Great Books

The purpose of this page is to share with the body of Christ those books that the pastors and staff of Berean believe will be most helpful to a Christian's growth in addition to several good study Bibles. Many of these books are available in our bookstore @ 864-2729.

Sketches of church history by S.M. Houghton

An excellent resource for find several high points and main characters in the history of the church. This is not the history of Baptists or any other denomination; it is the story of the men and women that placed their faith in Christ, and stood for him. This book picks up in history in the first century and brings the reader all the way through modern times. (Brian Howell)

Foxe’s book of Martyrs by John Foxe

This book has been around for many years. It is a history book of many brave Christians that chose to live for God rather than preserve their own life. This book is really a compilation of many smaller stories. The reader can easily pick up the book and read about one hero of the faith at a time without needed to read other chapters. If you have the E-sword software, it can be freely obtained. (Brian Howell)

Marks of the messenger By J. Mack Stiles 

A great, brief book about the effective witness of Christians. It focuses on the messenger delivering the gospel. With all of the modern “ways” to effective present the gospel, Stiles focuses our attention back on the person delivering the gospel. (Brian Howell)

30 days to understanding the Bible By Max Anders

This book is highly recommended from BBC as it is used in Bible classes in our academy, and can be used to help Christians grow in their understanding of the narrative of the Bible as a whole, not just individual books. (Brian Howell)

Why Christians Can’t trust Psychology By Ed Bulkley

A mind opening book to the realization that psychology has no connection with the Bible and that there is no such thing as Biblical psychology. This is an excellent read to help you understand the significance of Bible based thinking and not merging your psychology with doctrine. (Brian Howell)

Emotional Purity by Heather Arnel Paulsen

This book is a must read for all single people and or parents of single people.  The concept of saving your emotions being as important as saving your body for marriage, may seem foreign in our time and culture. Yet, this would save much heartache for those anticipating marriage sooner or later. This book shows you how to define and set boundaries in your relationships to avoid making critical mistakes. With sound biblical advice and examples, the author outlines the pitfalls of giving your heart away, and presents guidelines for living an emotionally pure life. (Rachel Drullard)

 

Bringing Up Girls is a wonderful tool that I wish I had read a few years ago. It has brought to light many things that have left my wife and me scratching our heads at in this last year. Let me encourage all parents of all children, to pick this book up and further your education in what is going on in the life of your children. Further your understanding in what is going on in the heads, bodies and hearts of your daughters and learn how to relate to them in the different stages of their lives. From birth to the grave, this book has practical information and advice for a loving and nurturing relationship with your daughters. (Pastor Joe)

Point Man by Steve Farrar

If you will lead as a husband and father your family will follow. It is a trustworthy book on parenthood, seasons of marriage, overcoming personal temptation and living a life by faith in a corrupt world. (Pastor Dwayne)

Shadow of the Almighty by Elisabeth Elliot

 

 

The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot Shadow of the Almighty is an amazing biography by Elliot’s wife, Elisabeth about a man who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of Christ and the advancement of the gospel. Every Christian should read this book. Reading Christian biographies serves to remind us that we are in good company with millions who believe that Jesus is the Christ. Elliot’s own words are recorded through his journal and letters to his fiancée and family. If you are not familiar with Jim Elliot, you are missing out; turn off the TV and read a good book (Pastor Sean).

 

Humility "True Greatness" by CJ Mahaney

The sin God hates the most is the sin of "pride." God states in His word that He is drawn to the humble. This book teaches every believer how to overcome the daily battle of pride and have true biblical humility. Overcoming pride is a battlefield and the author gives the instruction of how to use the right tools to win the battle of pride. (Pastor Dwayne)

I can wholeheartedly endorse Dwayne's recommendation this is a great book about true Christian conduct. Every soldier of the cross needs to read this book. (Pastor Sean)

 When Sinners Say "I Do" by Dave Harvey

This is the best book I have read on marriage. It is used for pre-maritial counseling at BBC. It is a fast read and cuts to the core of the problem in all marriages, namely sin. Harvey identifies the problem and shows how the gospel is the only acceptable solution. Every married couple should read this book. Preachers should not perform marriages unless the candidate for marriage have worked through the book. The book is gospel-centered and Harvey's honesty is to be admired. (Pastor Sean)

 

Tender Warrior by Stu Weber

Tender Warrior is by far one of the best books for men I have ever read. It presents a challenging call for Christian men to be the balanced man that God expects those He created as males to be. In a day and age when the distinct gender distinctions God created are becoming less distinct this book reminds every male how to be a leader, friend, lover and protector. Men on Fort Bragg wonder how they can be a Christian and a warrior; this book answers that question well from the Word of God. Wives should buy this book for their husbands. This book would make a great men’s Bible study book. (Pastor Sean)

 

In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado

Everyone in some point of their life will go through a storm. The real question is, "How will you react in the storm?' It has been said that everyone either has recently gone through a storm, presently going through a storm or will soon go through a storm. It takes one day in the life of Christ in which He went through unbelievable emotional, physical, mental and spiritual turmoil and how He reacted to the "Storm." (Pastor Dwayne)

 

Passing the Plate by Christian Smith

Passing the Plate is an amazing book about the giving habits of Christians throughout America. The authors’ extensive research is eye-opening and will challenge the reader to consider all that could be done throughout the world if more people would give. The book is chalked full of facts and statistics. Any pastor considering preaching a series on giving would do well to avail himself of this book before beginning the series. This is NOT a prosperity gospel type book. (Pastor Sean)

 

