Recommended Christian Books!
Here are a list of Christian books which we can wholeheartedly recommend to those who want to learn more of the Christian Gospel. These books will develop one's knowledge of the Christian gospel to the degree that one may better defend and explain it. I have mostly quoted the publishers which made these books available in the UK and this may vary in the U.S. and other countries. No particular alphabetical order is used here.
Regarding availability, I was able to find these books around
1995-2005 without too much trouble, although one or two were
discovered in used book shops and might now be very hard to find.
The C.S. Lewis books can always be found and John Blanchard's
'Does God Believe In Atheists?' will be very 'findable' for a
number of years.
Robin A. Brace.
Does God Believe In Atheists?
By John Blanchard.
We believe that this is one of the most important Christian books
of the last ten years or so. It is Apologetics at its very best,
and I am happy to say that when this book first appeared I was in
touch with John to thank him and congratulate him on his
monumental and successful task. By the time John has finished,
the unbeliever has pretty much no excuses left! It is a continual
treasure house of quotes for the preacher and the Christian
Apologist too. We cannot recommend this book too highly!
Evangelical Press: 2000. ISBN 0 85234 460 0.
Mere Christianity
By C.S. Lewis.
This is probably one of the most essential books to be in a
Christian's 'armoury'- Lewis tackles many things which the
agnostic and atheist is likely to throw at Christian ministers.
Be prepared by having a copy of books such as this and 'Does God
Believe in Atheists?'!! A concise and readable book which is
usually very inexpensively sold but it is high in quality.
Originally published, 1952. Fount paperback: 1997. ISBN 0 00
6280544.
The Gagging Of God
By D.A. Carson.
Probably now a modern classic. The writing carefully outlines the
flawed philosophies which undergird this postmodern society with
all of its major moral failings. Some parts are not the easiest
to read, but the book is well worth persevering with. Not for all
Christian lay people, perhaps, but probably essential
reading for the evangelical minister who has to cope with
influences such as multi-culturalism and moral relativism.
Apollos: 1996. ISBN 0-85111-7678.
More Than Conquerors
By William Hendriksen.
This is by far the best book to use to study the Book of
Revelation at depth. If every student of this great apocalyptic
book just read this book first, how many problems would be solved
and how many crazy theories diverted! Hendricksen is always
scholarly yet clear too. He wisely points out the seven parallel
sections of this book. If one has never noticed this, one is
simply never going to understand the book. It is testimony to
this book's solid biblical approach that though Hendriksen first
published this book in 1940 it has not aged a bit. Highly
recommended!
Originally published, 1940. Baker Books: 1967. ISBN
0-8010-5792-2.
Total Truth
By Nancy Pearcey.
I am very pleased to be able to add this very fine book to our
list of recommended books. Nancy Pearcey is at her very finest
here in a book which has become a 'must read' for every
Christian, especially Christian leader, who has to grasp with
modern secular society's determination to privatize Christian
belief and make it 'off-limits' - Nancy patiently explains how it
all happened. This - in our opinion - is somewhere in the best
Christian books of the last 20-25 years and probably in the top
five of those. A full UK Apologetics review of this book
can be found here.
Crossway Books: 2004. ISBN 978-1-4335-0220-8.
The Sabbath Complete
By Terrence D. O'Hare.
An absolutely superb study on the Sabbath and why Christians should consider it completed in Christ. O'Hare leaves almost 'no stone unturned' here in building his arguments leaving strict seventh-day people with nowhere left to hide! Superb. A full UK Apologetics review can be found here.
WIPF and Stock: 2011. ISBN 13:978-1-60899-257-7.
The Cross Of Christ
By John Stott.
A superb book in Stott's usual clear, lucid style. Essential for
your shelf. I read it a few years ago so can't recall the
publisher, but probably IVP
Evangelical Truth
By John Stott
Not a very large book but this plea for unity among evangelicals
still quite an important book. Sure, a few will certainly
complain about Stott's tolerance of charismatics, Anglo-Catholics
and (even) liberals. But there are too many good points in this
book to ignore.
IVP: 1999. ISBN 0-85111-596-9.
Beyond Tithing
By Stuart Murray.
We now recommend that all who have to give serious thought to how
church congregations are financed - treasurers and so on -
seriously contemplate this book's message. The approach outlined
here is the approach which we have upheld consistently whenever
we have been asked about how a congregation's activities (yes,
including the pastor's wages!) are best - and most biblically -
financed. We strongly challenge a legalistic approach to tithing
and have pointed out to several that the New Testament looks
beyond any such system to the principle of 'Koinonia.' In view of
the fact that almost every cult/sect/false teacher immediately
advocates tithing, the time has surely arrived for conscientious
Bible-believing evangelicals to reject a system which the apostle
Paul obviously distanced himself from. It is nice that Murray has
now written this book which we can also point to.
