Recommended Reading
Sanctification
by Michael Riccardi
June’s book of the month is Sanctification by Michael Riccardi. Much has been written recently on how the truths of the gospel affect change and personal holiness. Riccardi contributes to the discussion with amazing clarity and biblical balance, even capturing well Scripture’s teaching on the subject in the book’s subtitle: The Christian’s Pursuit of God-Given Holiness.
The Christian Home
by Paul Shirley
May’s book of the month is The Christian Home by Paul Shirley. In this short, easy-to-read book, Shirley shows how Ephesians 5:22-6:4 addresses the importance of a family being ordered according to God’s Word, growing in God’s grace, and plugging into the life of the church.
Darkest Night, Brightest Day
by Marty Machowski
April’s book of the month is particularly aimed at families with children this Easter season. For a week before Resurrection Sunday, Darkest Night, guides you through understanding and remembering Jesus’ last week leading up to the cross. On Resurrection (Easter) Sunday, you flip the book backward from Darkest Night to Brightest Day. Each day follows the same pattern, this time focusing on Jesus’ resurrection and appearances to the disciples between His resurrection and Pentecost.
Hospitality Commands
by Alexander Strauch
Please consider purchasing and reading Hospitality Commands by Alexander Strauch, March’s book of the month. Hospitality is commanded of all Christians and commended as a characteristic of mature Christians. These commands are rooted in the Christian’s love for the household of God and are a very practical way to show God’s love to the church and world. This very short, accessible, and practical book is available at the book table.
The Mystery of Providence
by John Flavel
In God’s providence, your circumstances are designed according to God’s good intentions. God’s purposes in every circumstance are not always intuitive. February’s Book of the Month, The Mystery of Providence, brings a biblical perspective on God’s sovereignty and His purposes in the life of the believer.
Out of Darkness
by Tom Hout Chow
January’s book of the month is Out of Darkness, a story of God’s remarkable grace at work. Tom Hout Chow was rescued, not only from one of the darkest episodes of human history, but also from the darkness of his own heart. Told from Tom’s perspective as he suffered, survived, and then was saved in war-torn Cambodia, this book will deepen your faith, spark helpful conversations, and move you to worship.
The Coming of the King
by J. C. Ryle
December’s book of the month will be J. C. Ryle’s, The Coming of the King, a compilation of meditations from his Expository Thoughts commentary series. We’ll be making these available early so that families can get started soon if they desire to make sure they finish by Christmas (if you’re like us, you’ll need it!).
Forgiveness
by John MacArthur
This month’s featured resource is The Freedom and Power of Forgiveness by John MacArthur. It includes excellent teaching on the nature of forgiveness as well as the practical dynamics involved in making and maintaining peaceful relationships within the church. Pick up a copy at the booktable and purchase it in the coffee table area.
Pick up a reading guide with a suggested one-month reading plan from the booktable.
Select Letters of John Newton
by John Newton
Our highlighted resource for October is Banner of Truth’s excellent publication, Select Letters of John Newton. While most famous for writing the hymn, “Amazing Grace,” Newton’s legacy stems from his counsel. This book captures thirty-nine letters that give readers a glimpse into the heart of this gracious and godly shepherd.
Pick up a reading guide with a suggested one-month reading plan from the booktable.
The Healing Promise
by Richard Mayhue
September’s book of the month is Richard Mayhue’s book, The Healing Promise. In this book, Mayhue examines the claims of the modern healing movement and builds a convincing case that Cessationism, the belief that the miraculous spiritual gifts so prominent during the birth of the church in Acts, have since ceased.
Pick up a reading guide with a suggested one-month reading plan from the booktable.
Doing God’s Business God’s Way
by George J. Zemek
August’s book of the month is Dr. George Zemek’s Doing God’s Business God’s Way. Dr. Zemek has been training men for over 50 years. This book captures the essence of his training on apologetics, teaching readers the proper approach to defending the Christian faith by embracing a biblical view of man. Pick up a reading guide with a suggested one-month reading plan from the booktable.
How to Overcome Evil
by Jay Adams
Our featured resource for July is How to Overcome Evil by Jay Adams. It is a practical exposition of Romans 12:14-21 and offers excellent instruction for blessing persecutors and those who commit evil against the believer. See the reading guide for a suggested one-month reading plan.
The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust Modern Translations?
by James R. White
June’s featured resource is The King James Only Controversy by James White. This book refutes the error of the King James Only movement that asserts that all faithful Christians must use only the King James Version. In doing so, White makes a convincing case for the legitimacy of modern Bible translations. This book will lead the reader to worshipful gratitude for God’s wise preservation of His trustworthy word. See the book table for more information.
