RECOMMENDED BOOKS - THEOLOGY

A TALE OF TWO SONS
John Macarthur
Category: Theology
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Charles Dickens. William Shakespeare. Garrison Keillor. They're all part of the chorus of literary geniuses who expressed admiration for The Parable of the Prodigal Son as outstanding literature. After all, it is a powerful drama, rich in detail, powerfully succinct, and intensely personal. But beyond the literary critiques-besides being one of the most celebrated written works of all time-the message of this parable is one we can't afford to ignore. In A Tale of Two Sons, John MacArthur takes the story back to its roots, when Jesus' words were absolutely revolutionary. As one of America's most beloved Bible teachers, MacArthur leads us through the minefields of interpretation and restores the simple yet profound brilliance of this passage. Giving engrossing historical background, A Tale of Two Sons will reveal Christ's original message as intended for the Pharisees, the disciples, and the world today.


ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL
John Macarthur
Category: Theology
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With small congregations struggling to keep their doors open, and larger churches competing for their share of the unchurched market, many are looking to new techniques to draw bigger crowds. In Ashamed of the Gospel (third edition), John MacArthur offers a biblical analysis of the user-friendly philosophy of ministry and church growth that is sweeping through many congregations. The third edition features two new chapters responding to the modern phenomenons of the emergent church and the latest fads in "church growth" methodology. The appendixes on Finney and Spurgeon's Down-Grade controversy are worth the admission price alone. Read this book and exercise faithfulness to the once for all delivered faith.


CHRISTLESS CHRISTIANITY
Michael Horton
Category: Church, Theology
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Is it possible that we have left Christ out of Christianity? Is the faith and practice of American Christians today more American than Christian? These are the provocative questions Michael Horton addresses in this thoughtful, insightful book. He argues that while we invoke the name of Christ, too often Christ and the Christ-centered gospel are pushed aside. The result is a message and a faith that are, in Horton's words, "trivial, sentimental, affirming, and irrelevant." This alternative "gospel" is a message of moralism, personal comfort, self-help, self-improvement, and individualistic religion. It trivializes God, making him a means to our selfish ends. Horton skillfully diagnoses the problem and points to the solution: a return to the unadulterated gospel of salvation. This book is an outstanding expose and apologetic revealing how the gospel of works righteousness has infiltrated the "Christian landscape". Horton reveals its presence in prosperity theology, postmodern emergent circles, and seeker sensitive mega churches.


DESIRING GOD
John Piper
Category: Theology
Click Here To OrderThe message of Desiring God is that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. In this book, Piper calls this worldview “Christian Hedonism” and explains why pursuing maximum joy is essential to glorifying God. He discusses the implications of this for conversion, worship, love, Scripture, prayer, money, marriage, missions, and suffering. Many of us have a strong aversion to the word "hedonism" because sinful men pursue their pleasure in gratifying their flesh. But the hedonism advocated by Piper in this book is something that fulfills the Westminster Catechism in glorifying God by enjoying Him forever. An awesome read, but must be read with a well grounded biblical worldview.


DYING TO PREACH
Steven Smith
Category: Theology
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Drawing inspiration from the seminal preacher, the apostle Paul, Steven W. Smith takes a fresh look not just at the how of preaching, but at the whys. In 2 Corinthians 4:12, Paul describes the philosophy of his ministry as “death in us, but life in you.” Building on this scriptural framework, Steve Smith illustrates the theology of preaching through the metaphor of vicarious suffering, dying so that others might live. As he elaborates the intersection of the cross and the pulpit, Smith shows why the preacher must die to self, die for others, and die in Christ so that congregations may live.


HARD TO BELIEVE
John Macarthur
Category: Theology
Click Here To OrderPopular perception of Jesus Christ is that of a tempered, genteel man who walked the earth, offering nuggets of wisdom to His followers. But what we sometimes fail to recognize is that although Jesus Christ offered a message of forgiveness, He also spoke challenging, demanding words about what being a follower of Christ requires. In contrast to the superficiality of much modern Christian teaching, Dr. John MacArthur serves up the unvarnished truth of what Christ taught and lived. In simple, compelling terms, he spells out what is required of those who would follow Him. Going beyond Jesus' life to include the crucifixion and resurrection, MacArthur shows readers that Jesus modeled the commitment and loving obedience He requires of us by making the ultimate sacrifice for humankind.


