Why Do We Enjoy Reading?
Because books expose areas in our lives that we thought we had already conquered.
Richard Baxter on reading well:
It is not the reading of many books which is necessary to make a man wise or good; but the well reading of a few....And it is not possible to read over very many on the same subjects, without a great deal of loss of precious time.
Charles Spurgeon on reading broad:
"Visit many good books, but live in the Bible."
+ Parenting
“A child of five, if properly instructed, can as truly believe and be regenerated as an adult.” Charles Spurgeon
“Most that are ever saved fly to Christ when they are young.” Robert M. McCheyne
Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus, Elyse Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson
Wheaton: Crossway, 2011.
Glimpses of Grace: Treasuring the Gospel in Your Home, Gloria Furman
Wheaton: Crossway, 2013
Don’t Make Me Count to Three, Ginger Hubbard
Wapwallopen: Shepherd Press, 2004
Grace Based Parenting, Tim Kimmel
Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005
The Father Connection: How You Can Make the Difference in Your Child's Self-Esteem and Sense of Purpose, Josh McDowell
Nashville: B&H, 2008
Training Hearts, Teaching Minds, Starr Meade
Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2000
Teach Them to Work, Mary Beeke
Reformation Heritage Books, 2021
Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full, Gloria Furman
Wheaton: Crossway, 2014
Shepherding a Child’s Heart, Tedd Tripp
Wapwallopen, PA: Shepherd Press, 1998
Instructing a Child's Heart, Tedd Tripp & Margy Tripp
Wapwallopen, PA: Shepherd Press, 2008
The Shepherd Leader at Home: Knowing, Leading, Protecting, and Providing for Your Family, Timothy Z. Witmer
Wheaton: Crossway, 2012
How to Talk to your Kids about Pornography: Educate and Empower Kids, Various Authors
Educate & Empower Kids, 2016
That Little Voice in Your Head, Andy Naselli
CF4Kids, 2018
+ Marriage
God on Sex: The Creator's Ideas about Love, Intimacy and Marriage from the Song of Songs, Daniel Akin
Nashville: B&H, 2003
When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden: Encouragement for Couples Facing Infertility, William Cutrer & Sandra Glahn
Nashville: B&H, 1997
When Sinners Say "I Do": Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage, Dave Harvey
Wapwallopen: Shepherd Press, 2007
The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God, Timothy & Kathy Keller
New York: Dutton Adult, 2011
Good Christians, Good Husbands?: Leaving a Legacy in Marriage and Ministry, Doreen Moore
Scotland: Christians Focus, 2004
This Momentary Marriage: A Parable of Permanence, John Piper
Wheaton: Crossway, 2009
Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make, Paul David Tripp
Philadelphia: Crossway, 2021
Each for the Other: Marriage as It's Meant to Be, Bryan & Kathy Chapell
Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2006
You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity, Francis & Lisa Chan
San Franciso: Claire Love, 2015
A Christ-Centered Wedding: Rejoicing in the Gospel on Your Big Day, Linda Strode & Catherine Parks
Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2014
+ Pastoral Ministry
The Reformed Pastor, Richard Baxter
Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1981
The Christian Ministry, Charles Bridges
London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1967
The Cross and Christian Ministry, D. A. Carson
Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004
Biblical Eldership, Alexander Strauch
Lewis and Roth, 1988
Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology, John S. Hammett
Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2005
Center Church, Timothy Keller
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012
Pastoral Ministry: How To Shepherd Biblically, John MacArthur
Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005
The Mission of Today's Church: Baptist Look at Modern Faith Issues, R. Stanton Norman
Nashville: B&H, 2007
Brothers, We Are Not Professionals, John Piper
Nashville: B&H, 2013
Dangerous Calling, Paul David Tripp
Wheaton: Crossway, 2012
The Shepherd Leader: Achieving Effective Shepherding in Your Church, Timothy Z. Witmer
Phillipsburg: P&R, 2010
+ Preaching
Text-Driven Preaching: God's Word at the Heart of Every Sermon, Daniel Akin, David L. Allen, and Ned L. Matthews
Nashville: B&H, 2010
On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, John Broadus
New York: Harper, 1979
Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon, Bryan Chapell
Grand Rapids: Baker, 2005
Preaching Christ in All of Scripture, Edmund Clowney
Wheaton: Crossway, 2003
Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture: The Application of Biblical Theology to Expository Preaching, Graeme Goldsworthy
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000
Why Johhny Can't Preach: The Media Have Shaped the Messengers, T. David Gordon
Phillipsburg: P&R, 2009
