Eating Books

I need to read like I need to eat. If I go very long without consuming ideas that expand my mind, I get really hungry. It’s not always been that way. But the more quality books I read, the more I want to learn.

The Bible should be our primary book of choice. But I have found that my understanding and love for the Bible often grows as I learn from the writings of others. Here’s a partial list of books that I have found helpful.

I dare you to pick at least one and read it. Then leave a comment and tell me what you think.

Spiritual Disciplines

• The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg
• Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
• The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
• The Me I Want to Be by John Ortberg
• Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas
• Desiring God by John Piper

Understanding the Bible

• For the Love of God by Don Carson
• The Handbook for Personal Bible Study by William Klein
• Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament by Christopher Wright
• The Bible Jesus Read by Philip Yancey

Loving God with Your Mind

• The Reason for God by Tim Keller
• The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
• Knowing God by J.I. Packer
• The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman
• The Hole in our Gospel by Richard Stearns
• Crazy Love by Francis Chan
• The Emotionally Healthy Church by Peter Scazzero

Just because you know how to read the words doesn’t mean you know how to study. To learn the rules that govern successful study, check out this excellent resource: How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler. These principles can help you no matter what your course of study.

 

Comments

[Jason Livermore]

I did a small group study on "Knowing God" some years ago which really made an impression on me. It methodically goes through the attributes of God, and is instructive in understanding why God is the way he is. There are the parts we like--the love and grace. But also the scarier parts--the wrath and severity. All of those disparate attributes are wrapped up into one consistent whole.

[Marlene Eichenlaub]

"Crazy Love" by Francis Chan is an excellent book that challenges us to go beyond our comfort zone. It's an easy, but powerful read. I would also recommend Chan's other book "The Forgotten God" which explores the power of the Holy Spirit - a resource that we often either don't know how to use or forget is within our reach.

[Ellen Schmitz]

Thanks for posting these. I want read them all. I know what you mean about being hungry. I'll look online, but wondering if you or anyone knows offhand which of these would have study guides. Our small group needs to get started on something new.

[Eric]

Ellen,

I know the following books have study guides and maybe others: The Life You've Always Wanted, The Master Plan of Evangelism, Crazy Love, and The Emotionally Healthy Church. I hope you find just the right match for your group.

Eric