Other than the Bible, what book do you consider valuable in your spiritual growth?

[heather]

The Bible, I know, is the most important Book for our spiritual growth and development. But there are many good books out in the market, and I was wondering what book or books you consider valuable study aids in spiritual development. Thanks

[Dave Ulchers]

I thought The Mirror of Simple Souls (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/books/0809134276/reader/16/ref=lib_dp_TT01/103-7790083-2159802#reader-link) was quite good.

[AngelAmidala]

Any of Max Lucado's books. He explains things so well, and they really hit home for me many times. :)

[dependingonhim]

Kay Arthur's book on LORD, I want to Know You - it is a study of the Scriptures on the Names of God. I have drawn closer to God by claiming His names and learning more about His attributes.

[filosofer]

Follow Me: Discipleship According to Matthew by Martin Franzmann

Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

God's Design by Elmer Martens

The Cross of Christ by John Stott

Post Modern Times by Gene Veith

[BigEd]

The AA "big book"

brendan manning's "the ragamuffin gosple"

Philip Yancey's "what's so amazing about grace" and " the Jesus I never knew"

G.K Chesterton's "Orthodoxy"

Francis A Schaeffer trilogy "God who is there" "escape form reason" "he is there and not Silent"

[terpswm]

My Strong's Concordance, anything by CS Lewis (I am reading The Screwtape Letters right now, Max Lucado's He Chose the Nails, Strobel's The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith.

[heather]

Thanks for your recommendations! Sometimes when I look at the books in my local Christian bookstore, I wonder which ones are really Biblically correct.

I realized that I did not share a few of my favorite books. A SHEPHARD LOOKS AT THE 23rd PSALM (Not sure of author) is good for seeing Jesus as the good shephard.

EXPERIENCING GOD by Henry Blackaby and Claude King is challenging my rather limited view of God.

Hope those are good for you!

[Christi]

Phillip Yancey "The Jesus I Never Knew"

[Willis Deal]

Strong's concordance is absolutely essential in bible study. Next I would recommend any of Joyce Meyer's teaching tapes. She's got a lot of good stuff on day to day living for the Christian, and you can listen to the tapes in your car or while you are doing other things.

[Wolseley]

The books that I consider to be essential are many; however, since you ask for one book, I'll narrow the list to what I usually take on retreat with me:

The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas a' Kempis, written in 1418.

[Messenger]

The Message I enjoy. I use my NIV Bible when I want to look up something or to see if I agree with the way the Message Bible is translated. The Message is written in today's language and is almost like a preacher's sermon. It breaks the books of the Bible down in chapters but not verses.

[Wildfire]

Hi Heather; believe it or not, I prefer those old dusty books you find at Goodwill or bargain book stores. I have come across some rare finds; and I have cleaned them up and brought them all back to life. :)
One I greatly enjoy, is all about Jesus and his time spent on earth. It is called "Great days of the Last Week" by Bruner. My book is dated in 1931, out of some old church, and it's neat to me because I wonder who had read this before me (there are personal handwritten notes in some of the ones I have found) This particular book gives a great in-depth view of the Disciples, and how they spent those sad, yet uplifitng last moments with the messiah; before, during and after his death.
I also have scattered books of all types; paperback, hardcover, small, old, some new; written directly about the early prophets and their scripture. Nothing flashy, but it's the best.
Wildfire

[heather]

Wolseley, sorry, should have said books, am happy to hear other titles. Awesome books! I too like the message. Thanks!

[ZiSunka]

The ONE book I wouldn't want to be without?

A hymnal!

[Athlon4all]

My Bible Study Group has been reading for almost a year now Knowing God, by Dr. Packer. Very good book, I'm learning a lot.

[edjones]

Strong's or any good concordance.

Rev. Clarence Larkin Books:
Dispensational Truth
Rightly Dividing the Word, Second Coming of Christ,
Spirit World , Book of Daniel , Book of Revelation

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate (http://www.larkinestate.com/)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

[Wolseley]

Wolseley, sorry, should have said books, am happy to hear other titles. Awesome books! I too like the message. Thanks!
Oh! Well, in that case.....

http://thebruces.stormbirds.org/forum/showthread.php?threadid=4895

:)

[heather]

Wolseley, LOL.

Thanks for the list.

[Jephunneh]

The Next Step by Jack T. Chick

http://www.chick.com/catalog/books/0156.asp

[Reformationist]

I have thoroughly enjoyed these:

"What the Bible says about...child training" by J. Richard Fugate

"Sovereignty of God" by A.W. Pink (all of his really)

any book by R.C. Sproul

any book by C.S. Lewis

God bless,

Don

[EJO]

I enjoy A.W.Tozer(sp)
and Strongs for Concordance.

[TruelightUK]

There are so many!

Ron Sider Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger
Richard Foster Freedom of Simplicity
John Stott The Cross of Christ
John V. Taylor The God-Between God

Are just a few that spring to mind that have actively affected the way I live my life.

Anthony

[Andrew]

Any Smith Wigglesworth books (Every Increasing Faith).

Healing the Sick by TL Osborn

Christ the Healer by FF Bosworth

Books by Kenneth E Hagin.

:)

[Job_38]

Jesus Freaks by DC Talk and Voice of the Martyrs, reading about those who paid the ultimate price for Chris really convicts me not to whine and such about my "persecutions" aka getting made fun of, kinda like comparing my sandwich to a steak dinner. MMhhh, steak.

[Gerry]

Naturally there can be no serious Bible Study without a Strong's exhaustive Concordance. Also as AA said Max Lucado books are very good, for inspiration.

Like LambsLove said, though, I could not live without my hymnals. I have several and some of the Hymns really minister to me. Right now, one of my favorites is: "Because He Lives"! Awesome"

But I must tell you, that for ME, personally, I could not live without my JB Phillips Translation of The New Testament. It does not replace any Bible I have but I love to read a text and then compare it in the JB Phillips. It is such an awesome and respected translation, NOT a paraphrase.

You can find it on line and add to your favorites as I have, if you are interested. You can find it at:

http://www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/JBPNT.htm

If you are not absolutely delighted, I will refund your money.

[isshinwhat]

Theology and Sanity by Frank Sheed.

Contemplative Prayer by Thomas Merton

These two books helped guide me during the rebellious adolesence of my faith.

God Bless,

Neal

[JustinWilliams]

Rediscovering Expository Preaching by John MacArthur Jr. and the Master's Seminary faculty.

The Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter

Holiness and Practical Religion by JC Ryle

Any books by RC Sproul or JI Paker.

[Hojo Hominygrits]

"The Normal Christian Life" by Watchman Nee

"Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe" by Gary Kinnaman

[Gerry]

"Sovereignty of God" by A.W. Pink (all of his really)
Yes Indeed!

[MizDoulos]

Don't know if these were already mentioned, but these are excellent books:

"Knowing God" by J.I. Packer
"The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis
Any of John MacArthur's commentaries
"The Attributes of God" by A.W. Pink
"Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis
Any of Charles Spurgeons writings

[TruelightUK]

I'll second Jesaiah's voete for JC Rowle's 'Holiness'. I also really enjoy AW Tozer. Met. Anthony Bloom's 'School for Prayer' is pretty inspiring, and I got a lot from Cardinal Suenens' 'A New Pentecost?' So, as you can see, I have pretty catholic (in the non-Roman sense!) tastes!

[Phoebe]

I am partial to CS Lewis and Frank Peretti.

[Loser For Jesus]

"Even The Demons Believe" and "The Essential Piece" by Timothy Williams.