Library Page

Screwtape Letters — C.S. Lewis

This classic has doubtless been in our library at some time in the past, but we purchased it because it was not currently in found in our collection.  Screwtape Letters was written by the great 20^th century Christian thinker, author, theologian and apologist, C.S. Lewis.  This book takes the form of a series of letters between a junior demonic tempter named Screwtape and his evil but intensely crafty mentor, Wormwood.  In these letters, Wormwood coaches Screwtape on the fine art of deceiving his very first human assignment with the final goal of bringing about this man’s eternal destruction.  Though that may sound a bit fanciful, the book is not only profoundly engaging, it is filled with biblical wisdom about how the evil one works to deceive and tempt fallen humans.  In the process of reading, you will also learn much about the human condition and what makes us tick.  It is a quick read and, if you are typical, you will return to this book repeatedly to glean the great wisdom found in its pages.

Bible Doctrine—Wayne Grudem

Doctrine or teaching of the bible can come in many forms.  Perhaps one of the most helpful is what is called “systematic theology.”  This way of studying biblical truth involves breaking various theological truths into systems or categories.  There is the doctrine of God, the doctrine of salvation, the doctrine of end-times and many doctrines.  This particular volume was written by acclaimed systematic theologian, Wayne Grudem.  It is written specifically for the lay person.  Grudem writes with a passion and clarity that helps each area of truth come alive.  This is a GREAT way to begin studying theology!  There are study questions at the end of each chapter to ensure that you know what information is crucial in each area of study.

Out of the Saltshaker and into the World—Rebecca Manley Pippert

Dozens of books on personal evangelism has been written in the 40 years Rebecca Manley Pippert’s book, “Out of the Saltshaker…” was published.  This book has held up very well, however.  Pippert takes Jesus’ words in Matthew chapter five, “We are the salt of the earth” and applies them to personal evangelism.  Pippert writes with a sense of realism—she knows that Christians and unbelievers “are both uptight about evangelism.”  Pippert’s book is saturated with appropriate scriptural support and is still inspiring believers to relate more redemptively to a lost world.  If you want to get a dose of inspiration for your own efforts (or lack thereof) in personal evangelism, this book can do that.

The Cost of Discipleship—Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Written in 1937, this book continues to be one of the most profound contemporary works on this element of discipleship.  Bonhoeffer’s oft-quoted words, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him to come and die” is central to the theme of this book on what the cross of Christ means for the Christian in daily living.  What has given this book its steadfast readership over 80 years is Bonhoeffer’s personal living out of this book as he himself faced death in a concentration camp for his Christian convictions.  If your spiritual life needs a “jump start,” this book has served that purpose for millions of believers.  It is both a call to discipleship and a wonderful example of an author who lived what he preached for the glory of God.

Sacred Marriage—Gary Thomas

There are dozens of books, many of them good, on Christian marriage.  Perhaps none fills the very important niche this book does, however.  That is—Thomas offers an understanding of marriage as a way that God makes us holy and therefore, happy.  Marriage is a spiritual discipline as well as a means of providing companionship and healthy families.  This book is a gift to any married or single person who wants to see how God uses the marriage relationship in a uniquely powerful way to make us more like Jesus.  This perspective is thoroughly biblical and can breathe new life into both your marriage and your walk with Jesus.

 

Heroes of the Faith Series—JONATHAN EDWARDS

This entire series of books on “Heroes of the Faith” is worth reading.  Though written for younger readers, it is very appropriate for all ages.  The church library possesses many of these volumes and they are a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the fascinating area of study of church history.  You will find yourself inspired as you see the many and unusual ways God shapes lives that will ultimately have a profound impact on the church and the world.  This volume on Jonathan Edwards gives a brief but informative study of this great man’s life.  Edwards was an American preacher, author, scholar, theologian, philosopher and the second president of Princeton.  He is one of the pivotal figures of the Great Awakening of the 18^th century and his life and his understanding of the glory of God will provide a welcome stimulant to all who desire a deeper, more affectionate walk with Jesus Christ.

 

R.C. Sproul—The Holiness of God

The term “classic” is much overused today, but this book surely qualifies as a contemporary classic of Christian literature.  Explore the fascinating, frightening and worship-inducing subject of the holiness of God.  This book is guaranteed to have you on your knees, pouring out your heart in worship to our God who is filled with majesty and holiness.  R.C. Sproul, in his very appealing and readable style, sets out this crucial doctrine as few have in our modern era.  This is surely must reading for anyone who seeks to know God as he is revealed in the Scripture as our thrice-holy Father.

 

John Piper—A Hunger for God

Fasting is a topic about which most believers know just enough to feel a vague sense of ongoing guilt about.  This very informative and inspirational book by John Piper strips away the veil of uncertainty about this spiritual discipline and gets to the very heart of the matter.  This book is not only assured to cause you to renew your heart and mind, it will also cause you to think deeply about what it is to love God.

“A Chance to Die:  The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael” by Elizabeth Elliot.

Be stretched and encouraged as you read this classic missionary biography written by a former missionary, Elizabeth Elliot.  Amy Carmichael grew you in Ireland but spent 53 years giving herself and the gospel to the people in Southern India—without a single furlough.  Never married, Amy gave herself to God and over the decades has shown so many, (in Elliot’s words) “the shape of godliness.”  From time to time, believers need to read the lives of the great saints to see what God will do with people who are sold out to him.  Amy Carmichael is such a person.  You will profit much from reading this amazing story of God’s faithfulness and sufficiency.

“Age of Opportunity:  A Biblical Guide to Parenting Teens”  by Paul David Tripp

Raising teenagers has never been more challenging than in our day where potential spiritual pitfalls lie at every corner.  How can a parent raise a teenager as a devout follower of Jesus today?  Paul David Tripp has written an intensely helpful and insightful book that has blessed so many Christian parents of teenagers.  Rather than view the potential pitfalls as enemies, Tripp urges parents to see them as divinely placed opportunities for teaching and growth and guides you helping you live that out with your teen.  There is such wisdom here.  If you are sincerely seeking to raise your teen for the glory of Christ, this essential reading.

“Pilgrim’s Progress” in Modern English by John Bunyan

There is a reason this is the second best-selling book of all time behind the bible.  It, as much as any book outside the pages of sacred Scripture, has brought more people into the kingdom and taught them how to follow Christ to the “celestial city.”  If you haven’t read this wonderful tale, you simply must.  It continues to bless and open people’s eyes to authentic Christianity nearly 350 years after it was written from John Bunyan’s jail cell.  Imprisoned for preaching the gospel, Bunyan redeemed his time in prison as perhaps no one has since the apostle Paul, producing this glorious literary work.  If it has been over a few years since you have read this book, read it again.  This book defines the word, “classic!”