The Spiritual Director and Chaplains of Christian Care Ministry have some favorites—
Books, that is! We would like to share them with you.
Not unexpectedly, each of our ministry’s spiritual developers says their real #1 is The Holy Bible. But our other favorites will decidedly draw you into His Word and powerfully point you to Jesus and His Gospel.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need
to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)
Bible History and Authority
How the Bible Came to Be
John W. Miller
Professor Emeritus, Conrad Grebel University College/University of Waterloo, Miller tells the story of how the books of Scripture came to be the canon and how the canonical narrative developed over the years. This book will help you appreciate the Scriptures which the LORD has made available to us, respond to false teachings regarding what was excluded from the Bible, and challenge common misunderstandings of the Scripture.
The Messianic Hope: Is the Hebrew Bible Really Messianic?
Michael Rydelnik
The author is Vice President/Academic Dean and Professor of Jewish Studies and Bible at Moody Bible Institute. The book demonstrates how the Hebrew Bible was written as messianic scrolls, pointing to the coming Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). Rydelnick addresses the objections that are raised against viewing such texts as messianic. If you desire to better understand how the Hebrew Bible points to Yeshua, or if you want to better communicate Messiah from the Hebrew Scriptures, this book will bless you.
Biblical Study Resources
Nave's Topical Bible
Orville J. Nave
Nave’s has been a valuable Bible-study reference for more than 75 years. It is a comprehensive digest of over 20,000 topics and subtopics with more than 100,000 associated Scripture references. Because Nave's groups verses by topic, it offers a better overview of relevant Scriptures than a concordance. For the pastor, teacher, or Bible student wanting to know what God says about a given subject, this work is your passport to immediate entry to understanding.
The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
This best-selling Bible resource has been expanded with 280 updated articles and 500 new photos. Alphabetical tab guides, the use of multiple Bible translations, extensive cross-referencing, 700 full-color graphics, archaeological research, and individual book summaries will enhance your handling of God's Word.
Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps & Time Lines
This is a must-have resource for pastors, teachers, and Bible study leaders. Enjoy this best-selling book expanded with new charts, upgraded maps highlighting modern-day cities and countries with up-to-date facts and statistics. You’ll find 216 reproducible pages of illustrations, charts, and maps on a variety of Bible topics, with two foldouts of the genealogy of Jesus and a cutaway Tabernacle illustration.
Defending the Faith
Know What/Why You Believe
Paul E. Little
You can transform your spiritual walk with these apologetics classics. Addressing common questions believers ask, Little explains the Bible, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, sin, salvation, the problem of evil, the church, the science/Scripture debate, and more. You can find the biblical answers you need and be certain of your faith. Study guides are included.
Mere Christianity
C.S. Lewis
There is a reason for the high ratings in Christian circles wherever you search for this book title. Converting radio broadcast talks into script from Lewis’ intellectual yet personable style makes this classic a very readable apologetic. Divided into four sections, Lewis explains the existence of God and what Christians believe.
The Forgotten Ways
Alan Hirsch
Hirsch is founding director of Forge Mission Training Network, 100Movements, The 5Q Collective, and Future Travelers. He is also the co-founder of the M.A. in Missional Church Movements at Wheaton College and an adjunct professor at multiple seminaries. His book traces the commonalities of influential movements of the Church from the first century AD onward. This work reveals the centrality of the Lordship of Jesus Christ and other necessary elements for the Church to be a missional and impactful movement today.
Devotional Life
The Knowledge of the Holy
A.W. Tozer
Prominent theologian and pastor, A.W. Tozer helps us know the living God as He truly is, rather than relying on our distorted viewpoints. In a devotional approach, the author delves into God’s attributes of infinitude, omnipresence, wisdom, sovereignty, and holiness with an emphasis on both His transcendence (far beyond) and His immanence (nearness). The reader of this classic Christian work will want to approach God with greater reverence, awe, and a desire for deeper intimacy with the Holy.
The Uncommon Life Daily Challenge
Tony Dungy & Nathan Whitaker
This wonderful devotional is aimed at athletes, wanna-be athletes, men, and teens, but it is motivationally life-changing for all who read and actively practice the Scripture readings and reflections.
Prayers That Avail Much
Germaine Copeland
When Chaplain Cindi first became a Christian, she learned to pray using Scripture by the examples in this series of books. Her faith in our God who hears grew as a result of hiding His Word in her heart and speaking it back to Him in prayer.
Spiritual Formation
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
Peter Scazzero
Having a relationship with Jesus as the Lord and leader of our lives should transform us, yet for too many, there is no apparent difference. This book assists in the journey from immature emotional and spiritual health to the hard work of maturing.
The Meaning of Marriage
Timothy Keller
God invented marriage with a purpose, and it is for our good. In a time of growing confusion regarding human sexuality and gender identity, this is a much-needed portrait of what Scripture has to say about marriage and how relevant it is to today.
Kingdom Man
Tony Evans
Evans is the founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, founder and president of The Urban Alternative, chaplain of the Dallas Mavericks, and prominent preacher and author. This book challenges men to get off the sidelines of life and back into the game. Evans does an excellent job painting the picture of godly masculinity and encourages men to fulfill the destiny God has called us to and be the men our wives long for. This book will help men who want to be mighty for God’s glory and the good of others.
Knowing Christ
Rejoicing in Christ
Michael Reeves
This is a profoundly pastoral, while thoroughly historical, theology from a present-day theologian. Reeves has a way of making great truths accessible while drawing the reader to bask in the warmth of Christ. He teaches us that Jesus isn't just a gift-giver, He is the Gift. If you want to love Christ more, this book will bring your heart to that place.
The Holiness of God
R.C. Sproul
The most important thing we need to understand is who God is. In this modern classic, Sproul reveals that great truth while challenging us to explore the depths of divine holiness. Standing in the light of His holiness we better perceive the darkness of our unholiness, prompting us to repent anew and turn to Jesus like never before in the love and fear of God. Any believer serious about his or her growth in the LORD will benefit from this profound work.
Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers
Dane Ortlund
This work of art comes from a modern scholar/pastor who has profited from reading the Bible under the tutelage of the Puritan masters. Ortlund brings the reader to an oft-neglected place in Christian understanding: Our Christ is truly meek and lowly in heart, and He gives rest to those who are truly weary and heavy ladened. The message the reader receives brings healing for hearts wounded by sin or sorrow, whether from within or without. As one reviewer aptly said of Gentle and Lowly, “Your soul needs this book.”
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-29 (NKJV)
God bless you and keep you,
Pastor Jerry Lawrence
Chaplain Cindi Killen
Chaplain Bill Adams
Chaplain Chris Montgomery
We hope you find these resources helpful in your life and walk with God. Now, tell us your favorites below.
Comments