READING RECOMMENDATIONS
From Julian Hardyman, , Pastor, Eden Baptist Church, Cambridge
Obviously there are shelves and shelves of books I could recommend in every section. This is not a comprehensive guide, nor does it even contain all the best books in each area. It is not ‘balanced’ in any particular way either. What I have done is to list some favourite books of mine that are not generally well known in the UK.
Recommending these books does not mean I endorse everything in them – of course we all need to read with discernment, checking what we read against Scripture. But I have found much of great helpfulness in them.
I have not provided full bibliographical details as these books are easily traced on Amazon.
1. Discipleship and Spiritual Growth
The Jesus Creed
Scot McKnight
This is a brilliant and easy to read introduction to the heart of Jesus’ teaching and mission in the gospels. The author combines his scholarship, communication gifts and a deft, ordinary touch. Highly recommended for new Christians and older ones alike.
One thing
Samuel Storms
An inspiring book on enjoying God and his glory. Lots of passion and sound theology combined. A bit like John Piper but a different writing style. A great book to spark up a flagging devotion to God.
When People are Big and God is small
Ed Welch
What I like about this book is the author’s honesty and challenge to those of us who are too influenced by what other people think.
Two great books on Romans 8, one of the greatest chapters in Scripture:
Supernatural living for ordinary people
Ray Ortlund, Jr.
Superb contemporary exposition of this great chapter.
No condemnation in Christ Jesus
Octavius Winslow
An older treatment of the same passage. Style a bit nineteenth century but very heart-warming and helpful
2. Christian World view and our work in the world
The Callings
Paul Helm
A great little book on what the bible says about ‘calling’ and ‘vocation’. His approach is more biblical than Guinness (below).
The Call
Os Guinness.
A sparkling and passionate book about calling. More contemporary and historical than Helm. Most people should read both!
Creation Regained
Al Wolters
The most thorough entry-level explanation of Genesis 1-4 as the basis for a Christian worldview. Very useful for understanding work, culture, civilisation etc.
Heaven is not my home
Paul Marshall
Quite like Wittmer (see below). Very helpful on calling, the dignity of work etc. Good writing style.
The Transforming Vision
Walsh and Middleton
A great introduction to the idea of a Christian worldview. Some of the early material is a bit philosophical for the general reader. Some of the later examples feel a bit dated. But lots of helpful stuff here!
Heaven is a place on earth
Michael Wittmer
A lively provocative challenge to Christians who think all that matters is prayer and evangelism. Some of the early chapters are unnecessarily philosophical and could be skipped. Sometimes he is a bit provocative and overstates his case. But a superb book all the same.
3. Theology, doctrine and ethics
Systematic Theology
Wayne Grudem
In my view every Christian undergraduate should buy this book and aim to read it before they graduate. And every Christian house group leader, Sunday school teacher etc (let alone elders) should have a well-thumbed copy on their shelves. He is clear, biblical, balanced, helpful and practical.
The Doctrine of God
John Frame
This is a simply magnificent book. Quite advanced so read Wayne Grudem first! Frame is very sound and very readable. Issues like the Trinity, God’s providence, miracles etc get fresh and clear treatment. Every pastor should read it!
Old Testament Ethics for the people of God
Chris Wright.
Buy this for the first part, ‘Living as the people of God.’ This is the thing to read to understand the Old Testament law. The later parts are more advanced but pure gold too.
The Moral Vision of the New Testament
Richard Hays
A more advanced account of NT ethics. Particularly useful for its analyses of how the NT speaks to us ethically and the exploration of five key issues. A bit weak in integrating the Old Testament (we need someone to write a ‘Moral Vision of the OT and NT’ really!); not everyone will agree with his pacifism. But he is unashamedly biblical on sexual ethics.
God’s Design
Elmer Martens.
One of the best bible overviews. Once you have read and absorbed Goldsworthy, you really ought to read Martens!
The Law, the Gospel and the Modern Christian
Ed. By Strickland.
The gospel for the poor
Tim Chester
Rich, comfortable Christians find it too easy to forget the human need in our world and to fail to hear the bible’s teaching on it. Tim helps us magnificently without losing an emphasis on gospel communication.
4. Christian ministry and Helping others
Instruments in the redeemer’s hands
Paul Tripp
This is a great explanation of why and how we help others spiritually. Helpful for pastors, elders, house group leaders and anyone wanting to promote God’s work in other people’s lives.
Seeing through new eyes
David Powlison
Thoughtful and suggestive for the pastor or anyone trying to help others pastorally.
Going the distance
Peter Brain
Too many of us burnout or drop out of paid Christian ministry. Or we just suffer unnecessarily. Brain is very practical and helpful All pastors and full-time Christian workers should read this. And their elders and wives!
5. Suffering, bereavement, loss, grief
A Grace Disguised: How the Soul grows through loss
Jerry Sittser.
This is the best book I have read on this subject. The author lost his mother, wife and one of his daughters in the same car accident. He is very honest about the experience and very biblical in analysing it. A compelling and very helpful book.
When I don’t desire God
John Piper
6. Preaching, homiletics and church life
Christ-centred preaching
Bryan Chappell
Superb on preaching redemptive messages that help people to change by God’s grace. Very good too on the detail of sermon structure, illustration etc.
Contemporary worship music
John Frame
A lively and thoughtful defence of ‘modern’ worship styles by one of my favourite authors