Though we consider the reading of good Christian books essential to one's growth as a Christian, or to one's becoming a Christian in the first place, yet as John Bunyan says about reading:

“Pray and read, read and pray; for a little from God is better than a great deal from men.”

In recommending a book, it does not mean that I agree with 100% of everything in the book; that is impossible to do with any book, or any author. I am recommending these books bacause I believe they will help you grow in the grace and knowlegde of the Lord Jesus. They will teach you things you may not have previously known, and/or they will sharpen your understanding of what you already know. Even when we disagree with what an author writes, it causes us to rethink our position, and that in itself is beneficial to us. Here is what Charles Spurgeon says about reading Christian books.

  • Missionary Methods: St. Paul’s or Ours by R. Allen:

    • The title should be provocative enough.  It is a challenge and an eye opener to all.

  • The Spontaneous Expansion of the Church by R. Allen

    • Rolland Allen was a missionary in China then Africa.  His insights into missionary work are profound.  The companion to this book, the 1st of the 2, “Missionary Methods St. Paul's or Ours” should be read first.

  • To the Golden Shore The Life of Adoniram Judson by C. Anderson

    • This is the definitive biography on Judson. It gives good insight into the methods he used, not just his history.

  • The Korean-Pentecost-Sufferings-Which-Followed by W. Blair

    • A moving story of God’s grace to the Korean People in the early 1900s, which explains why there are so many Christians in Korea today; and the suffering that followed!

  • Roman Catholicism by Loraine Boettner

    • Anything by Boettner is great. He is clear and organized in his presentation of truth. There is a general ignorance among Evangelicals today regarding Roman Catholicisim. Boettner handles the subject honestly, and is a straight forward manner, and most importantly - biblically!

  • The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Loraine Boettner

    • Again a highly recommended book, especially if you are confused about Predestination. Boettner writings are very clear.

  • Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by John Bunyan

    • John Bunyan's account of his conversion to Christ.

  • The Doctrine of the Law and Grace Unfolded by John Bunyan

    • John Bunyan, the writer of "The Pilgrims Progress," was a very prolific writer.  He lived from 1628-1688, smack in the middle of hte Puritan Era.  He spent 12 years in jail for his beliefs, and was one of the most well known and highly respected men of his time. The greatest Puritan theologian and contemporary of Bunyan, John Owen, when asked by King Charles why he, a great scholar, went to hear an uneducated tinker preach said, "I would willingly exchange my learning for the tinker's power of touching men's hearts." In this book Bunyan shows the place of the Law, The Ten Commandments in the plan of God.  Great book!

  • Memoirs of William Burns, Missionary to China by I. Burns

    • William Burns was one of the great missionaries of the early 1800s.  He translated the bible into Chinese.  A great story!

  • A Treatise on Relics by J. Calvin

    • A scriptural, logical, and clear explanation as to why relics are wrong.  Remember, Calvin lived in the 1500s, a time when the Roman church was awash in relics; actually, they still are, which makes this book still very relevant.

  • An Enquiry Into the Use of Means by W. Carey

    • This was the treatise that started the Modern Missionary Movement.

  • Confidence in God in Times of Danger by Alexander Carson

    • I have read this booklet 3 times, and it has greatly encouraged me and strengthened my faith, in times of danger/trouble.

  • Thoughts on Missions by S. Dibble

    • Dibble was a missionary to the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) in the early 1800.  His thinking was in line with William Carey.

  • The Beatitudes of the Kingdom by J. Oswalk Dykes

    • He is an excellent writer, very readable. One of the Scottish Calvinists of the 1800’s whose books are so good. Men like Robert Haldane, Andrew Bonar, Horatius Bonar, and Robert Murray M’Cheyne.

  • The Laws of the Kingdom by J. Oswalk Dykes

    • Dykes has been overlooked to our loss.

  • The Law of the Ten Words by J. Oswalk Dykes

    • His books contain many good thoughts, with good personal application, and are very readable.

