Recommended Reading

Apologetics

• Apologetics to the Glory of God: An Introduction, by John M. Frame
• Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel
• Case for Faith, by Lee Strobel
• Choosing My Religion, by R.C. Sproul
• Defending Your Faith: An Introduction to Apologetics, by R.C. Sproul
• Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, by R.C. Sproul
• No Other God: A Response to Open Theism, by John M. Frame
• Not A Chance: The Myth of Chance in Modern Science & Cosmology, by R.C. Sproul
• Now That’s A Good Question, by R.C. Sproul
• Reason to Believe: A Response to Common Objections to Christianity, by R.C. Sproul
• The King James Version Debate, by D.A. Carson
• Whatever Happened to Hell, by John Blanchard

Archaeology

• A Biblical History of Israel, by Iain Provon, V. Phillips Long & Tremper Longman
• A History of Israel, by John Bright
• A History of Israel, by Walter Kaiser
• Africa & The Bible, by Edwin Yamauchi
• Holman Bible Atlas, by Thomas Brisco
• Persia & The Bible, by Edwin Yamauchi

Bible Study Tools (For Lay Leaders; Pastors See “Hermeneutics” Below)

• Fundamentalism & The Word of God, by J.I. Packer
• How to Read a Book, by Mortimer Adler
• How to Read The Bible As Literature, by Leland Ryken
• How to Read The Bible for All Its Worthy, by Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart
• How to Study the Bible, by John MacArthur
• Living By The Book, by Howard & William Hendrickson
• Translating Truth, by C. John Collins, Wayne Grudem, Vern Sheridan Poythress & Leland Ryken

Biographies

• A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael, by Elisabeth Elliot
• A God Entranced Vision of All Things: A Legacy of Jonathan Edwards, by John Piper & Justin Taylor
• Biography: Elisabeth Elliot (1926-)
• Biography: James I. Packer (1926-)
• Biography: R.C. Sproul (1939-)
• J.I. Packer: A Biography, by Alister E. McGrath
• John Owen: The Man & His Theology, by Sinclair Ferguson
• Jonathan Edwards: A Life, by George Marsden
• Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot, by Elisabeth Elliot
• The Journals of Jim Elliot, by Elisabeth Elliot

Catechisms, Confessions & Creeds

• 1689 Baptist Confession Of Faith: A Modern Exposition, by Samuel Waldron]
• A Sourcebook of Baptist Heritage, by Leon McBeth
• Baptist Confessions of Faith, by William Lumpkin
• Teaching Truth, Training Hearts, by Tom J. Nettles
• The Heidelberg Catechism: A Study Guide, by G.I. Williamson
• The Westminster Larger Catechism: A Commentary, by
• The Westminster Shorter Catechism: For Study Classes, by G.I. Williamson
• Training Hearts, Teaching Minds: Family Devotions Based On The Shorter Catechism, by Starr Meade
• Truths We Confess: A Layman’s Guide To The Westminster Catechism of Faith (Volume 1), by R.C. Sproul
• Westminster Confession of Faith: A Study Manual, by G.I. Williamson
• Westminster Confession of Faith: For Study Classes, by G.I. Williamson

Children’s Books

• Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell
• Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White
• Hardy Boys, by Franklin W. Dixon
• Little Men, by Louisa M. Alcott
• Little Pilgrim’s Progress, by Helen L. Taylor
• Little Women, by Louisa M. Alcott
• Nancy Drew, by Carolyn G. Keene
• The Big Book of Questions & Answers, by Sinclair Ferguson
• The Chronicles of Narnia series, by C.S. Lewis
• The Dangerous Book for Boys, by Gonn Iggulden
• The King without a Shadow, by R.C. Sproul
• The Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum
• Treasure Island, by Robert Lewis Stevenson

Christian Lifeview & Worldview

• Lifeviews: Make a Christian Impact on Culture & Society, by R.C. Sproul
• Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview, by J.P. Moreland
• Shaping a Christian Worldview: The Foundation Of Christian Higher Education, by David Dockery
• Where in the World is the Church: A Christian View of Culture & Your Role in It, by Michael Horton