IN MY PLACE CONDEMNED HE STOOD
J I Packer, Mark Dever
Category: Theology
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An important anthology that reaffirms the classic doctrine of substitutionary atonement and counters the ongoing attacks against it. If ever there was a time and a need for an enthusiastic reaffirmation of the biblical doctrine of substitutionary atonement, it is now. With this foundational tenet under widespread attack, J. I. Packer and Mark Dever’s anthology plays an important role, issuing a clarion call to readers to stand firm in the truth. In My Place Condemned He Stood combines three classic articles by Packer—“The Heart of the Gospel”; his Tyndale Biblical Theology Lecture, “What Did the Cross Achieve”; and his introductory essay to John Owen’s The Death of Death in the Death of Christ—with Dever’s recent article, “Nothing but the Blood.” It also includes an outstanding bibliography compiled by Ligon Duncan.


JUSTIFICATION AND REGENERATION
Charles Leiter
Category: Theology
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What is regeneration? What is justification? Why do all men desperately need to be justified? If I have died to sin, why am I still affected by it? The answers to these and many other questions become clear once we gain a biblical understanding of justification and regeneration. These two great miracles lie at the very heart of the gospel, yet even among genuine Christians they are surrounded by confusion and ignorance. This book by noted Bible teacher, Charles Leiter, attempts to set forth in clear biblical light the nature and characteristics of justification and regeneration that God may be glorified and His children brought to know more fully the liberty that is theirs in Christ.


KNOWING GOD
J I Packer
Category: Apologetics, Theology
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A lifelong pursuit of knowing God should embody the Christian's existence. According to eminent theologian J.I. Packer, however, Christians have become enchanted by modern skepticism and have joined the "gigantic conspiracy of misdirection" by failing to put first things first. Knowing God aims to redirect our attention to the simple, deep truth that to know God is to love His Word. What began as a number of consecutive articles angled for "honest, no-nonsense readers who were fed up with facile Christian verbiage" in 1973, Knowing God has become a contemporary classic by creating "small studies out of great subjects." Each chapter is so specific in focus (covering topics such as the trinity, election, God's wrath, and God's sovereignty), that each succeeding chapter's theology seems to rival the next, until one's mind is so expanded that one's entire view of God has changed. The lazy and faint-hearted should be warned about this timeless work - God is magnified, the sinner is humbled, and the saint encouraged.


LIFE IN THE SON
Robert Shank
Category: Theology
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There is currently a plethora of ridiculous straw man attacks on Calvinism in the theological marketplace. Some of them contain caricatures that are pure fabrications and offer nothing constructive for those of us who want to engage the real theological issues that lie at the heart of the historical Calvinist v Arminian debate. With this in mind I am happy to recommend this scholarly work by Arminian theologian Robert Shank first published way back in 1960. Calvinist theologian and preacher John Macarthur highly recommends this book to his seminary students because he believes Life In The Son is "the best concise argument for the Arminian position, and it is a very carefully thought-out, systematic argument." Whichever side of the fence you find yourself in the Calvinist Arminian divide, this is a book that makes a strong argument against the Calvinist doctrine of perseverance and is worth studying for that reason.


LIVING FOR GOD'S GLORY
Joel Beeke
Category: Theology
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The theological system known as Calvinism is often caricatured or simply dismissed as a relic of the past. But as Dr. Joel R. Beeke shows us in this comprehensive treatment, Calvinism, also known as Reformed theology, is biblical, God-centered, heartfelt, winsome, and practical. As such, it is uniquely suited to help Christians fulfill the purpose for which they were created-to live to the glory of God. With the help of eight contributors, Dr. Beeke traces the roots of Calvinism and sets forth its doctrinal distinctives, then explores how Calvinists live out their beliefs in every sphere of life.