Trusting God
by Jerry Bridges
May’s book of the month at the book table is Trusting God by Jerry Bridges. Bridges wrote this book for this purpose: “To encourage God’s people by demonstrating from Scripture that God is in control of their lives, that He does indeed love them, and that He works out all the circumstances of their lives for their ultimate good.” A handout is available at the book table with a suggested reading plan for finishing Trusting God in one month as well as some heart shepherding helps. See the book table for more information.
The Faithful Parent
by Martha Peace and Stuart Scott
The April Book of the Month is The Faithful Parent by Martha Peace and Stuart Scott. In it, the authors describe the single goal of parenting as being “faithful to God’s Word by his grace and for his glory.” This resource will help strengthen parents to apply biblical principles in a variety of seasons of parenting. You can pick up a copy at the booktable. Please see the booktable servants with any questions.
Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices
by Thomas Brooks
The March Book of the Month is Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices by Thomas Brooks ($9). It is an excellent example of heart-shepherding as Brooks unmasks the lies that Satan offers the ever-deceitful human heart. He then counters these lies with a wealth of truth from God’s word. See the booktable servants for a suggested one-month reading plan and the accompanying reading guide.
God’s Battle Plan for the Mind
by David Saxton
January’s Book of the Month is Plain and Simple Thoughts for Children and Parents by William S. Plumer. This book includes fifteen sermons and seventeen essays for children. In it, Plumer turns lofty theological thoughts into low hanging fruit that are sure to bless both children and adults. See the booktable servants for more information.
Plain and Simple Thoughts for Children and Parents
by William S. Plumer
January’s Book of the Month is Plain and Simple Thoughts for Children and Parents by William S. Plumer. This book includes fifteen sermons and seventeen essays for children. In it, Plumer turns lofty theological thoughts into low hanging fruit that are sure to bless both children and adults. See the booktable servants for more information.
The Envy of Eve
by Melissa B. Kruger
Our December book of the month is The Envy of Eve by Melissa B. Kruger. This helpful resource teaches us how to put to death the sins of envy, jealousy, covetousness, and discontentment. It helpfully emphasizes the need for heart-level change by means of believing God’s truth over our own inclinations, opinions, and emotions. For more information, see the booktable servants.
The Sovereignty of God
by Arthur Pink
November’s book featured resource is The Sovereignty of God by Arthur Pink. Few doctrines will so humble the soul as a consideration of God’s control over all things. Here, Pink helps the reader marvel at God’s comprehensive, universal rule over creation, salvation, the church, good, and evil. See the booktable servants for a reading guide with a recommended one-month reading plan.
Free to Be Holy
by Jerry Wragg & Paul Shirley
October’s Book of the Month is Free to Be Holy by Jerry Wragg and Paul Shirley ($11). This book is written clearly and forcefully, teaching how God’s people might work by God’s means to look more like God’s Son. It provides clear instruction on sanctification and helpfully uncovers many modern errors that impede our growth in Christ-likeness.
The Bruised Reed
by Richard Sibbes
This month, we are featuring The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes as our book of the month. This book describes the compassion and severity of Christ in his dealings with sinners. In it, Sibbes offers timeless wisdom for mimicking Christ’s heart for sinners and sufferers.
Duties of Christian Fellowship
by John Owen
Duties of Christian Fellowship by John Owen is our August book of the month. A rare short work from Owen’s pen, this book offers a brief overview the various responsibilities of local church members. Hearing these truths from a Puritan who lived from 1616 – 1683 provides a helpful reminder of the Father’s unchanging instruction for His household.
For the Sake of His Name
by David M. Doran
Our July book of the month is For the Sake of His Name by Dr. David Doran. It articulates our own church’s convictions regarding missionary endeavors, namely, that missions is about the glory of God in the gospel of Christ, being manifested through local churches everywhere around the world. This resource is an excellent accompaniment to the current sermon series. See the booktable servants for the accompanying reading guide, which includes a suggested one-month reading plan.
How Readest Thou?
by J.C. Ryle
The book of the month for June is How Readest Thou? by J. C. Ryle. Since this book is old enough to be out of print and not copy written, our church has reprinted it using a local printer. This book will remind you of the excellencies of God’s word and help to increase your love for Bible reading. See the booktable servants if you have questions.
