Grace Bible Church

Suggested Reading List

THE FOLLOWING IS A BRIEF LISTING of some of the most important books you might want to have in your library. Authors are italicized. (Publishers are in parentheses.) You can also download a PDF version of the list by clicking on this link: Suggested Reading List.

  • BIBLES
    • The New Open Bible (Thomas Nelson)
      This Study Bible has many valuable helps, without a particular theological bent. Errol’s choice.
    • The Reformation Study Bible (Ligonier)
      Available only in the ESV, this study Bible is theologically Reformed.
    • The John MacArthur Study Bible (Thomas Nelson)
      This Study Bible is conservative and dispensational.
    • Regarding Translations:
      While the NASB is the most accurate, most teaching at Grace is from the NKJV. The NIV is fine for reading, though in some places the translation is not as accurate.
  • BIBLE STUDY HELPS
  • Beginning to Intermediate Students
    • Knowing Scripture R. C. Sproul (InterVarsity)
      This gives a good overview of how to study the Bible.
    • Studying, Interpreting, and Applying Scripture Henrichsen (Zondervan)
      Another good overview of how to study the Bible.
    • Halley’s Bible Handbook (Zondervan)
      The best brief overview of the Bible including many interesting articles about a variety of Bible-related subjects.
    • Holman’s Bible Dictionary (Broadman)
      Gives definitions of Bible words, people, places, etc.
    • History of the Bible Errol Hale
      Provides detail on how the Bible came to be and offers instruction about choosing a translation and type of Study Bible.
    • Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words (Nelson)
      Provides definitions of both Hebrew and Greek words. The edition that has both Old and New Testament words in one volume is recommended.
  • More Advanced Students
    • Wilson’s Expository Dictionary of Old Testament Words, Wilson
      More detail on OT words, not found in Vines. 0917006275
    • Unfolding Drama of Redemption Scroggie
      Overview of entire Bible. A Classic.
    • Atlas of the Bible (Hammond)
      Maps of many events in the Bible.
  • COMMENTARIES
    • Matthew Henry [two choices] (Zondervan)
      The greatest commentary on the whole Bible, not only for doctrine but pastoral insight. The complete six volume work is so exhaustive it can be overwhelming. The one volume edition is best for most students.
    • Mathew Poole [3 volumes] (Hendrickson)
      Matthew Pool is possibly the most complete, yet concise commentary around. No frills here, just great commentary. While it is rather expensive and has small print, it is worth it!
    • John MacArthur (Zondervan)
      This covers only the New Testament, and is not complete. Very helpful both with detail and application.
    • John Calvin (Baker)
      This 22-volume set covering almost the entire Bible is more pastoral than most will expect. The definitive reformed voice.
    • William Hendriksen, Simon J. Kistemaker (Baker)
      This 12-volume set covering the New Testament is the definitive modern Reformed commentary. Very usable.
    • Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Gospels J. C. Ryle (Baker)
      A favorite on the gospels. It is devotional, pastoral, and Reformed.
  • THEOLOGY
  • Beginning to Intermediate Students
    • London Baptist Confession of Faith 1689 (P&R)
      An important part of Grace’s statement of faith. All members of our church should be familiar with this. A great help in understanding the confession is entitled “A Faith To Confess” by S. M. Houghton, published by (Cary Publications).
    • A Simple Manual of Systematic Theology Errol Hale
      A baptistic Reformed systematic theology written for laymen. Includes a history of Christian theology and comparison of numerous theological perspectives.
    • Westminster Shorter Catechism, Westminster Study Manual G. I. Williamson (P & R)
      This is a modern language version and a study guide to get the most of the Catechism.
    • Knowledge of the Holy A. W. Tozer (Harper & Row)
      A favorite on the attributes of God because it is theological and devotional. It leaves the reader with a sense, not only of knowing more about God, but loving God more.
    • Chosen By God R. C. Sproul (Tyndale)
      Readable treatment of the doctrine of Election.
    • The Sovereignty of God A. W. Pink (Banner)
      A thorough treatment of this all-important attribute of the Almighty. Easy to read. Challenging to man’s naturally Arminian mind.
    • The Attributes of God A. W. Pink (Baker)
      Wonderful inspection of some key attributes of God.