Preaching Christ from the Old Testament: A Contemporary Hermeneutical Method, Sidney Greidanus
Grand Rapids: Eerdsman, 1999
Him We Proclaim: Preaching Christ from All the Scriptures, Dennis Johnson
Phillipsburg: P&R, 2007
Preaching and Teaching from the Old Testament, Walter C. Kaiser
Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003
Preaching and Preachers, Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012
Rediscovering Expository Preaching, John MacArthur
Dallas: Word, 1992
Preaching the Whole Counsel of God, Julius Kim
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2015
How to Preach and Teach the Old Testament for All Its Worth, Christopher J. H. Wright
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016
The Art of Preaching Old Testament Narratives, Steven Matthewson
Grand Rapids: Baker, 2002
Faithful Preaching, Tony Merida
Nashville: B&H, 2009
Saving Eutychus, Gary Miller and Phil Campbell
Kingsford: Matthias Media, 2013
Feed My Sheep: A Passionate Plea for Preaching, Al Mohler, John Piper, R.C. Sproul and others
Lake Mary: Reformation Trust, 2008
The Supremacy of God in Preaching, John Piper
Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004
Preaching As Worship: An Integrative Approach to Formation in Your Church, Michael J. Quicke
Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011
Preparing Expository Sermons, Ramesh Richard
Grand Rapids: Baker, 2001
Biblical Preaching, Haddon Robinson
Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011
The Passion Driven Sermon, Jim Shaddix
Nashville: B&H, 2003
Lectures To My Students, Charles Spurgeon
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1954
Between Two Worlds: The Art of Preaching in the Twentieth Century, John R. Stott
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982
Power in the Pulpit: How to Prepare and Deliver Expository Sermons, Jerry Vines and Jim Shaddix
Chicago: Moody, 1999
+ Prayer
Praying Backwards: Transform Your Prayer Life by Beginning in Jesus' Name, Bryan Chapell
Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing Group, 2005
The Prayer of the Lord, R.C. Sproul
Sanford, FL: Reformation Trust, 2009
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, Timothy Keller
New York: Dutton, 2014
The Pastor in Prayer, Charles Spurgeon
London: Banner of Truth, 2004
The Valley of Vision, Arthur Bennett
London: Banner of Truth, 1975
Praying with Paul, D.A. Carson
Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1992
+ Women's Ministry
Longing for Paris: One Woman's Search for Joy, Beauty, and Adventure-Right Where She Is, Sarah Mae
Carol Stream: Tyndale House, 2015
A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, Really), Rachel Jones
Epson, UK: Good Book Company, 2021
+ Fiction
Some Christians view fiction as the opposite of truth. But sometimes it opens eyes to the truth more effectively than nonfiction. – Randy Alcorn
The Holy War, John Bunyan
Whitaker House, 2001
Lord Foulgrin's Letters, Randy Alcorn
Colorado Springs: Multnomah, 2001
Edge of Eternity, Randy Alcorn
WaterBrook: Multnomah, 1998
Deadline, Randy Alcorn
Colorado Springs: Multnomah, 1994
Deception, Randy Alcorn
Colorado Springs: Multnomah, 1996
Dominion, Randy Alcorn
Colorado Springs: Multnomah, 2007
The Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan
New Kinsington: Whitaker House, 1981
The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis
New York: HarperOne, 2013
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis
New York: HarperOne, 2009
+ Music/ Worship
Christ-Centered Worship: Letting the Gospel Shape Our Practice, Bryan Chapell
Baker Academic, 2017
Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God Bob Kauflin
Crossway, 2008
Corporate Worship, Matt Merker
Crossway, 2021
+ Gospel–Centered Living
In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel–Centered Life, Sinclair B. Ferguson
Lake Mary: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2007
Gospel in Life: Grace Changes Everything, Timothy Keller
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010
Living the Cross Centered Life, C. J. Mahaney
Coloroado Springs: Multnomoh Books, 2006
The Gospel Centered Life, Steve Timis & Tim Chester
E-Book: The Great Book Company, 2011
A Gospel Primer for Christians, Milton Vincent
Minnesota: Focus Publishing, 2008
+ Christian Ethics
Pro-Choice or Pro-Life? Randy Alcorn
Sandy, OR: EPM, 2020
50 Crucial Questions about Manhood and Womanhood, John Piper and Wayne Grudem
Wheaton: Crossway, 1992
+ Preachers We Recommend
GOOD TEACHERS LISTEN TO GREAT TEACHING *A Resource to Help You Avoid Spiritual Junk Food
Some men are particularly gifted in certain areas:
Preach to the Head Well
John MacArthur
Sinclair Ferguson
Kevin DeYoung
Allistair Begg
R.C. Sproul
Bryan Chappell
Ligon Duncan
D.A. Carson
Mark Dever
Albert Mohler (Biblical Worldview)
Conrad Mbewe
Tim Keller (Skeptics)
Greg Gilbert
Julius Kim
Ryan Kelly
Preach to the Heart Well
John Piper
Paul Washer
H.B. Charles Jr.
