This page describes my testimony and recommendations for books.  I hope it will be an encouragement to you.

For over 20 years, my heart was compelled to seek answers to my many questions about life.  I believe my questions are the same basic questions deep in the heart of every person.  My primary pursuit of these answers was in bookstores.   As a result, I have purchased many books through the years. 

I ultimately discovered that only a small percentage of many available books really ministered to my heart...these are the books that keep pointing me to the only answer to my questions -- Christ Himself who is alive in my heart.  I no longer purchase many books.  I still revel in the few books I have found to stand the test of time and that seem to me to be true to the heart of God the Father.  I have purged my personal library several times over the past several years.  Every now and then a new book will be published, or an old book will be discovered, that will speak to my heart and that I will purchase to complement my small library.

Below is a list of books that are helping to transform my mind and life.  A brief personal testimony is provided with each book.  I hope at least one of these testimonies and books might touch your heart.  Or maybe you know of someone else who needs encouragement through a book.

Grace Works by Dudley Hall

THE best book on grace that I have ever read.  Winsomely written in plain English…very enjoyable to read.  You would also thoroughly enjoy Dudley's down-home presentation in his tape series simply entitled "Grace."  This is my favorite book to give as gifts to people.  People can relate to Dudley's genuine communication.

 

Grace Walk by Steve McVey

A short, foundational book written by a pastor who burned out trying to walk as a Christian in his own strength.  One of the best books that I know of for small group Bible studies. 

Saving Life of Christ by Major Ian Thomas

A classic book written by a former British army major and founder of the international Touchbearers Ministry.  This book has literally touched 100s of thousands of lives around the world, including my life.

Turkey and Eagles by Peter Lord

A parable that wonderfully communicates God's truths of your identity in Christ.  If you read this book, hang on…you'll see yourself as you really are…soaring on the wings of an Eagle!  And you just have to hear the recording of Peter Lord's presenting this parable to a group of pastors…it will mightily impact you.

 

The Secret of Soul Winning by Stephen Olford

THE best book on evangelism ever!  Written by a dear pastor from Wales, who was a mentor of Billy Graham and 1000s of other pastors and evangelists.  He was also my mentor at Luther Rice Seminary…God used Dr. Olford to reveal to me that Christ is my life, and that He is the only soul-winner there ever has been and ever will be…and that He evangelizes through us!  This book will encourage you to see the majesty of Christ in you.  Don't read this book if you are looking for a step-by-step witnessing plan. 

 

Not I But Christ by Stephen Olford

A foundational book by Dr. Olford that thoroughly explores Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in this body, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me."  This book has a tender and powerful Foreword by Billy Graham.

Lifetime Guarantee by Bill Gillham

This book was the first revelation to me of the difference between performance-based acceptance and Christ-based acceptance, and that I am a new creation in Christ rooted in Christ Himself.  This book is the best resource I know of that explains what biblical discipleship really is.  A foundational book.

 

Grace in Ungracious Places by Preston Gillham

A book that God tenderly used to minister healing to my wife and me during a long period of physical and emotional pain and suffering.  A precious book written by a precious person who is not afraid to be real and vulnerable in his communication of grace.

What God Wishes Christians Knew About Christianity by Bill Gillham

An excellent resource with each chapter addressing the biblical basis for 18 foundational truths for Christians.  These truths are not denominational issues, but foundational truths that deal with whether or not you live each day in the freedom of Christ.  Bill starts the book by noting, "I shudder at the title I've given this book!  How presumptuous!  But I rest in God's grace that He's confident of my purpose."  This book will help you rest in the truths that God personally speaks to your heart.

 

Now that I Believe by Robert Cook

THE best new believer's book ever!  I have researched 100s of new believer books and resources, and Dr. Cook's book is the ONE that stands out to me in focusing on the majesty of Christ living in the new believer, in contrast to focusing on the new believer getting busy with Christian duties.  This book was first published by Moody Press in 1956 and over a million copies have been printed.  I first heard Dr. Cook years ago on a daily devotional radio program early in the morning, and he always ended his program with this precious encouragement, "Walk with the King today and be a blessing."  This is a precious book to read.

Oswald Chambers – Abandoned to God by David McCasland

A riveting testimony of the short life of Oswald Chambers, and how God led this man through brokenness only to be spilled out by God to touch many many lives with Christ.  This book will help you see the purpose of brokenness in every Christian that God has ever mightily used for His glory.  An inspirational book.

My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

The timeless classic of Christ-centered devotions compiled by Oswald Chambers wife after his early death as British army chaplain.  This book will nurture you deeply in your relationship with Christ. 

The Power of His Presence by Adrian Rogers

A book that simply and clearly presents the transforming truths of beholding Christ Himself in all of His glory.  Pastor Rogers well communicates how people relate to the living Christ. 

