Below are some books that I feel are important to have in a Christian library.

First, I have listed some Bibles that I believe should be on the shelf of each Chrsitian. These come in a variety of covers and styles, although I have linked to a typical sample.

Second, I have listed a sampling of devotional style books that are either classics or contemporary classics.

Next are some Bible study tools or reference books that I have personally found useful. The Expositors Commentary is the most expensive of this group, but I have found it to be relatively brief, relatively easy to understand, and basically in agreement with my understanding of scripture. (For a free set of study materials including several free commentaries, I do recommend e-Sword.net - A downloadable Bible study resource.)

Then, there are a couple of popular reference works.

Finally, with the popularity of the movies "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" and "Prince Caspian," I have linked to a few versions of the popular C.S. Classic "Chronicles of Narnia." Of course, anything else by C.S. Lewis is highly recommended.

Please use the search box below for any other Christian books or reference materials that may interest you.

Search: Title Author/Artist ISBN CBD Stock # Keywords Publisher

Bibles

KJV Personal Giant Print Reference Bible Black Bonded Leather By Hendrickson Publishers This KJV Bible offers giant print for readability, is enhanced by useful study helps and references, and features a convenient size for easy portability. Its easy-to-read type, afforability, size, and reference features conbine to make it the ideal Bible for both devotional and study purposes. Presentation Page 11.25 point type Double-column format Words of Christ in Red End-of-verse cross reference system Concordance Bible Promises Harmony of the Gospels Miracles of the Old Testament Miracles of the New Testament Parables of the Old Testament Parables of the New Testament Old Testament Prophecies of the Passion 8 Full-color maps Ribbon Marker Gold gilded edges 5.5" x 8.75" Bonded Leather Black

NAS Wide Margin, Side Column Reference Bible, Hardcover By Foundation Publications Inc Discover the truth in the inspired Word of God by reading the New American Standard Bible. The updated edition continues the NASB's commitment to accuracy while increasing clarity and readability. Vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure have been carefully updated for greater understanding and smoother reading. The NASB remains the most literally accurate Bible in the English language. This NASB update contains: Single-column text layout Side-column cross references & translator's notes An 82 page concordance 10 black and white maps Smyth sewn binding Verse format Black letter edition Presentation page 11 Point text Ribbon Marker Blue hardcover

ESV Classic Reference Bible, Hardcover By Crossway Books & Bibles The new English Standard Version translation is founded on the belief that the words of the Bible are the very words of God. Setting itself apart from other translations by sacrificing neither accuracy nor readability, the ESV is an "essentially literal" translation that seeks to duplicate the original texts while taking into account the differences between modern English and the original languages. Relying on the work of more than 50 Bible scholars, as well as the input of a 60-member, multi-denominational Advisory Council, the translations committee chaired by J.I. Packer realized its goals of word-for-word precision and accuracy, literary excellence and readability, and depth of meaning. Written in language beautiful enough to be used for public reading, clear enough for preaching and devotions, and trustworthy enough for academic study, the ESV sets a new standard---and is truly a Bible for all people. This Classic Reference Edition Features: Center-Column Cross References (more than 76,000 entries) ESV Concordance (more than 14,500 references) Book Introductions Words of Christ in red Full Color Maps - including Jesus' Life and Ministry.

The Holman Illustrated Study Bible, HCSB By Holman Bible Publishers To really grasp God’s word, understanding the Bible’s historical, geographical, and cultural contexts is vital. After all, Scripture is not just a set of abstract ideas; God chose to reveal Himself through real people who lived at specific places and times. The Holman Illustrated Bible takes you there. Using over 1,000 color graphics, maps, photographs, reconstructions, and charts to enliven the Bible world, this special Bible edition enlightens readers to the contextual details of every major character and moment. In addition, helpful introductions list the author, date, original audience, and purpose of each book; give a key text and term; show Christ in each book; and place each book in the overall story of Scripture. HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible) translation  Presentation page Family record section Single-column format  Paragraph-style layout 9 Point text Detailed book introductions Over 700 full-color photos Approximately 200 charts, maps, illustrations and reconstructions Colorful graphics and sidebars Words of Christ in red HCSB Bullet Notes  Appendix:  Millennial Perspectives on Revelation Prophecies of Jesus's Second Coming Map: Expansion of Christianity in the 2nd & 3rd Centuries AD Ancient Versions of Biblical Text Hebrew Canon of the Old Testament  Comparison Lists of Old Testament Books The Apocrypha (chart outlining the Deuterocanonical books)  Stages in the Development of the New Testament Canon Table of Weights & Measures One-Year Reading Plan  Concordance Index to articles Ribbon Marker 61/2" x 91/2" x 13/4" Hardcover