PIERCED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS
Steve Jeffery, Michael Ovey, Andrew Sach
Category: Theology
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With the central Christian doctrine of penal substitution increasingly under attack, these authors articulate a series of responses to specific theological and cultural criticisms. The belief that Jesus died for us, suffering the wrath of his own Father in our place, has been the wellspring of hope for countless Christians through the ages. However, with an increasing number of theologians, church leaders, and even popular Christian books and magazines questioning this doctrine, which naysayers have described as a form of "cosmic child abuse," a fresh articulation and affirmation of penal substitution is needed. And Jeffery, Ovey, and Sach have responded here with clear exposition and analysis. They make the case not only that the doctrine is clearly taught in Scripture, but that it has an impeccable pedigree and a central place in Christian theology, and that its neglect has serious consequences. The authors also systematically analyze over twenty specific objections that have been brought against penal substitution and charitably but firmly offer a defining declaration of the doctrine of the cross for any concerned reader.


REDEMPTION ACCOMPLISHED AND APPLIED
John Murray
Category: Theology
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For thoughtful Christians since the time of the Apostle Paul, John 3:16 has started, not ended, the discussion of redemption. Yet few recent interpreters have explored in depth the biblical passages dealing with the atonement as penetratingly or precisely as John Murray, who, until his death in 1975, was regarded by many as the foremost conservative theologian in the English-speaking world. In this enduring study of the atonement, Murray systematically explains the two sides of redemption: its accomplishment by Christ and its application to the life of the redeemed. In part I Murray considers the necessity, nature, perfection, and extent of the atonement. In Part II Murray offers careful expositions of the scriptural teaching about calling, regeneration, faith and repentance, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance, union with Christ, and glorification.


SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
Wayne Grudem
Category: Theology
Click Here To OrderThe Christian church has a long tradition of systematic theology, that is, studying theology and doctrine organized around fairly standard categories such as the Word of God, redemption, and Jesus Christ. This introduction to systematic theology has several distinctive features: A strong emphasis on the scriptural basis for each doctrine and teaching; Clear writing, with technical terms kept to a minimum; A contemporary approach, treating subjects of special interest to the church today; A friendly tone, appealing to the emotions and the spirit as well as the intellect; Frequent application to life; Resources for worship with each chapter; Bibliographies with each chapter that cross-reference subjects to a wide range of other systematic theologies. This book is the most clear, well thought out, and accessible systematic theology I have attempted to navigate.


THE ATONEMENT
Loraine Boettner
Category: Theology
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The work of Christ in reconciling God and men we call the Atonement; and this doctrine, we believe, lies at the very heart of the Christian system. In the nature of the case we are altogether dependent on Scripture for our knowledge concerning this doctrine and can know only what God has seen fit to reveal concerning it. Human philosophy and speculation can contribute practically nothing toward its solution, and should be held in abeyance. This book was written to give a short systematized account of what the Scriptures teach concerning it, and to show that this fits in perfectly with the longings and aspirations of an enlightened spiritual nature.


THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD
A W Pink
Category: Theology
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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 foundation of all true knowledge of God must be a clear mental apprehension of His perfections as revealed in Holy Scripture. An unknown God can neither be trusted, served, nor worshipped. In this book an effort has been made to set forth some of the principal perfections of the Divine character. If the reader is to truly profit, he needs to definitely and earnestly beseech God to apply His Truth to the conscience and heart, so that his life will be transformed thereby.


THE BAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH 1689
Peter Masters (Editor)
Category: Theology
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C. H. Spurgeon said of this great Confession - Here the youngest members of our church will have a body of Truth in small compass, and by means of the scriptural proofs, will be able to give a reason of the hope that is in them.' This brilliant summary of doctrine (in the same family as the Westminster Confession), with its invaluable proof texts, is here gently modernised in punctuation, with archaic words replaced. Explanations of difficult phrases have been added in italic brackets. A brief history of the Confession, with an index, is included.


THE CROSS CENTERED LIFE
C J Mahaney
Category: Theology
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Remember Jesus Christ? Although it seems almost too obvious, the center of our faith is surprisingly easy to forget. Dynamic pastor C.J. Mahaney shows how to overcome our tendency to move on from the gospel of grace. Finding joy in the gospel - whose promises allow us to escape condemnation whenever it attacks - helps us avoid the prevalent trap of legalism. With practical suggestions, Mahaney demonstrates the difference between knowing the gospel... and making it the main thing in daily decisions and daily living. Many Christians search in vain for something new that will pull all the pieces of their faith together. But the missing ingredient is really not missing at all. C J Mahaney shows that the truth of the gospel is not only the entry point of the faith, but the only true help for the present and hope for the future. Reading this book will reset the compass of your life to always point to the atoning work of Christ.