Free At Last – Experiencing True Freedom through Your Identity in Christ by Tony Evans

A book that is essentially a narrative of the Grace Life Conference that I teach.  Pastor Evans wrote this book after attending a Grace Life Conference in Texas.  I love giving copies of this book as gifts to people, especially pastors.

Handbook to Happiness by Charles Solomon

A pioneer book on Christ-centered discipleship counseling based on the foundational message of the cross.  Highly recommended for anyone seeking to grow as a discipler of Jesus Christ.

The Gift of Forgiveness by Charles Stanley

One of the best books I know of that biblically addresses the one issue that affects all of us…forgiveness.  Please read this book to be freed from the bondage of handling hurts upon you…and be encouraged to experience forgiveness as a gift of Christ who indwells you.

The Rest of His Grace by Wayne Barber

A book containing illustrations and stories that wonderfully communicate the truths of resting in the life of Christ.  An enjoyable book to read.  This book is out of print, but copies are still available through Amazon.

The Mind of Christ by T.W. Hunt

Although some parts of this book are difficult to read (only because T.W. seeks to take the reader deep unto Christ), I highly recommend this book based on two chapters alone.  In Chapter 3, T.W. notes, "Christ wants us to be as free as He is."  I love that phrase.  In Chapter 4, T.W. discusses the attributes of the mind of Christ in James 3:17 and the fruit of the Spirit of Christ in Galatians 5:22-23, and contrasts them to fleshly perversions by Christians when tempted to imitate these attributes and fruit.  This was a most significant revelation to me, and continues to be a significant revelation to me.

The Rest of the Gospel by Dan Stone

A wonderful book that will encourage you to know the gospel for every day living and not just for heaven in the future.  This book was written with a passion for people to know the whole truth of the gospel. 

The Bobby Richardson Story by Bobby Richardson

A book that changed my life for eternity.  As a young boy, I checked this book out of the library expecting another typical biography of a famous New York Yankee baseball player.  This book does describe exciting New York Yankee stories, but the underlying message is Christ as the life of Bobby Richardson.  A boyhood prayer of mine was to be a New York Yankee just like Bobby Richardson.  And God answered my prayer!  No, not the New York Yankee part, but the part of being just like Bobby Richardson…for you see, I grew up to be just like Bobby Richardson…in Christ!  Our identities are in Christ, and not what in what we do.  This book is out of print, but can be found in libraries through the following link.

Pistol Pete: Heir to a Dream by Pete Maravich and Darrel Campbell

A fascinating biography of one of the greatest basketball players of all time who came to know the greatest Person of all time.  Read this book to be inspired by how God transformed Pete's energy of fleshly efforts on the basketball court into God's energy of grace to minister to others in the world's court.  Powerful.

 

Classic Christianity by Bob George

One of the best books I have ever read that chronicles a person's journey into the gospel, from the initial doubting phase all the way into the life transforming phase.  This is a great book for young Christians, and for people being drawn by God to become a Christian.

 

The Best of A.W. Tozer compiled by Warren Wiersbe

All of A.W. Tozer's books are enlightening and powerful.  This compilation of some of his best writings is very helpful.  Each of the 52 chapters is an excerpt from a book, so it is easy to read.  Chapters such as "What It Means to Accept Christ" helped lead to the renewing of my mind from traditional truths to God's truths.

I was Wrong, but God made me Right!  by Frank Friedmann

A wonderful book that communicates the whole gospel to children.  The gospel is so simple that even a child can understand; however, many attempts to communicate to children actually makes the gospel complex by trying to make it simple!  Frank has a gift of faithfully presenting God's truth to children.  His children's books are preciously illustrated.  Every Christian home needs this little book.  The gospel is profoundly simple, and simply profound!

If I am Right, then why do I keep doing Wrong?  by Frank Friedmann

A follow-up book for children by Frank Friedmann.  This book describes the underlying reason for the apparent dilemma of every Christian.  Simply wonderful.

Treasures of Darkness by Sylvia Pearce

A book written out of deep suffering to minister healing truths to those who also suffer.  This book will help you understand your relationship with Christ through the "fellowship of His sufferings."  This book has ministered to me, and I have seen it minister to others. 

Tired of Trying to Measure Up by Jeff Van Vanderen

A foundational book on grace ministering to those of us so tired of trying to meet the expectations of ourselves, others, and God.  Are you seeking rest and freedom from expectations?  Please read this book.

Good News for the Chemically Dependent and Those who Love Them by Jeff Van Vanderen

A book God is using to encourage me to minister to dear friends.  It is tempting to shy away from intervening.  This book will encourage you with the truths to minister aggressively through love and intervention…just like Jesus did not shy away of His intervention for us.