Hershael York
Tony Merida
Chuck Swindoll
Miguel Nunez
Preach to the Feet Well
Stephen Davey
Jim Shaddix
Daniel Akin
Paul David Tripp
Steve Lawson
+ Music Artists We Recommend
In addition to the many classic hymns of the faith, we recommend music from several modern musical artists:
For the congregation:
Keith and Kristyn Getty
Sovereign Grace Music
Matt Boswell & Matt Papa
Shane and Shane
CityAlight
For the car:
Shai Linn
Andrew Peterson
Selah
Fernando Ortega
Beautiful Eulogy
Jimmy Needham
+ Lady Speakers
Nancy Guthrie
Rosaria Butterfield
Noel Piper
Joni Eareckson Tada
Mary Beeke
Kathleen Nielson
Gloria Furman
Megan Hill
Barbara Hughes
Shona Murray
Heather Davis Nelson
Martha Peace
K.A. Ellis
Nancy Leigh DeMoss
+ Podcasts
Ask Pastor John (John Piper)
Bible Talk: 9Marks
The Briefing with Albert Mohler
Help Me Teach the Bible with Nancie Guthrie Podcast
Theology Gals
Priscilla Talk: 9Marks
Risen Motherhood Podcast
The Gospel Coalition Podcast
+ Adoption & Fostering
Orphanology, Tony Merida & Rick Morton
Birmingham: New Hope Publishers, 2011
Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches, Russell D. Moore
Wheaton: Crossway, 2009
+ Baptist/Church History
Historical Theology: An Introduction to Christian Doctrine, Gregg R. Allison
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011
A Visual History of the English Bible: The Tumultuous Tale of the World's Best Book, Donald L. Brake
Grand Rapids: Baker, 2008
Christianity Through the Centuries: A History of the Christian Church, Earle E. Cairns
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981
The Spreading Flame: The Rise and Progress of Christianity from Its First Beginnings to the Conversion of the English, F.F. Bruce
Waynesboro: Paternoster, 1958
Baptists and the Bible, L. Russ Bush and Tom Nettles
Nashville: B&H, 1999
The Baptist Encyclopedia, William Cathcart
AK: The Baptist Standard, 1988.
Theologians of the Baptist Tradition, David Dockery and Timothy George
Nashville: B&H, 2001
Southern Baptist Identity: An Evangelical Denomination Faces the Future, David S. Dockery
Wheaton: Crossway, 2009
A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada, Mark Noll
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1992
The Morning Star, G. H. W. Parker
Grand Rapids: Eerdsman, 1965
The Inextinguishable Blaze: Spiritual Renewal and Advance in the Eighteenth Century, A Skevington Wood
Eugene, Wipf & Stock, 1960
Christian History Made Easy, Timothy Paul Jones
Torrance, CA: Rose Publishing, 2009
+ Biography
To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson, Courtney Anderson
Valley Forge: Judson, 1987
Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther, Roland H. Bainton
New York: Penguin, 1955
The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom
Grand Rapids: Chosen Books, 2006
The Life of David Brainerd: Chiefly Extracted from His Diary, David Brainerd and Jonathan Edwards
Grand Rapids: Baker, 1978
Elisabeth Elliot: A Life, Lucy S. R. Austen
Crossway, 2023
In The Presence of My Enemies, Gracia Burnham
Carol Stream: Tyndale House, 2003
Godly Ambition: John Stott and the Evangelical Movement, Alister Chapman
New York: Oxford University Press, 2012
5 Puritan Women: Portraits of Faith and Love, Jenny-Lyn de Klerk
Crossway, 2023
St. Thomas Aquinas: The Dumb Ox, G. K. Chesterton
Garden City: Image, 1974
Growing Up Yanomamo, Mike Dawson
Enumclaw: Wine Press Publishing, 2006
A Passion for Souls: The Life of D. L. Moody, Lyle Dorsett
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997
Spurgeon: Prince of Preachers, Lewis Drummond
Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1992
Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot, Elisabeth Elliot
New York: HarperCollins, 1958
Jerry Falwell: His Life and Legacy, Macel Falwell
New York: Howard Books, 2008
Bill Wallace of China, Jesse C. Fletcher
Bloomington: CrossBooks, 2009
Fox's Book of Martyrs, John Foxe
Blacksburg: Wilder, 2009
Faithful Witness: The Life and Mission of William Carey, Timothy George
Birmingham: New Hope, 1991
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, Eric Metaxes
Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2010
The Autobiography of George Mueller, Geroge Mueller
New Kinsington, Whitaker House, 1996
The Life of Martyn Lloyd-Jones 1899–1981, Iain H. Murray
Edinburgh, Banner of Truth, 2013
Bruchko: The Astonishing True Story of a 19-Year Old American, His Capture by the Motilone Indians and His Adventures in Christianizing the Stone Age Tribe, Bruce Olson
Lake Mary: Charisma House, 1973
A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life, J.I. Packer
Wheaton: Crossway, 1990
