How Do You Know You Are Born Again Gty

Later preaching on Ecclesiastes 2 a few weeks ago, I had a few people inquire me about what books I quoted from. Due to some practiced conversations over supplemental reading, I decided to write on 25 Books Every Christian Should Read.

First, please know that the eye of all the pastors at Mount Pleasant is for you lot to know, study and love the give-and-take of God above whatsoever other book. With that said, we do believe that the Lord can utilise supplemental reading to help claiming and edify the states. Also, this is non an exhaustive list, knowing there are so many corking writings that the Lord has used over the years. Even coming upwardly with these 25, I consulted with our pastoral staff [and others] to meet if there were any they would add to this list, because I desired to have recommendations from all sorts of writers.

It'due south my prayer that all believers would claiming themselves in reading both the Scriptures and other readings that assistance the states better understand the Christian life and proper theology. If you ever demand help finding a volume on a particular subject, delight do not hesitate to contact whatever of our pastoral staff members.

With all of that said, here'south a list of 25 books that every laic should read:

• Desiring God (John Piper) – 368 Pages

Desiring God has been ane of the most influential books for me in my theology, ministry building and walk with Christ. This book will help yous amend understand that our satisfaction and longing should be in one thing: God. In a world where happiness tin exist found in so many external things, Piper draws u.s.a. toward the passions of God. John MacArthur says of Desiring God, "a must read for every Christian, and a feast for the spiritually hungry." If you lot truly are wanting to learn more from Scripture how your desires can exist the same every bit God's, so I strongly recommend this book.

• Knowing God (JI Packer) – 288 Pages

Exercise you take a want to know more than about God and His nature? If so, I believe Knowing God will be a timeless piece of literature with how conspicuously information technology explains who God is. JI Packer is one of greatest theologians of the 20^th Century [and across] due to his clearly articulating the truth of God, and so readers and listeners understand more about how awesome their God is. RC Sproul even says, "Knowing God is a masterpiece by a master theologian. It serves equally a wake-up call for those who are asleep to the majesty of God." This book can challenge and edify any Christian at whatever phase of their walk with the Lord.

• Mere Christianity (CS Lewis) – 227 Pages

I've often said that Mere Christianity should be on the bookshelves of every believer because you never know when it could exist used equally an evangelism resource with an unbeliever. It's an like shooting fish in a barrel read and can show how someone can move from skepticism to truthful belief in Jesus Christ. Lewis explains the foundation of our faith while in the middle of living during WW2. Because this book is structured in such a way that it takes CS Lewis' broadcasts and puts them into a book that defends the religion, it is a great resource to walk through with a not-believer.

• The Prodigal God (Tim Keller) – 192 Pages

Tim Keller is one of the strongest Christian voices and apologists of our current day. The Dissipated God, like to Mere Christianity, has get a great resources to point non-believers to. Why? Tim Keller does an excellent job assuasive the states to self-examine our conventionalities of the story of the Prodigal Son, assuasive united states of america to see a clearer picture show of the Prodigal God. Mark Dever adds, "This brief exposition is unsettling and surprisingly satisfying. Like seeing something equally your own home, or your ain self, with new optics."

• Worship Matters (Bob Kauflin) – 304 Pages

Worship Matters is a great resources to understand why everything nosotros do as believers matters considering it's all near worship. As Bob Kauflin discusses a hard topic in our American churches, he explains that what we teach near worship and how we atomic number 82 in worship can exist just every bit damaging to our faith as helpful. If our worship isn't based on revealing the nature of God, then it fuels the fire that worship is merely about self. Worship leaders, pastors, and every church fellow member should read this book to help guide us in our worship. DA Carson even says, "Bob Kauflin is teaching a new generation to take corporate worship seriously in a mode that is simultaneously biblically founded and addressing today's culture." This book has been a "go to" for me anytime I'm trying to become a little deeper into the chat of worship.

• The Holiness of God (RC Sproul) – 240 Pages

I'm non certain there's a theologian in our previous generation that I could listen to speak, read their books or hear them preach as consistently as I could RC Sproul. The clarity with which he writes/speaks, including a depth in the knowledge of God, is extremely rare. In The Holiness of God, RC Sproul writes about how we should view our living God. Topics many Christian writers avoid, Sproul hits head on with fervency and vibrancy. The offset time I read this book, I could non put it down considering information technology left me always wanting more. Jerry Bridges says, "Every Christian who is serious about his or her growth needs to read The Holiness of God. I profited profoundly from this book." Like-minded with Bridges, this is a must for all believers.

