Books For Spiritual Growth
Some of these books are new books by current authors and some are old books by authors who have been read by many Christians through the ages.

• Wide Awake - by Erwin Raphael McManus.   There is a future that need to be created. We are challenged to shake off the slumber that holds us back and discover the potential within you.
• Love Beyond Reason - by John Ortberg
  In a world that cries out to be loved, even Christians have doubts about God's unconditional love. John reveals what we have always hoped for, that God's love really is a Love Beyond Reason.
• When the Game is Over, It All Goes Back In the Box - by John Ortberg.   
  It is this writing style that makes Ortberg one of my favorite authors. No matter how skillfully you play it or how many tokens you acquire, a time arrives when the game of life comes to an end. Now what? In this 2007 book John helps look at life with an eternal perspective and that keeping our eye on the true prize - the one that unlocks the gate to the kingdom of God. No matter how skillfully you play it or how many tokens you acquire, a time arrives when the game of life comes to an end. Now what?
• Faith & Doubt - by John Ortberg
  Doubt may seem like the enemy of faith, but they are alike in may ways. I must have doubt to have faith. Without doubt I would just be another one of those suckers that P. T. Barnum said was born every minute. Ortberg bares his soul in many of his writings and this one is no exception. As he puts forth facts that show for the non-believer no choice at all, is a bad choice. He shows me how much my own life is filled with doubt and that my life, as I live it, is my true creed. The long Lifesong by Casting Crowns reminds me of the premise that is put forth for Christians in this book.
• God Is Closer Than You Think - by John Ortberg
  A keen desire to sit at the feet of Jesus arose in me as I read this book. Ortberg shows us how God is not some distant power, but a Spiritual Person who wants to have a relationship with us. He is constantly reaching out to humanity to draw us to this close relationship.
• The Life You've Always Wanted - by John Ortberg
  What does true spiritual life really look like? Have you suspected that there was more to Christianity than you are experiencing. In this book Ortberg shows us a road of transformation and spiritual renewal that anyone can take.
• If You Want to Walk on the Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat - by John Ortberg
  This was the first book I read by John Ortberg and I knew he was a writer with insights from the Spirit of God that few writers have. The title of this book says it all. What you can not tell form the title is the relationship a "water walker" has with God, few other believers know of. One look at the life of Peter and you can see this in action. The author causes the reader to listen for the voice of the Master saying, "Come." This is one of the most uplifting and challenging books you will read.
• Experiencing God - by Henry T. Blackaby & Claude V. King
  This book has profoundly changed the lives of millions of Christians who are looking for a more intimate relationship with God.
• Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire - by Jim Cymbala
• Fresh Faith - by Jim Cymbala
• The Life God Blesses - by Jim Cymbala
• Fresh Power - by Jim Cymbala
  Pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, Cymbala tells how to bring people to God and build the Church through prayer, faith and power, not programs. All of these books carry one theme, when Christians get serious about the Kingdom of God and begin to pray in unity and expectation God will move and do more than we expect. It sounds so easy, but getting a a body of believers together for serious sessions of prayer may just be one of the most difficult things to do in our churches today. These books can change your life. They sure changed mine!
• The God Chasers - by Tommy Tenny
  God is manifesting his presence in ways and times that most in the church today do not even hear about, much less experience. Those who "Chase" God are those who seek his face more than his hands. Moses had seen many acts of the hands of God, but the most important thing he could ask for was to see God's face, His Glory. I borrowed this book to read and once I finished it, I soon went to buy my own copy so that I could reread it.
• God's Favorite House - by Tommy Tenny
  God's favorite house was the Tabernacle of David. There everyone could see the worshipping of God twenty-four hours a day. It's worship was open and could be seen by all. He has said he would rebuild it one day. Not the Tabernacle of Moses or the Temple of Solomon, but the Tabernacle of David. Read this book and see why Tenny thinks this is so.
• The God Catchers - by Tommy Tenny
  Tenny is telling the Church that the most important thing above everything is seeking God's face and worshipping Him.
• Chasing God, Serving Man - by Tommy Tenny
  In his new book Tenny compares Mary and Martha and how their attitudes toward Jesus are important for the Church today.
• Secret Sources of Power - by Tommy and T.F. Tenney
  Most Christians want power with God and this book contains many examples from scripture of things in our lives which will keep God from responding to us. And some actions and directions which will get us on God's track.
• The Name - by Franklin Graham
  I was often spellbound by the open and frank discussion of how the whole world is relating to the Name of Jesus. Some relate positively, but many are so offended by the name of Jesus that much of what goes on in the world today is set in motion by this Name. This is a great book!
