Let me start by saying, the Bible is the sole authority, over all other works of men. But good Christian books that are sound in their theology and faithful in their exposition can help us grow as Christians.
God has instituted the covenant community — the church — for our growth in knowledge and obedience to Him who calls. So, I thought I would take the opportunity this week to share with you some excellent works of Christian literature that have been an aid to my discipleship in Jesus. I hope you will check these out, and I pray they will be an encouragement to you in your life-long discipleship in Jesus.
1) “The Pursuit of God” (1948) by A.W. Tozer. “Arise, O sleeper” is the call of Tozer to his readers in this short exposition of the human soul and its longing for the true God. Though Tozer wrote this piece a few years after the second world war, his prophetic words speak across the turn of the millennia to us in our present age, for our predicament as sinners has not changed nor has our holy God and His willingness to extend grace to those who do not deserve it. This little book has been one of the most convicting and refreshing works that I have read in a while. Pick it up. You will not be disappointed.
2) “The Unsaved Christian: Reaching Cultural Christianity with the Gospel” (2019) by Dean Inserra. In an indictment against American’s propagation of cultural Christianity, Inserra points out that many “Christians,” especially those who live in the “Bible belt,” believe they are Christians simply because they are a part of the culture around them that is Christian-like. So, how do you evangelize those who are willing to confess Christ with their mouth, but do not show with their actions that they believe Him in their hearts? For those whose heart breaks over this question, this is your book. This is an excellent work on how the Christian-like culture of the U.S. has hidden the lostness of our neighbors and pewmates, alike. If you want to be equipped for some of the most difficult evangelism that exists — professing “Christians” — read this book.
3) “George Muller: Delight in God” (1981) by Roger Steer. In this biography of George Muller, Steer does an outstanding job — both, by way of telling the amazing story Muller’s life and by helping the reader understand the significance of what Muller’s exemplary life means for us, today, as people of prayer. I cannot say enough of this biography, and that is because I cannot say enough about Muller’s love of God. If you want your life to be a life given to God in prayer, Muller is an example worth imitating.
4) “Nine Marks of a Healthy Church” (2013) by Mark Dever. If you are a confessing Christian that deeply cares about the church (you cannot be one without the other) and do not know Mark Dever’s name, you should become acquainted with his work. Like the title indicates, this book outlines nine scriptural marks of a biblical church. Dever’s exposition is sound and God glorifying. God has a plan for His people, and He cares how they should assemble — as a church. Take a look at these nine marks; but keep in mind, they are not recommendations, they are God’s will for His people.
5) “Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Theology” (1994) by Wayne Grudem. Do not let the size of this book intimidate you; trust me, it is worth its weight in gold. Grudem’s systematic theology is reasoned faithfully, organized properly, and written clearly for the glory God and for the help of Christians who desire to know more fully their Creator, Sustainer, and King. If you want your love of God to grow, let your knowledge of Him grow. It is that simple. If that is your life’s aim, I cannot recommend Grudem’s work enough.
It is so hard to recommend just these few books. My desk is full of other wonderful books that I wanted to include but simply do not have the space here to list them. If you enjoy these recommendations and want a few others, just shoot me an email. I pray these books will aid you greatly in your earthly exile here, as you follow the risen Savior down the straight and narrow path — the only path — that leads back home.
Until next week, God bless!
(Jeremy Breland is a farmer in Ruffin and a M.Div. student at Southern Seminary. He can be reached at jbreland572@gmail.com.)
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