• The Attributes of God (AW Pink) – 127 Pages

This brusque book, along with Knowing God and The Holiness of God, is a groovy book that explains thoroughly about the grapheme of God. These biblical precepts in understanding our Creator allows us to not only know Him at a surface level, but know Him at a foundational level that changes everything about your view of God. Yous'll be encouraged by the depth and simplicity with which Pink writes, and y'all should walk away feeling you're changed past knowing God.

• The Gospel According to Jesus (John MacArthur) – 385 Pages

There are several John MacArthur books that could be added to this list as he has written a number of marvelous books. The Gospel According to Jesus has become 1 of my favorite books due to the style it conspicuously articulates the gospel. As well many "church goers" in American Christianity actually practise not know what it means to exist saved. John MacArthur urges us that Christian religion is much more than a i-time decision. If there'southward non fruit from the decision someone has made, are they truly a believer? This "easy believes" has crept into our churches, and John MacArthur conspicuously explains that that's no gospel at all. Jesus must not only exist our Savior, but He must also be our Lord. To learn more about this topic, I believe The Gospel According to Jesus will help.

• Experiencing God (Henry Blackaby & Claude Male monarch) – 368 Pages

I outset read Experiencing God and did the study when I was a teenager, and it really opened my eyes to truly trusting in the will that God had for my life. I've heard from endless numbers of people how this book has been the most influential book in their Christian walk, exterior of Scripture. As you go through this book [and report] as a student of God's word, you'll be challenged not to have a surface level relationship with Christ, merely one that truly does depend on Him fully. Although this written report has been effectually for a long fourth dimension, the truths taught in this book proceed to assistance believers who are struggling to grow in their religion.

• Prayer (Tim Keller) – 336 Pages

Presently afterward arriving at Mount Pleasant, Pastor Joey had recommended this book on Prayer to the pastoral staff and other leaders in the church. And let me tell you … this has been the all-time volume on prayer that I have read. Afterward walking through some historical aspects on prayer, Tim Keller really does a great task at challenging believers in their personal prayer life. Believers desire to make their prayer life more personal and powerful, and not redundant. Keller helps constitute a practice that will assistance y'all feel more than connected with the Lord through your prayer life. Allow the Lord to utilise this book to strengthen your prayer life.

• Pilgrim'south Progress (John Bunyan) – 96 Pages

The Christian life is not meant to be easy, but rather information technology's a difficult journey at times. The Pilgrim's Progress is a fictional book that really gives a smashing representation of both the joy and struggles of a Christian life. Learning to leave sin behind, the primary character turns to Jesus and desires to follow Jesus daily. You'll leave this book desiring to be faithful to the Lord in all things.

• The Cost of Discipleship (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) – 320 Pages

Today's church building often has a misunderstanding of what true discipleship and living for Jesus looks similar. In this book we run into how in that location's a toll to following Jesus in how we live our humanity and civic duty. Along the mode, we may have people disagree with how we live considering it'south not about comfort, but rather sacrifice. If anyone understands the true cede in following Jesus, it's Dietrich Bonhoeffer who left the comforts of America to render to Germany to push dorsum confronting the Nazi regime and Hitler. In my personal opinion, there'south not a greater resource [outside of Scripture] that explains more clearly the true sacrifice of following Jesus.

• Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (Donald Whitney) – 352 Pages

I had the privilege of reading Spiritual Disciplines my showtime semester of Seminary with Donald Whitney every bit my professor. More than whatever other supplemental resources, this volume has helped me clearly understand spiritual disciplines. This volume volition aid guide you lot through many different disciplines; some that you may not have known were fifty-fifty a command from scripture. I truly believe this will help you abound in your faith and living out the gospel. Alongside of reading this, there's a great workbook that I strongly recommend going through.

• Confessions (Augustine) – 464 Pages

Written in the 4^th & v^thursday Century, this could possibly exist a little more difficult of a read than others. Even though it may be a footling more difficult, I believe translators have washed a proficient job at conspicuously interpreting it. Also, don't not read a volume due to it being a little more difficult of a read, because that'southward what we practise sometimes with Scripture, and we should exist challenged to read hard texts. In Confessions nosotros run across an private who struggles with surrendering over to Jesus, merely when he does, it changes everything for him. This archetype has helped me become a clearer film of redemption and turning abroad from sin. If you truly take time to read and understand this journey of Augustine of Hippo, you'll be thankful for the foundation he set for others in years to follow.

• Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God (JI Packer) – 122 Pages

Evangelism has ofttimes go about us disarming someone of a decision they must make. If nosotros truly believe in a sovereign God, we then realize nosotros don't demand to convince people of conservancy but rather share the gospel and allow the Lord to exercise the work. JI Packer explains what faithful evangelism looks similar while depending on the Begetter [and not cocky] to come across the change in someone'southward life. This doesn't change whether we do evangelism, merely it allows the evangelist to just exist true-blue and depend on God. If you're truly looking for a resource to challenge yous in your evangelism, I would highly recommend Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God.