Christian Living

• A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision for the Christian Life, by J.I. Packer
• Choosing My Religion, by R.C. Sproul
• Christian Behavior, by John Bunyan. (I may have purchased the last of the publication through Amazon. However, this classic is available online in multiple websites.)
• Desiring God, by John Piper
• Future Grace, by John Piper
• How Can I be Sure I’m a Christian, by Donald Whitney
• How Long, O Lord: Reflections of Suffering & Evil, by D.A. Carson
• John Owen On The Christian Life, by Sinclair Ferguson
• Humility: True Greatness, by C.J. Mahaney
• Keep A Quiet Heart, by Elisabeth Elliot
• Keeping in Step with the Spirit, by J.I. Packer
• Knowing Scripture, by R.C. Sproul
• Love in Hard Places, by D.A. Carson
• Living the Cross-Centered Life, by C.J. Mahaney
• Simplify Your Spiritual Life, by Donald Whitney
• Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, by Donald Whitney
• Stop Dating The Church, by Joshua Harris
• Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health, by Donald Whitney
• The Hunger for Significance, by R.C. Sproul
• The Pillars of Christian Character: The Basic Essentials of Living in Faith, by John MacArthur
• True Spirituality, by Francis Schaeffer
• When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy, by John Piper
• Where in the World is the Church: A Christian View of Culture & Your Role in It, by Michael Horton

Church In Culture

• Above All Earthly Pow’rs: Christ in a Postmodern World, by David F. Wells
• Ashamed of the Gospel: When the Church Becomes Like the World, by John MacArthur
• Escape from Reason: A Penetrating Analysis of Trends in Modern Thought, by Francis Schaeffer
• God in the Wasteland: The Reality of Truth in a World of Fading Dreams, by David F. Wells
• Losing Our Virtues: Why the Church Must Recover its Moral Vision, by David F. Wells
• No Place for Truth, or Whatever Happened to Evangelical Theology?, by David F. Wells
• Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, by Mark A. Noll
• Total Truth, by Nancy Pearcey
• Whatever Happened to the Doctrine of Grace, by James Montgomery Boice
• Where in the World is the Church: A Christian View of Culture & Your Role in It, by Michael Horton

Complementarian View of Role of Men & Women

• Biblical Foundations for Manhood and Womanhood, by Wayne Grudem, Bruce A. Ware, John Piper & Richard Hove
• Countering the Claims to Evangelical Feminism: Biblical Responses to the Key Questions, by Wayne Grudem
• Evangelical Feminism: A New Path To Liberalism?, by Wayne Grudem
• Evangelical Feminism & Biblical Truth: An Analysis of More Than 100 Disputed Questions, by Wayne Grudem
• Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism, by John Piper & Wayne Grudem

Courtship, Dating & Singleness

• Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello To Courtship, by Joshua Harris
• I Kissed Dating Goodbye, by Joshua Harris
• Not Even a Hint, by Joshua Harris. (This book was formerly entitled, “Sex Is Not The Problem (Lust Is)”).
• Passion & Purity, by Elisabeth Elliot
• Path of Loneliness, by Elisabeth Elliot
• Sex & The Supremacy of God, by John Piper & Justin Taylor
• Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God, by C.J. Mahaney
• Singled Out for Him, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Creation Science

• Christianity & the Nature of Science, by J.P. Moreland
• Creation & the World of Science:  The Re-Shaping of Belief, by Arthur Peacocke
• Intelligent Design: The Bridge Between Science & Theology, by William Dembski
• Paths from Science towards God: The End of All Our Exploring, by Arthur Peacocke

Devotionals

• Confessions, by Augustine of Hippo
• Future Grace, by John Piper
• Holiness, by J.C. Ryles
• How can I be Sure I’m a Christian, by Donald Whitney
• Knowing God, by J.I. Packer
• Morning & Evening, by C.H. Spurgeon
• Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, by Donald Whitney
• The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, by Arthur G. Bennett

