Life-Changing Christian Books

A number of books by John Piper (www.desiringgod.com)

Pursuit of God - A.W. Tozer

The collected writings of John Owen & Thomas A'Kempis

I have to say that I am barely worthy of some of the things some of these men have to say.

 

The Grace Awakening, by Chuck Swindoll

A Cristian Manifesto, by Francis Shaffer

A Biblical Psychology of Learning, by Ruth Beechick

Living By the Book, by Howard and William Hendricks

There are very few books that I read more than once. This is basically them.

 

Watchman Nee is one to be cautious of -- you'll get people who are insanely into his writing, and that is part of the problem. It's grown into a kind of international "cult of Nee". His friend Witness Lee had very, very strange teachings.

Finney was an amazing revivalist, but his doctrine was a bit askew. Don't buy his doctrinal writings.

I can't help much as far as modern authors go. I've greatly enjoyed the ones that I've read.

 

The thing is, if a Christian teacher/leader doesn't:
1) encourage you to have a personal walk with God.
2) encourage personal Bible Reading
3) Allow you to have your views...

If they just can't keep from complicating and commenting on every little verse, and protest that any belief other than their own could ever be wrong. I'd watch out.

In other words, if the focus is on Christ, well. But, if they are in any way making themselves out to be an unquestionable, all-knowing authority. Then, it's possible they are trying to be God, or substitute for Him.
I've heard people like that. "This is what this means, and that is the way it is...no matter what you believe, I'm right, you won't cahnge or teach me-ever!"

Do you agree?

 

Some that have helped me are what of Tozers I have read and H. A. Ironside and James A. Stewart on the Welsh revivals.

 

The Pursuit of God, Tozer's, is very good.

i also learned and gained much from from Robert B. Thieme's "Giving, Gimmick or Grace" and "The Integrity of God".

the said book of Tozer can be downloaded for free from the www.e-sword.net website. that of R. B. Thieme's, on the other hand, i recieved for free upon request. the website is www.rbthieme.org.

 

I know that people here genrally do not like Benny Hinn, I have some concerns about him also. But his book "Good Morning Holy Spirit" was a really challenging book.

 

Through Gates of Splendor by Betty Elliot......the story of the five young missionaries slain in South America....A very moving story about dedication and missions. Where there is no vision, the people perish.

Cheers,

Jim

 

"The Seduction of Christianity" by Dave hunt (I was involved in the Pentacostal movement at the time, it was a real eye opener.).
and
"Crystal Christianity" by Charles Finney

 

A small book "According to Promise" by C H Spurgeon. Written to the unsaved, good for everyone

 

Jim,

I haven't read this book but I have read a book called 'Mission to the Headhunters' by Frank and Marie Drown who were missionaries in S.America and involved in this work. A truly inspiring story, one of the best biographies I've read.

The best Christian book I've read is Martyn Lloyd-Jones' 'Studies on The Sermon on the Mount'.

God Bless

Enda

 

Both John MacArthur's The Gospel According to Jesus and Charismatic Chaos were life-changing for me as a young christian in that they taught me to be discerning and opened my eyes to see some error that I had embraced. I'll always owe a debt of gratitude to that man.

A.W. Pink's The Sovereignity of God was also life changing. It too exposed much error in what I had been taught. But more importantly, it played a role in me being able to begin to see God as scripture really portrays Him.

Some other books worth mentioning as life-changing:

Desiring God by John Piper
Spiritual Depression by Martyn Lloyd-Jones
The Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter

A few months ago I read Greg Bahnsen's By This Standard, mainly out of curiosity about the controversy about his work. I don't expect that I'll ever agree with all of it; but it too has changed my thinking greatly and caused me to search the scriptures for some answers. I don't think that I'll ever see the "Law" the same as before.

 

Books that have impacted my life greatly:
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1.) A Life God Rewards-Bruce Wilkensin

2.) Bought by the Bl**d of Jesus-Benny Hinn

3.) Prayer: My Soul's Adventure With God-Dr. Robert Harold Schuller

4.) A Heart Like Jesus-Max Lucado