• The Insanity of God (Nik Ripken) – 384 Pages

The Insanity of God tells a story of a missionary couple who discovered that missions may not always be easy and glamorous, simply totally worth it. They become through some of the most remarkable struggles you'll hear of, but in the end see God's blessing and growth fifty-fifty from the difficult days. This volition rip apart the heart of westernized Christianity and their mission causes. If yous're looking for a story to challenge you most your faithfulness in missions, please read this book. You will not be able to put it down without weeping out to the Lord for forgiveness due to a lack of faith. Danny Aiken said of this book, "It completely and utterly wrecked me. Half the fourth dimension I found myself sitting in heartbreaking silence on the verge of tears, and the other half I found myself wanting to shout and dance over some of the stories." You'll affirm God'southward faithfulness and goodness throughout the pages of this book.

• Awe (Paul David Tripp) – 205 Pages

What truly captures your center? What leads you in what you do, say, and how you alive? Is it the being in awe of God or the things of this world? Paul David Tripp in his book Awe pushes believers that their life should be seen in what they're gazing upon, and if it's not God, and then we're missing the mark. This book is an easy read only will take you to depth of finding your complete satisfaction and joy in the Lord. Craig Groeschel says, "If you will read this book with a hungry and humble eye, God will use it to deepen your passion for Christ as y'all rediscover just who God is and why we're invited to revel in his awesome glory." Y'all should not be disappointed past this volume.

• Lectures to My Students (Charles Spurgeon) – 443 Pages

If I could become back in time and listen to whatever preacher [outside of those in the bible] live, I would choose the "Prince of Preachers," Charles Spurgeon. In his teachings, preaching, and writings he clearly articulates the gospel. More than than any other pastor in the concluding few hundred years, Spurgeon was dedicated to making disciples of all nations. In this book, you'll find a masterpiece of teachings that he taught to those whom he was discipling. These lectures are rich, inspiring, and challenging. I read this while in seminary and frequently betoken leaders and teachers in the church to this resources.

• Crazy Love (Francis Chan) – 224 Pages

I've had the privilege of leading iv different groups through this book. In Crazy Dear, Francis Chan challenges how believers alive in response to the love that God has for us. When people see the early church, and live it out, it looks crazy. Every time I read this book it challenges me to think through how I'm finer living out the gospel. Am I simply comfy with going through the routine or truly sacrificing for the good of those around me? If you read this be prepared to make some life changes on how yous live for the glory of the Lord. Joni Eareckson Tada adds "In Crazy Love, Francis peels dorsum what nosotros retrieve the Christian life is and guides us downwardly the path toward an uncommon intimacy with Jesus-an intimacy which can't help but modify the world around the states!"

• Don't Waste matter Your Life (John Piper) – 192 Pages

In 2003, John Piper spoke to 50,000 college students preaching a message entitled Don't Waste material Your Life. That sermon can likewise exist seen in this volume format, explaining that we shouldn't exist teaching our children and young people to chase after the "American Dream." We must cease wasting our lives on things that don't thing for eternity and starting time focusing our passion on living for Christ and His celebrity. This book truly was an influential one early in my ministry building, because it challenges me not to go after success like I've heard for and so long. There'south no dubiety that if y'all're a Christian, this volume could assist steer your heart toward the Lord.

• In the Grip of Grace (Max Lucado) – 233 Pages

1 of the hardest concepts to empathize is God's grace. The idea of understanding the grace of God is there is nothing that can separate you from God if you lot're truly built-in-once more. Max Lucado eloquently answers some of these hard questions and doctrines in his book In the Grip of Grace. Many of these answers to life will often push us to endeavour harder, while Lucado describes a grace that self-propels you. If you're looking for a light but compelling read on the grace of our Lord that will deepen your understanding of His grace, yous'll want to pick this volume up chop-chop.

• Anybody is a Theologian (RC Sproul) – 357 Pages

We often must be reminded that anybody believes something about God. In believing something about God, you're a theologian. Although the word "theologian" tin be an intimidating word, we all must recognize that we all are theologians – good or bad. In his book Anybody's A Theologian, RC Sproul sets upwardly believers to have a practiced foundation while moving into the topic of systematic theology. Sproul gives us a launching pad into the earth of Systematic Theology, which we should cover, not run abroad from.

