My Fav Recommendations
I often get asked what is my favorite or "go to" book on a topic or area. I thought it would be worthwhile to make a dedicated page for the books that I love enough to recommend. I don't necessarily agree with every author on every point, but these are books that I personally own, have referred to more than once, and am willing to say they are worthwhile purchases to add to your personal library. Full disclosure, I will receive a commission if you buy one of these books from my links. It's not a lot, but it helps keep the writing and ministry work going. Here we go!
Redeeming Your Time
Fav Productivity Book
Let's face it, we all have the same minutes each day to manage. Yet, there are some who seem to get a lot more out of their day than others. For years I've looked for a system that I could develop and repeat. I've tried several. I don't use all the ideas Raynor puts forth in this book, but it is hands down my fav and has made a difference in my ADHD time scattered brain.
Moody Bible Commentary
Fav Bible Study Book
This is hands down my favorite Bible Commentary. It's a one-book commentary on the entire Bible. This is a must-have tool for anyone who wants to learn more from their Bible when they read it. It's written in everyday language and is easy to understand. If there is more than one view on an issue, it will give you all the views and which one the writers think is the most correct.
I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be An Atheist
Fav Apologetics Starter Book
This is my "go to" book to introduce someone to the world of Christian apologetics. This book is a great overview of why the Christian faith is reasonable and offers a wide range of reasons and arguments. If you've never studied apologetics before, or are looking for a book to buy as a gift for a beginner, get this one.
The Case for the Resurrection
Fav Resurrection Book
Christianity rises and falls on the resurrection of Jesus. This is my favorite book on looking at the resurrection event as a historical event. Whether someone places their faith in Jesus or not, history still happened. Habermas and Licona offer a wonderful case for how to understand the facts surrounding the resurrection whether you place faith in Him or not.
Tactics
Fav Conversational Apologetics Book
This is a must have book for anyone interested in apologetics. The goal of good apologetics should be willing souls, not arguments. This book is a classic and was used in my bachelors and masters level college studies of apologetics. Koukl does an outstanding job of showing how easy it is to talk with people without having to know everything up front.
Unshakable Foundations
Fav Question & Answer Book
This book is organized around topics and questions. This is a great book to have because you don't have to read it front to back. You can just look up a single question and get a very compact and powerful answer from two monster contemporary apologists. This is a must have for anyone who likes questions or has kids. This is a wide ranging, perfect coffee table resource for anyone asking questions about Christianity.
Basic Theology
Fav Theology Book
This book was the number one book I used during my first six years of college. It is divided into sections based on some of the major parts of Christian theology. Each section is then broken down further to cover the "big deal" issues in every area. If all you did was read this one book, you would know more than 99% of people attending church. The language is easy to read and covers multiple views when they are there. Great read.
Determined to Believe
Fav God's Sovereignty / Man's Responsibility Book
I regularly get asked how can man be free if God is sovereign and how can God be sovereign if man is truly free. This book is hands down the best I've ever seen on this topic. Lennox expertly deals with each little aspect of this very big question. Though he is a PhD holder who has taught mathematics at Oxford, he doesn't write over your head as you read it. He is very clear and easy to understand. If you're interested in the balance of God's authority and man's responsibility, you want to read this book.
Complete Guide to Bible Translations
Fav Bible Translation Book
Have you ever wondered why there are so many different Bible translations in the English language? This is one of the most asked questions I get as a pastor. I originally read this book a decade ago and I still refer back to it. Rhodes first teaches you all about the science of translation, and then has chapters on most of the English translations around today.