Book Recomendations

CURRENT BOOK TABLE:

The Preeminent Christ, Paul Washer, 2023

This book is wonderfully unoriginal. Coming in at a whopping 98 pages in length, much of even that is taken up by quotes from Godly men of the past. Brother Paul has made it his life's work to study and to preach the Gospel. His writing is in keeping with his preaching and his demeanor in personal conversation: It is direct, pastoral, worshipful, and passionate. In this book he distills much of what the church fathers, some pietists, and particularly the Reformers, Puritans, and early evangelicals had to say about the Gospel and its grand subject, the Person of Christ. 

A Gospel Primer for Christians, Milton Vincent, 2008

Similar to Paul Washer’s book, this is a brief read. And it is probably somewhat more accessible, to boot. At 97 pages long, this is really even shorter, as parts II and III are really the same content, written in two different ways. Milton Vincent writes beautifully, giving us the reasons to preach the Gospel to ourselves daily, and the means to do that by covering its content, both in prosaic and poetic form. Every Christian should read this at least once. 

Telling the Truth, Sam Frey, 2010

This simple little booklet is written by a master evangelist. The only exception that I would take with this book might be a more skeptical view of “The Sinner’s Prayer” than Sam takes. In every other respect, I just sit down, shut up, and listen to what he has to say. By nature an artistic, shy, introverted person, Sam has obediently followed the Lord all over the world, sharing the Gospel with people one on one. Rereading this book today, I realize that I quote Sam more than I know, particularly on this topic.

The One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven, Mark Cahill, 2002

Ray Comfort, who will make it on to this table eventually, says that Mark Cahill is “...the only man on earth who has ever made me feel lukewarm.” by comparison, which is high praise coming from such an evangelist as Comfort. This book is part guide to evangelism, and part fuel to fire your evangelistic zeal. 

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, J.I.Packer, 1961

This little book, derived from a talk given at a conference, is a timeless classic. Many people, in response to the biblical doctrine that “salvation belongs to the LORD” will ask, “If that is true, do we even have to evangelize?” Or the more confrontational, “If you tell people that God is sovereign in salvation, they won’t share then Gospel!” Packer debunks that myth again for our age. Far from inhibiting evangelism, the sovereignty of God is its great spur in the life of the Christian

What is a Healthy Church Member?, Thabiti Anyabwile, 2008

In recent years this author has failed to impress me on his dealing with many social issues and how they relate to doctrine. But this little book is a very helpful resource for the Christian that wants to be a productive, growing member of their church. Like most of the 9Marks books, this quick read is informative, Biblical, and readable.

SERMON SERIES RESOURCES:

Galatians: An Expositional Commentary, R.C. Sproul

The Gospel of Mark, D. Edmond Hiebert

Jesus: Power Without Measure, Douglas MacMillan

GENERAL TOPICS:

Tying the Knot: A Premarital Guide to a Strong and Lasting Marriage, Rob Green

Shepherding a Child's Heart, Ted Tripp

Teachers and Preachers you should listen to

No preacher will align perfectly with any other, this is one of the great sorrows of living in a fallen world. The following list is one of men who have a proven track record of faithfulness and are worth listening to. Some may have a particular note next to their name in regard to perceived strengths or weaknesses

Paul Washer- I am, admittedly, a die-hard admirer of Paul Washer. He has been one of the most helpful preachers that I have listened to. Having said that, he can come across very abrasive in his older stuff, and maybe a little emotionally intense across the board for many

John MacArthur- Some may find MacArthur abrasive as well, but he is widely regarded as one of the most faithful expositors alive today. He has been serving the same church since 1969, and has written numerous books, commentaries and study guides. 

Alistair Begg- Begg is a Scot who has been pastoring in Ohio since the 80's. He has a very pastoral, charming, but still direct manner, and listening to him is a masterclass in handing the Word graciously and truthfully. 

John Piper- Can lean toward legalism on one hand, or ecumenicalism on the other, but there is much good there in regards to the Christian life

Eric Ludy- I have not listened to many of his sermons is quite a few years, so I am really recommending his old stuff. Very passionate Gospel preacher, very good at directing you toward service for God. Tends toward "Deeper life" or "Higher life" thinking, which can be overly subjective and pietistic at times. 

Doug Bookman- Dr. Bookman is not as well known as some names on this list, but he is, in my mind, the preeminent teacher on the life of Jesus. Much more of a teacher than a preacher, but still very devotional and helpful. Masterful and finding the details in the Gospels that help us to harmonize the accounts.

R.C. Sproul- As a Presbyterian, the late Dr. Sproul will take what we see as an unbiblical view on a few issues such as church polity, baptism and the Lord's Supper. By an large however, in regard to the Gospel, the nature of God, and Bible exposition, he is one of the most faithful teachers that you will find.