If you haven't read the Book of Psalms in the original King James Version, you're missing out. There might not be anything closer to the poetry of ancient Hebrew from David than in this version.

This book criticizes the failure of modern psychology and explores how the incorporation of secular techniques into Christian counseling has left our churches in disarray. Ganz, who was himself a well-respected psychologist, shows from first hand experience why the Bible is superior to counsel us.

This book took me by surprise. It was recommended to by a seasoned saint, so I bought a copy. I read it in one sitting. It changed my life and further solidified my understanding of the Book of Romans. My wife and I frequent this book together for our devotional time.

Spurgeon's notes through Psalm 119. What's not to love?

For any and every father who has boys, especially teenage boys, I could not recommend a better book for you. It's extremely practical, biblical, inspiring and convicting. Men — you need to read this. I believe mothers would also benefit from it as well.

This is a super practical guide to studying and understanding the Bible. Hendricks provides us with effective tools and techniques for engaging with Scripture, emphasizing the importance of interpretation, application, and personal transformation in the pursuit of a meaningful and vibrant Christian faith.

A witty, fun and casual approach to the Bible, as you can tell by the title. This book does a great job addressing common misunderstandings and pitfalls in reading and interpreting the Bible.

I won't lie, this can be a dry read, but it covers the essentials of logical, Bible interpretation which is invaluable for every serious Bible student. Before you pick this one up though, try the other books I recommend.

This book took me by surprise. It was recommended to by a seasoned saint, so I bought a copy. I read it in one sitting. It changed my life and further solidified my understanding of the Book of Romans. My wife and I frequent this book together for our devotional time.

I was first gifted this book when I was 17 years old. I read it and I didn't get it. It was too meaty for me at the time. I picked it up 5 years later and it changed my life. If you want to see Christ reign in your life, then this book will teach you what needs to happen.

The beauty of Chuck Smith is his simplicity, and in my opinion, this book is his masterpiece. I first read it when I was 17, and it rocked my condemnable teenage world and showed me God's grace for the first time. This book, in part, is responsible for leading me back to Christ in my wayward years.

I've been reading this book since I was 20. This book is extraordinarily practical, inspiring and full of wisdom. It works great as a devotional, or as a one sit down read through. If you want to find joy in serving others, and discover the heart of God in helping others, this book has great application. Couldn't recommend it enough.

If you're unfamiliar with Bonhoeffer, he was a German theologian and key figure in the resistance against Nazi regime, known for his courageous stand on Christian ethics. He was was hanged by the Nazis at the Flossenbürg concentration camp. But before then, he wrote this book. It's a brilliant, eloquent, and difficult read — but well worth your time.  

In my opinion, the best single source book and resource on Bibliology. Geisler is easy to read, extremely logical, and has one of the best grasps on church history from any author I've read. It's a big book, and you might not read it cover to cover like I did (I'm a nerd), but it's a fantastic resource to have on your shelf.

I love Dr. Henry Morris. He is one of the smartest men to ever walk this planet, but his care for his readers is pastoral by nature. He will minister to you as he writes, while also giving you a substantial, logical understanding of the evidences of the Christian faith.

Another great resource by Normal Geisler. You’ll find many overlapping themes in this book from “A General Introduction to the Bible,” but you’re likely to find this easier to digest. If you already have the other book, no need to get this one.

Recently read this back in 2021. It’s a new and fresh angle on looking at the solid facts of Christianity. Bass approaches the Christian religion and the New Testament from a purely historical stance, showing that even the most critical skeptics of the New Testament cannot deny the foundational bedrock of facts surrounding the New Testament. If you any doubts about Christianity — read this. It will change your mind in a heart beat.

This is a personal favorite. I lend it out all the time. A simple read and short book. Perfect for those who are just beginning to delve into the topic of Bibliology and have questions about how we got our Bibles.

If “A General Introduction to the Bible” by Geisler is at the exhaustive end, and “How We Got the Bible” by Lightfoot is at the simple end, this book by Hayes shoots right down the middle. A great resource to have on understanding the logic and facts about our Bibles.

