Preaching that Changes Lives

This book concentrates a lot on the life a pastor should lead and really emphasizes that if you, the pastor, aren't the example how will they follow? Then he moves into some practical ways to set up your outline, prayer and accountability that will move from a sermon that people don't just listen to, but start to truly change their lives from.

He speaks of both the calling of both the pastor and the congregants in preparation for the Lord's Day.

Mr. Fabarez doesn't believe that it is his words that changes anyone but only God who is sovereign, but gives us tips so that we can be shown as "workman...accurately handling the Word of truth." 2 Tim 2:15

Very convicting message from someone who prepares sermons and also is a congregant. Preparation is key but apart from the Spirit it is just a man made speech. Link to Buy

Charismatic Chaos

John MacArthur does a very good job in being gentle yet truthful in showing where the charismatic movement leads to, and that is when you have the no-holds barred "pastors and churches" that can do anything that "God has told them" The bible is our only authority and because "God has given us everything pertaining to life and godlines" we rest assured on this that He has given us the " faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" This book is a little outdated but still shows what was happening even in the early 90's. I believe this movement has truly blown up since then and now considered almost "main stream" even though the teachings have been proven to be completely heretical. (i.e. Benny Hinn and Kenneth Copeland)

Even if you are a Charismatic I would encourage you to pick this book up to see some of the things that are happening in your own "movement." MacArthur spends most of his time to talk about the "hyper Charismatic" but does so becuase this is where eventually the Charismatic movement has led to. MacArthur not only gives actual events and theology preached but defends everything in light of Scripture which for most in this movement it gets tough for them to defend since they believe the canon is still open and God doesn't only speak through the Word.

Tough subject, but very much needed. Link to Buy

Light in the Shadow of Jihad: The Struggle for Truth

I thought this was going to take more of a stand against Muslims and Islam. But what I found is really a fight against evil and really against what the "extremists" believe in Islam. If I hadn't read or listened more of Ravi than just this book I would think he was partial to the "peaceful" Muslims. He did talk about the Islamic countries in bits and about their oppression but never really came down on the crux of this religion that, based on their own Koran, they are told to be "killing machines" to all those who are not Muslim, to wait in the bushes to ambush the infidels. So what happened on 9/11 shouldn't have been a shock to those educated on what Islam stands for.

The book was good in parts but left me wanting more arguments for why Christianity is based on love and Islam is based on a vengeful and hateful allah to even his own people. Instead all you get is more generalities and universal arguments from a worldview standpoint instead of a point by point argument or discussion on basically "Why Christianity and Why not Islam" Because truly Christ is the only Light in any shadow.

I was left wanting, and there was no message at the end that pointed people to Christ, just very vague. I did like the read and found some interesting points on topics and discussions I wasn't expecting. Link to buy

Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps, and Time Lines

This book is a great tool that walks you through the Bible from Old Testament to New. It has very nice pictures of different cities and sights of the Bible along with amazing timelines from kings to events throughout biblical times.

It has charts showing the various prophets, kings and timeline all on a matter of a couple of pages so that the reader can see the big picture. The book is also useful as it gives a quick timeline from the time of the apostles all the way to the modern day. The Maps are colorful and use various images for the reader so you can visualize different events and landmarks. So many tools in this small resource can't list them all. Great reference book for any student or teacher of the Word. Link to buy

The Keys to Spiritual Growth

I would definitely urge those who are new in the faith to pick up this book as it will guide you into a right understanding of what faith that isn't dead is really about. It really is for the new Christian, unless you are one who has "professed" faith but have really never followed up with any true fruit of the Spirit; then this book would be a great book to pick up as well.

This book is good for discipling and if doing so would be great to hand off to that new Christian brother and/or sister in Christ. Also, you get to expose them to some great teaching from one the country's great expositors of Scripture.