• What is a Healthy Church Fellow member? (Thabiti Anyabwile) – 128 Pages

We have seen a plethora of books written on what type of church you are or what it means to be a church, but few on what it looks like to be a church member. Past far, What is a Healthy Church Member is the best volume I have seen or read on the responsibility and role as a church member. Far too often the church is comprised up of members who feel as if the pastors/elders and deacons should do all the work. Thabiti Anyabwile explains biblically what the Bible instructs members of the church building. I would love if nosotros got to a point where every fellow member of Mountain Pleasant was given a re-create of this when joining our church. John MacArthur says of this book, "In an era when Christians seem confused about what kind of community the church building ought to be, hither'southward a helpful handbook outlining the church's truthful biblical priorities, especially equally they apply to private church members."

• Taking God at His Give-and-take (Kevin DeYoung) – 144 Pages

Kevin DeYoung has become one of my favorite writers in contempo years due to clarity and sense of sense of humour. In this short volume we're challenged by asking if our lives truly show nosotros believe the word of God. It'southward piece of cake to say we believe in Jesus, His word, and His teachings, but often our lives don't display that. This book will assistance yous sympathise what the Bible says about itself and encourage y'all to read, believe, and alive what information technology truly says. David Platt says, "My trust in God'south Word is greater, my submission to God's Word is deeper, and my dear for God's Word is sweeter as a consequence of reading this book." That's what I hope you will find by reading this book.

• Sky (Randy Alcorn) – 560 Pages

All believers probably have a want to know more almost Sky. In this book, Randy Alcorn answers questions about Heaven you have both thought and not thought well-nigh. This book will help u.s.a. not create a vision of heaven that comes from Hollywood, but one that is with real people and real bodies that we run across in the pages of Scripture. If yous take a desire to know more about the doctrine of Heaven, here's a groovy resource for yous to start with. Joni Eareckson Tada says, "Randy does an awesome chore of answering people's toughest questions about what lies on the other side of death."

25 Other Books that Could've Fabricated This List:

• The Prayer That Turns the World Upside Down (Albert Mohler)
• The Knowledge of the Holy (AW Tozer)
• Ashamed of the Gospel (John MacArthur)
• Seeing with New Eyes (David Powlison)
• Divided Nosotros Fall (Luder Whitlock Jr)
• Christ & Culture (DA Carson)
• For the Beloved of God (DA Carson)
• Gospel (JD Greear)
• Worship past the Book (DA Carson)
• The Reason for God (Tim Keller)
• Walking with God Through Hurting and Suffering (Tim Keller)
• Christ In the Passover (Ceil & Rosen Moishe)
• Way of the Master (Ray Comfort & Kirk Cameron)
• Explicit Gospel (Matt Chandler)
• Radical (David Platt)
• What is Reformed Theology (RC Sproul)
• The Lion, the Witch & The Wardrobe (CS Lewis)
• The Holy Spirit (Sinclair Ferguson)
• The Whole Christ (Sinclair Ferguson)
• Onward (Russell Moore)
• The Instance for Christ (Lee Strobel)
• Say-so (Martin Lloyd-Jones)
• How the Gospel Brings Us All The Mode Domicile (Derek Thomas)
• Does God Care How We Worship? (Ligon Duncan)
• A Quest for Godliness (JI Packer)

What are other resources (and recommendations) Christian should have?

• Study Bible
  • ESV Report Bible
  • John MacArthur Study Bible
  • Reformation Study Bible
• Commentary
  • John MacArthur Commentary
  • Christ-centered Exposition
  • Andrew's Expositional Commentary
• Cyclopedia
  • Strong's Cyclopedia
• Systematic Theology Books
  • Systematic Theology (Wayne Grudem)
  • Christian Theology (Millard Erickson)
  • Theology for the Church building (Danny Akin)
  • Systematic Theology (Robert Culver)
• Biblical Theology Books
  • Biblical Theology (Michael Lawrence)
  • Biblical Theology (Roark & Cline)
  • God's Glory in Conservancy Through Judgment (James Hamilton)
  • Life'south Big Questions (Vaughn Roberts)
  • Old Testament (Mark Dever)
  • New Attestation (Mark Dever)
• Hermeneutics: Understanding Studying the Bible
  • Getting The Bulletin (Daniel Doriani)
  • According to Plan (Graham Goldsworthy)
  • CrossTalk (Michael Emlet)
  • Gospel Centered Hermeneutics (Graham Goldsworthy)
  • How to Read the Bible Book past Book (Fee Stuart)
• Church History
  • Documents of the Christian Church (Bettenson & Maunder)
  • Church History (Woodbridge & James)
  • The Story of Christianity (Gonzalez)
• Cults
  • The Kingdom of Cults (Walter Martin)
• Devotions
  • Utmost for His Highest (AW Tozer)
  • 365 Days with Spurgeon (Charles Spurgeon)
  • Daily Reflections from the Life of Christ (John MacArthur)

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