Profiting from the Word
by A.W. Pink
May’s book of the month is Profiting from the Word by A. W. Pink. Since God’s word is the basis upon which we pursue the various spiritual disciplines of shepherding our hearts, homes, and ministries, this book is an excellent resource for our church to consume as Build and Wellspring come to a close. Copies are available for purchase at the booktable.
Think Biblically!: Recovering a Christian Worldview
by John MacArthur and The Master’s University Faculty
This book covers a variety of topics related to a Christian worldview. It provides answers to the ways that Christians ought to think about Scripture, salvation, psychology, music, art, culture, and much more. Copies are available for purchase at the booktable.
Communication & Conflict Resolution, Anger, Anxiety, and Fear, From Pride to Humility
by Stuart Scott
Stuart Scott is a seasoned shepherd and counselor. He currently serves as the Director of Membership Services for The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). In these three booklets, he brings a wealth of shepherding experience and Bible knowledge to bear on three important areas of life. Readers will find these booklets instructive, searching, and convicting. They offer great clarity and succinct instruction for both personal heart shepherding and one- another-care within the body.
Revelation 20 and the Millennial Debate
by Matthew Waymeyer
February’s book of the month is Revelation 20 and the Millennial Debate ($10) by Matthew Waymeyer, pastor at Grace Immanuel Bible Church (Jupiter, FL) and The Expositors Seminary professor. This book makes a convincing case for Premillennialism by closely examining each detail of Revelation chapter 20. It is formatted as a syllabus outline, making the various arguments easy to follow. See the booktable servants for the accompanying reading guide and a suggested one-month reading plan.
Discipling
by Mark Dever
This month’s featured resource is Discipling by Mark Dever ($12). This little book is a helpful big-picture summary of discipleship within the local church. It emphasizes the usefulness of local church authority, church discipline, and the common member-to-member aspects of body life to produce mature saints for the glory of God.
In the Fullness of Time: A Jesse Tree Advent Devotional
by Carrie Hendricks
We are excited to feature Carrie Hendricks’s book, In the Fullness of Time: A Jesse Tree Advent Devotional ($5) as our December book of the month. This book is the fruit of years of labor for Carrie’s own home and includes 24 lessons for daily family reading during the Christmas season. She traces themes, events, characters, and prophecies throughout the Old Testament that God purposed, ultimately, to reveal the sufferings and subsequent glories of His Messiah, Jesus. Ordering is available at gbcaz.myshopify.com. If you have any questions, please contact ([email protected]).
Every Thought Captive
by Richard L. Pratt, Jr.
The November book of the month is Every Thought Captive by Richard L. Pratt. Often times, apologetics (the practice of defending the Christian faith) can seem like a complicated endeavor fit only for an elite group of Christians who have been gifted with exceptional intellect. But, this is not the case. God has given His word to every one of His children in order to know and proclaim his truth (Ps. 119:98). This book will help equip you to better defend God’s truth on God’s terms.
Courageous Churchmen
by Jerry Wragg
This month’s featured resource is Courageous Churchmen by Jerry Wragg ($15). With piercing clarity and straightforward, concrete biblical thinking, Jerry Wragg explains what makes godly leaders worth following. He tells why the church is suffering from a lack of godly leaders and also how to avoid ensnaring leadership deficiencies.
Certainly, this book should be read by current and aspiring church leaders. But beyond church leaders, this book is helpful to husbands, dads, and men in general, as well as the entire flock whose job it is to participate in raising up and training its own future church leaders.
Expository Sanctification
by Paul Shirley
This month’s featured resource is Expository Sanctification by Paul Shirley ($9). Paul is an Expositors Seminary alumnus who now pastors in Wilmington, Delaware. He wrote this book to help the church understand the significant role that faithful preaching plays in the holiness of God’s people. To purchase this book, visit our online store.
The Duty and Blessing of a Tender Conscience
by Timothy Cruso
This month’s featured resource is The Duty and Blessing of a Tender Conscience ($11). This book was written by Puritan minister, Timothy Cruso (1656-1697). Though not widely published, it provides excellent instruction for understanding, obtaining, and maintaining a pure life and a good conscience. Five additional sermons make up the second half of this book. You can purchase a copy at our online store.
Letters on Christian Education
by A Mother
Our book of the month for July is Letters on Christian Education ($7). The book includes nine short letters written by an anonymous Christian woman to her friend on parenting. These letters were originally published in the mid-1800s. As the publisher writes, “You will find in them sound biblical counsel and practical personal advice concerning the training and education of children — from infants just entering the world to teens about to leave the home and face the world on their own.” You can purchase a copy at the booktable’s online store and we will deliver it to your home address.