Paternoster Publishing: 2000. ISBN 1-84227-000-1
God The Evangelist
By David F. Wells.
A superb book of quite small size. At UK Apologetics, we
always recommend this book to all. It has great integrity,
balance and perception. It would avoid a lot of problems in the
Body of Christ if all believers were to read it!
Jesus In An Age Of Controversy.
By Douglas Groothuis.
A wonderful little book, highlighting numerous false ideas and
beliefs about Jesus. Groothuis takes on the 'Jesus Seminar' and
many New Age and occultic books which take the name of Jesus but
preach a completely perverted message. He also admirably reminds
us all, in compelling fashion, that the resurrection can still
claim to be one of the most sunstantiated facts of history
despite the many efforts which have been made to refute it during
the last 150 years or so.
Harvest House/Kingsway: 1998. ISBN 0 85476 729 0.
Systematic Theology
By Wayne Grudem.
Obviously, this is not a small book, yet compared to some
'systematics' it almost is! Grudem has succeeded in making this
book readable, though academic and also certainly devotional. He
deserves great praise for this. Some of my Reformed friends will
shudder at Grudem's openess to charismatics and his rejection of
Cessationism (the teaching that the supernatural Gifts ceased
soon after the time of the apostles), neither would we agree with
every single word but it is almost churlish to say this when the
book has so many huge strengths. The most 'readable' systematic
theology ever!
IVP: 1994. GB ISBN 0-85110-652-8 USA ISBN 0-310-28670-0.
Did Christ Die Only for the Elect?
By Norman F. Douty.
Formerly titled 'The Death of Christ' this is essential reading for any who want to sort out the 'Limited Atonement/Unlimited Atonement' arguments once and for all. In this book the late Norman Douty goes through the relevant Scriptures with great care so that, by the times the book is concluded, there really should be no confusion left on this vital point. Douty is also able to freely quote main protagonists from both sides of the fence as only a man of considerable study and learning can do; in fact, Douty was a past president of Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary. There is no doubt, of course, that it is Unlimited Atonement which is the true biblical teaching as even Calvin was prepared to admit before the dark curtain of Hyper-Calvinism closed in. This quite small but outstanding book really should be better known and at UK Apologetics we strongly recommend it.
Wipf and Stock Publishers: Second revised edition, 1978. My copy: publication date: 1998. ISBN 1-57910-135-6.
In God's Underground
By Richard Wurmbrand, edited by Charles Foley.
This book made a huge impression on me after I found it in a used
book shop. We Christians in the West almost seem to have it too
easy at times, but here is a reminder of the serious suffering
and persecution which have affected thousands of Christians
during the 20th century. Here is the story of a very worthy
Lutheran pastor who endured fourteen years of persecution in iron
curtain Rumania because of his Christian beliefs. This severe
persecution included much imprisonment and even torture, yet it
is a truly inspiring book because, on several occasions, the Lord
made it clear to pastor Wurmbrand that He was with him in his
suffering. If you can get this book (it will not be easy), UK
Apologetics highly recommends it.
W.H. Allen: 1968. Hardback. No clear ISBN found, but the
following could be it: 491 0020 3.
The Apostle's Doctrine Of The Atonement
By George Smeaton.
This great book is again available. Okay, it is scholarly more
than devotional in parts, but here is good evangelical theology
clearly expounded. It is vital to hold on to substitutionary
atonement as the New Testament teaching as more and more
teachers suggest that new converts don't have to accept this. A
great value of such books is their usefulness in helping people
coming out of New Age and the cults with all of the flawed
teachings they have received. This is classical reformed
theology which (lamentably) upholds 'limited atonement.'
Originally published, 1870. Banner of Truth: 1991. ISBN 0 85151
599 1.
The Baker Encyclopedia Of The Bible (4 Volumes)
By various contributors.
This is the Bible Encyclopedia which we now recommend. It is of
inestimable value and is very accessible for all, not just the
minister. Always clear and straightforward, it really is worth
'splashing out' for this four volume set. Highly
recommended.
Baker Books: 1997. ISBN 0-8010-2139-1.
The Institutes Of The Christian Religion
By John Calvin. (Translated by Henry Beveridge).
Obviously, this is a huge systematics, but we should all pay more
heed to Calvin (though not necessarily to the later
'Calvinism') It is also surprisingly readable at times,
especially in the superb Henry Beveridge translation. Extremist
Sabbatarians would do well to pay attention to Calvin's superb
Sabbath/First Day exegesis! Calvin rejected any concept of the
Lord's Day becoming a 'Christian sabbath' but unfortunately
reformed (Calvinist) theology later followed Bullinger rather
than Calvin on this point.