Confessions, Augustine translated by F.J. Sheed
Indianapolis: Hackett, 2007
Spurgeon and Son, Craig Skinner
Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1999
Tortured for Christ, Richard Wurmbrand
Bartlesville: Living Sacrifice, 1967
21 Servants of Soveriegn Joy: Faithful, Flawed, and Fruitful John Piper
Wheaton: Crossway, 2018
George Whitefield: The Life and Times of the Great Evangelist of the Eighteenth-Century Revival Arnold Dallimore
Banner of Truth, 1980
+ Theology
Systematic Theology
A Theology for the Church, Daniel Akin
Nashville: B&H, 2014
Institutes of the Christian Religion, J.T. McNeil
Philadelphia: Westminster, 1960
Christian Theology, Millard Erickson
Grand Rapids: Baker, 2013
Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Christian Belief, John M. Frame
Phillipsburg: P&R, 2013
Systematic Theology, Wayne Gruden
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994
Thy Word is Truth, E.J. Young
Carlisle: Banner of Truth, 1963
The Holy Spirit, Sinclair Ferguson
Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1997
Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin
Banner of Truth, 2014
The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way, Michael Horton
Zondervan, 2010
The Inspiration and Authority of the Bible, B.B. Warfield
Philadelphia: Presbyteririan and Reformed Pub., 1948
A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life, Joel Beeke and Mark Jones
Reformation Heritage Books, 2012
Collected Writings of John Murray, John Murray
Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1977
Biblical Theology
The Unfolding Mystery: Discovering Christ in the Old Testament, Edmund Clowney
Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1988
What Does God Want of Us Anyway? A Quick Overview of the Whole Bible, Mark Dever
Wheaton: Crossway, 2010
Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church, Michael Lawrence
Wheaton: Crossway, 2010
Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments, Vos Gerhardus
Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1996
The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible's Grand Narrative, Christopher Wright
Downers Grove: IVP, 2006
Two Testaments, One Bible: The Theological Relationship Between the Old and New Testaments, David L. Baker
Downers Grove: IVP, 2006
Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament, Christopher Wright
Downers Grove: IVP, 1992
+ Theological Journals
Bibliotheca Sacra, Dallas Theological Seminary
Master’s Seminary Journal, The Master's Seminary
Southern Baptist Journal of Theology, The Southern Baptist Seminary
Trinity Journal, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Tyndale Bulletin, Tyndale House
Westminster Theological Journal, Westminster Theological Seminary
Southwestern Theological Journal, Southwestern Theological Seminary
+ Hermeneutics
Exegetical Fallacies, D. A. Carson
Grand Rapids: Baker, 1996
Living By The Book, Howard Hendricks & William Hendricks
Chicago: Moody, 2007
Toward An Exegetical Theology, Walter C. Kaiser
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998
40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible, Robert L. Plummer
Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2010
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014
How to Eat Your Bible, Nate Pickowicz
Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2021
+ Biblical Languages
Biblical Hebrew: An Introductory Grammar, P.H. Kelley
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994
A Handbook to Biblical Hebrew, P.H. Kelley
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994
Basics of Biblical Greek, William D. Mounce
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1993
Learn to Read New Testament Greek, David A. Black
Nashville: B&H, 1995
It's Still Greek to Me: An Easy-to-Understand Guide to Intermediate Greek, David A. Black
Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998
New Testament Textual Criticism: A Concise Guide, David A. Black
Grand Rapids: Baker, 2006
Rethinking New Testament Textual Criticism David A. Black
Grand Rapids: Baker, 2002
+ OT Commentaries
Our Recommendations for the Remainder of this Section will be Coming Soon!
Exodus
The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers Frank E. Gaebelein
Exodus Alan R. Cole
The Message of Exodus: The Days of Our Pilgrimage J.A. Moyter
Exodus: An Exegetical and Theological Commentary Douglas K. Stuart
Exploring Exodus: The Origins of Biblical Israel Nahum Sarna
Exodus Philip Graham Ryken
Commentary on the Book of Exodus James G. Murphy
Ruth
The New International Commentary of the Old Testament: The Book of Ruth Robert L. Hubbard Jr.