When Sinners Say I Do
by Dave Harvey
The book of the month for March is When Sinners Say I Do by Dave Harvey ($10). The booktable has a reading guide prepared to help you finish the book in one month along with questions to guide your application of its contents to your life. This is an excellent book, training you to apply the gospel and doctrine of sin to your marriage. But it truly is a must-read for all people–married or not–as these 10 immensely biblical chapters will only benefit every relationship you find yourself in. You can purchase this and other booktable books now at our online bookstore. Orders will begin being delivered on Friday, May 9th If you have any questions, please contact Omri Miles ([email protected]).
Answering Anxiety
by Richard Caldwell
Answering Anxiety by Richard Caldwell is our April book of the month. This book will help readers to shepherd their own hearts as well as others who are tempted with anxiety. You can purchase a copy by clicking below. Deliveries will be made beginning Friday, April 3. Because we want to make sure that cost is not an issue for anyone in our church, you will be able to name your price at checkout (must be at least $0.01). The reading guide can be found clicking on “Learn More” below. It includes additional sermons, podcast episodes, and blog posts on anxiety, as well as a suggested one-month reading plan for this book. If you have any questions, please contact Omri Miles ([email protected]).
Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans
by Robert Elmer
Our March book of the month is Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans. Compiled from sermons and original writings, Robert Elmer offers “some of the most passionate examples of Puritan prayer, from earnest repentance to joyful praise,” to modern readers. The language is slightly updated for easier reading but seeks to maintain the gravity of the original. This book will prove a helpful aid to your own prayers. See the booktable servants if you have questions about these and other resources.
Words to Winners of Souls
by Horatius Bonar
February’s book of the month is Words to Winners of Souls by Horatius Bonar. Bonar wrote this book to increase evangelistic boldness in his day among ministers. It is a brief but excellent stimulant to compassionate, courageous evangelism.
The Duties of Parents & Thoughts for Young Men
by J.C. Ryle
January’s book of the month is J. C. Ryle’s The Duties of Parents and Thoughts for Young Men. Both of these family-oriented books appeal to a much broader audience than their titles seem to indicate. Parents, as well as young men and women seeking to grow in their pursuit of God, will benefit from these excellent books.
Reading Guide | Purchase: The Duties of Parents | Thoughts for Young Men
Tales That Tell the Truth series
by The Good Book Company
This month, we are highlighting a series of children’s books published by The Good Book Company: The Christmas Promise, The One O’Clock Miracle, The Storm that Stopped, and The Friend Who Forgives. Each of these books recounts a story from Jesus’ earthly life. They are excellent resources for helping children understand the humanity and deity of Jesus and what God sent him to accomplish for those who place their faith in him.
Reading Guide | Purchase: The Christmas Promise| The One O’Clock Miracle | The Friend Who Forgives | The Storm That Stopped
Passions of the Heart
by John Street
November’s book of the month is Passions of the Heart: Biblical Counsel for Stubborn Sexual Sins by John Street. This resource diagnoses the sinful heart beneath immorality better than any other modern counseling resource. It is an excellent resource for counselors, couples, parents, and those struggling or who know others struggling with sexual sin.
Dr. Michael Vlach Resources
This month, in preparation for the TES Super Seminar in November, the booktable is featuring three resources by Dr. Michael Vlach: He Will Reign Forever, Has the Church Replaced Israel, Philosophy 101.
Reading Guide | Purchase: He Will Reign Forever | Has the Church Replaced Israel | Philosophy 101
Profiting From the Word
by A.W. Pink
September’s book of the month is Profiting From the Word by A. W. Pink ($6). This book includes ten chapters about the effects that Bible reading ought to have on the Christian’s life. It is an excellent supplement to what our church will be learning through Build and Wellspring in the coming months.
Twelve Ordinary Men and Twelve Extraordinary Women
by John MacArthur
July and August’s books of the month are Twelve Ordinary Men and Twelve Extraordinary Women, both written by John MacArthur. These books provide excellent examples of God’s desire to use the weak things of the world to accomplish incredible feats and will help us to humbly walk in a manner worth of our calling.
Reading Guide | Purchase: Twelve Ordinary Men | Twelve Extraordinary Women
Agape Leadership
by Robert L. Peterson & Alexander Strauch
The May book of the month is taken from a larger biography on R. C. Chapman. In it, you will hear echoes of the principles that our church has come to prize in the BUILD and Wellspring disciplines. In this little, 80-page book, you will learn about a man who was said to practice what other preachers preached.
