Great Reads
The Life and Diary of David Brainerd Edited by Jonathan Edwards, Hendrickson Publishers, 2006
This is arguably the most influential diary in Western church history, due at least in part to Brainerd’s remarkable ability to communicate what genuine passion and broken love for Jesus looks like.
George Muller of Bristol by Arthur T. Pierson Wipf and Stock Publishers 1999
The most complete biography of this eminent man, though difficult to find, and pricey, the appendices alone are worth the cost and effort. These include a collection of key verses that Muller continually reflected on to shape his life, his own statements regarding the beginning of the orphan house, etc.
The End for Which God Created The World by Jonathan Edwards
Other than Scripture, I value this as the most important book I’ve read. Edwards argues quite compellingly as to the nature and purpose of God in creation. Many of us, I believe, struggle with the specific question, “what does God want with my life?” because we first haven’t considered the general question, “what is God’s will for creation?”.
To the Golden Shore The Life of Adoniram Judson by Courtney Anderson
One of the best missionary biographies I have ever read. Not a prettied-up version of Adoniram and Nancy’s lives, but a genuine portrayal of the life of faith with all its pain-filled twists and turns.
Mortification of Sin in Believers by John Owen
This should be required reading for everyone born after the 17th century! Owen’s exquisitely thought-through and Biblical advice of how to put sin to death in our lives has no equal. In fact, he barely has any contenders. The last 300 years has unfortunately proved we simply don’t think nearly as carefully about the nature and working of sin in our lives.
Freedom of the Will by Jonathan Edwards
One of the most difficult theological questions which all believers confront is the nature of God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. Perhaps the most thought-through and biblically reasoned attempt to address this question is Edward’s Freedom of the Will. Of the many works on this topic in the last 2000 years of Western church history is as careful or compelling.
The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax by Richard Sibbes
To the wounded in heart and soul I have found no greater spiritual physician than the English Puritan Richard Sibbes. I have returned to this work over and over throughout the years.
The Pleasures of God by John Piper
We have found this book a cure for the common American perception of God, that is an anemic God who seems oddly just like me. Piper reveals to us God as He reveals Himself, a God who is so glorious that the only logical object of God’s joy is Himself.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Just one of my all-time favorite books. Some of the most complete and engaging characters in all of Dickens’ novels, but fundamentally it is a first-rate story on the power of hope, bitterness, and, ultimately, love.
Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
One of the most useful and influential works in the last five hundred years. If I were stranded on a desert isle by Somali pirates and they offered me one book besides the Bible, that I could bring for the rest of my life, without hesitation, it would be this one. I have read this book over 25 times and am renewed, refreshed, and encouraged on my way to the Celestial City. (If you want to know where that is, read the book!)
There is No Me Without You by Melissa Fay Greene
The author masterfully weaves together top-notch storytelling, Ethiopian history, and AIDS epidemiology, with a result that is both heart-wrenching and life-changing. You should not be able to read this book and remain the same.
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret
The spiritual secret tells the story of the spiritual life of one of the great missionaries to China and particularly, his struggle to live with faithfulness and power the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not to give too much of the “secret” away, the breakthrough for Hudson came with his conception of what he called the exchanged life.
If, Gold by Moonlight, Candles in the Dark, Edges of His Ways, or anything by Amy Carmichael
If I were marooned by the same Somali pirates, and they became more kindly toward me, and allowed me more than just my Bible, and Pilgrim’s Progress, I would unhesitatingly take anything by Amy Carmichael. I know of no one else who can slap me around as kindly and Biblically as Amy does, and leaves me wanting to come back for more.
Just Courage -God’s Great Expedition for the Restless Christian by Gary Haugen
A great book by the founder and President of the International Justice Mission, one of the most significant organizations created in the last 20 years. You can see our link to the IJM under our Links tab. If you are lacking purpose, or are stuck in a rut, this is the book for you.
Dangerous Surrender by Kay Warren Zondervan Publishers 2007
Kay tells the story of the opening of her own heart to the plight of orphans in Africa, Rwanda especially, but shares in such a winsome and compelling fashion, that we defy you to read this book, and not want to move to Africa!
The Valley of Vision edited by Arthur Bennett Banner of Truth Trust
This is a collection of Puritan prayers that has been the basis of our quiet times for over 15 years. Beautifully written, and remarkable in their power to expand your prayer life.
Handbook to Prayer Praying Scripture back to God and Handbook to Renewal Renewing your Mind with Affirmations from Scripture by Kenneth Boa Hands- down, some of the most useful and practical helps to growing you in praying and specifically praying the Scriptures.
M’Cheyne’s Calendar for daily readings, a great tool that is a way to read through your Bible once each year, and the Psalms and the New Testament twice in one year. You can print this off free from the internet, or order them from Banner of Truth Trust, PO. Box 621 Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 17013