Reformed Expository Commentary: Esther & Ruth Iain M. Duguid
1 & 2 Samuel
1 & 2 Samuel (Teach the Text Commentary Series), Robert B. Chisholm Jr.
1 Samuel-2 Kings (3) (The Expositor's Bible Commentary)
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Samuel (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary), J.D. Greear
Be Successful (1 Samuel): Attaining Wealth That Money Can't Buy (The BE Series Commentary), Warren W. Wiersbe
1 Samuel (Reformed Expository Commentary), Richard D. Phillips
1 Samuel, Volume 10: Second Edition (10) (Word Biblical Commentary), Dr. Ralph W. Klein
1, 2 Samuel: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (Volume 7) (The New American Commentary), Robert D. Bergen
1 & 2 Samuel (NIV Application Commentary), Bill T. Arnold
1 and 2 Samuel (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Volume 8), Joyce G. Baldwin
The First Book of Samuel (New International Commentary on the Old Testament), David Toshio Tsumura
Focus on the Bible - 1 Samuel: Looking on the Heart (Focus on the Bible Commentaries), Dale Ralph Davis
A Son to Me: An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel, Peter J. Leithart
1 Samuel: Looking for a Leader, John Woodhouse
1 & 2 Samuel (Teach the Text Commentary Series), Robert B. Chisholm Jr.
Sermons on 2 Samuel, John Calvin
Be Restored (2 Samuel & 1 Chronicles): Trusting God to See Us Through, Warren Weirsbe
After God's Own Heart: The Gospel According to David, Mark J. Boda
2 Samuel for You: The Triumphs and Tragedies of God's King, Tim Chester
2 Samuel: Your Kingdom Come, John Woodhouse
2 Samuel (Reformed Expository Commentary), Richard D. Phillips
The Second Book of Samuel (NICOT), David Toshio Tsumura
2 Samuel: Out of Every Adversity (Focus on the Bible Commentaries), Dale Ralph Davis
2 Samuel: The Triumph of the King, Gordon Keddie
Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, OT Volume 4), John R. Franke
Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 11, 2 Samuel, A.A. Anderson
II Samuel (The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries), Kyle P. McCarter, Jr.
1 & 2 Kings
1 Kings: Power, Politics, and the Hope of the World, John Woodhouse
Crossway, 2018
1 and 2 Kings, Donald J. Wiseman
IVP Academic, 2008
1 and 2 Kings (Understanding the Bible Commentary Series), Iain Provon
Baker Books, 1995
1 Kings: From Glory to Ruin, Roger Ellsworth
Evangelical Press, 2000
1 Kings: The Wisdom and the Folly, Dale Davis
Christian Focus, 2008
Be Responsible (1 Kings): Being Good Stewards of God’s Gifts, Warren Weirsbe
David C Cook, 2010
Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings, Tony Merida
Holman Reference, 2015
ESV Expository Commentary: 1 Samuel - 2 Chronicles (Volume 3), John Mackay, Gary Millar, John Olley
Crossway, 2019
1 and 2 Kings (NIVAC), August H. Konkel
Zondervan Academic, 2006
1 Samuel - 2 Kings (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary), Tremper Longman III and David Garland
Zondervan Academic, 2010
1 & 2 Kings (Apollos Old Testament Commentary Series), Wray Beal
IVP Academic, 2014
The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Kings, Paul R. House
Holman Reference, 1995
1 Kings (Reformed Expository Commentary), Philip Graham Ryken
P&R Publishing, 2011
1 Kings (Anchor Bible), Mordechai Cogan
Anchor Bible, 2001
Ancient Christian Commentary: 1-2 Kings, edited by Marco Conti
IVP Academic, 2008
1 & 2 Kings (Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible), Peter Leithart
Brazos Press, 2016
Nehemiah
Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Marvin Breneman
Nashville: B&H, 1993
The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, F.C. Fensham
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982
Ezra & Nehemiah, Derek Kidner
Downers Grove: IVP, 2007
Ezra and Nehemiah, H. G. M. Williamson
Dallas: Word, 1985
Esther
Esther: An Introduction & Commentary, Joyce G. Baldwin
The New American Commentary: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther Mervin Breneman
The NIV Application Commentary: Esther Karen Jobes
Reformed Expository Commentary: Esther & Ruth Iain M. Duguid
Proverbs
Proverbs (Geneva Series of Commentaries), Charles Bridges
Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2001
Exalting Jesus in Proverbs (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary), Daniel Akin & Jonathan Akin
Nashville: B&H, 2017
Exposition of the Book of Proverbs, George Lawson
Edinburgh: David Brown, 1821
Ecclesiastes
Preaching Christ from Ecclesiastes Sidney Greidanus
Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2010
The Book of Ecclesiastes Tremper Longman
Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1998
The Preacher's Commentary: Ecclesiastes/Song of Soloman David A. Hubbard
Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991
Ecclesiastes: An Introduction and Commentary Michael A. Eaton
Downer's Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1983
Coping with Change: Ecclesiastes Walter Kaiser
Fearn, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications, 2013
The Message of Ecclesiastes Derek Kidner
Downer's Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1976
Living Life Backward David Gibson
Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2017
Ecclesiastes: Why Everything Matters Philip G. Ryken
Fearn, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications, 2015
Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Ecclesiastes Daniel L. Akin & Jonathan Akin
Nashville: B&H Publishing, 2016
Jonah
Man Overboard!, Sinclair Ferguson
Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1981
Jonah, John Walton
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1982
Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (The NIV Application Commentary), James Bruckner
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004
The Expositor's Bible Commentary: Minor Prophets, Gen. Ed. Frank E. Gaebelein Jonah Ed. H. L. Ellison
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1985
The New American Commentary: Amos, Obadiah, and Jonah, Billy K. Smith and Frank S. Page
Nashville: B&H, 1995
+ NT Commentaries
Our Recommendations for the Remainder of this Section will be Coming Soon!