However, while generally highly sympathetic to reformed teaching,
Museltof Countercult and Apologetics and UK
Apologetics do challenge reject certain aspects of it, such
as Covenant Theology (which Calvin himself cannot be blamed for of course), and also Limited Atonement. The interesting
thing is that in the writings of Calvin himself (as opposed to
the later Calvinism) both limited and
unlimited atonement are represented.
First published at Basle in 1536. Eerdmans: 1995 (huge
paperback). No ISBN found
The Promise Of The Future
By Cornelis Venema.
An excellent book on Christian eschatology (that is, the study of
things to come). Venema is a good clear writer and the book has
few weaker patches compared to many. It is also often quite
inspirational and moving. Highly recommended by Museltof.
Banner of Truth: 2000. ISBN 0 85151 793 5.
Miraculous Healing
By Henry Frost.
This superb little volume is again available. Snap it up! If you
do not, others certainly will. Here is the clearest and most
balanced approach to divine healing. How we wish that every
'healing evangelist' had immersed this book before commencing
their ministry!! Like the great Martyn Lloyd-Jones, we recommend
this to all who might ask questions on healing.
Originally published, 1931. Christian Focus Publications: 1999.
ISBN 1 85792 530 0.
Galatians
By Leon Morris.
Here is probably the finest modern exposition of this vital New
Testament epistle. Morris deserves every praise for his
marvellous clarity, knowledge and wisdom. This book is a great
favourite of mine and one which I regularly return to.
IVP: 1996. ISBN 0-85110-658-7.
Evangelical Theology
By A.A. Hodge.
A little masterpiece in Mr Brace's opinion. It has dated very
little. This is Reformed theology of course, but without the hard
edge which one finds in some writers. One of about 10 books which
we strongly recommend. Of course, the 'Covenant Theology' is not biblical at all
since it tends towards legalism and does not sufficiently
emphasize the New Covenant (as the Scriptures do), yet there is
still much good in many reformed writers and they are more
biblical on grace and in stressing God's sovereignty than one
finds in more Arminian writers.
Originally published, 1890. Banner of Truth: 1990 reprint. ISBN 0
85151 582 7.
Francis Schaeffer Trilogy
By Francis Shaeffer.
Here are three of the great man's most important books. If you do
not have this writer represented in your Christian library, you
really should have and this trilogy would be a quick way to
remedy the situation! The three vital Schaeffer books are The
God Who Is There, Escape From Reason and He Is There And
He Is Not Silent. This is Christian philosophy of the very
highest order and yet these are not long individual books and
this trilogy, in paperback form, amounts to only 360 pages!
Schaeffer traces the influences upon society of various
anti-Christian philosophers. He shows how even the arts have been
affected by the demotion of the concept of absolute truth. This
is pretty much essential material for the commited,
Bible-believing evangelical living at the beginning of the 21st
century. Please take my advice that Schaeffer - rather like CS
Lewis - is an essential writer for the evangelical pastor
to read and appreciate, however, much of it is undeniably very
deep reading which some might struggle with.
Originally published as three individual books, 1967, 1972 and
1990. Trilogy: IVP, 1990. ISBN 0-85110-692-7.
Paul, Missionary Theologian
By Robert Reymond.
This is the great new book on Paul by Reymond. The book has
enormous strengths; it is highly readable, it covers both Paul's
theology and his travels and one finds many fascinating little
points emerging which one had never noticed before. Having said
all of that, we unfortunately cannot give this book a fully clean
bill of health. Reymond's description of 'the law of Christ'
misses the mark and his 'Pauline Ethic' chapter is frankly
legalistic, this legalism is present because of Reymond's unfortunate acceptance of Federal Theology; a fuller description of that theological 'brand' here.. We would say, have this book but we aware of these
two criticisms since they cover points not of minor - but of
major - importance.
Mentor: 2000. ISBN 185792 497 5.
Paul, Apostle Of The Heart Set Free
By F.F. Bruce.
This is another great book on the apostle, but it is far less
readable than Reymond and quite academic in parts. Having said
all of that, I find Bruce's grasp of Paul's theology much
stronger than Reymond's. Yes, it deserves a place in your
library.
Eerdmans: 1977. ISBN 1-84227-027-3.
Halley's Bible Handbook
By Dr Henry Halley.
This is still a classic of clarity and concision. What a shame
that more biblical writers are not as motivated as Halley was to
tell us what we most need to know in a most concise form, without
showing any tendency toward over-elaboration or toward showing
off colourful writing skills! Yes, this is in our top ten
recommended books. Halley is especially helpful in outlining how
and when the majority of Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled
in history. Such knowledge is essential to help arm one against
unbiblical prophecy extremists!
Originally published, 1927. Zondervan: 24th edition,
1965. ISBN 0-310-25720-4.
Six Modern Myths
By Philip J. Sampson.
This book may be quite small but it is of inestimable value for
the Bible teacher/Minister, as well as being quite readable for
the layman. Sampson outlines some ideas which are widely accepted
as being true by modern society, though they are actually
mythical, moreover, they attack the message of the gospel.