James
by John MacArthur
April’s Book of the Month is John MacArthur’s James: Guidelines for a Happy Christian Life. This resource will be a great aid to accompany our current preaching series through the book of James for those who desire a greater familiarity with this immensely practical New Testament epistle.
Suffering
by Paul David Tripp
March’s Book of the Month is Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn’t Make Sense by Paul David Tripp. It is an intensely practical and helpful book offering true help to the suffering Christian. This is a book filled with theology: It is some of the sweetest most excellent theology because it talks about the practical rubber-meets-the-road of God’s love, goodness, and sovereign purposes to care for His children in suffering. But it is not a theology book devoid from practical experience. Rather, Tripp wrote many of the chapters while experiencing near debilitating pain himself. It was unexpected chronic illness that led him to write this book and write it well from first-hand experience.
The Godly Man’s Picture
by Thomas Watson
The Godly Man’s Picture is one of my favorite books because of what it has contributed to my own thinking and holiness over the years. The book opens with these words: “The soul being so precious, and salvation so glorious, it is the highest point of prudence to make preparations for another world.” Watson aids the reader in making these preparations by succinctly describing many necessary manifestations of holiness in the Christian. I have returned to this book many times in order to reread certain sections or reference a quote on a particular subject because the book covers so much so succinctly. If you cannot read it in one month, it will be worth however long it takes to read it cover to cover.
Yearlong Devotionals & Reading Plans
Jerry Bridges has wisely said, “If we do not actively seek to come under the influence of God’s Word, we will come under the influence of sinful society around us.” One of the most important sanctifying disciplines for the Christian is the daily reading and prayerful meditation upon God’s Word. A reading plan can be a helpful tool in providing a plan in order to systematically take you through the entire Bible (or a section of it). There are a number of premade plans or software that can generate them; M’Cheyne’s is a plan that has survived the test of time and proven itself to be a favorite of many in our body. One of the recommended books of the month is For the Love of God, a 365-day devotional commentary on the day’s reading from M’Cheyne’s Plan. We also are highlighting a Daily Bible Reading help for children (approximately ages 6-12) called Exploring the Bible. Or if you are already reading the Bible each day, consider choosing a daily devotional that will do a good job of pastorally setting the eyes of your heart upon the Lord in the gospel each day. I strongly commend the discipline of committing to take time to read daily both individually and as a family. Devotionals like this are excellent tools to get your started.
Reading Guide | Purchase: For the Love of God | Exploring the Bible | New Morning Mercies | Truth for Today
Good News for Little Hearts Series
by New Growth Press
December’s recommended resource is a series of counseling books for children, published by New Growth Press. The three books in this series address anger, anxiety, and pride in a way that children can grasp. They are beautifully illustrated and will make great gifts for family members seeking to teach their children biblical principles. For more children’s resources as well as counseling-related resources for adults, please see the booktable servants.
The Duties of Parents
by J.C. Ryle
November’s featured resource is J. C. Ryle’s book, The Duties of Parents. In 34 pages, Ryle succinctly and insightfully summarizes seventeen basic obligations of Christian parents to their children. Every member of your family can profit from the wisdom contained in these few pages. Pick up a copy at the booktable along with the accompanying reading guide.
Sanctification
by Michael Riccardi
October’s book of the month is Sanctification by Michael Riccardi. Much has been written recently on how the truths of the gospel affect change and personal holiness. Riccardi contributes to the discussion with amazing clarity and biblical balance, even capturing well Scripture’s teaching on the subject in the book’s subtitle: The Christian’s Pursuit of God-Given Holiness. Pick up a copy at the booktable, along with its accompanying reading guide.
Courageous Churchmen
by Jerry Wragg
This month’s book of the month is Courageous Churchmen by Jerry Wragg. With piercing clarity and straightforward, concrete biblical instruction, Wragg pinpoints the problem with current leadership trends in the church and thoroughly examines those leadership qualities that God esteems. This book will be a blessing to all who desire to grow as leaders for the sake of God’s glory and the enduring witness of God’s church.
Hide the Word
by Mark Altrogge
In August, the Booktable is featuring Hide the Word by Mark Altrogge. It is music designed to help you memorize the Bible. Each track is nothing but the Biblical text repeated 3 times to music, taking advantage of our natural ability to remember song lyrics. This is a great way to memorize the Bible as a family or individually. Some in our body have memorized hundreds of verses this way. We were able to secure special pricing direct from Mark Altrogge, just $6 per CD.