  • The Fountain of Life by John Flavel

    • John Flavel (1630 - 1691) was one of the most influential Puritans, and his books are some of the most readable. Sound theology, exalting Christ in everything.

  • The Method of Grace by John Flavel

  • The Mystery of Providence by John Flavel

  • Christ Knocking at the Door by John Flavel

  • Expostion of the Epistle to the Romans by Robert Haldane

  • The Korean-Pentecost-Sufferings-Which-Followed by B. Hunt

    • A moving story of God’s grace to the Korean People in the early 1900s, which explains why there are so many Christians in Korea today; and the suffering that followed!

  • A Glance into the Kingdom of Grace by F.W. Krummacher

    • A collection of sermons by this great German preacher of the 1800s. Two sermons particularly stand out: the sermon on Issachar and the sermon on the Temptation of Christ.

      Everything by Krummacher is worth reading.

  • Elijah the Tishbite by F.W. Krummacher

    • This book, along with the one by A.W. Pink on Elijah, are must reads.

  • Ashamed of the Gospel by John MacArthur

    • A great book! When we adapt the means of the world, we are saying we are ashamed of the gospel, and denying its power. A must read for pastors, evangelists, and missionaries. Also on Amazon.

  • The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther

    • In this book, which many consider Luther's most important, he said this was the "hinge pin" upon which all other issues hung: is the will of man free or bound?  He said that 3 times in the book!  A must read.

  • John the Baptist by F.B. Meyer

    • I would highly recommend this book!  Jesus said that John was the greatest prophet, yet I have never heard even a single sermon on John, but I have found this book on him.

  • The Mirage of Life by William Haig Miller

    • This book is one of the best I have ever read.  Its message is that of the Book of Ecclesiastes, aimed mainly at the unconverted, but a blessing to Christians as well.

  • Demon Possession and Allied Themes by J. Nevius

    • John Nevius was a Scottish Presbyterian missionary in China in the late 1800s. He had many insights into China and missionary work, and along with Roland Allen is must reading for missionaries. This book is brilliant! As you read it, think of Job, and all of the encounters the Lord Jesus had with demons, and all of the demon activity in the book of Acts, and what is said in the Epistles.

  • The Lord’s Prayer by A.W. Pink

    • Good basic thoughts on the Lord’s Prayer.

  • The Epistle to the Hebrews, Vol.1 by A. Saphir

    • Anything and everything by Saphir is great.  These are simple, straight to the point expositions of the Book of Hebrews. 

  • The Epistle to the Hebrews, Vol.2 by A. Saphir

  • The Lord’s Prayer by A. Saphir

    • Very good; straightforward and clear.

  • The Christian's Daily Walk by Henry Scudder

    • A great book to aid in self-examination. Am I a Christian? How can I grow as a Christian? Very readable, and well organized.

  • The Doctrines of Grace in the Gospel of John by R.B. Steward

    • We were privileged to hear these sermons live when Pastor Steward preached them at Englewood Baptist Temple in 1982.

      A very useful booklet.

  • China: Its Spiritual Need and Claim by H. Taylor

    • Following on William Carey and Sheldon Dibble, Taylor makes the same argument for China: we need to go! This was the start of the China Inland Mission.

  • Memoir of Asahel Nettleton by Bennet Tyler

  • The Obedience of the Christian Man by W. Tyndale

    • Christian ought to live. Good reading to help us grow in grace and godly living! Plus, much good material supporting the Reformation position that the Roman Catholic church / Papacy is the Anti-Christ.

  • The Lord’s Prayer by T. Watson

    • Watson is one of my favorite Puritans because he writes in a very straightforward manner.  He does not say the same thing several times; he says it once, clearly, in short simple statements. Very good.

  • Lord Teach Us to Pray by A. Whyte

    • As with all of Alex Whyte’s books, a real practical read. Clear.  A classic.

  • Have We No Rights? by Mabel Williamson

    • When I first saw this title, I thought, Yes, a book to set forth the rights of we missionaries; like Paul said, Don't I have a right to a wife. But NO! She argues that we have no rights. It was a very humbling book to read.