Good insight and has some good reminders for those who are more mature in their faith. MacArthur, as usual, draws most of his conclusions straight from the word of God so not to get off track. Link to Buy

The Joy of Fearing God

This book really puts into perspective who we are and who our Creator is. Jerry Bridges uses a lot of Scripture which is why this book was so convicting of how we draw close to our Maker. He draws out the correct view of the fear of God and not how some others see their god, such as the Muslims. They literally fear Allah in an unhealthy way where He will smite them at any time. Our fear of our Jehovah, is a reverential fear that is brought forth in this book.

Some feel as though there should be no fear of God anymore, the fearing of God is not being fearful of Him smiting you at anytime, the fear of God is an awe inspiring, reverential fear to know how holy and just He is, and how dirty and filthy we are. That will draw us close to His grace and wonderful love for such a worthless people.

This book should be read by all, for those who feel as though self esteem is everything, and also for those who feel as though we should be fearful of God's wrath even though we are saved. Jerry Bridges shows how to truly fear God as a Christian, in a healthy way. To know the greatness of God's wrath, like Nahum did, yet still say, "God is good" as Nahum responded in Nahum 1.

Very easy read, but don't make the assumption that because it is an easy read that it is not full of theological insight and depth. Link to buy

Spurgeon's Sermons

Comprehensive volumes on Spurgeon's sermons, even with date and place that he spoke them. Easy to navigate as there is a topical and Bible reference appendix so you can either read some subjects for the first time or review a whole sermon where you have heard quotes in the past.

Spurgeon truly was one of the greatest pastors, and he would be the first to tell you it was only by God's grace that he could bring us God's word. These volumes are very comprehensive and for under $50 it is a steal. I have enjoyed them and used them in many different ways and have enjoyed reading them in Spurgeon's venacular instead of some of the contemporary changes some have made. If you are a fan of Spurgeon this is truly a great set to have in your library. Link to buy

The Treasury of David

This is a great commentary series on the Psalms and has the same feel as Spurgeon's sermons. Great resource for any teacher and pastor to prepare in study for the Psalms.

Very detailed, which I can't say the same for other commentaries done during this same time period. The price once again shows how many people have lost interest in both commentaries and our past church saints. If you would like to learn more about the man you should definitely check out the Spurgeon Archive. This is what Phil Johnson has to say about the collection:

The Treasury of David is a superb literary achievement. Eric Hayden, pastor of
the Metropolitan Tabernacle a century after Spurgeon's ministry began there,
calls this work "Spurgeon's magnum opus." Spurgeon's wife said that if Spurgeon
had never written any other work, this would have been a permanent literary
memorial.

If you are going to be going through the Psalms in your own study or teaching
you should definitely have this at your disposal. Link to Buy

The Master's Plan for the Church

Very thorough and to the point in so many aspects of the church. From backing up why a plurality of elders to church discipline. A very good read that will point the reader of what God truly wants from His church based on the biblical model set forth in the New Testament. I extremely liked the area describing the elder; his qualifications and disqualifications based on what the Greek text provides.

In the back of the book in the appendixes he then tackles questions regarding different aspects of the church, such as major questions regarding elders and deacons. He defends many topics including having one of the elders being the lead (teaching pastor) to why the elders can, but not as a rule, be paid. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to reconfirm what the Bible teaches on the church and not our traditions passed on generation upon generation. Link to buy

Who Made God?: And Answers to Over 100 Other Tough Questions of Faith

The answers in this book are way too condensed and simple. Doesn't thouroughly answer the questions that are brought forth and takes snippets from other books on these topics for its' answers, such as "When Skeptics Ask" and "Case for Christ."

It seemed as though they were just wanting a book on the shelf that had Ravi's name on it, very poorly put together. If you are looking for answers to tough questions pick up "When Skeptics Ask" "Case for Christ" "Kingdom of the Cults" and/or "Evidence that Demands a Verdict"

This book leaves a lot to be desired and expected more being that Ravi was the General Editor of this book and also "Kingdom of the Cults" Link to Buy