Teaching to Change Lives by Howard Hendricks
 
Teaching to Change Lives is a concise, brutally honest challenge which takes the casual teacher to the true test of loving Christ--"feeding [His] sheep" (John 21).  Hendricks' 50 years of professorship and pastoral work are behind these seven easy laws which are hurled at the heart of the classroom teacher and sanctuary instructor who find themselves reading its pages. There are a ton of books that should be about 1/3 their published length, but this is not one of them. (Bill Sturm)

 

Money Possessions and Eternity by Randy Alcorn

Who wants to settle for fleeting treasures on earth...when God offers everlasting treasures in Heaven? It's time to rethink our perspectives on money and possessions. In this thoroughly researched and extensively updated classic, Randy Alcorn shows us how to view them accurately - as God's provision for our good, the good of others, and His glory. This practical and refreshing theology of money contains topical and Scripture indexes, a study guide, and five helpful appendices. (Carinda Kerr)

The Father Connection by Josh McDowell

The Father Connection is an easy read with many practical, everyday scenarios that we have all lived through at one time or another in our struggles as parents.  Josh lists 10 basic qualities or areas of attention that each of us as a Dad needs to be cognizant of in our daily responsibilities as a parent- the toughest job that God may ever ask us to undertake!  Don't beat yourself up over any failures of these truths and practices- learn from them, whether you have small children or adult children- they are very practical. (Don Adams) 

 

Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur

This book goes into great detail concerning the backgrounds and lives of each of the twelve Apostles Christ chose to follow him. It gives the historical background of each Apostle and how Christ transformed the lives of these men to "turn the world upside down." It teaches how Christ takes "nobodies" and turns them into "somebodies." A great study guide that can be used for a daily Bible or small group study is also available. (Pastor Dwayne)

A Man after God's Own Heart by Jim George

This book takes the example of David and how we as men can be "Men after God's own Heart." Topics include How to be men that grow spiritually, love our wives as Christ loved the Church, love and lead our children, be an example in the workplace, and men that reach out. Every man that desires to know and love God should read this book. Also, great for a men's Bible study group. (Pastor Dwayne)

 

 

The Way of Agape by Chuck & Nancy Missler

Experiencing tough times is something we can all count on.  Every person goes thorugh something in life that will challenge us to grow either emotionally, or spiritually. This book could be a help to those going through a difficult marriage, recovering from a painful childhood or perhaps overcoming past mistakes.  This book gives many examples of how people have pulled through trying times. How did they do this?  By learning to love themselves and others God's way and laying down their "right" to their own feelings, desires, and ways of doing things that are typically opposed to God's ways.In short, The Way of Agape encourages us to look at the bigger picture and seek out God's love in the midst of our difficulties. (Carinda Kerr)

Age of Opportunity by Paul David Tripp
Age of Opportunity is a wonderful book that takes parents of teenagers through the difficult yet rewarding journey of parenthood. Paul Tripp identifies the family as “A Theological Community”, and walks parents through different scenarios that take place during the teenage years.   Tripp equips parents to take advantage of this age of opportunity, by asking the right questions, pointing out the root of issues rather than focusing on the surface and superficial issues.   “The goal of all of this is to root our children’s identity in the existence and glory of God” (Tripp).  This is a must read for anyone that has, will have or knows someone who has teens. (Pastor Joe)

Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
Ever wonder what life will look like when you are at the end looking back? John Piper did and this is the result of that reflection. A wonderful motivation to do just what the title says, “Don’t waste your life!” Piper takes the reader to the realization that “He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him”. This is a wonderful motivational book to keep the believer on track with their purpose in life, to serve the Lord. (Pastor Joe) 

 
Every Young Man’s Battle by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker
No one likes to discuss it but someone has to. Sexual impurity is rampant in our culture and has gripped and crippled the body of Christ. Every Young Man’s Battle tackles the issue head on. Dads, this is a great book for you and your son to read together. Let this be the conversation starter for a difficult subject. The payoff will be eternal. (Pastor Joe) 

Changed Into His Image by Dr. Jim Berg

 
Sanctification, that’s what the Christian life is all about. How does one become like Christ and what does that look like? Dr. Berg takes the reader through this process and points out just what transformation might look like and helps the reader to recognize when God is using circumstances in their life to change them. (Pastor Joe)

 
Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
Shepherding a Childs Heart is a must read! This book focuses on shaping the heart of children! Training children to recognize why they do what they do and understand the root of their behavior. Author Tedd Tripp does a wonderful job of equipping parents to peel back the layers of the behavior in even the youngest of children, and figure out what it is really that makes our children tick. After all, a child can be obedient and still be just as wrong in his/her motives as an outright rebellious child. (Pastor Joe)

Christian Living in the Home by Jay E. Adams
This is the first book that my wife and I ever read together! Christian Living in the Home is great resource for families of all sizes that live together in the same home. We all have the same problem -  sin. This book can be picked up at any time by any family in any situation and be applicable immediately. Every home should have a copy. (Pastor Joe)

 

The Life God Blesses by Gordon MacDonald

This book is a helpful guide to those who are interested in learning to listen to God, recognize true spirituality, break free from sin identifying their life's mission, strengthen their convictions, and become energized for the tasks that God has planned for them.  (Dr. Wilson)

The Master by John Pollock

The life of Jesus as seen through the eyes of John.  Christ's humanity combined with His deity will come alive as you read this book.  The life and work of Christ will become much clearer and focused for the believer.  This is a story that will live in your memory, and one that you will want to share with others.  (Dr. Wilson)

 

 
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