• Needless Casualties of War - John Paul Jackson
  Insight on dealing with the powers of darkness that considers the dangers Pastors & laymen must know. With so many teachers telling us all about binding and loosing, this is one that cautions us about some of the consequences about treading blindly into spiritual realms. A necessity for anyone going to teach on the subject.
• The Sacred Romance - by Brent Curtis & John Eldredge
  God calls us to an intimate relationship with him. There is a void in our Christian lives until we move into this "sacred romance". This is a powerful book about God's love for us and a call to an intimate relationship with God.
• The Journey of Desire - by John Eldredge
  John writes, "We all share the same dilemma-we long for life and we're not sure where to find it.....Our days come as a riddle, and the answers aren't handed out with our birth certificates. We must journey to find the life we prize." This is a follow-up book to The Sacred Romance. Eldredge tells us we must come to grips with our God-given desire. We must dream a dream of life filled with a desire which moves us. Out true dream is to walk to a relationship with God which puts us in God's presence, in God's heart. Everybody should read these two books.
• Wild At Heart - by John Eldredge
  This is a book just for men. It is a very provocative book that looks at Christian manhood. Eldredge challenges men to abandon passivity and actively pursue the dreams God has given them.
• Waking The Dead - by John Eldredge
  Many Christians have been half-alive far too long. John challenges and guides us to wake up and be all that Jesus died in order that we could become. When Jesus touched people the blind could see and the dead came to live. We have been promised abundant life and a life of power. But Jesus warned that that way is a narrow way and I think true to his warning it appears to me that many Christians today never find it and do not know that they do not have what God intended for them to have.
• Walking With God - by John Eldredge
  God intended for man to walk with him daily. Just look at the creation and Adam in the garden. John points out that walking with God means constant fellowship and prayer. Praying about every situation in our lives can change the way things turn out. I am reminded of the verse in Romans which is misquoted more than any verse I know of. How that many say that Got works all things out for our good. If you read the verses before it, the thought is plain. God works things out for good by our prayer. And it is our praying in the Spirit, what ever you believe or have been taught "praying in the Spirit" is, that causes things to work out for good. It is not just some unconditional promise of the Father.
• My Heart's Desire - by David Jeremiah
  Simply said, we must experience God in genuine, daily worship, if we want to make him real to us and if we expect to see his directing our life. This is one book you do not want to miss!
• Absolutely Sure - by Steven J. Lawson
  I would sum this book up in a few words; if you are truly born again that will show in the way you live your life. It reminds me of "The Gospel According to Jesus" by MacArthur. Any person who reads this book should know whether they are saved or not.
• Made In Our Image - by Steven J. Lawson
  This book will make you think about how God has been "down-sized" by much of the church today. It is great in its understand of the God with whom we have to deal. Lawson, who pastors Dauphin Way Baptist Church, has written a classic and a "great read".
• The Gospel According to Jesus - by John F. MacArthur
  This book sent shock waves through many dominational churches and preachers several years ago. In it MacArthur uses the four Gospels to lay out the Gospel. He states firmly that no person is a saved believer if he or she has not made Jesus Lord of their lives. That a simple statement of belief in facts and a confession of belief will not bring about salvation. What a person must do is make a commitment to God and to make Jesus Lord of his or her life. This is not a works-based salvation, but sort of a "I'll show you my faith by my works" salvation. Some opponents have labeled this "Lordship Salvation". A title which MacArthur seems to accept and counters it with the label of "Easy-believeism Salvation". Where ever you stand you should read this book.
• The Freedom & Power of Forgiveness - by John F. MacArthur
  Jesus said to forgive seventy times seven. This was actually a representation of an uncountable number. Where there is true forgiveness, I believe, there exists a heart that has been touched by God and a person that God will bless.
• The Three Battlegrounds - by Francis Frangipane
  We know as Christians we should be engaged in spiritual warfare. The balanced views we need are difficult for me to find. The areas in our lives which are attacked by the powers of darkness are covered in this book. The author tells us what we can be on the lookout for and what we can do about it. By reading Frangipane and John Paul Jackson, I have leaned a great deal.
• The Power of One Christ-like Life - by Francis Frangipane
  The first time I read this book, I could hardly put it down. It stirred so many things in me, I had to read it again. It is all about how we feel toward sinners and their destructive ways. This book will make you drop the stones you want to throw and fall to your knees. There is no doubt in my mind the "Church" needs more people who will intercede with the love and mercy of God. The best word for this book is: Wow!
