One of the more frequent questions I am asked involves which Bible or book I recommend for people to read to best grow in their faith. Please keep in mind these are only my opinions and what I respond back to folks with. Here we go:
Bibles: I preach and teach of out of the New American Standard Version of the Bible as it is considered by many to be the most accurate to the original Hebrew and Greek in its translation. Regarding study Bibles, I have found the “Life Application Bible” and Charles Stanley’s “Life Principle Bible” to be of great help in my growth.
Commentaries: There are many great commentary sets out there that help give detailed explanations of the Bible regarding historical context, word studies, application, etc. I have been using Warren Wiersbe’s set for several years now and heartily recommend him to anyone looking for deeper study in God’s Word.
Daily Devotionals: For over 20 years I have read Oswald Chamber’s “My Utmost For His Highest” as my daily devotional, and it always seems fresh and new to me every day I read it. I have also used Henry Blackaby’s “Experiencing God Day By Day” for the last ten years as a daily devotional. Both of these books challenge me to be my best for God and to seek His will each day, not my own.
Growth Books: I have found A.W. Tozer’s book “The Pursuit of God” to be an excellent text to provoke my thinking and praying to be in line with God’s ways and will. I have read this thru several times and used it in my men’s meetings as a study book. Another great book I have read several times and used in men’s groups is C.S. Lewis’s “Mere Christianity”. I have found it to be a great help in communicating our faith to unbelievers and for me to be able to defend the faith in a practical way.
One more read: It is my opinion that every Christian should read John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress” at least once, if not several times. It was written in the 1600’s and the original text uses a lot of “old English”, so you may want to get an updated version. What an incredible writing this is to help us all understand the challenges and experiences we face living out our faith as followers of Christ.
I hope these recommendations are of a help to you. May we all grow to the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13)!