A short book, but a hard read. Metzger is a scholar, and you know it as soon as you begin to read any of his books. If you want a scholarly approach to the text of Scripture, Metzger is your man.

A 400 year old treatise from one pastor to a group of other pastors. For Christmas, my wife purchased a custom-leather bound reprint of the second edition. It's my most valued book in my library right now. Highly recommended for anyone aspiring to ministry. Might be the best book on shepherding, besides the pastoral letters by Paul himself. This is my 4th time reading through it.

For any and every father who has boys, especially teenage boys, I could not recommend a better book for you. It's extremely practical, biblical, inspiring and convicting. Men — you need to read this. I believe mothers would also benefit from it as well.

I love this book. Martyn Lloyd Jones preached at Westminster Chapel in England for 30 years, and during that time God let him witness revival. What did Jones do that was so special. He elevated the task of preaching God’s Word as the most important duty of a pastor, and he faithfully taught for 30 years. Jones is more than qualified to write on the subject, and this book will teach, encourage and challenge any pastor and interested teacher of God’s Word.

I would happily give this to any man who wants to enter pastoral ministry for the first time. This is a newer book, and a great one for those who are exploring the calling of “pastor” on their lives. Lawson does a great job in showing the duties of a preacher in revering God’s Word, and teaching God’s Word clearly and expositionally.

Another reverent presentation of the duties and calling of a pastor to faithfully preach the Word. Not to mention — it’s a classic from a prominent pastor and theologian. I enjoyed it very much.

As popular of an author as D.A. Carson is, this was the first book I ever read by him, and only recently. Carson has a super-intellect and is scholarly in his approach to interpreting God’s Word. For that, some might find his writing style arrogant, as I did — but in the end — it shows that he has a passion for the accuracy of teaching God’s Word. This book shows mistakes and fallacies pastors often make in interpreting Scripture, and I believe I’m a better teacher because of it.

Sadly, church displine is taboo in today’s church culture. But Jay Adams shows, not only the necessity of church discipline, but also the blessing that it brings to the church itself. It’s not just for pastors and elders — the entire body of Christ is to be part of church discipline in order that we would see more fruit in each other’s lives. I highly recommend this read.

While I don’t think this book has nearly as much fervor and “aha!” moments as his other book, “Christ Indwelling and Enthroned,” Sanders brings along many convicting elements we need to be aware of as leaders, whether of a church, our homes, or elsewhere.

Caution — contents hot! This book will seriously offend you. The first time I read it I threw it across the room. (And I don’t ever do that with my books!) While I have many disagreements with Ravenhill in regards to practical and theological pastoring, I cannot disagree with his passion to seek and save the lost. When I need courage to go preach the gospel to the lost, I often find myself going back to this one. You will get burned!

This is a collection of lectures from Spurgeon to the students of his Pastor’s College, which he found to raise up pastors. His lectures cover various topics from pastoral ministry, to preaching, to leadership, sermon prep and other miscellaneous advice. You may find some of Spurgeon’s standards harsh, but it was for a given time and purpose. For example, if a man could not reach a certain volume in his preaching voice, Spurgeon was convinced the man was not called to preach. Not sure that’s a concern with microphones anymore, and I don't remember the apostles' mentioning this requirement. Even still, it's a great book (thick) book!

All in all, very good, inspiring and encouraging. D.L. Moody is a man worth following as an example. I do find Steve Miller's writing style a little dry at times. I think this book would be best enjoyed as a devotional for leaders, not so much as a read through.

This book emphasizes the crucial role of fathers in leading and shepherding their families. Baucham highlights the biblical mandate for fathers to take responsibility in teaching, disciplining, and nurturing their children. Men, gear up. It's a hard hitter, but also equipping and encouraging.

Excellent book. Excellent book. It will easily become a book I hand out to young and new pastors in the ministry, as it clearly outlines the responsibities of expositing God’s Word clearly, intentionally, and precisely as the primary means of leading and guiding the church. I will certainly be reading it again.