Here are a list of books I recommend you get at your earliest convenience. These books have done wonders for my faith (second to the Scriptures). If you are not familiar with Wayne Grudem then I recommend you get his first then you can work through the others as you so choose (maybe get On Being Black and Reformed second, but other than that you should be good to go). God bless and I pray that you find these books edifying!
This book is amazing and I try to buy an extra copy to give away to new believers. This book is fundamental in getting a basic understanding of major bible themes. It is short sweet and to the point. Wayne Grudem also has two bigger books: Bible Doctrines and Systematic Theology. Those books are much thicker so start here then work your way up.
I don’t know what to say about this book (other than I borrowed the title for the ministry and name). This book gives the reader a basic understanding of Reformed Theology (Doctrines of Grace and so forth) and the appendix is terrific. I read this book in two sittings and would have read it in one, if it had not been for me starting so late the first sitting. Brother Anthony is also a very approachable person. His blog location is here!
This is wonderful overview of the attributes of God (Immutability, Sovereignty, Power and so forth). A.W Pink is an unbelievable writer and the sweetness of the words and his high view of God draws you in to every page. Not to mention this book is saturated with scripture. Brother Pink did not write his own opinion, this book is very systematic in it’s approach. This is a must read, to get a clear view of God so that you can worship the True God revealed in the Bible.
I became a Piperite (as I am called in my church) about 6 months before reading this book a couple of years ago. I had fallen in love with his preaching from Bethlehem Baptist. I was given the Romans series (though it was not complete) by a good friend name Shannon. I was blown away. About a year later, after listening to other series such as : The Pleasures of God, Desiring God, and others, I was convinced I could move up to Minnesota, but being from Michigan, I thought it better to stay in Texas. Regardless this book changed my view of the Cross and Christ. You will hear the term Christian Hedonist throughout this book and as Piper says are satisfaction will only be complete if it is in Christ. Please buy this book and read it over and over. Piper also offers a free study guide here!
Boy oh boy! The Holiness of God. A quick testimony here. I came to church the next day and cried through worship and at FIT (a sort of small group). I couldn’t get myself together. I must say, though, not like Isaiah. I had become undone. The Lord strip me of my entitlement mentality and gave me a heart of reverence for Himself. No book has moved me more and cause me to tremble just as much in one piece. This book is that piece. It is well written in which Dr. Sproul gives his testimony and then it works through both the OT and NT. This book is Pink’s chapter in Attributes of God to the 100th power! Please read it with fear and hoping to get a proper perspecitve of the Most High!
Last but definitely not least is this wonderful piece of work by MacArthur. I still read this book to remind myself of the Gospel and my personal responsibility to yield to the Lordship of Christ. This book was also revolutionary to me. I had read Grace Awakening prior to this, but wrestled with some of the content. I read this, was cut to the heart and though it was difficult at times, immediately recognized it’s influence on my thinking. Doctor Mac, provides numerous footnotes and there is some good information in the appendix as well.
This is the smallest yet most powerful book on the list. If your life is not defined by the writings of scripture you will find out quickly in this small book. Pastor Jim is a skillful writer and doesn’t take many pages to convey his message. Simply “Test yourself”! Many are unregenerate but are under the false notion that they belong to the family of God. This book does two different things for two people groups. For the believer it causes him to repent and to take inventory of his/her life. For the nonbeliever, it will expose their sin, which will yield two responses, 1. A hard heart, 2. Repentance unto salvation. I pray it is number two. You can purchase it at www.ccwoline.org
This is a short list and Tyris is more familiar with some great books also. Hopefully he will post some stuff for us. Enjoy these books. If it is one thing about blacks it is that we don’t read enough (excluding Eric Jerome Dickey and the other foolish books full of adultery, sex, and mayhem). Some of these books can be difficult but the fruit developed from them will last a lifetime. God bless!