Mark
Mark, J. A. Alexander
Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1984
New Testament Commentary: Mark, William Hendriksen
Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1979
The Gospel of Mark, D. Edmond Hiebert
Chicago: Moody press, 1974
King's Cross:The Story of the World in the Life of Jesus, Timothy Keller
New York: Dutton, 2011
Commentary on the Gospel of Mark, William L. Lane
Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdsmans, 1974
Online Sermons Series for the Gospel of Mark Daniel Akin (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) Tony Merida (Imago Dei Church) Matt Carter (Austin Stone Community Church) Kevin DeYoung (University Reformed Church) Alistair Begg (Parkside Church)
Luke
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: Luke 1:1–9:50 Darrell L. Bock
Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: Luke 9:51–24:53 Darrell L. Bock
Christ–Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Luke Thabiti Anyabwile
Acts of The Continuing Christ
Acts (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Darrell L. Bock
Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007
Acts (The Expositor's Bible Commentary), Richard N. Longenecker
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995
The Spirit, the Church, and the World: The Message of Acts, John R. Stott
Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1990
Titus
1-2 Timothy and Titus: To Guard the Deposit Kent Hughes and Bryan Chapell
1 & 2 Timothy, Titus Gordon D. Fee
Titus For You (God's Word for You) God's Word for You Tim Chester
Guard the Truth: The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus John R. Stott
The New International Greek Testament Commentary: The Pastoral Epistles George W. Knight, III
Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 &2 Timothy and Titus Daniel Akin, Tony Merida, David Platt
Word Biblical Commentary: Pastoral Epistles William Mounce
Philemon
Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: Colossians and Philemon, David W. Pao
Tyndale New Testament Commentaries: Colossians and Philemon, N.T. Wright
Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon, Douglass Moo
1 Peter
1 Peter For You (God's Word For You), Juan Sanchez
1 Peter: A Commentary on First Peter (Hermeneia), Paul J. Achtemeier
1 Peter (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, Volume 17), Wayne A. Grudem
The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Peter, Jude, Thomas R. Schreiner
1 Peter (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Karen H. Jobes
The Message of 1 Peter (The Bible Speaks Today Series), Edmund P. Clowney
1 Peter (Reformed Expository Commentary), Daniel M. Doriani
1–2 Peter: An Expositional Commentary, R.C. Sproul
Be Hopeful (1 Peter): How to Make the Best of Times Out of Your Worst of Times, Warren W. Wiersbe
1–2 Peter and Jude (Redesign): Sharing Christ's Sufferings (Preaching the Word), David R. Helm
1 Peter MacArthur New Testament Commentary, MacArthur, John
1,2, and 3 John
1,2,3 John, Daniel Akin
Nashville: B&H, 2001
The Letters of John, John R. Stott
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007
1 John: Turning from Hypocrisy to Truth, John R. Stott
Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2011
Online Sermons Series for 1, 2, 3 John John MacArthur (Grace Community Church) Stephen Davey (Colonial Baptist Church)
Revelation
Revelation: Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, William C. Weinrich
IVP Academic
The Theology of the Book of Revelation, Richard Bauckham
Cambridge University Press
Reversed Thunder: The Revelation of John and the Praying Imagination, Eugene H. Peterson
HarperOne
Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Revelation, Dennis E. Johnson
P&R Publishing
The Joy of Hearing: A Theology of the Book of Revelation, Thomas R. Schreiner
Crossway
The Book of Revelation (New International Greek Testament Commentary), G.K. Beale
Eerdmans
Revelation: An Expositional Commentary, Donald Grey Barnhouse
Zondervan Academic
The Book of Revelation (The New International Commentary on the New Testament), Robert H. Mounce
Eerdmans
Revelation 1-11: MacArthur New Testament Commentary, John MacArthur
Moody Publishers
Revelation 12-22: MacArthur New Testament Commentary, John MacArthur
Moody Publishers
Revelation (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Grant R. Osborne
Baker Academic
The Revelation to John: A Commentary on the Greek Text of the Apocalypse, Steven S. Smalley
IVP Academic
Exalting Jesus in Revelation, Daniel L. Akin
Holman Reference
Revelation: The Spirit Speaks to the Churches (Preaching the Word), James M. Hamilton, Jr.