The Truth War
by John MacArthur
This month’s book of the month is The Truth War by John MacArthur ($13). Since there is an ever-present call to defend the single body of Christian teaching that God has entrusted to the church, the BookTable ministry heartily recommends this helpful resource to you. The Truth War offers helpful reminders of the importance of discerning the truth from every form of error, whether overt or subtle. See the BookTable servants for the accompanying reading guide with a suggested one-month reading plan.
Institute for Creation Research Resources
This month we are highlighting resources from The Institute for Creation Research for our books of the month. Their resources include Creation Basics & Beyond: An In-Depth Look at Science, Origins, and Evolution ($10) and Twenty Evolutionary Blunders: Danger and Difficulties of Darwinian Thinking ($13) and much more. Visit icr.org for additional information and resources.
Missions: How the Local Church Goes Global
by Andy Johnson
The April and May book of the month is Missions: How the Local Church Goes Global by Andy Johnson. This book compliments our recent sermon in the Philosophy of Ministry series. It is a short book that captures well our church’s approach to missions. If you have any questions or want the reading guide which includes a suggested one-month reading plan for completing the book in April, please see the booktable servants.
The Forest and the Trees
by Michael Riccardi
The Forest and the Trees by Michael Riccardi is an excellent introduction to hermeneutics. Riccardi explains the overarching purpose of the Bible and how to avoid common, modern-day pit falls in interpreting Scripture. This 55-page book will only strengthen your ability to interact with God’s word for your own heart and for the good of others.
The Enemy Within
by Kris Lungaard
The Puritans are rightly regarded as the finest theologians native to the English language. John Owen, the “Prince of the Puritans” wrote extensively on the biblical doctrines of sin and holiness. In this book, Kris Lundgaard confesses, “I decided to bring Owen into the twenty-first century. I kidnapped Owen. By force I took him as my co-author and together we’ve written a new book.” The Enemy Within is Lundgaard’s attempt to impart Owen’s rich theological understanding of the Christian’s relationship to sin and pursuit of holiness to a modern audience. His attempt is a success!
According to Promise
by Charles Spurgeon
One major theme of this book is the comparative analysis of the future promises God has for the believer and those He has for unbelievers. Spurgeon regularly reminds the reader of the confidence and assurance we should have in all that God has said, whether those words are spoken to us, for us, or to others. He wants to regularly draw the believer’s sights to the reality that God is wholly trustworthy and worthy of our complete trust and admiration.
This is probably the best point of the book: Christians must act and live in a manner that is according to God’s promises that He has made known throughout the ages in His divine word.
Yearlong Devotionals & Reading Plans
Jerry Bridges has wisely said, “If we do not actively seek to come under the influence of God’s Word, we will come under the influence of sinful society around us.” One of the most important sanctifying disciplines for the Christian is the daily reading and prayerful meditation upon God’s Word. A reading plan can be a helpful tool in providing a plan in order to systematically take you through the entire Bible (or a section of it). There are a number of premade plans or software that can generate them; M’Cheyne’s is a plan that has survived the test of time and proven itself to be a favorite of many in our body. One of the recommended books of the month is For the Love of God, a 365-day devotional commentary on the day’s reading from M’Cheyne’s Plan. We also are highlighting a Daily Bible Reading help for children (approximately ages 6-12) called Exploring the Bible. Or if you are already reading the Bible each day, consider choosing a daily devotional that will do a good job of pastorally setting the eyes of your heart upon the Lord in the gospel each day. I strongly commend the discipline of committing to take time to read daily both individually and as a family. Devotionals like this are excellent tools to get your started.
Reading Guide | Purchase: For the Love of God | Exploring the Bible | New Morning Mercies | Truth for Today
This Changes Everything: How the Gospel Transforms the Teen Years
by Jacqueline Crowe
If you are a Christian, it does not matter how old you are or how the culture defines you or expects you to live. The Christian is a new creation and thus has been transformed through the work of the Holy Spirit through the gospel. So a Christian teenager will look and think and act in a way that is very different from the way the culture expects that one to act. That is what this book is about: The Christian teenager is more defined by the Christian than the teenager. And being a Christian necessarily changes everything about your whole life, namely your identity, your community/family/relationships, your relationship to sin, your use of time, your entertainment, your thinking, your priorities…everything.
Nine Day Queen of England
by Faith Cook
In preparation for celebrating the 500th year of the Protestant Reformation, the booktable is featuring Nine Day Queen of England by Faith Cook. What did a 16 year-old girl contribute to the greatest movement in church history since the time of the apostles? And why was she England’s queen for a mere nine days? The booktable servants are excited to help familiarize our church with an obscure, yet indispensable slice of church history. We pray that this reminds you of the cost of the faith that we hold and emboldens your own witness of the sake of Christ and His gospel.