  • More Advanced Students
    • Institutes of the Christian Religion John Calvin (Baker)
      There are two editions to choose from depending on how detailed one wants to be. The definitive two-volume work is edited by John McNiell, (Westminster). A much simpler edition is edited by Tony Land and Hilary Osborn, (Baker). This one-volume work covers the heart and soul without the detail.
    • Charts of Christian Theology and Doctrine House (Zondervan)
      Excellent for comparing various theological perspectives in many theological issues. It is concise and easy to use.
    • The Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (Baker)
      Provides more detailed definitions of biblical and theological issues. Differs from a Bible Dictionary in that it provides information about theological terms and theologians not mentioned in the Bible.
    • Systematic Theology Louis Berkhof [two choices] (Eerdmans)
      Louis Berkhof’s Systematic Theology is the finest treatment of systematic theology to be found. He explains other views, but his views are thoroughly Reformed. It is scholarly. Those preferring a less scholarly treatment might prefer the Manual of Christian Doctrine, (Eerdmans). It is the same material as “Big Berkhof,” but with less scholarly detail. Both are excellent.
    • Bondage of the Will M. Luther (Baker)
      The classic by the Great Reformer.
  • ESCHATOLOGY (End Times)
    • Last Days Madness Gary Demar (American Vision)
      The most important book on the subject for modern Christians who have been force-fed so much fiction on the subject. Reformed.
    • The Meaning of the Millennium Robert G. Clouse (InterVarsity Press)
      The issue is not the tribulation, the issue is the millennium. This debate in book form presents the four major views written by proponents of each view (no unfair misrepresentation of other people’s views.) Then each writer offers a rebuttal to the other three authors.
  • PRAYER
    • Call to Prayer J. C. Ryle (Audubon Press)
      A searching challenge regarding personal prayer. A must read for every Christian.
    • With Christ in the School of Prayer Andrew Murray (Whitaker House)
    • Too Busy Not To Pray Bill Hybels (IVP)
      A modern book that teaches simple truths about prayer and challenges the reader to “make time to pray.”
  • EVANGELISM
  • Beginning to Intermediate Students
    • The Way of the Master Ray Comfort
      A video series on personal evangelism. Recommended #1!
    • Today’s Gospel: Authentic or Synthetic? Walter J. Chantry (Banner of Truth)
      This little book is a must read in this day in which much of the church has lost sight of the true gospel.
    • Answering Questions about Your Faith Errol Hale
      This booklet explains how to discern what type of persons you are dealing with and how to deal with them, followed by answers (including illustrations) for the thirteen most commonly asked questions.
    • How to Give Your Faith Away
      A classic “How To” book on personal evangelism.
  • More Advanced Students
    • Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God J. I. Packer (InterVarsity Press)
      This book provides tremendous information about how our responsibility to preach the gospel is harmonious with the doctrine of election. Not only good on evangelism, but also on the doctrine of predestination.
    • Todays Evangelism Reisinger (P & R)
      Examines the biblical methods of evangelism, not the worldly ways of the modern era.
  • MISSIONS
    • The Coming Revolution in World Missions K. P. Yohannan (Creation House)
      A real challenge to western Christians about the need. This book can be a little of a guilt trip, but if you can overlook this, it is an important challenge to we who have been given much.
    • Let The Nations Be Glad John Piper (Baker)
      “Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” Piper argues that the goal of missions is to gather God’s people from every tongue tribe and nation so that they may praise Him. This is great reading.
    • Missionary Methods: Saint Paul’s or Ours? Roland Allen (Eerdmans)
      A classic on world missions.
    • The Role of the Local Church in Missions Grace Elders
      A simple explanation of the belief that missions are to be sent from the local church.
  • CHURCH HISTORY
  • Beginning to Intermediate Students
    • A Survey of Christian History Errol Hale
      This is based primarily on “Christianity Through the Centuries” by Cairnes.
    • A Quest For Godliness J. I. Packer (Crossway)
      A wonderful treatment of the Puritans, who came closer to conforming their society to biblical standards than any other in history.
  • More Advanced Students
    • Christianity Through The Centuries E. Cairnes (Zondervan)
      A great overview in a comprehensive, scholarly, and yet readable format.
  • MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
    • Love and Respect Emerson Eggerichs (Thomas Nelson)
      #1! The book and the workbook give the simplest, most biblical counsel on how to be happily married.
    • The Wilson Series Doug and Nancy Wilson (Canon Press)
      The Wilson’s have penned several books on marriage and family that are sure to be classics. In Reforming Marriage, Doug Wilson deals with the responsibilities of the husband. In Fidelity, Doug Wilson explores what it means to be a one woman man. In The Fruit of Her Hands, Nancy Wilson addresses the duties of wives and mothers. In Standing on the Promises, Doug Wilson provides instruction about raising Christian children. In Her Hand in Marriage, Doug Wilson deals with preparing children for marriage.
    • Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage Jay Adams (Zondervan)
      In this day of casual marriage, easy divorce and serial remarriage, every Christian needs to know what God’s Word says about this issue.
    • Errol’s Marriage Series Errol Hale
      These two booklets include Who You Marry and Why, a look at who is a prospect and who is not! How to Marry and Why examines the biblical process of finding a mate.
    • Duties of Parents J. C. Ryle (Old Paths Gospel)
      The best—if only parents would read this and follow the advice contained in it.
    • Love Must Be Tough James Dobson (Word)
      The notion that Christians are to be doormats has contributed to untold numbers of broken lives and marriages. This is good for people who are either going through, or counseling anyone going through difficult times with a partner who is a substance abuser, chronic gambler, an adulterer, or a spouse of a child abuser. Tough counsel for tough times.
  • DEVOTIONAL
    • Anything by A. W. Tozer (Christian Publ.)
      Tozer is the closest thing to a 20th Century prophet.
    • Anything by J. C. Ryle
      Ryle is better at putting more into a few words than anyone.
    • Anything by John Piper
      Excellent modern day pastor-theologian and devotional writer.
    • Anything by Andrew Murray
      Excellent devotional writer.
    • Let Go Francois Fenelon (Whitaker House)
      Fenelon gets at the root of our problem—us! He writes wonderfully about emptying ourselves of self, that we may be filled with the fullness of God.
    • Golden Booklet of the Christian Life John Calvin (Baker House)
      The classic Reformer demonstrated wonderful pastoral devotional writing.
    • Practice the Presence of God Brother Lawrence (Zondervan)
      A timeless classic about walking in the spirit and in an attitude of prayer—every minute of every day.
    • Lord, Make My Life A Miracle Ray Ortlund (Broadman Holman)
      A challenge to walk with God.
    • My Utmost for His Highest Oswald Chambers (Zondervan)
      Daily devotional readings. Great insights.
    • Loving God Charles Colson (Zondervan)
      Colson at his best.
  • More Advanced Students
    • Religious Affections Jonathan Edwards (Bethany House)
      The greatest theologian America has ever produced. This is an edited version for modern readers.
    • Confessions St. Augustine (Oxford University Press)
      The Classic.
  • DISCIPLESHIP
    • Ordering Your Private World MacDonald (Nelson)
      This book should be required reading for the person who just can’t seem to get his or her life organized.
    • Every Life a Plan of God Oswald Sanders (Zondervan)
      One of the best books on the subject you will ever read.
    • Practice of Godliness & Pursuit of Holiness Jerry Bridges (NavPress)
      Both are classic works. Both have study guides.
    • Holiness J. C. Ryle (Evangelical Press)
      One of His best works.
    • Desiring God John Piper (Evangelical Press)
      Developing a desire for God and then fulfilling that desire.
    • Hunger for God John Piper (Crossway Books)
      A most important work on the subject of fasting as a Christian discipline.
    • Spiritual Leadership Oswald Sanders (Zondervan)
      A wonderful manual on leadership.
    • Disciples Are Made, Not Born Walter Henrichsen (Cook Communications)
      A great introduction to the concept of discipleship. Interesting and practical. Every discipleship leader should read this.
    • The Christian Life Sinclair Ferguson (Banner)
    • The Lost Art of Disciple Making Leroy Eims (Zondervan)
      A comprehensive how to manual for discipleship. Every discipleship leader should read this.
    • Studies in the Sermon on the Mount Dr. M. L. Jones (Eerdmans)
      Excellent treatment of Jesus’ sermon on the mount.

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