I recently finished reading, Francis Chan's book, "Crazy Love." It is one of those books that rocks you to your core. Causes you to examine the authenticity of your relationship to God and how that relationship shapes your life. It is now on the list of books that I recommend every Christian to read.
That caused me to think if I made a list of the ten most influential books to my Christian life, which books would make the list. The first eight were pretty easy to list but final two were more difficult to come up with considering the many other possibilities.
I didn't include the Bible because it more than an inspirational book. It is the Word of God. Paul wrote to Timothy, "All Scripture is God breathed and is useful teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16)
The Ten Most Influential Books in My Life.
"The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. This is the simplest and most practical book I have found to help believers discover what it means to be a Christian and how they are to live.
"Experiencing God" by Henry Blackaby. This classic book by one of the most godly men I have ever had the privilege to know, helped me to discover that knowing the will of God is about knowing God first. It's Knowing God, Trusting God, Obeying God and Experienceing God.
"Christian Counter Culture" by John R.W. Stott. The best commentary on the the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7 where Jesus tells his followers what the lifestyle of a Christian really looks like.
"Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. Though this book is only been out a year, it will be a classic as it challenges Christians who are living in the 21st century to examine what it means to be loved by a Sovereign, All Powerful, and Holy God. And how being a relationship with Him impacts the we live out our lives during our short time on earth.
"Chasing Daylight" by Erwin McManus. Another recent book by an insightful "out of the box" thinker and pastor. Erwin examines in depth the passage in 1 Samuel 14:1-15, where Jonathan and his armor bearer are led by God to act in faith and winning a battle against all odds. It challenges our fears and complacency when it comes to serving God.
"Concentric Circles of Concern" by Oscar Thompson. Best book on personal evangelism I have ever read. I had the privilege to be taught this book, in a class at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary by Dr. Thompson, himself. It teaches us that we have circles of influence that exist in the relationships that we have. It is our personal mission field. Recently re-released.
"Disciples Are Made, Not Born" by Dawson Trotman. This classic book on discipleship written by the founder of the Navigators is a must read. It helps you discover the way to disciple others in their walk with Christ.
"The Power of Positive Praying" by John Bisagno. This book is probably out of print, but it helped me more about praying in faith and learning to trust God's voice in prayer than any other book on prayer I ever read.
"The Key to Triumphant Living" by Jack Taylor. This book may also be out of print, but it was the first book that I ever read that helped to understand what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to allow the Holy Spirit to empower me for ministry.
"Spiritual Leadership" by Henry Blakaby. This book provides the best treatment of what it means to be a spiritual leader, whether as a pastor, deacon, elder or the head of the household. It is address fallacies that accompany contemporary leadership models, provides the model for Biblical leadership.
We live in a day when many people depend upon TV and the internet for all their information and entertainment. For me, God has used reading and godly writers to help me grow in my faith.
Nothing takes the place of reading the Bible, but there are many inspirational books out there to read, that will help you become the person God wants you to be.
"Blessed is the man that finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yeilds better returns than gold." (Proverbs 3:13-14)
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