Discipleship

• Christian Life, by Sinclair Ferguson
• Knowing God, by J.I. Packer
• Life Together, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, by Donald Whitney
• Spiritual Disciplines within the Church, by Donald Whitney
• Stop Dating the Church, by Joshua Harris

Ecclesiology

• Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology, by John S. Hammett
• Democratic Religion: Freedom, Authority & Church Discipline in the Baptist South, 1785-1900, by Gregory Wills
• Handbook of Church Discipline, by Jay Adams
• Manual of Church Order, by J.L. Dagg
• Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, by Mark Dever
• Polity:  Biblical Arguments on How to Conduct Church Life, by Mark Dever
• Power Religion: The Selling Out of the Evangelical Church?, by Michael Horton
• Spiritual Disciplines within the Church, by Donald Whitney
• Stop Dating the Church, by Joshua Harris
• The Compromised Church, by John Armstrong
• The Deliberate Church: Building Your Ministry on the Gospel, by Mark Dever & Paul Alexander
• Where in the World is the Church: A Christian View of Culture & Your Role in It, by Michael Horton

Evangelism/Missions

• Christianity Explained
• Evangelism & the Sovereignty of God, by J.I. Packer
• Let The Nations Be Glad, by John Piper
• Revival & Revivalism, by Iain Murray
• Seeking God:  Jonathan Edwards’ Evangelism Contrasted with Modern Methodologies, by William C. Nichols
• Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot, by Elisabeth Elliot
• Speaking of Jesus, by J. Mack Stiles
• Stop Dating the Church, by Joshua Harris
• Tell the Truth, by Will Metzger
• Telling the Truth:  Evangelizing Postmoderns, by D.A. Carson
• The Gospel Blimp, by Joseph Bayly
• The Invitation System, by Iain Murray

Family, Parenting & Marriage

• Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens, by Paul David Tripp
• Bringing Up Boys, by James Dobson
• Building Strong Families, by Dennis Rainey
• Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye, by Carolyn McCulley & Joshua Harris
• Divorced, by John Murray
• Love that Lasts, by Gary & Betty Ricucci
• Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God, by C.J. Mahaney
• Shepherding A Child’s Heart, by Tedd Tripp
• Teach Them Diligently: How to Use The Scriptures in Child Training, by Lou Priolo
• The Intimate Marriage, by R.C. Sproul
• The New Dare to Discipline, by James Dobson
• The New Strong-Willed Child, by James Dobson
• To Train Up a Child, by Michael Pearl
• Training Hearts, Teaching Minds: Family Devotions Based on the Shorter Catechism, by Starr Meade
• What the Bible Says about Parenting, by John MacArthur

Hermeneutics (For Pastors; Lay Leaders See “Bible Study Tools” Above)

• Biblical Hermeneutics, by Bruce Corley, Steve Lemkey & Grant Lovejoy
• Biblical Interpretation Then & Now, by David Dockery
• Exegetical Fallacies, by D.A. Carson
• Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics, by Graeme Goldsworthy
• Interpretating the New Testament, by David Alan Black & David Dockery
• New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors, by Gordon D. Fee
• Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors, by Douglas K. Stuart
• Translating Truth, by C. John Collins, Wayne Grudem, Vern Sheridan Poythress & Leland Ryken

History (Baptist & General Church)

• A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada, by Mark A. Noll
• A Sourcebook of Baptist Heritage, by Leon McBeth
• America’s God: From Jonathan Edwards to Abraham Lincoln, by Mark A. Noll
• Baptist Heritage: Four Centuries of Baptist Witness, by Leon McBeth
• Baptist Ways: A History, by Bill Leonard
• Baptists in America, by Bill Leonard
• Church History in Plain Language, by Bruce Shelley
• Church History, Volume 1: From Christ to Pre-Reformation, by Everett Ferguson
• Democratic Religion: Freedom, Authority & Church Discipline in the Baptist South, 1785-1900, by Gregory Wills
• Early Christian Doctrine, by J.N.D. Kelly
• The Civil War as a Theological Crisis, by Mark Noll
• The Early Church, by Henry Chadwick
• The History of the Church: From Christ to Constantine, by Eusebius
• The Rise of Evangelicalism: The Age of Edwards, Whitefield, and the Wesleys, by Mark A. Noll
• The Story of Christianity (Volumes 1 & 2), by Justo L. Gonzalez
• Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity, by Mark A. Noll