The Gospel and Personal Evangelism
by Mark Dever
It doesn’t require much effort to discover the myriad of directions in which the church is being pulled nowadays. Many well-meaning but misguided Christians, philanthropic organizations, and trendy cultural movements are calling the church away from Jesus’ singular mission for God’s people – making disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20). This one wonderful and great commission was undertaken by the first disciples and is continued by faithful churches today. Mark Dever clearly explains the gospel message, explores common reasons why we don’t evangelize and why we should, how to do evangelism, and much more. Wherever you might find yourself in your acquaintance with this practice, this book can help.
Fool Moon Rising
by Kristi and T. Lively Fluharty
C.S. Lewis said, “A children’s story which is only enjoyed by children is a bad children’s story.” If Lewis is right about the litmus test for a good children’s story, then Fool Moon Rising is a really good book for kids! The authors personify the moon to tell a parable of the foolishness and danger of pride. The moon is blinded by thoughts of his own greatness and strength. He is blinded by his ability to move Earth’s oceans, change shapes throughout the year, and provide light in darkness. Finally, he is humbled to repent of his boasting when he gets a glimpse of the glory of the sun’s light.
Don’t Waste Your Cancer
by John Piper
Don’t Waste Your Cancer by John Piper is a well-timed read for Grace Bible Church. This tiny booklet has proven its value time and time again as I have shepherded my own heart through four and a half years of my son’s leukemia diagnosis and treatment. Then recently, as two more in our church body have had their bodies ravaged by cancer, I saw the pastoral wisdom of John Piper found in this booklet bear more fruit. Now in the face of premature death, it feels like our church is surrounded by trials; it can feel overwhelming. Yet, God is still on His throne; not a single trail, blessing, or any experience in between happens apart from His sovereign will or outside of His purposes. He has brought us these trials (in love), and they all work together for our good and His glory.
Family Worship
by Donald S. Whitney
Donald S. Whitney, author of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, compiles biblical evidence for the practice of family worship, traces the practice throughout church history, offers practical suggestions for parents (fathers in particular) to conduct family worship, and recounts compelling stories from church history and the impact that family worship has on the lives of stalwart men of the faith. This is a book that I pray has a lasting impact on my own heart and home as well as our church.
Agape Leadership
by Robert L. Peterson & Alexander Strauch
My guess is that few people in our church body have ever heard of R.C. Chapman. This is not surprising since Chapman himself would have wanted it this way. Nevertheless, R.C. Chapman (1803-1902) was a godly man and all of us would greatly benefit from knowing a little bit about his life. In this little, 80-page volume, you will learn about a man who was said to practice what other preachers preached.
Reasons We Believe
by Nathan Busenitz
Reasons We Believe will reinforce your personal faith and will provide you with a clear, concise, evangelistic tool to help you share that faith with others.
In an age of cynics and skeptics, Christianity is constantly under attack. Believers need resources that defend the veracity of their faith. They are searching for clear, concise, and credible answers to both doubts of their own and objections from their unbelieving friends.
Nathan Busenitz provides such resources to believers. Reasons We Believe confirms and strengthens the faith of believers by demonstrating the reliability of the twofold authority on which Christianity rests: the Word of God and the person of Jesus Christ. Reasons builds a biblical foundation for the authority of the Bible and then shows how extra-biblical evidence corresponds with and thereby attests to what the Bible claims.
This study seeks to reinforce the faith of Christians while also providing them with a straightforward evangelistic tool for reaching non-Christians.
Living in the Light: Money, Sex, & Power
by John Piper
What, or who, is at the center of your universe?
John Piper shows us the blazing glory of Christ and urges us to set him as the sun at the center of our personal solar systems, so that each area of our life might orbit in the way it was designed to. When Christ is our supreme treasure, we are able to keep money, sex and power in their proper place, enjoying them and glorifying God with them instead of rejecting them or worshiping them.
What the Bible Says about Parenting
by John MacArthur
What the Bible Says about Parenting is an excellent resource for new parents and those maneuvering through the teen years. The strength of the book is found in its commitment to biblical principles. “What we desperately need is a return to the biblical principles of parenting. Christian parents don’t need new, shrink-wrapped programs; they need to apply and obey consistently the few simple principles that are clearly set forth for parents in God’s Word” (12).
