Recommended Reading List

Periodically, in the past I have made some recommendations of some books to be read. Since fall has “fallen” and winter is approaching, please allow me to suggest some books to tackle in order to “fatten-up” your soul this winter.

A Gospel Primer for Christians by Milton Vincent

Description: To the Christians in Rome, the Apostle Paul says, "I am eager to preach the gospel to you who are at Rome" (Romans 1:15). Evidently, Christians need to hear the gospel even after conversion; and A Gospel Primer for Christians is designed to help you do just that. By showing how you can preach the gospel to yourself each day, this book will help you savor the glories of God's love and experience the life-transforming power of the gospel in all areas of your life. Use this book to preach the gospel to yourself on a daily basis, and be amazed at the difference it can make in your life!

"This small but meaty overview of the gospel is a wonderful resource. It is an ideal tool for introducing people to the gospel message for the first time. And because it is such a clear and thorough digest of gospel truth, it is also a useful handbook for seasoned believers--both a reminder of what is truly important and an encouragement to keep the gospel in sharp focus."

--John MacArthur, Pastor-Teacher, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California

The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs

Description: Burroughs' writings some published before and others after his death were numerous, but The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment is one of the most valuable of them all. Its author was much concerned to promote:

peace among believers of various 'persuasions'

peace and contentment in the hearts of individual believers during what he describes as 'sad and sinking times'.

The Rare Jewel concentrates upon this second aim. It is marked by sanity, clarity, aptness of illustration, and warmth of appeal to the heart. 'There is an ark that you may come into, and no men in the world may live such comfortable, cheerful and contented lives as the saints of God'. Burroughs presses his lesson home with all the fervor and cogency of a true and faithful minister of God. 

Sinners in the Hands of a Good God – David Clotfelter

Sinners in the Hands of a Good God is a wonderfully clear, readable, understandable study of the sovereignty of God and the problem of evil. David Clotfelter powerfully expounds the biblical doctrines of sin and grace—something desperately needed in a generation when both concepts have become terribly vague and confused in most people’s minds.”—John MacArthur

“One of the most winsome, discerning and compelling presentations of the seriousness of sin and the grace of God. It is among the few potentially life-changing books—to believe it and live a careless Christian life should be impossibility.”—Iain H. Murray

Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography by Iain Murray

Description: Edwards' theology is set here in its proper context of his everyday life. We are able to follow him in public and private, as pastor in the days of the Great Awakening as well as in the 'wilderness' years in the outpost of Stockbridge. Laden with much recent scholarship which makes the book a more complete volume on the subject than prior biographies. “The duty of singing praises to God seems to be appointed wholly to excite and express religious affections,” Edwards believed.

“No man is more relevant to the present conditions of Christianity than Jonathan Edwards…He was a mighty theologian and a great evangelist at the same time. If you want to know anything about true revival, Edwards is the man to consult. My advice is, read Jonathan Edwards. Go back to something solid and deep and real.”

--- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Used to Want to be a Cowboy – John Bird

Growing up in the small town of Joshua, Texas, John Bird wanted nothing more than to be a cowboy. But for a poor kid who lived in town, there weren’t many options. With a borrowed bull-rope, he reluctantly climbed on his first bull at the historic Kowbell Indoor Rodeo. Used to Want to be A Cowboy is the story of how John pursed his cowboy dreams over the next ten years. (You can now find John at While We Sojourn)

“In a down home, friendly, and non-technical way, John takes us through two journeys. The first journey is his own. We learn extremely intimate details about this young man as he grows from childhood to a young adult. John is able to enchant the reader with accounts of his personal journey that includes learning to ride bucking bulls without serious injury or death.

The second journey that John takes the reader on is that of the bull riding world. Without being technical, dry, or boring, John gives great detail about the "mechanics" of successfully riding a bull in competition. Interesting details, facts, nomenclature, and information is dispensed in such a way that makes the reader feel a real part of the story and the process.”

---Gregg Metcalf, Gospel-driven Disciples

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30 Days of Thanksgiving

I am thankful the promise that Christ has gone into heaven ahead of us to prepare a place for us. He promises us that where He is there will be forever be, with Him! (John 14:2)