 | The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers
by Arthur Bennett
Puritans wrote down their prayers as a way of keeping a record of God's dealings with the soul. Included here are prayers of Bunyan, Watts, Spurgeon, and others. Arranged by theme -- from the awesomeness of God to the awfulness of sin -- you'll find promptings for your own heart's dialogue with your heavenly Father. |
 | Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine
by Wayne Grudem
The Christian church has a long tradition of systematic theology, that is, studying theology and doctrine organized around fairly standard categories such as the Word of God, redemption, and Jesus Christ. This introductory textbook on systematic theology has several distinctive features: A strong emphasis on the scriptural basis for each doctrine and teaching. Clear writing, with technical terms kept to a minimum. A contemporary approach, treating subjects of special interest to the church today. A friendly tone, appealing to the emotions and the spirit as well as the intellect. Frequent application to life. Resources for worship with each chapter. Bibliographies with each chapter that cross-reference subjects to a wide range of other systematic theologies. |
 | The Courage to Be Protestant: Truth Lovers, Marketers, and Emergents in the Postmodern World
by David F. Wells
The Courage to be Protestant is a dynamic argument for the courage to be faithful to what biblical Christianity has always stood for, thereby securing hope for the church's future. Wells argues that the historic, classical evangelicalism is one marked by doctrinal seriousness, as opposed to the new movements of the marketing church and the emergent church. He confronts the marketing communities and what he terms their "sermons-from-a-barstool and parking lots and apres-worship Starbucks stands." He also takes issue with the most popular evangelical movement in recent years - the emergent church. Emergents are postmodern and postconservative and postfoundational, embracing a less absolute, understanding of the authroity of Scripture than Wells maintains is required. |
 | The Mortification of Sin
by John Owen
There are several publications of this book. Being a Puritan, Owen is difficult to read. Not only is it difficult because it was written in 1656, but also because John Owen was among the more difficult Puritans to read. I recommend the abridged and modernized version put out by the Christian Focus Publications with an introduction by J.I. Packer. This book can be used mightily by God to deal a crushing blow to our sins. |
 | The Nature of God
by Arthur W. Pink
He has the power to destroy those who violate his order, yet he sent his son to suffer and die for us instead. Who can understand this great God? Scholar and teacher Pink helps increase your understanding by exploring the essence, awe, and glory of our loving heavenly Father. Previously published as Gleanings in the Godhead. 350 pages, softcover from Moody. |
 | The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind
by Mark A. Noll
In this treatise on the state of the intellectual status of the evangelical movement, Mark Noll reminds us that 'modern evangelicals are the spiritual descendants of leaders and movements distinguished by probing, creative, fruitful attention to the mind' and challenges us to reclaim that heritage. Noll combines passion and his own impressive scholarship, arguing that if Christians are to serve God with their minds, they must do their homework, and think intellectually. |
 | The Mystery of Marriage, 20th Anniversary Edition
by Mike Mason
In the 20th anniversary edition of this Gold Medallion Award winner, Mike Mason goes n a poetic search to understand the wondrous dynamics of committed love. In highly readable, first-person style, Mason's writing stimulates readers' thoughts and prayers and propels couples to deeper intimacy. "A marriage is not a joining of two world," says the author, "but an abandoning of two worlds in order that one new one might be formed." Rich chapters on "Otherness," "Vows," "Intimacy," "Sex," "Submission," and an all-new chapter on "Oneness" lift readers to view the eternal, spiritual nature of this faith-filled, "impossible," wild--yet wonderful--frontier |
 | Romans-Crossway Classic Commentary
by Charles Hodge
The Crossway Classic Commentaries present the very best work on individual Bible books, carefully adapted for maximum understanding and usefulness for today's believers. Prehaps there is no clearer and more systematic treatise on the gospel of Jesus Christ than that found in Paul's Epistle to the Romans. This classic commentary is a treasure for all who desire a deeper walk with God. Whether used for supplementary reading or for careful study, it will prove profitable to every follower of Christ who avials himself or herself of its gems. |
 | Jonathan Edwards: A Life
by George M. Marsden
This is a very readable biography that explores much of the cultural and historical context that surrounded the life and ministry of this amazing pastor/theologian. |
 | Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography
by Iain H. Murray
As you may know, Pastor Allen has been shaped and guided by the example and teaching of this great man of God. This is his favorite biography. |
 | Biblical Eldership
by Alexander Strauch
This book has been foundational to FCF's leadership structure. In an age of professional ministers who seem to be influenced more by the experiences of successful C.E.O.s than by the biblical model of eldership, Strauch's work is remarkably important. Strauch thoroughly explores the Biblical model for eldership and carefully explains how a renewed focus on eldership is an essential component of a revitalized church. Quite simply, Biblical Eldership will help you understand what the Bible has to say about Christian leadership. |
