Ten among the Top

Most of us have a collection of Christian books—be it three or three hundred—that are shelf-worthy. These cherished books are the lifelong keepers that make up our long-term library. We've also got the stack of so-so books—good, but not quite permanent library material. These we keep on hand to give away to a friend who might find them profitable. Then there's the pile of doctrinally sketchy books that we aren’t quite sure what to do with. We either paid for them or received them as gifts, so we don't feel quite comfortable just throwing them out, but we really don't feel right about donating them to the church library either. If they really are theologically unsound, and I mean not simply different from your own viewpoint on secondary matters, toss them. (Secondary matters are things like mode of baptism or endtimes views; crucial, throw-the-book-out matters include anything that denies the sufficiency of Christ for salvation, or denies that we are saved by faith and grace alone, or that minimize the all-powerful, all-knowing, loving, and holy glory of God.)

With so many biblically sound Christian authors in the bookstores today (well, maybe more on-line than actually in the stores), it's hard to choose the ones in which to invest for our long-term library. Get recommendations from people whose Christian walk you respect a lot. There are many good books on my shelves, but among them there are some that I find myself returning to again and again. The authors of these particular books both inform theologically and encourage pastorally, and for that reason, they are my ten among the top. All of them are either still active in ministry or ministered during the last hundred years. (There are so many good ones from earlier generations that they require a separate post.) Here are the contemporary authors in alphabetical order:

James Montgomery Boice (1938-2000). James Boice wrote over 60 books during his lifetime. Among his best works are his 4-volume commentary on Romans and his commentary on the Minor Prophets. His Genesis commentary series is also outstanding.

Jerry Bridges, staff member of the Navigators Collegiate Ministry. The Pursuit of Holiness, The Gospel for Real Life, and The Practice of Godliness are awesome and good for new Christians as well as long-time believers.

Bryan Chapell, president of Covenant Seminary. We don't realize what legalists we are until we read his books on God's grace. He makes grace come alive and personal. Two of his best are The Wonder of It All and Holiness by Grace.

Elisabeth Elliot, my personal hero. Her no-nonsense, give-it-to-you-straight very biblical teaching on modesty, purity, marriage, and singleness has been key in shaping my outlook on biblical femininity. Passion and Purity is a must for the library of every young woman.

Sinclair Ferguson, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC. Dr. Ferguson epitomizes that rare mix of brilliant theological mind with warm, compassionate, pastoral heart. His little book Discovering God's Will is excellent, and good for every age group and level of Christian maturity. Add to your library any Ferguson material that you can find.

Elyse Fitzpatrick, biblical counselor and speaker. Elyse has a way of applying God's truth into the issues with which women most struggle. Idols of the Heart, Overcoming Worry, Fear and Anxiety, Women Helping Women, and A Steadfast Heart--they are all good. Look for her newest early in 2008 (I'll keep you posted).

Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981), minister of Westminster Chapel in London. Many of his sermon series have been published now. If you pick one, try to find a copy of the out-of-print Spiritual Depression.

A. W. Pink (1886-1952), pastor, teacher. I have never encountered an author whose passion for God is so contagious. Gleanings from Paul and Practical Christian Living are superb, but there is no bad Pink book. Collect as many as you can.

Paul Tripp, associate pastor at Tenth Presbyterian Church, artist, speaker, counselor. Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands is outstanding. Read anything by Dr. Tripp that you can get your hands on.

Edward Welch, counselor, faculty member and Director of the School of Biblical Counseling at CCEF and Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary. His book When People Are Big and God Is Small helps us recognize our fear-of-man issues, and it is a book that we do well to read at least once a year.