Thoughts & Actions

Commit your actions to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established… Proverbs 16:3

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
  • How Shall We Worship, by Marva Dawn
  • Reaching Out without Dumbing Down, by Marva Dawn
  • Worship in Spirit and Truth, by John M. Frame
  • Worship in the American Puritans, by Horton Davies

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.

3 Comments »

  1. Hi Will,

    Thanks for sharing this list online. It’s a good reference. I’m impressed with your personal library. I wish I have that many books myself. :)

    Thanks for linking to my blog. I’ve just added yours on my blogroll, too. May God continue to bless you.

    Comment by Jessica | June 29, 2007

  2. Thank you for sharing your library online especially for us who lives on the other side of the globe.

    I’m Samoa and I want to order some of Elisabeth Elliot books - Let me be a woman and Passion & Purity. How can I get those please?

    God bless for the great service

    Regards

    Oina Tausili
    Samoa

    Comment by Oina | November 7, 2007

  3. Thank you for sharing that my library has been useful to you in Samoa. Most of my book purchases are through Amazon.com. I also use ChristianBook.com. Many of the Men & Women issues can also be found on CBMW.org’s store.

    I hope these help.

    ^.^

    Comment by Will | November 7, 2007

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