Men

• The Complete Husband, by Lou Priolo
• The Dangerous Book for Boys, by Gonn Iggulden
• The Exemplary Husband: A Biblical Perspective, by Stuart Scott
• The Mark of a Man, by Elisabeth Elliot
• Twelve Extraordinary Men, by John MacArthur

New To Christianity

• Basic Christianity, by John Stott
• Grow In Grace, by Sinclair Ferguson
• Growing in Christ, by J.I. Packer
• How can I be Sure I’m a Christian, by Donald Whitney
• Knowing God, by J.I. Packer
• Renewing Your Mind: Essential Christian Beliefs, by R.C. Sproul

New Testament

• An Introduction to the New Testament, by D.A. Carson & Douglas J. Moo
• An Introduction to the New Testament, by Raymond E. Brown
• Interpretating The New Testament, by David Alan Black & David Dockery
• New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors, by Gordon D. Fee
• The Message of the New Testament: Promises Kept, by Mark Dever

Old Testament

• A Biblical History of Israel, by Iain Provon, V. Phillips Long & Tremper Longman
• A History of Israel, by John Bright
• A History of Israel, by Walter Kaiser
• An Introduction to the Old Testament, by Tremper Longman & Raymond D. Dillard
• Holman Bible Atlas, by Thomas Brisco
• Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors, by Douglas K. Stuart
• The Message of the Old Testament: Promises Made, by Mark Dever

Pastor/Elders/Leadership

• Biblical Eldership Study Guide: An Urgent Call to Restory Biblical Church Leadership, by Alexander Strauch (Presbyterian)
• Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology, by John S. Hammett
• Brothers, We Are Not Professionals: A Plea to Pastors for Radical Ministry, by John Piper
• Dear Timothy: Letters on Pastoral Ministry, by Thomas K. Ascol
• Elders in Congregational Life: Rediscovering the Biblical Model of Church Leadership, by Phil A. Newton (Baptist)
• Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, by Mark Dever
• Practical Wisdom for Pastors: Word of Encouragement and Counsel for a Lifetime of Ministry, by Curtis C. Thomas
• The Christian Ministry, by Charles Bridges

Philosophy

• Beyond Death: Exploring the Evidence of Immortality, by Gary R. Habermas & J.P. Moreland
• Choosing My Religion, by R.C. Sproul
• How Long, O Lord: Reflections of Suffering & Evil, by D.A. Carson
• Philosophy Made Slightly Less Difficult:  A Beginner’s Guide to Life’s Big Questions, by Garrett J. Deweese & J.P. Moreland
• The Consequences of Ideas: Understanding the Concepts that Shaped Our World, by R.C. Sproul
• Willing to Believe: The Controversy Over Free Will, by R.C. Sproul

Prayer

• A Book on Reformed Prayers, by Howard Rice & Lamar Williamson, jr.
• A Call to Spiritual Reformation, by D.A. Carson
• Leading in Prayer: A Workbook for Ministers, by Hugh Oliphant Old
• Prayer, by John Bunyon
• Prayer and the Knowledge of God: What the Whole Bible Teaches, by Graeme Goldsworthy
• The Puritans on Prayer, by John Preston, Nathaniel Vincent & Samuel Lee
• The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, by Arthur G. Bennett

Preaching

• Ashamed of the Gospel: When the Church Becomes Like the World, by John MacArthur
• Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon, by Bryan Chapell
• Feed My Sheep: A Passionate Plea for Preaching, by R. Albert Mohler, James Montgomery Boice, Joel R. Beeke, et. al.
• New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors, by Gordon D. Fee
• Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors, by Douglas K. Stuart
• Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture: The Application of Biblical Theology to Expository Preaching, by Graeme Goldsworthy
• Rediscovering Expository Preaching, by John MacArthur
• Seeking God:  Jonathan Edwards’ Evangelism Contrasted with Modern Methodologies, by William C. Nichols