Crossway
Revelation: The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries, Craig R. Koester
Yale University Press
Counterpoints: Four Views on the Book of Revelation, Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.; Sam Hamstra, Jr.; C. Marvin Pate; Robert L. Thomas
Zondervan Academic
ESV Expository Commentary: Hebrews-Revelation, Multiple Authors
Crossway
The Goldsworthy Trilogy: (Gospel and Kingdom, Gospel and Wisdom, The Gospel in Revelation), Graeme Goldsworthy
Paternoster
+ Children's Books
"A child of five, if properly instructed, can as truly believe and be regenerated as an adult." – Charles Spurgeon
"Most that are ever saved fly to Christ when they are young." – Robert Murray M'Cheyne
ILLUSTRATED CHILDREN'S BIBLES
The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name, Sally Lloyd-Jones
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007
The Big Picture Story Bible, David Helm
Wheaton: Crossway, 2004
The Biggest Story: How The Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden, Kevin DeYoung
Wheaton: Crossway, 2015
The Garden, The Curtain, and the Cross, Carl Laferton & Catalina Echeverri
The Good Book Company, 2016
CHILDREN'S THEOLOGY BOOKS
Tell Me About Heaven, Randy Alcorn
Wheaton: Crossway, 2007
The Ology: Ancient Truths, Ever New, Marty Machowski
New Growth Press, 2015
WonderFull: Ancient Psalms, Ever New, Mary Machowski
New Growth Press, 2020
Everything A Child Should Know about God, Kenneth Taylor
10Publishing, 2014
The Case for Christ for Kids, Lee Strobel
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010
Big Truths for Young Hearts: Teaching and Learning the Greatness of God, Bruce Ware
Wheaton: Crossway, 2009
CHILDREN'S CATECHISMS
The New City Catechism, Tim & Kathy Keller
Wheaton: Crossway, 2017
CHILDREN'S BOOKS ON RACE
God's Very Good Idea, Trillia Newbell
The Good Book Company, 2017
CHILDREN'S BOOKS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
Halfway Herbert, Francis Chan
Colorado Springs: David Cook, 2010
The Big Red Tractor and the Little Village, Francis Chan
Colorado Springs: David Cook, 2010
BOOKS TO EQUIP PARENTS TO TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR BODIES
God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies, Justin S. Holcomb & Lindsay A. Holcomb
Greensboro: New Growth Press, 2015
FICTION: TALES, ALLEGORIES, FABLES, AND FANTASY
How a Spider Saved a Man's Life and 51 Other Great Stories from Spurgeon, Tony Hutter
Day One Publication, 2011
Pilgrims Progress, John Bunyan
Philadelphia: Charles Foster Publishing, 2014
Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis
Lord of the Rings Trilogy, J.R. Tolkien
Blotch: A Tale of Forgiveness and Grace, Andy Addis
Nashville: B&H Publishing, 2016
Also R.C. Sproul's:
The Prince's Poisen Cup
The Lightlings
The King Without a Shadow
The Donkey who Carried a King
DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing, Sally Lloyd-Jones
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012
Beginning: Family Worship in Genesis, Joel Beeke (for ages 5-12)
Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage, 2021
BOOKS HIGHLIGHTING THE DANGERS OF PORNOGRAPHY
Good Pictures Bad Pictures: Porn-Proofing Today's Young Kids, Kristen A. Jenson and Gail Poyner
Richland: Glen Cove Press, 2014
Mom, Dad...What's Sex?, Jessica Thompson and Joel Fitzpatrick
Eugene: Harvest House, 2018
BOOKS TO TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT DEATH
When Someone Very Special Dies: Children can Learn to Cope with Grief, Marge Eaton Heegard
Chapmanville: Woodland Press, 2018
The Moon Is Always Round, Jonathan Gibson
New Growth Press, 2019
+ Pre-teens / Teenagers
The Wingfeather Saga (Series), Andrew Peterson
Penguin Books
The Green Ember Series, S. D. Smith
Story Warren Books
This Changes Everything: How the Gospel Transforms the Teen Years, Jaquelle Crowe
Crossway, 2017
+ Study Bibles & Bible Versions
Study Bibles
The ESV Study Bible, Crossway
NIV Zondervan Study Bible, Make sure it's the D.A. Carson Study Bible.