Do More Better
by Tim Challies
“I wrote this short, fast-paced, practical guide to productivity to share what I have learned about getting things done in today’s digital world. Whether you are a student or a professional, a work-from-home dad or a stay-at-home mom, it will help you learn to structure your life to do the most good to the glory of God.” -Tim Challies
The Cross He Bore
by Frederick S. Leahy
Frederick Leahy spent a lifetime in the ministry of the Word. In these pages, preacher, pastor and theologian come together in a happy unity. No words are wasted. There is nothing of the frothy and insubstantial. Here is satisfying truth, painstakingly quarried and crafted for the needs of God’s people. A judicious selection of gems from the writings of others provides further enrichment and stimulus to thought.
Family Devotional – Generations of Grace
A resource released by Generations of Grace used in the curriculum in our Next Generation Ministries.
Don’t Waste Your Life
by John Piper
Most people slip by in life without a passion for God, spending their lives on trivial diversions, living for comfort and pleasure… and perhaps trying to avoid sin. Yet as John Piper teaches in this DVD and its companion materials, God has designed us for far more than this. We just have to awaken to the simple, biblical reality that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
The Attributes of God
by Arthur W. Pink
The timeless appeal of this classic book, written by a preacher with a worldwide ministry during the first half of the twentieth century, demonstrates the deep hunger for a saving knowledge of God present in each generation. Arthur Pink sought to give readers not just a theoretical knowledge of God but pointed them toward a personal relationship of yielding to him and living according to his biblical precepts.
The Greener Grass Conspiracy
by Stephen Altrogge
With humor and honesty, Stephen Altrogge helps us do battle with discontentment by steering us back to the central truths of the gospel. He addresses issues such as complaining and idolatry, reminding us of all that we have, and will have, in Christ.
Sanctification
by Michael Riccardi
Christians cannot afford to be confused about the doctrine of sanctification. That is because it is where we all live. All believers in Christ live in between our past justification and our future glorification – in the present pursuit of Christlikeness. If we are concerned to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel (Phil 1:27), if we desire to please the Lord in all respects (Col 1:10), if it is our ambition to put the sanctifying power of Christ on display to the world, then we need to be clear on how we go about growing in holiness.
Wait: Waiting on God in a World that Won’t Wait
by Smedly Yates
The Bible has much to say about waiting. Commands, encouragements, examples, and promises for waiting saturate God’s Word. To wait on God is to entrust ourselves to His perfect care, to apply faith in the midst of unchanging circumstances, to trust God’s plan over time, and to eagerly anticipate future realities which are being perfectly prepared for us.
Resolutions: Advice to Young Converts
by Jonathan Edwards
While completing his preparation for the ministry, Jonathan Edwards wrote seventy resolutions that guided him throughout his life. About twenty years later he wrote a letter to young Deborah Hatheway, a new convert in a nearby town, advising her concerning the Christian life. These two writings, often reprinted during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, overflow with straightforward and biblically sound advice. This advice is as current today as it was in the 1700s, and it far surpasses the “how to” books now overrunning bookstores.
Doctrine of Repentance
by Thomas Watson
Knowing what repentance is, and actually repenting are essential to true Christianity. Jesus Christ himself said that if we do not repent, we will perish! It is vital, therefore, to read and study what Scripture has to say about this theme.
The Peacemaker
by Ken Sande
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” But it often seems like conflict and disagreement are unavoidable. Serious, divisive conflict is everywhere-within families, in the church, and out in the world. And it can seem impossible to overcome its negative force in our lives. In The Peacemaker, Ken Sande presents a comprehensive and practical theology for conflict resolution designed to bring about not only a cease-fire but also unity and harmony. Sande takes readers beyond resolving conflicts to true, life-changing reconciliation with family members, coworkers, and fellow believers.
When Sinners Say I Do
by Dave Harvey
Marriage is the union of two people who arrive at the altar toting some surprisingly large luggage. Often it gets opened right there on the honeymoon, sometimes it waits for the week after. The Bible calls it sin and understanding its influence can make all the difference for a man and woman who are building a life together. When Sinners Say “I Do” is about encountering the life-transforming power of the gospel in the unpredictable journey of marriage.
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
by John Owen
John Owen’s writings, though challenging, are full of rich spiritual insights. In this unabridged volume, editors Justin Taylor and Kelly Kapic have made updates to the author’s language, translated the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, and footnoted difficult or unknown phrases, all without sacrificing any of Owen’s original message. These three treatises on temptation, sin, and repentance are theologically robust and insightful while also being accessible to modern readers. Overcoming Sin and Temptation will help a new generation benefit from the writings of this remarkable Puritan.