, so I’ve spent much time in his works. I highly recommend his books and sermons to you. Other than the ones I’ve already listed above, here are a few other works of his I recommend:
- Revival
- Assurance of Salvation
- Sermon on the Mount
- Spiritual Depression
- Life in Christ
- The Puritans: Their Origins and Successors