When I am asked if there is an author or book I would recommend to a believer to grow spiritually in their following of the LORD JESUS – I always answer, “Yes.” There is a book with over 40 authors, from many different backgrounds and walks of life. This book took about 1,500 years to put together and it is truly a one of a kind. If you have not figured it out yet, let me dial you in. It is the Word of GOD – the Bible. Regardless of where you are at in your walk with the LORD the Word of GOD is living and active – sharper than any two-edged sword. You will never, in your life time, plumb the depths of the Bible – and GOD intended it that way! Just as we will never be able to know GOD fully, so too, HIS Word (we are HIS creation…not the other way around). If you are an unbeliever, who is curious or wants to know more about Christianity, I would ONLY recommend GOD’S Word for it is the only word that is living and active! Now that I have made my first and foremost recommendation – the Bible, you might want to know which Bible I recommend. That is an excellent question, as there are many different translations. I personally use the New American Standard (NASB). It was the first Bible ever given to me by my mom, which I still have today! Later on, I came to find out it is considered the most literal translation available. That leads me to my recommendation for a translation…any, as long as it is a literal translation. Simply put, a literal translation takes the original word, in its original language, and converts it into the best English word(s). Several literal translations available, which I recommend, are: The New American Standard, the English Standard, the Amplified Bible and the New King James.
Beyond having a literal translation, having a dynamic equivalent translation will be of good use. The New Living Translation is the Bible the church, where we use to attend, uses. I find it to be a fairly good companion alongside my others. Lastly, you need to have one or two good study bibles. These bibles are put together by a team which have accompanying notes for the books/chapters/and verses of the bible. Study Bibles help you gain a better understanding and can direct you to parallel passages to further your study time. I recommend two very specifically, which I believe every Christian should have on their desk: The D A Carson Study Bible (NIV Translation) and the ESV Study Bible. Holly, my wife, (see her “Recommend Page“) recommends the Thompson Chain Reference Bible and there is good reason for it.
Now, before moving on, I want to tell you just a brief story of when the Lord Jesus saved me. The Lord Jesus saved me in October, 2008 and there was no one in my life. I was by myself and on my own. Except the Lord had me keep the Bible my mom gave me. What I found myself doing – wanting to do, was reading and following every reference there was. If there was 10 different references for a verse, I went to each of them. Soon I discovered the Lord had granted me to build up a vast array of His Word. I want to recommend you do the same. Take some time and day or so (if possible), just get by yourself with the Lord, pray and start reading, cross referencing praying some more and more reading! Before long, you will find yourself in sweet communion with the Lord in His Word!
Since October 2008, the Lord Jesus has used numerous other men of God to help shape, teach and disciple me. However, there has only been one predominate individual the Lord has used extensively. That person is D A Carson. Here is a bit more on D A Carson which you may find useful. To this very date (August 2024), he has preached the most profound sermon I have ever heard on what it means to be a Christian, and the church. He preached this sermon at the 2009 Ligonier Conference. It is called, “A Holy Nation” and I still watch it every year. When D A. Carson asked the question, “What does holy mean?” you could have heard a pin drop! his book “The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God” is still one of those “you must read” books. I consider it to be very foundational as we look at God relating to His creation. I would simply say to anyone who has a desire to truly go into the depths of what God has revealed to us in His Word, D A Carson is one of a very limited few who can take you there and with a pastor’s heart. Do not, I mean do not, miss any opportunity to listen to or read a book of his. Another work, which I believe you should have on your shelf ready to go in your time of study is, “Commentary on the New Testament use of the Old Testament“. I rejoice in the Lord for His grace in and through Mr. Carson. May the Lord grant him to finish stronger than when he first started!
Lastly, one other man of God whom I would highly recommend is Alistair Begg. Very few pastors have endured for the long haul like Mr. Begg. But, what you will discover from this Scottish born and raised pastor, is a love
for God and for His image bearers. I have heard Brother Alistair preach on several occasions. His “Truth for Life” teaching ministry is of immense value to any believer! You will even see it on the right sidebar of this web page! I hope you will take the time to go through the resources and immerse yourself in his insightful and witty teaching. Truly, one of the best there is!