• The House of the Lord - By Francis Frangipane
  I believe this book is right on target as it explains the reasons we can not reclaim our cities and communities from the power of darkness. One of the main ones is lack of unity amoung the individual churches and denominations. If we are to bring healing and salvation to our cities we must lay aside individual differences and doctrines and come together united in prayer, worship and warfare.
• Recapturing Biblical Intercession - by Dr. Rob Finley
  This book drove me to intercession and prayer opening my spiritual eyes to a power lacking in my daily life.
• The Power of Crying Out - by Bill Gothard
  This book is small, but filled with examples from the scriptures and modern times of when prayer was answered only when it changed from simply "prayer", to a desperate "crying out" to God. Bruce Wilkinson said, "This book can change your life." He is absolutely right.
• God Meant it for Good - R. T. Kendall
  This book truly is a fresh look at the life of Joseph. He had to go through a lot of injustice and humiliation to make him into the man who could rule Egypt and completely forgive his brothers. What do we have to go through to change us from an exalted one to one who can be mightily used by God? This is a very helpful book you will want to read.
• Evidence That Demands a Verdict - by Josh McDowell
  New Evidence That Demands a Verdict - by Josh McDowell
  I would classify the new book as a more complete version of the first containing maybe a second which I think was titled More Evidence That Demands a Verdict. These present a timely defense to modern arguments against the faith.
• A Tale of Three Kings - by Gene Edwards
  A study in Brokenness, Submission, and Authority based on the three Biblical figures of Saul, David, and Absalom. This is a very moving book.
• The Prisoner In The Third Cell - by Gene Edwards
  A story which looks into what John the Baptist may have thought about being put in prison. It looks at what John must have thought about Jesus being the messiah. If you like C.S. Lewis, you will love Edwards.
• The Word, The Name, The Blood - by Joyce Meyer
• Battlefield of the Mind - by Joyce Meyer
  The enemy attacks our mind with doubt, worry, confusion, depression, anger, and condemnation. It is difficult to rise above our thought life. We can only have victory when we know we are being attacked and learn to live in the power of Jesus to defeat the enemy.
• The Battle Belongs To The Lord - Joyce Meyer
  We can access God's power and peace through worship. Many of the battles I will face can only be won if I am willing to worship God instead of battling or begging. A great book!
• Power Through Prayer - by E.M. Bounds
• The Weapon of Prayer - by E.M. Bounds
• The Complete Works On Prayer - by E.M. Bounds
  This book contains all eight of Edward McKendree Bounds books on prayer. He was born in 1835, but his writing is so timely and powerful almost every Christian should read this book. It tells of communion with God as few of will ever experience it. It will may humble you, challenge you, and give you hope for fellowship with our Lord such as you have never known.
• For God's Sake, Grow Up - by David Ravenhill
  Is the church failed to be what it could because Christians are not mature sons and daughters of God? This is a carefull, through, kind and challenging call to Christian maturity.
• Abba's Child - by Brennan Manning
  A study in the unconditional love of God and how we as Christians have trouble understanding and living in the total love of God. This is a very moving book as it talks of the God's love and acceptance and how he wants us to run to him and just love him.
• The Ragamuffin Gospel - by Brennan Manning
  Grace. It is all about grace. So many Christians profess with their mouths that they know this, but their hearts and actions say otherwise. This book has changed how thousands of people wiew God's grace toward them.
• Ruthless Trust - by Brennan Manning
  Once we realize we are Ragamuffins with unlimited Grace poured out on us and Abba's Child who is truly loved by the Father, then we can learn to trust God. It is easier for most people to trust "Law" than it is to trust God.
• Letters to the Thirsty - by Edward Miller
  Seventy letters written to answer some of our deepest questions, fears, and hopes about walking with God. Think "Screwtape Letters" by Lewis, except written to a Christian by a wise and trusted mentor. One of the more enjoyable reads you will find.
• The Cost of Discipleship - by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
  This book was written just before Bonhoeffer was killed in a Nazi death camp. The church has told people today that salvation is free, and so it is. But there is more which we are not telling, and that is that discipleship often has great costs.
• Spiritual Authority - by Watchman Nee
  A look at what the Scriptures say about Spiritual Authority from both sides. That is what it means to submit to authority and the blessings which result. What happens if one does not submit and the problems it brings. Also what a great responsibility goes with that authority. What blessings and curses result from proper or improper handling of the authority God gives. I am quite sure from my personal observations this is a little known, little taught, and greatly misunderstood doctrine in most churches today. Some Christians would have a problem submitting as it is laid out in the Scriptures. Many leaders in our churches today would be reluctant, hesitant, or fearful to accept the responsibility which goes with God given authority.
