While thinking about packing for Cambodia, the most trouble I will have is figuring out which books I will take along. It is nice that e-books do not weigh anything, and I will be able to bring all of those with me, but we do have a couple bookshelves full of books, and I wish I could bring them all.
In thinking about that, I have provided my top five books I have ever read (I have the right to change my mind). These books are ranked based on how they have impacted me, the necessity I feel others to read them.
Jesus Killed My Church by Randy Bohlender (Free e-book right now)
– This is in my top five because I do not know of any other book I would recommend more to those entering the full time ministry, especially but not limited to church ministry. I don't know of any other book nailing such a beautiful message about Jesus and how He sees ministry. To those training for ministry, this book is a must read.
Unto Death: Missions, Martyrdom and the Maturity of the Church by Dalton Thomas
– This book has stirred my heart in many ways. Jesus is worth more than whatever we gain in life and whatever we lose in death. That is the message of this book. From a missions context, Dalton Thomas brings forth a sobering yet ignored Biblical truth that following Jesus demands us to deny ourselves and follow Him, even unto death.
Fire Within by Thomas Dubay
– I put this book on my top five even though I would not recommend it to every person I meet. This book has been good for me in certain seasons of life. His language is heavy, and it might take some time to understand his terminology. He talks about prayer through two old saints, St. John of the Cross and St. Theresa of Avila. I have not read anyone so well learned through study and experience in the deepness of the spiritual life other than Thomas Dubay. If you discern a Spirit-nudge to read this book, in the right season it will surely give you a clear pathway into the deep things of God.
Onething by Dwyane Roberts
– This simple book is my most read book. I have gone back to this book every couple years to re-align myself with the simple call of pursuing Jesus, and Jesus alone. It is an easy read. I would recommend it to anyone in any maturity.
The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah by Alfred Edershiem
– This book I would recommend for any serious Bible student. At times it is a little over my head. This book gives a background for the life of Jesus. The authors of the Gospel's were all writing to people who lived in the same geographical, cultural, and social area Jesus did. There are TONS of details assumed by the authors that leave us 21st century readers in ignorance. Example, when scripture says, "When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him." (referring to Herod's hearing about baby Jesus from the Magi), the 1st century readers (direct audience) know why this was a HUGE deal. You didn't have to remind them that Herod had killed EVERYONE who even blinked suspiciously if he thought they were a threat to his power. Almost all of his family was executed because of Herod's paranoia. However, 2,000 years later, when the text said Herod was "disturbed" we do not quite understand what that really meant.
The truth is though that there are plenty of Bible study books out there. This one however is detailed and written in a manner of awe that the life of Jesus deserves.
For your summer reading, feel free to ask more about any of these gems. I would love to tell you more.
Blessings!
Thanks Jordan,
I have heard of “Jesus Killed My Church” and I think I started to read it, or maybe you might have taken it from me…..I don’t know but it’s not on my next read list so no biggie. And of course, “One Thing” by Dwyane Roberts is a must read, I agree. I’ve heard you mention Thomas Dubay and “Fire Within”. You haven’t mentiond “Unto Death: Missions, Martyrdom and Maturity of the Church” and I know why but I’m not surprised.
My top reads that I can think of are:
“Heavenly Man” by Brother Yun – true and gripping story of the underground church in China and one of tremendous faith, courage and determination.
“Infidel” by Ayann Hirsi Ali – autobiography that stuns, shocks, enrages but shows such a strong will to survive and to thrive. I believe that someday she will become a Christ – Follower. For now she Is no longer Muslim but an atheist under heavy guard here in the US.
“Breaking Free” by Beth Moore – I have and regularly read the devotional of the same name as well and I would recommend both to anyone who is looking for encouragement and a fresh new way of seeing the work of God and His pathetic opposing forces at work in our daily lives.
“Getting the Love You Want” by Harville Hendrix – I know, strange title. Read it such a long time ago but still remember the basic principles of the “Imago Theory” on marriage and the underlying forces in our attractions and the opposition we inevitably find ourselves in at some point. From a Christian perspective, I gained some valuable insights about myself and learned a lot about an effective communication style that has the capability of strengthening the bond between marriage partners that promotes healing and wholeness.
“Blessed Child” by Bill Bright and Ted Dekker – a novel. I rarely read fiction but this one is based on such truth that it could be. I couldn’t putit down. A slow start with background on the political and cultural climate but necessary to have a clear understanding of what is going on in the story..
“Weird Christians I have Met” by Philip Baker – short, comical but so true. A really light read and break from heavy reading. Just laugh, it’s funny. 🙂
” The Seven Longings of the Human Heart” by Mike Bickle – still reading this one. Humanoids, we make things so hard on ourselves. Explains a lot about the traps we find ourselves in.
“Hope in Times of Trouble” produced by RBC Ministries – my go to book at night before sleep. In process.
Next on the list…..I have an entire bookshelf next to my bed that was a growing stack but I like order so I shelved them….
“Radical” and then “Follow Me” by David Platt – thanks, Sarah for your patience. I WILL return it soon. Promise.
“Half the Sky” by Sheryl Wu Dunn and Nicholas Kristof – Can’t decide if I want to watch the DVD series or read the book or both.
“Daring Greatly” by Brené’ Brown – she has a couple TED videos out there on vulnerability and shame. She calls herself a “Shame Researcher” without vulnerability and authenticity, satisfying relationships are impossible. Intimacy is impossible. Transformation, creativity and positive change cannot happen without the courage to be vulnerable. Shame holds us back. Shame is not from God.
“Evil and the Justive of God “. By NT Wright – In the world we live in, evil abounds but God wins. I know that to be true and I believe He is always good.
“Rewriting Your Emotional Script” by Becky Harling – mTake every thought captive to Christ a erase the old tapes with the renewing of your mind.
“The Lovesick God” by Pablo Perez – I find it hard to believe that The Creator of The Universe actually sees me…truth be told. Nana gave me this one and she’s a good picker- outer when it comes to books that have something in them that radically charges my life for the better.
So many books to read, but first the most impactful and life-giving – The Bible – a story of God’s relentless pursuit of His sons and daughters and it really has a happy ending too. 🙂
I am interested in the NT Wright book. Also I might look up those TED talks. And I remember you talking about that getting the love you want book. I might check that one out too.
I found the Jesus Killed my Church book on Randy Bohlenders blog. He has a free audio version on his site aside from the ebook. Go here if your interested in the audio version (http://randybohlender.com/the-jesus-killed-my-church-project/jesus-killed-my-church-the-audio-book-listening-center/).
Anyways, got to go to work!