Donald S. Whitney
Theology
“In Galatians 4:19, the apostle Paul expressed his longing to see that ‘Christ is formed’ in believers. From this verse, the term spiritual formation has arisen to describe the biblical process of molding the mind, heart, and life of a Christian into conformity to Christ. Books related to this theme have appeared for as long as Christian books have been written, but I cannot recommend many of them because they rely heavily on writers who hold to a different gospel than the one taught in Scripture. They may say wonderful things about how a Christian should pray, for example, but behind those commendations is false teaching about how a person becomes a Christian in the first place. I cannot encourage the reading of some books on the subject because they advocate spiritual formation by means of practices not found in Scripture at all. But A Heart Aflame for God rightly contends for a sola Scriptura spirituality. Those unfamiliar with the Reformed tradition on spiritual formation (which seems to be true of some of the bestselling contemporary authors on spiritual formation) will be surprised by the depth and breadth of the riches uncovered by Bingham. He carefully considers the views of other traditions, but he maintains that all true spirituality must be founded on the Bible and the gospel it proclaims. As Jesus prayed, ‘Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth’ (John 17:17).”
Christian Living
“This is one of the most influential books in both my life and ministry for several reasons. I first met J. I. Packer on the day in 1990 when Crossway formally presented him with his copy of the original edition of A Quest for Godliness. I was in attendance that afternoon when he spoke from one of the chapters to a small group of pastors gathered in Wheaton to hear him. Afterward I introduced myself and explained that I was writing a book on godliness, that I’d quoted extensively from the Puritans, and boldly asked if he would consider writing the foreword. I could hardly contain my excitement when he agreed and there is no question that his contribution was a major factor in the success of my first book. Since then, I have used A Quest for Godliness with thousands of students in a seminary class on personal spiritual disciplines. Many have told me that, except for the Bible, it’s the best book they’ve ever read. Not only is it a solid introduction to the lives and teaching of the Puritans, but it is also a feast of theology, biography, history, and practical spirituality. I urge every minister, seminary student, and seriously minded layperson to devour this book.”
A Supreme Desire to Please Him
History & Biography
“Because Jesus Christ was Himself the ultimate missionary, a truly biblical spirituality will always incline the heart toward missions. The more Christlike a person becomes, the more burdened he or she will be for those who do not know Christ. One of the best-known and best-loved stories of this union of spirituality and missions is found in the life of Adoniram Judson. Retelling this story with particular emphasis on Judson’s spirituality is E. D. Burns. Who better for this task than a missionary to Judson’s part of the world with a PhD in biblical spirituality? Like Judson, Dr. Burns is the real deal both as a missionary and as a man of God. Read this book and be blessed.”
Theology
“"Beneath these pages is a truckload of careful spadework which informs Withrow's thoughtful analysis of many of the literary influences on Jonathan Edwards' 'spiritual reading' of Scripture. One result is a better understanding of Edwards' view of the sublime doctrine historically termed 'deification' . . . Readers will find much in Withrow's knowledge of the life, times, and thought of Edwards to enlarge their own understanding of the same.”
Theology
“This is a biblical theology of biblical spirituality. And it’s the best I’ve read. As a bonus you get a survey of various forms of spirituality in the Christian tradition, especially within evangelicalism. If you want to see how biblical theology works and what biblical spirituality is, read this book.”
Theology
“Greg Cochran is my friend and he was my pastor for nine years. He has given more thought to the issue of the persecuted church than any other one hundred Christians I know combined. This book is a distillation of much of that thought. If you’re skimming this endorsement to determine if you want to read the book, please allow me to offer a suggestion. Read the story of Sister Yuen in the Introduction. If that doesn’t open your heart to be concerned about the issue discussed in this book then you should pray for the Lord to help you with your hardness of heart.”
Theology
“Greg Cochran is my friend and he was my pastor for nine years. He has given more thought to the issue of the persecuted church than any other one hundred Christians I know combined. This book is a distillation of much of that thought. If you’re skimming this endorsement to determine if you want to read the book, please allow me to offer a suggestion. Read the story of Sister Yuen in the Introduction. If that doesn’t open your heart to be concerned about the issue discussed in this book then you should pray for the Lord to help you with your hardness of heart.”
Theology
“Thanks be to God for the life and teaching of William Perkins, and thanks be to God for Matthew Hartline’s clear and compelling presentation of Perkins’s theology of a believer’s future glorification. Read this book if you are a student of Perkins; read it if you yearn to be crowned with immortal glory.”
Christian Living
“The Bible repeatedly warns us about hypocrisy and self-deception regarding our spiritual condition. You know what the essence of self-deception is, don't you? It's not knowing you're deceived. That's why the apostle Paul exhorts all those who think themselves Christians: 'Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves' (1 Cor. 13:5). To do that, examine yourself in light of the biblical evidences of true faith in Jesus Christ. Do you want some help in that process? Then read Fake Christianity by Jed Coppenger.”
