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With the desire to put good books in the hands of God's people, the ministry staff at Beaver Dam recommends the following books for your Christian growth and maturity.
The Reason for God by Timothy Keller
I was unfamiliar with Timothy Keller until this book was given to me by Scott and Debbie Vance when they moved to Washington. (We are glad they are back) Since reading this one, I've purchased and read two others by Timothy Keller and not been disappointed. He is the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, which he started in 1989 and now has nearly 6,000 in weekly attendance. If you've ever had any doubts about your faith, and who hasn't, this book will be a great encouragement. It will help genuine believers stand their ground in this age of skepticism. If you like this one, be sure and read Counterfeit Gods as well.
 Battling Unbelief by John Piper
Many of our college students are well acquainted with John Piper. Many others may have never heard of him. He is pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minnesota, author of countless books, and a frequent speaker at conferences. Don't let the title fool you with this book. It's not about unbelief in the sense of doubting our faith. Rather, it's an unbelief in the promises of God for our future, that in turn lead us to struggle with certain sins in the present. For example, do you ever worry? But what do we have to worry about if we really believe all the promises of God in the Bible? It's one thing to claim a promise, it's quite another to live accordingly. This book will help you battle for a life a holiness and conquer sin by trusting God.
Recommended by Dr. Alan Price
Forgotten God by Francis Chan Many are familiar with Francis because of his first book Crazy Love which was a very good book. However, many of our college aged and young adults know of Francis because of his dynamic speaking at PASSION Conferences. Francis is senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California. In Forgotten God the reader is challenged to not regard the Holy Spirit as a distant forgotten God. To often followers of Christ live as though they have no power and no confidence and Francis breaks to light the power and reality of the Holy Spirit. This book will not only convict but it will challenge. The Holiness of God by RC Sproul RC Sproul is a theological giant and a name I have known for years but I am sad to say it wasn't until this year that I read one of his books. I was expecting great things and I wasn't disappointed. Sproul does a wonderful job of communicating our finite ability to understand the word Holy and how to actually use that word as a descriptive of a our God who is most worthy of that title. When we as followers of God properly understand God's Holiness we are convicted of how and where our lives are not holy and thus out of step with Him. This book is not a difficult read and is very helpful in the Christians pursuit of Holiness. Recommended by Scott Hood  Soul Feast - An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life
By Marjorie J. Thompson
Offering a framework for understanding the spiritual disciplines and instruction for developing and nurturing those practices. Soul Feast is not a textbook, but has been used in many Spiritual Formation classes as well as small group settings.
"There is a hunger abroad in our time, haunting lives and hearts. Like an empty stomach aching beneath the sleek coat of a seemingly well-fed creature, it reveals that something is missing from the diet of our rational, secular, and affluent culture. Both within and beyond the traditional faith communities, a hunger for spiritual depth and integrity is gaining momentum..." (from Chapter One)
Perhaps this paragraph helps describe where you are or what you're looking for, or perhaps you would like some clear and practical discussions on prayer, worship and spiritual disciplines.
May the scripture which the author uses as basis for Chapter 6 be your prayer as you study: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Ps. 139:23-24
Recommended by Mike Bundon
 Growing Deep in the Christian Life
By Chuck Swindoll
Whether you drive a truck, wait tables, work in an office, or ferry the kids to and from soccer practice, Chuck Swindoll understands that your world is practical, earthy, tough, and relentless. Growing Deep takes the theology out of the ivory tower and enables you to apply it to where you live every day. The book helps you dig deeper and discover the essentials of the faith--essentials that enable you to experience Christian discipleship at a richer and more mature level.
For me, this has been an easy-going, and practical approach reviewing ten basic doctrines of our faith and giving strength and encouragement in my faith. The summary of root issues at the end of each chapter helps insure a well grounded approach that is useful and sensible for humble, daily Christian living, whether youth
or adult.
Recommended by Mike Bundon
 The Ins and Out of Rejection by Dr. Charles R. Solomon examines the absence of love and affection in the lives of adults that leads them to a rejection syndrome. In the absence of an organic problem, the inner need usually can be traced to the fact that the love needs have not been fulfilled. Symptoms rise into marital conflict, emotional disturbances mental aberrations, teenage problems, vocational dissatisfaction, and a host of others.
Although the rejection or hurt which damaged the person's life may have been experienced on a human level, the acceptance which is truly and lastingly healing must be experienced on a spiritual or divine level. Dr. Solomon will take you from The Ways In (The Rejection Syndrome) through to The Way Out (The Cross).
Recommended by Tim Hopkins. Let me know what you think of the book. thopkins@bdbc.org  Unfashionable: Making a Difference in the World by Being Different by Tullian Tchividjian explores the journey of spiritual seekers yearning for meaning that goes beyond this world --- for something and Someone different. This yearning for something different gives Christians a great opportunity to make a difference. But being different means Christ followers have to provide a meaningful alternative to the world. Unfashionable explains what it means to be out of style in culture - to be aligned with God's ways regards to community, lifestyle, work money, relationships, worship, and the church. The promise of reclaiming an authentic out-of-this-world presence is that Christians can once again become a powerful renovating force for God in the world. Recommended by Tim Hopkins. Let me know what you think of the book. thopkins@bdbc.org |