• The Normal Christian Life - by Watchman Nee
  This series of sermons recorded here on the book of Romans is great. It shows how few of us actually have the type of Christian life that the Bible would classify as normal.
• A God Moment Principle - Alan D. Wright
  Just as God commanded the Israelites to build monuments to many of the great acts which He had done for them, it is also important for us to look back at all of the times God has in some way showed His presence to us in a special way. The reason for the Israelites was stated so that they would remember. Not so the rest of the world could see the monuments, but those of the nation who had experienced it or benefited from it later. So it is with us. Many times our faith springs from what we have seen God do in the past. It is important that we keep mental monuments and maybe share them with some of those closest to us. A great principle and a great book.
• A Childlike Heart - Alan D. Wright
  Jesus said one must become as a little child. Wright does a great job of telling us some things this means.
• Beginner's Guide to Intercession - Dutch Sheets
  This book can make faith rise up in you so much, that you will want to stop reading and pray.
• The Pilgrim's Progress - by John Bunyan
  This Christian allegory is not only a Christian classic, but required reading for anyone who wants a view of life on the way to eternity.
• Hind's Feet on High Places - by Hannah Hurnard
  This is another Christian allegory. It answers the question of why our lives are full of problems and troubles after we become a Christian. We see the main character, named Much Afraid, changed by experience to one able to minister to others through the strength gained by overcoming troubles and problems.
• Mountains of Spices - by Hannah Hurnard
  Maybe not as good as Hind's Feet, but worth the read. It is a continuation of that story.
• Watchmen On The Walls - by Hannah Hurnard
  This book originally published about 1950, is mostly the journal of Hurnard in the late forties when Israel became a nation. She was living and working in Jerusalem then. It is very interesting.
• There Were Two Trees In The Garden - by Rick Joyner
  A look at the Tree of Live and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The partaking of these two trees still determine our lives today. The world wants to eat of the Tree of Knowledge, we must forsake it and our relationship to God must rely on the Tree of Life.
• More Than A Savior - by Robert Crosby
  Here we are told of a life changing relationship with Jesus which begins by experiencing Him not only as Savior, but as friend. We must pursue this relationship if we are going to live a satisfying Christian life.
• Surprised by the Voice of God - by Jack Deere
  As a professor at Dallas Seminary, he could have given you all the reasons why prophecies, dreams, and visions disappeared once the Bible was complete. With sensitivity and a profound understanding of scriptures Deere tells us personal ways God still communicates with us today. He uses writings and examples from some of our greatest preachers in the last hundred years or so, on how and when God spoke to them. This book will put a craving in your heart to hear from God, not only for yourself, but that you might minister to others who need to hear also.
• Surprised by the Power of the Spirit - by Jack Deere
  This former Dallas Theological Seminary professor went from a cessationist position to a man who knows the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit are being given today. He discovered his arguments were based more on prejudice and lack of personal experience than on what the Bible has to say. Everyone I know who laid down their own prejudice and read this book said it was great and could not put it down. Must reading for all Bible-believing Christians.
• On Experiencing God's Power - by Derek Prince
  I believe this book actually nine smaller books combined into one. Each chapter covers different aspects of the Christian life.
• Vanquishing the Enemy - by Ron M. Phillips
  This book is on spiritual warfare with the enemy. On how he attacks and how the Christian can effectively stand against Satan. The author uses the scriptures to show how the power of the Spirit is available and necessary to stand and over come the enemy when he attacks.
• Holy Spirit Revivals - by Charles Finney
  This really a biography of Finney. It is estimated that over 250,000 souls were converted as a result of his preaching. Whatever you may think or say about the theology of those many in the church today label "Revivalist", we must give credit to one man used mightily by God. He was not converted until he was thirty years of age, but followed God so closely he was used in an unbelievable way. Even his enemies of that day became co-labors in the cause of Christ when they saw the power and anointing of God that was manifested when he preached.
• The Spirit Filled Life - by Charles Finney
  A collection of some sermons preached by Finney at Oberlin College between 1845 and 1861.
• God In You - by Charles Finney
  This deals with the doctrines which Finney preached that turned much of the Northeast on its head in the mid 1800's. As he delves into the Scriptures he reveals how we can experience more of God's love and power in our lives. Finney does not have a wait and see what happens attitude, but rather one that says find out what God wants you to do and do it without hesitation or waiting. Moving with God requires something from us and that is just that, doing whatever God shows us.