While by no means a comprehensive list, these are some of the books which the Lord has particularly blessed to our lives. We’ve arranged them by category and also tiered them as “essential” or “highly recommended”.
Theology and Doctrine
Essential
- Pilgrim’s Progress – John Bunyan
In our opinion, this is probably the most outstanding spiritual book outside of the Bible. An allegory full of rich spiritual insight about the Christian life and the way of salvation.
- Justification and Regeneration – Charles Leiter
Clear, outstanding teaching on the two most foundational aspects of salvation. A must-read.
- The Law of Christ – Charles Leiter
In our opinion, this is one of the most helpful books ever written. By following the flow of redemptive history and looking at each of the significant covenants, Leiter shows that the true standard for Christian conduct is not a written set of rules, but love which is empowered by the Holy Spirit and modeled by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. This truth is life-transforming as it calls us to a far higher and more wonderful standard than legalism!
- The Fountain of Life Opened Up – John Flavel
The classic Puritan work which carefully looks at the work of Christ in redemption from beginning to end. We think this is the most moving work ever written about the gospel.
- The Hidden Life of Prayer – David McIntyre
In our opinion, this little book is the best ever written on the essential subject of prayer. Expository, challenging, and devotional.
- A Pastor’s Sketches – Ichabod Spencer
In this invaluable book, a 19th century pastor records accounts of his counsel with people seeking salvation. A treasure of wisdom regarding the application of the gospel to individuals!
Highly Recommended
- The Gospel’s Power & Message; The Gospel Call & True Conversion; Gospel Assurance & Warnings – Paul Washer
God has specially blessed Paul Washer’s preaching in recovering the true gospel in our day. These three books place this teaching into written form.
- Knowing the Living God – Paul Washer
A workbook which helps the reader to study the attributes of God and the way to know Him personally. Serves as an outstanding Bible Study.
- Redemption Accomplished and Applied – John Murray or Saved by Grace from First to Last – Brian Russell
John Murray’s work is one of the very best on the work of redemption. For those who struggle with Murray’s writing, our friend Brian Russell has written a similar book which is easier to read.
- The Person of Christ – Philip Schaff
In this precious book, the great church historian has written a biography on the incomparably glorious life of the Lord Jesus Christ. Schaff aimed to show “the perfection of His humanity as a proof of His deity”. There’s nothing else quite like this book!
- The Pursuit of God – A.W. Tozer
In this classic, A.W. Tozer powerfully urges us to realize the heart of Christianity – a personal, experiential knowledge of God.
- Salvation…When? – Conrad Murrell
In this little known gem, Conrad Murrell shows that biblical salvation is much, much more than a one-time experience. This is essential truth!
- The Most Holy Place – Charles Spurgeon
A collection of sermons on the Song of Solomon by one of the greatest preachers of all time. One of the best devotional books – will continually rekindle your love for Christ!
Biography
Essential
- The Life and Diary of David Brainerd – Jonathan Edwards
This is the classic account of the devotional life and labors of the 18th century missionary to the Native Americans which fueled the 19th century missionary movement. You will be challenged to give all for Christ and for His kingdom!
- The Autobiography of George Muller – George Muller
The incredible record of God’s miraculous answers to the prayers of George Muller as he cared for thousands of orphans without appealing to anyone for financial support. Your faith will be greatly challenged and strengthened! We recommend the abridged version.
- Hudson Taylor (2 Volumes) – Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor or Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret – Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor
The two-volume biography is the classic account of God’s work in the life of one of His best-used servants. “Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret” is a much shorter account that focuses on the secret of his spiritual power. Every Christian should read at least one of these!
- Pastor Hsi – Geraldine Taylor
This is the glorious account of a converted Chinese man (a contemporary of Hudson Taylor) who ministered with unusual apostolic power. You will be stirred to consecrate yourself afresh to the service of the living God!
- Pilgrim of the Heavenly Way – Daniel Smith
The unique autobiography of an ordinary missionary who was powerfully used by God.
- Foxe’s Book of Martyrs – John Foxe
This classic history of Christian martyrs displays a kind of Christianity which is markedly different from that in contemporary America.
Highly Recommended
- Scots Worthies – John Howie or Fair Sunshine – Jock Perves
Sketches of the lives and ministries of various Scotsmen during the 16th and 17th centuries. You will be greatly inspired by their courage in suffering, their devotion to prayer, and by the remarkable way that God sealed their ministries with the “demonstration of the Spirit and of power,” including many glorious and genuine miracles. “Scots Worthies” covers both the Scottish reformers and the Covenanters, “Fair Sunshine” focuses only on the Covenanters.
- Christian Leaders of the 18th Century – J.C. Ryle
This is a stirring survey of men whom God powerfully used during the Great Awakening.
- A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael – Elisabeth Elliot or Amy Carmichael of Dohnavur – Frank Houghton
The two classic biographies of a woman who exemplified what it means to deny yourself and follow Christ.
- Praying Hyde – E.G. Carre
The challenging account of the prayer-life of the Indian Missionary John Hyde.
- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (2 Volumes) – Iain Murray or Memories of Sandfields – Bethan Lloyd-Jones
The amazing account of the man who left a celebrated career in medicine to preach the gospel. God used Martyn Lloyd-Jones in a special way to recover biblical Christianity marked by faithfulness to the word of God and by the power of the Holy Spirit. “Memories of Sandfields” is his wife’s account of the revival that took place while he was the pastor of a poor church in Wales.
- Autobiography of Charles Spurgeon (2 Volumes) – Charles Spurgeon
The autobiography of the man who is deservedly called, “The Prince of Preachers” – stirring and instructive!
- Evidence Not Seen – Darlene Deibler Rose
A precious account of God’s faithfulness to one of His unsung servants during World War II.
- The Christian Hero: A Sketch of the Life of Robert Annan – John Macpherson
This short gem recounts the glorious conversion and incredible life of a man who labored all day as a mason and all night as a mighty evangelist.
- Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners – John Bunyan
The unique autobiography of the great author of Pilgrim’s Progress. Yields great insight into the nature of spiritual experience and warfare!
- The Autobiography of John G. Paton – John G. Paton
The missionary to the New Hebrides islands whose faith and courage was remarkably blessed by God when an entire island turned from cannibalism to serve the true and living God!
- Behind the Ranges: The Life-changing Story of J.O. Fraser – Geraldine Taylor
This account of the missionary to China illustrates that intercessory prayer is God’s appointed means for the advancement of His kingdom.
- If I Perish – Esther Ahn Kim
The incredible story of the Christian woman whom God sent to warn the Japanese of God’s coming judgment during World War II.
- Mimosa – Amy Carmichael
An amazing account of a sovereign work of grace in the life of a poor Indian woman.
- Tread Upon the Lion: The Story of Tommie Titcombe – Sophie De la Haye
An incredible testimony of God’s power and grace through the life of an ordinary missionary to Africa.
- Bakht Singh of India – T.E. Koshy
The amazing account of a unique work that God did in India. Not only will this work stimulate your faith and devotion to Christ, it also sheds rare light on the nature and function of the church.
- Father of Faith Missions: The Life and Times of Anthony Norris Groves – Robert Dann
The definitive biography of the man who pioneered faith missions and directly influenced George Muller, Hudson Taylor, and many others. Both challenging and extremely instructive, especially on the nature and function of the church.
- Robert Chapman: Apostle of Love – Robert Peterson
Though little-known today, Robert Chapman was revered by such men as George Muller and Charles Spurgeon. He was renowned for his Christ-likeness, especially his heart of love. A pattern for pastors.
- Robert Murray M’Cheyne – Andrew Bonar
Robert Murray M’Cheyene prayed to “be as holy as a redeemed sinner can be,” and his biography is a testament to his answered prayer!
- In Light of Eternity: The Life of Leonard Ravenhill – Mack Tomlinson
Leonard Ravenhill lived in the presence of God and he preached with the authority and power of a prophet. This is his authorized biography by a very faithful contemporary pastor who knew him personally.
- Conrad Murrell: Grace and Truth – Mack Tomlinson
Though not well-known, Conrad Murrell’s life and ministry was greatly blessed of God in producing genuine Christianity in our country. God blessed him with rare and precious insight into the nature of true Christianity!
Church History
- The Torch of the Testimony – John W. Kennedy or The Pilgrim Church – E.H. Broadbent
These are extremely unique and important books on church history because they show God’s preservation of His true church throughout all of history. Everyone who desires to understand the nature of the church should read at least one of these books. “The Pilgrim Church” is longer and better documented.
- The Reformers and Their Stepchildren – Leonard Verduin
Many Christians today believe that the reformers were solely responsible for recovering biblical Christianity out of the dark ages. This brilliantly researched and penetrating work shows that God has already preserved an even more faithful remnant in the group known as “the Anabaptists.” This important book sets the record straight historically and theologically.
Revival
Essential
- Pentecost Today – Iain Murray
The best book we know of on the subject of revival and outpourings of the Holy Spirit. Murray uses historical examples to illustrate his theological points.
- Revival and Revivalism – Iain Murray
This book highlights the difference between true, God-sent revival and the man-made counterfeit by tracing through the incredible and little-known Second and Third Great Awakenings. Tremendously stirring and instructive for our day!
- Sounds from Heaven – Colin and Mary Peckham
The best account of the remarkable revival on the Isle of Lewis in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s through the ministry of Duncan Campbell.
Highly Recommended
- The Welsh Revival: Its Origins and Developments – Thomas Phillips
A gripping account of the 1859 revival in Wales in which entire towns were genuinely converted.
- Revival – Martyn Lloyd-Jones
A series of outstanding and urgent sermons on the nature and need for true revival. The audio is also available online: https://www.mljtrust.org/collections/revival/
- A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God – Jonathan Edwards
The great theologian’s first hand account of the great work of God called the Great Awakening.
- Why Revival Tarries – Leonard Ravenhill
A prophetic call to return to true Christianity based on the power of God, not man.
Charlottesville Christian Fellowship 