Marriage, Family & Relationships
“What an insightful, helpful book! I love the fresh yet thoroughly biblical approach to family discipleship. The emphasis on discipling your family through time (daily, ongoing practices), moments (unplanned, spontaneous occasions), and milestones (special events) will enable you to see more clearly how to bring the gospel into all of life. I’ve never read a book on this subject with so many practical suggestions for bringing a Christian influence on your children from their birth to the end of their days (and long after you are in heaven). Begin reading this book and I think you’ll find, like I did, that it starts strong and gets better with every chapter.”
Marriage, Family & Relationships
“Every Christian parent ought to read Family Driven Faith. I’ve never encountered a book on family life that compressed so much biblical teaching, provocative thinking, sound theology, and practical help in one volume.”
Christian Living
“David Mathis has more than accomplished his goal of writing an introduction to the spiritual disciplines. What I love most about the book is how Mathis presents the disciplines—or ‘means of grace’ as he prefers to describe them—as habits to be cultivated in order to enjoy Jesus. The biblical practices Mathis explains are not ends—that was the mistake of the Pharisees in Jesus’s day and of legalists in our time. Rather they are means by which we seek, savor, and enjoy Jesus Christ. May the Lord use this book to help you place yourself ‘in the way of allurement’ that results in an increase of your joy in Jesus.”
Bible Studies & Devotionals
“Perhaps more families begin or restart family worship during the Christmas season than any other time of year. Whether this describes your family's intention, or you've been consistent in family worship for a long time, I want to commend Hosanna in Excelsis to you. It's a daily devotional that dovetails the biblical teaching upon which many seasonal hymns and carols are based with the lyrics and score of the songs themselves. So you'll learn some of the story behind each song and often about the hymn writer and/or composer, as well as discover biblical insights from the foundational passage for the song. Then, of course, you sing the song in worship of the One whose coming we celebrate at Christmas. Combine all that with the captivating calligraphy of Timothy Botts, and you have a family worship resource you'll enjoy year after year.”
Bible Studies & Devotionals
“This is a unique resource for parents to help them implement family worship. In it you'll learn not only why and how to have family worship, but find a multitude of engaging, interactive lessons for weekly family worship nights. Sergey Sologub has assembled an amazing assortment of stories and activities to help parents teach their children the attributes of God.”
Theology
“I am so pleased to see this work in print. For years I have required my doctoral students to read the original academic version of this incredibly helpful work. Now it's finally available to everyone in a more accessible format. It is so clear, concise, well-organized, and understandable that anyone interested in an evaluation of the 'higher life' movement-educators, students, pastors, or laymen-can profit from Andy's research. No one who wants to know more about this influential movement can afford to be without this valuable resource.”
Christian Living
“This is a classic example of the kind of book readers worldwide have come to expect from the pen of John MacArthur. Saturated with Scripture, straightforward, and easy to understand, MacArthur’s words show what the Bible teaches about sanctification and how it applies both to the individual Christian and to the local church. Christians concerned about the kind of teaching that has resulted in the ‘hole in our holiness’ will find here much to clarify the issue for them and practical encouragement on walking closely with Christ.”
Women
“What an exceptional book! First, its scope is different from other books in that it focuses exclusively on the psalms—all 150 of them. Second, its format is unique because the author presents each divinely inspired song with creative divisions such as ‘Musical Notes’ (how the psalm reveals God and his grace) and ‘Sing the Song’ (suggestions for personal application). If you’re a woman looking for a fresh approach to your reading of Scripture, you’ll find it in Lydia Brownback’s Sing a New Song.”
Spurgeon on the Christian Life
Christian Living
“Ask people what first comes to mind when they hear the name Charles Spurgeon, and they will invariably answer with something about preaching. Indeed, Spurgeon is widely considered ‘The Prince of Preachers,’ and deservedly so. But he is so closely identified with powerful preaching that many fail to realize what an eminently godly man he was. Yes, Spurgeon pastored the largest evangelical church in the nineteenth-century world. Yes, his collected sermons extend to more than sixty-three thick volumes, sermons which continue to sell well today. Yes, his fame as a preacher made Spurgeon the most famous name in Christendom during his lifetime. But he should be equally known as a man of deep piety and a vibrant Christian life. Thankfully, Michael Reeves helps rectify Spurgeon’s reputational imbalance with his book Spurgeon on the Christian Life. Superbly researched and winsomely written, it demonstrates how Spurgeon—in sickness and in health, in success and in tragedy, in the public eye and in the home—sought to live a Christ-centered life according to the Bible. Whether this is your introduction to Spurgeon or he has been a hero of yours for decades, you will be encouraged by this book.”
NOTE: Only includes books currently in our catalog; not necessarily a complete list.
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