THE END OF THE LAW
Jason C Meyer
Category: Theology
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Commonly understood as the first theologian of the Christian faith, Paul set forth the categories by which we describe our relationship with Christ. Did he understand the new covenant Jesus announced at the Last Supper primarily as a replacement of the old Mosaic covenant God made with Israel, or as a renewal and completion of the old? Jason C Meyer surveys the various differences that have been argued between the two covenants in The End of the Law: Mosaic Covenant In Pauline Theology, carefully and inductively perfoming a semantic, grammatical, and contextual analysis of all the Pauline texts dealing with covenant concepts. This is Book Seven of the New American Commentary Studies in Bible and Theology series, an extension of the long-respected New American Commentary.


THE GOD WHO JUSTIFIES
James White
Category: Theology
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The history of the Christian church pivots on the doctrine of justification by faith. Once the core of the Reformation, the church today often ignores or misunderstands this foundational doctrine. The God Who Justifies is a major (400 page) exegetical defense of the great doctrine of justification by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. This work provides in-depth, exegetical discussions of the key biblical passages that define the great doctrine of justification, as well as a lengthy discussion of James 2:14-26. Theologian James White calls believers to a fresh appreciation of, understand of, and dedication to the great doctrine of justification.


THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JESUS
John Macarthur
Category: Theology
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What did Jesus mean when He said, “Follow me”? Twenty years ago John MacArthur tackled that seemingly simple question and provided the evangelical world with the biblical answer. For many, the reality of Jesus’ demands has proved thoroughly searching, profoundly disturbing, and uncomfortably invasive; and yet, heeding His words is eternally rewarding. The 20th-anniversary edition of MacArthur’s provocative book has revised and expanded the original version to handle contemporary challenges. The debate over what some have called “Lordship salvation” hasn’t ended — every generation must face the demands of Christ’s Lordship.


THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO THE APOSTLES
John Macarthur
Category: Theology
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Ever since the days of the apostles Paul and James, who seemed to be in contradiction, Christians have struggled to define the proper tension between faith and works. Salvation, Paul stresses, is "not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). But James argues, "Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works" (James 2:18). In clear and compelling terms, John MacArthur reconciles these two seemingly divergent threads of biblical truth, addressing the difficult questions head on: What is cheap grace? Have some Christians adopted a "no-lordship" theology? What must a person do to be considered righteous by God? Do your works have any affect on your salvation? This book is the companion to "The Gospel According To Jesus".


THE HOLINESS OF GOD
R C Sproul
Category: Theology
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RC Sproul says that “when people ask me to name the Ligonier teaching material they should use to help them grow; I tell them, ‘You should start with The Holiness of God.’” This classic can help you better understand the biblical picture of God’s awesome holiness and why it is so foundational to God-centered, God-honoring theology and Christian living. In The Holiness of God , R.C. Sproul demonstrates that encountering God’s holy presence is a terrifying experience. Dr. Sproul argues that this struggle is nonetheless necessary because it is the only way to cure our propensity to trust in ourselves and our own righteousness for salvation.


THE MACARTHUR STUDY BIBLE
John Macarthur (Commentaries)
Category: Theology
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For years, the spiritual lives of countless men and women all over the world have been strengthened with the help of The MacArthur Study Bible. This all-in-one spiritual library contains John's personal study notes below the full-length Bible text. Virtually every Scripture has a matching study note with detailed information, explanation, and helpful insight. The MacArthur Study Bible is a resource that can transform your personal time in God's Word by clarifying difficult passages, bringing unseen cultural and historical details to life, and helping you understand and apply biblical truth.


THE ONE TRUE GOD
Paul Washer
Category: Theology
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The One True God is a unique kind of workbook, intending not just to teach truth but to lead to an encounter with the living God. Beneath that goal the book aims to ground believers in orthodox Christian theology and the actual contents of the Bible. Students are encouraged to thoughtfully draw conclusions from the Scriptures rather than to merely absorb the principles, inferences, and illustrations set before them by the author. For this reason the book does not include such material and instead focuses on digesting the Scriptures directly. Through God's own words and under various systematic headings the book unfolds the nature of God. In this way the reader is set on a firm foundation and will readily perceive the centrality and high authority of biblical doctrine within the Christian life. It is the author s conviction that the study of doctrine is both an intellectual and devotional discipline. Therefore students are guided throughout the study to think through and apply the truths they learn, meditating on the demands of Scripture for their heart and mind. The book puts us squarely in the middle of the material, and demands we give searching thought to how we will live before such a God. This workbook is especially suited for doctrinal training for new converts, college or adult Bible studies, private study, home school curriculum, and Sunday school material.