IVP: 2000. ISBN 0-85111-659-0.
From Triumphalism To Maturity
By D.A. Carson
This book is proof, if proof were needed, that sometimes quite
small books will teach you more than huge ones!
In fact, this little gem of a book was often available for around
£1.99 in the UK around 2002 yet its value is tremendous.
Carson looks into the errors in understanding at Corinth and his
detective work is superb. We can, in fact, know quite a lot about
the problems which were occurring there, and there is a great
message for today's church in looking at them.
The only problem is that in being such a small and inexpensive
book, people may feel it is not worth buying. How wrong they
would be!
Paternoster: 1996. ISBN 0-85364-751-8.
Christ Triumphant
By R.O. Zorn
I like this book which is very helpful in several areas. Zorn
might be accused of 'splitting hairs' in his description of the
differences between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Christ,
but this is the only, and very minor, criticism one could make of
this fine book. Yet again, a smallish book but of great
value.
Banner of Truth: 1997. ISBN 0 85151 696 3.
Testing Darwinism
By Phillip Johnson.
Some of Johnson's fine anti-Darwinist books are available under
different titles in the USA. So, if you are based there, you may
need your book seller's advice. This, we understand, is a UK
title for this book.
It should go without saying that these books are of great value
in giving the lay-man a bit of extra help in being able to 'take
on' Darwinism.
IVP: 1997. ISBN 0-85111-198-X.
George Muller, Delighted In God
By Roger Steer.
Here is an essential book for the Christian. At least one record
of the life of this great man of faith should be in all of our
Christian book collections! This is not the only book on Muller,
of course, but the only one available when I bought it, since
they tend to be 'snapped up like hot cakes'! A Christian who has
never read about Muller is a bit like a Christian who has never
read Francis Schaeffer or C.S. Lewis; there is a notable lack in
ones armoury!
Christian Focus Publications: 1997. ISBN 1-85792-340-5.
No Other Name
By John Sanders.
For some, this book could seem like a controversial selection but
we believe that every single Bible-believing evangelical should
be aware of the strong Scriptural support for Evangelical
Inclusivism. Basically, the point is made that while only
Christ can save and that there is salvation in no other name, the
Holy Scriptures themselves bear powerful evidence that God
is not limited or inhibited in this manner from saving some who
knew little of the true God during their lifetimes. In other
words, it is not within the authority of evangelical theology to
decide whom God may or may not choose to save and to set any sort
of limits. However, Evangelical Inclusivism should
never be confused with Pluralism which is a
separate philosophy and a philosophy which attacks the specific
truth claims of the Christian Faith.
SPCK: 1994. ISBN 0-281-04744-8.
Eclipse Of Christ In Eschatology
By Adrio Konig.
A very essential study which is an effective antidote to those
countless prophecy guros who continually deceive the enthusiastic
but naïve. Konig shows how Christ is right at the very
centre of eschatology (the last things) and to cut Him loose is
to go into prophetic error. He shows how we are currently
(in this age of the Church) living in the 'last days' which
arrived about 2,000 years ago. Highly biblical and highly
recommended.
Eerdmans: 1989. ISBN 0-8028-0356-3.
The Last Things
By Herman Bavinck (edited by John Bolt, translated by John
Vriend).
An outstanding book which is well-worth obtaining and reading in
this paperback version of about 200 pages. Translations often
suffer but Vriend has done a fine job here. This was originally
the eschatological section of Bavinck's Reformed
Dogmatics which was written in Dutch. Although Bavinck stood
firmly within Calvinistic tradition, he obviously struggled
somewhat with limited atonement and in this eschatology he
continually hints and infers that there must somehow be a broader
salvation than Calvinism allows - yet he, finally, does not
clearly spell out his obviously strong doubts and remains within
his philosophical/theological tradition.
Baker Books: 1996. US ISBN 0-8010-2088-3 UK ISBN
0-85364-761-5.
Eternity In Their Hearts
By Don Richardson.
I highly recommend this book even though I truthfully struggled
with Richardson's less than logical style. I feel that he could
probably have made a more cohesive and theologically compelling
case than he does. Basically Richardson believes that General
Revelation (what can be known of God by what we see all
around us but without knowing of Christ) can save but such is
Richardson's lack of clarity that even this statement could be
wrong. Many of the arguments that God is well able to save even
those who never knew of Christ are strong but it is just
frustrating that Richardson never puts his arguments very
compellingly. So I recommend this book because I am convinced
that the writer is on the right track and there is some
fascinating anecdotal evidence along the way and this is the real
value of this book. Not a long book and well worth going through
it, but don't expect great clarity or compelling or persuasive
writing because unfortunately Richardson does not offer those
things.
Regal Books: 1981. ISBN 0-8307-0925-8.