Theology

• According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible, by Graeme Goldsworthy
• Bible Doctrine, by Wayne Grudem. This is the abridged version (528 pages) of Grudem’s Systematic Theology (1,296 pages).
• Charismatic Chaos, by John MacArthur
• Charts of Christian Theology & Doctrine, by H. Wayne House
• Chosen by God, by R.C. Sproul
• Concise Theology, by J.I. Packer
• Christ & the Bible, by John Wenham
• Early Christian Doctrine, by J.N.D. Kelly
• Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, by R.C. Sproul
• Evangelical Feminism: A New Path To Liberalism?, by Wayne Grudem
• Foundations for the Christian Faith, by James Montgomery Boice
• Fundamentalism & The Word of God, by J.I. Packer
• Future Grace, by John Piper
• Goldsworthy Trilogy: Gospel & Kingdom, Gospel & Wisdom, Gospel & Revelation, by Graeme Goldsworthy
• Knowing God, by J.I. Packer
• Knowing Scripture, by R.C. Sproul
• Now That’s A Good Question, by R.C. Sproul
• Power Religion: The Selling Out of the Evangelical Church?, by Michael Horton
• Putting Amazing Back into Grace, by Michael Horton
• Redemption Accomplished and Applied, by John Murray
• Scripture Alone, by R.C. Sproul
• The Civil War as a Theological Crisis, by Mark Noll
• The Consequences of Ideas: Understanding the Concepts that Shaped Our World, by R.C. Sproul
• The Doctrine Of The Bible, by David Dockery
• The Gender-Neutral Bible Controversy, by Vern Poythress & Wayne Grudem
• The Glory of Christ, by R.C. Sproul
• The Glory of Heaven: The Truth about Angels, Heaven and Eternal Life, by John MacArthur
• The Gospel According to Jesus, by John MacArthur
• The Holiness of God, by R.C. Sproul
• The Invisible Hand: Do All Things Really Work for Good, by R.C. Sproul
• The King James Version Debate, by D.A. Carson
• What is Reformed Theology?, by R.C. Sproul
• Willing to Believe: The Controversy Over Free Will, by R.C. Sproul

Women

• Becoming a Woman of Discretion, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
• Biblical Womanhood in the Home, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
• Biblical Portrait of Womanhood, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
• Choosing Forgiveness, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
• Feminine Appeal, by Carolyn Mahaney
• Holiness: The Heart God Purifies, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
• Let Me Be a Woman, by Elisabeth Elliot
• Lies Women Believe: And the Truth that Sets Them Free, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Elisabeth Elliot
• Singled Out for Him, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
• The Excellent Wife: A Biblical Perspective, by Martha Peace
• The Look: Does God Really Care What I Wear, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
• Twelve Extraordinary Women: How God Shaped Women in the Bible, and What God Wants to Do with You, by John MacArthur

Worship

• Contemporary Worship Music: A Biblical Defense, by John M. Frame
• Covenantal Worship: Reconsidering the Puritian Regulative Worship, by R.J. Gore, jr.
• Desiring God, by John Piper
• Engaging with God, by David Petersen
• Give Praise To God, by Philip Ryken, Derek Thomas & Ligon Duncan
• How Shall We Worship
• Reaching Out without Dumbing Down, by Marva Dawn
• Worship in the American Puritans, by Horton Davies

, by Marva Dawn

Young Adult Books

• Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens, by Paul David Tripp
• Choosing My Religion, by R.C. Sproul
• Gulliver’s Travel, by Jonathan Swift
• The Dangerous Book for Boys, by Gonn Iggulden
• The New Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyon (edited by Judith Markham)
• The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
• The Lord of the Rings trilogy, by J.R.R. Tolkien

My personal library can be seen here. The listing is still a work-in-progress. Please note that my personal library, while mostly Reformed and evangelical, also includes books that are from other theological views and even secular.