The MacArthur Study Bible, Avaialble in many versions
The Reformation Heritage Study Bible, Reformation Heritage Books
Bible Versions
A Bible Translation Comparison:
The Strongest Word-for-Word (Formal) Translations:
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Amplified Bible (AMP)
English Standard Version (ESV)
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
King James Version (KJV)
New King James Version (NKJV)
At FFC, we use the ESV while preaching on Sundays. We recommend to our people the NASB and the ESV.
The Strongest Thought-for-Thought (Dynamic) Translations:
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
New American Bible (NAB)
New International Bible (NIV)
If you are interested in a "thought-for-thought" translation, we would recommend that you would purchase a study Bible edition like the NIV Study Bible edited by D.A. Carson.
The Strongest Paraphrases (Not really translations, but are helpful alongside a translations)
New Living Translation (NLT) (Some would argue this is more than a paraphrase and should be in the above group.)
New International Reader's Version (NIrV)
Good News Bible (GNT)
The Living Bible (TLB)
The Message (MSG)
+ Practical Christian Living
Anxiety/Depression
Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest, Edward Welch
Greensboro: New Growth Press, 2007
When People Are Big and God is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man, Edward T. Welch
P&R Publishing, 1997
Finances
The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn
Colorado Springs: Multnomah, 2001
Retirement Years
A Good Old Age, Derek Prime
La Grange, KY: 10Publishing, 2017
Rethinking Retirement, John Piper
Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2009
An Uncommon Guide to Retirement, Jeff Haanen
Chicago: Moody, 2019
Holiness
The Hole in Our Holiness, Kevin DeYoung
Wheaton: Crossway, 2012
Idolatry
Counterfeit Gods, Timothy Keller
London: Penguin Books, 2011
Pain, Suffering, and Disability
Walking with God through Pain and Suffering, Tim Keller
New York: Penguin Books, 2013
A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God's Sovereignty , Joni Eareckson Tada
Coloarado Spring: David C. Cook, 2010
Purity
The Purity Principle, Randy Alcorn
Colorado Springs: Multnomah, 2009
The Grace and Truth Paradox, Randy Alcorn
Colorado Springs: Multnomah, 2003
Time Management
Crazy Busy, Kevin DeYoung
Nashville: Crossway, 2013
+ Evangelism
What is the Gospel, Greg Gilbert
Wheaton: Crossway, 2010
Marks of the Messenger, J. Mack Stiles
Downers Grove: Inter Varsity Press, 2010
Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis
San Fransisco: Harper One, 2015
Overcoming Walls to Witnessing, Timothy Beougher
10 Publishing, 2021
+ Missions
10 Who Changed the World, Daniel Akin
Nashville: B&H, 2012
Missionary Methods: St. Paul's or Ours?, Allen Roland
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974
Theology and Practice of Mission: God, the Church, and the Nations, Bruce Ashford
Nashville: B&H, 2011
An Enquiry, William Carey
Dallas: Criswell Publications, 1987
A Light to the Nations: The Missional Church and the Biblical Story, Michael W. Goheen
Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011
Salvation to the Ends of the Earth: A Biblical Theology of Mission, Andreas Kostenberger and Peter O'Brien
Downers Grove, IVP, 2001
Introducing World Missions: A Biblical, Historical, and Practical Survey, Scott Moreau, Gary Corwin, and Gary McGee
Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004
Let the Nations Be Glad: The Supremacy of God in Missions, John Piper
Grand Rapids: Baker, 2010
Paul's Missionary Methods: In His Time and Ours, Robert Plummer and John Mark Terry
Downers Grove: IVP, 2012
The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected, Nik Ripken
Nashville: B&H, 2013
The Mission of God's People: A Biblical Theology of the Church's Mission, Christopher J. H. Wright
Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010
+ Biblical Counseling
When People Are Big and God is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man, Edward T. Welch
P&R Publishing, 1997
Out of the Blues, Wayne Mack
Focus Publishing, 2006
How People Change, Timothy Lane and Paul David Tripp
New Growth Press, 2008
Putting Your Past in Its Place, Stephen Viars
Harvest House Publishers, 2011
The Faithful Parent, Stuart Scott and Martha Peace
P&R Publishing, 2010