THE PLEASURES OF GOD
John Piper
Category: Theology
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One way to see the glory of God is to meditate on what makes him happy. In The Pleasures of God John Piper unfolds for us a vision of God through the lens of his happiness. What most delights the happiest Being in the universe? God's gladness in being God. If God's excellencies can be admired in his pleasures, and if we tend to become like what we admire and enjoy, then focusing on these pleasures can help us to be gradually conformed to his likeness. In other words, we will be most satisfied in God when we know why God is most satisfied in God.


THE REFORMED DOCTRINE OF PREDESTINATION
Loraine Boettner
Category: Theology
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This book explains clearly that God is 100% sovereign and accomplishes what He purposed before the world was made. People will allow God to be sovereign in everything but the affairs of man, especially in salvation. This book refutes point by point the arguments against the absolute sovereignty of God. Any Christian should be required to read this book before entering into debate concerning God's dealings with sinful mankind. Boettner sets out explaining the doctrine and then in section III he takes on the obvious objections to the doctrine.


THE REFORMED FAITH
Loraine Boettner
Category: Theology
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This is a succinct book which covers the basic tenets of the Reformed Christian Faith. The opening section affirms the sovereignty of God. The following sections cover the doctrine of total depravity and man's totally helpless condition as a sinner and his need for redemption in Christ Jesus. The subsequent sections address issues relating to soteriology (that is the doctrine of salvation) and it offers responses to passages of Scripture that supposedly give creedence to universal atonement and implications that man initiates his own salvation. The final section compares and contrasts the Reformed Faith with that of the Arminian creed.


THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD
A W Pink
Category: Theology, Heroes, Puritans, And Reformers
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AW Pink is noted for his independent thinking. He was so well read, and had such a photographic memory, that he could give you the page and column in a host of reference works and commentaries. This book shocked the Christian world in 1919 when he published it. He fiercely defends the sovereignty of God, and all the cognate doctrines such as the Doctrines of Grace. It is a provocative read and some of the chapters are a must read for any new Christian. Pink was a Baptist preacher who held pulpits in England, America, and Australia. His early training was in scientology. His conversion was instant, and complete dedication to the cause of God and truth quickly became evident. This early book by Pink lays Scripture end to end to prove God's control over all persons and events. It is uncompromising, and as such it raises the hackles on the necks of many new students of this doctrine. Persons who knew Pink seldom objected to anything he taught, because he could literally quote hundreds of verses of Scripture verbatim on the subject under discussion. This book may be overwhelming, but it is certain that its many printings have been used of God to convince people of His sovereignty.


THE TRUTH ABOUT MAN
Paul Washer
Category: Theology
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The disciplines of science, philosophy, and religion are full of theories put forth by men attempting to explain, or explain away, the fundamental flaws of humanity. But the problem with man is best explained by His Creator. If we as creatures are to find a remedy for our plight, we must seek it in God, who alone can save. Through a guided study of God's own words, and under various systematic headings, The Truth about Man unfolds the desperate condition of humanity. As the second part in a series of rich, biblical studies, this workbook provides the reader with a no-nonsense Bible study on a fundamental tenant of the Christian gospel the lost condition of man.


WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT THE DOCTRINES OF GRACE
Richard Phillips
Category: Theology
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In What's So Great About the Doctrines of Grace?, the Rev. Richard D. "Rick" Phillips shows that "the doctrines of grace," those theological tenets more popularly known as "the five points of Calvinism," are comforting, faith-strengthening, and humbling teachings. In six short chapters, Rev. Phillips demonstrates conclusively from Scripture that this view of salvation exalts God and makes plain His great love for man, which drove Him to do all that was necessary to redeem a people for Himself. What's So Great About the Doctrines of Grace? is a compact, highly readable treasure chest of scriptural wisdom.