Recommendations

Books:

These are some books that I recommend by topic. I put the topics in alphabetical order. This is not a list of books everyone should read. The only book every should read is the Bible. These are just books I have enjoyed and from which I have benefited. Remember, I don’t agree with everything in any of these books. Read with discernment. You will notice that not all of them are Christian books, especially in the fiction category. I have found the fictional books I recommend to be clean and enjoyable entertainment.

Biographies:

  • John G. Paton: Missionary to the Cannibals of the South Seas by Paul Schlehlein, published by The Banner of Truth Trust
  • 50 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren Wiersbe, published by Baker Books – if you have never really read biographies this would be a great place to start. The biographies are short but not shallow.
  • The Life of Martyn Lloyd-Jones 1899-1981 by Iain Murray, published by The Banner of Truth Trust – This is the single volume. There is a two-volume edition, but I have not read that one, yet.

Christian Living

  • The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
  • Devoted to God’s Church by Sinclair Ferguson, published by The Banner of Truth Trust
  • Growing Your Faith by Jerry Bridges, published by NavPress
  • Who Am I: Identity in Christ by Jerry Bridges, published by Cruciform Press
  • Ploductivity by Doug Wilson, published by Canon Press
  • Risk Is Right by John Piper

Fiction I Enjoy:

  • The Green Ember Series by S.D. Smith. I love this series for several reasons. Smith has Gospel and eschatological undertones throughout this series. I love and often quote the refrain: “It will not be so in the mended wood!” I have adapted that saying to: “It will not be so in the mended world!” (Revelation 21-22). You may occasionally read that saying on this blog, and it comes from The Green Ember series. Smith provides his readers with a glimpse into the struggles of a broken world and sinful hearts but views these struggles through the hope of a future  mending for which his heroes are striving. He also provides rock solid examples of bravery and chivalry in his heroes. I also love the audio books, which are read by Joel Clarkson. In my opinion, Clarkson is the best narrator of any audio book I have listened to thus far. An added bonus is that S.D. Smith is a fellow West Virginian. I cannot recommend these books enough to children and adults.
  • The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
  • To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • The Call of the Wild by Jack London
  • The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson (I have enjoyed reading these out loud to our kids!)
  • The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
  • The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
  • A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket (My wife and I enjoyed the audio books.)
  • Louis L’Amour. The list would get long if I listed all these out. I really enjoy his short stories as well.
  • Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontё

Gospel

  • The Gospel of Jesus Christ by Paul Washer, published by Reformation Heritage Books – This is a great booklet to share with unbelievers. If you have never trusted in the Lord Jesus, I highly recommend reading this booklet!
  • A Gospel Primer for Christians: Learning to See the Glories of God’s Love by Milton Vincent
  • The Cross by J.C. Ryle
  • Out of the Depths: Restoring Fellowship With God by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, published by Crossway. This book was life changing for me. I highly recommend it for believers and unbelievers alike. It is also a very helpful tool to help pastors grow in their evangelistic preaching.

Parenting

  • The Duties of Parents: Parenting Your Children God’s Way by J.C. Ryle
  • Why Children Matter by Doug Wilson

Pastors:

Be sure to check out the lists on Biographies, Christian Living, Gospel, Suffering Saints, and Theology. Also check out the Documentaries Section.

  • Lectures to My Students by Charles Spurgeon
  • Some Pastors and Teachers by Sinclair Ferguson, published by The Banner of Truth Trust
  • Authentic Ministry by Michael Reeves, published by Union
  • Rejoice and Tremble by Michael Reeves, published by Crossway in cooperation with Union (This is the longer version of What Does It Mean to Fear the Lord?)
  • Deeper by Dane Ortlund, published by Crossway in cooperation with Union (This is the longer version of How Does God Change Us?)
  • Zeal Without Burn Out by Christopher Ash, published by the good book company.

Poetry

  • David’s Crown: Sounding the Psalms by Malcolm Guite, published by Canterbury Press
  • Sabbath Poems: Collected and New Sabbath Poems by Wendell Berry, published by Counterpoint
  • The Poems of Emily Dickinson

Prayer

  • Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans compiled and edited by Robert Elmer, published by Lexham Press
  • The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions edited by Arthur Bennett printed by the Banner of Truth Trust in a beautiful bonded leather edition or hard copy.
  • The Pastor In Prayer: A Collection of the Sunday Morning Prayers of C.H. Spurgeon, published by The Banner of Truth Trust
  • Pray Big by Alistair Begg

Suffering Saints

  • Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression by Zack Eswine, published by Christian Focus Publications Ltd.
  • Gentle and Lowly:The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund, published by Crossway.
  • Trusting God by Jerry Bridges, published by NavPress

Theology

  • Great Doctrines of the Bible by Martyn Lloyd-Jones, published by Crossway
  • The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer. If you are a Kindle user watch out when purchasing this book. There are some very poor editions out there. Check the reviews before purchasing.
  • Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem, published by Zondervan
  • The Ology by Marty Machowski, published by New Growth Press. This is a book written for children. We have used it in our family worship time. It is an excellent summary of the Christian faith that is also helpful for adults.
  • The New City Catechism published by Crossway
  • What Does It Mean to Fear the Lord? by Michael Reeves, published by Crossway

Documentaries:

  • Logic on Fire: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones by  Media Gratiae
  • Through the Eyes of Spurgeon by Media Gratiae – you can watch the Documentary here: https://throughtheeyesofspurgeon.com/
  • Puritan: All of Life for the Glory of God by Media Gratiae
  • Luther: The Life and Legacy of the German Reformer by Media Gratiae – check out information here: https://www.lutherdocumentary.org/

Websites:

These are websites I use and find helpful.

You should know that this is simply a list of recommended resources. I do not receive any compensation for recommending these to you.

Remember, this is not an endorsement of everything in these books, on these sites, or by these authors. Use discernment as you browse bibleliving.blog and all other resources.

(c) Bill Whittington