The Message, Numbered Edition By Eugene H. Peterson / NAV Press You spoke, and NavPress listened. They've learned a lot about Bible publishing since the full Bible release of The Message in 2002. They've heard from many loyal readers on what would make The Message better. Verse numbers and a smaller, lighter size are only the beginning. The Message numbered edition has over a dozen newly enhanced features you will love! 9 point text Single-column format Book Introductions Exclusively designed numbering system The Story of the Bible in Five Acts Timeline Books of the Old Testament Organized by General Order of Events Books of the New Testament Organized by General Order of Events Hardcover 6 1/4" x 9 1/2" x 1"

NIV Thinline Reference Bible, Bonded Leather Navy By Zondervan The NIV Thinline Reference Bible, formerly titled the The NIV Ultra Thin Reference Bible, is a conveniently sized Bible ideal for personal reading and study. It combines the convenience and portability of a Thinline setting with helpful study aids, such as a comprehensive center-column reference system to guide the reader's study of Scripture. The comfortable size makes the NIV Thinline Reference Bible an easy-to-handle, easy-to-carry Bible for every occasion. The NIV Thinline Reference Bible also features a 13,000-entry concordance for in-depth Bible study. Color maps give the reader a visual overview of the land of the Bible. Special features: Center-column reference system Double-column format 8 Point Text Thin, convenient size Presentation page 8-page full-color map section Concordance Table of Weights & Measures Ribbon marker Gilded page edges Bonded Leather, Navy Words of Christ in Red 5 1/2" x 8 3/4" x 7/8"

Complete Jewish Bible - Hardcover By David Stern / Messianic Jewish Publishers Why is this Bible different from all other Bibles? Because it is the only English version fully Jewish in style and presentation. It includes Dr. Stern's new version of the Tanakh ("Old Testament") and his highly acclaimed Jewish New Testament. The Complete Jewish Bible: Follows the Hebrew Bible order of the Tanakh's books the order with which Yeshua (Jesus) was familiar Makes no separation between "Old" and "New" Testaments Corrects mistranslations in the New Testament resulting from anti-Jewish theological bias Offers the original Hebrew names for people, places, and concepts, using easy-to-read English transliterations Focuses on Messianic prophecy Gives the traditional weekly and holiday synagogue readings, plus relevant readings from the B'rit Hadashah (New Testament) Reconnects Christians with their Jewish roots and the Jewish people Connects Jews with the Jewishness of Messiah Yeshua and Messianic faith Other Features of this Bible include: a comprehensive introduction, a pronouncing explanatory glossary, a reverse glossary and special maps to aid Bible understanding. The complete Jewish Bible shows that the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation is a unified Jewish book meant for everyone--Jew and non-Jew alike. 1631 pages (including maps & other helps), in hardcover.

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Devotional Books

Desiring God, Revised & Expanded By John Piper / Multnomah Scripture reveals that the great business of life is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. Now revised and expanded, Desiring God reveals how delighting in God can motivate us to glorify Him through worship, stewardship, loving our neighbor, rejoicing in suffering, and other "duties." John Piper reveals that the debate between duty and delight doesn't truly exist: Delight is our duty. Discover how to lay a biblical foundation for a life of celebration by truly desiring the Lord.

The Cost of Discipleship By Dietrich Bonhoeffer / Simon & Schuster Trade Sales The Cost of Discipleship compels the reader to face himself and God in any situation. Bonhoeffer speaks of "Cheap Grace": preaching forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession. "Cheap Grace" is grace without discipleship. "Costly Grace" is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. "It's costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life."

Knowing God: 20th Anniversary Edition By J.I. Packer / Inter-varsity Press J. I. Packer's Knowing God has become a classic of the Christian faith. Why? While it gives us information about God with clarity and grace, it does much more---it aids us in actually knowing him, in building our relationship with him, and helps draw us closer to him in love and worship. This 20th anniversary edition of Packer's classic has new Americanized text, reader-friendly type, and a new preface. Study guide not included.

My Utmost for His Highest: An Updated Edition in Today's Language By Oswald Chambers, James Reimann / Barbour Publishing A priceless classic at an affordable price! Based on the NKJV, Reimann's modern language edition of Chambers's best-selling daily devotional features heart-challenging, life-changing insights on everything from adversity and assurance to worry and worship. An "utmost" gift-giving opportunity for everybody you know---and for yourself! Includes Scripture and subject indexes. 400 pages, softcover from Barbour.

In His Steps By Charles Sheldon / Baker For the first time in their lives, the Rev. Henry Maxwell and his congregation are forced to consider the question, "What would Jesus do?" and its consequences. No one in town is left untouched by the brief, probing question. These people learn the answer- and so have millions of readers who have accepted the challenge to walk In His Steps.

The Complete Works of E. M. Bounds on Prayer By E.M. Bounds / Baker E.M. Bounds truly followed the charge to pray without ceasing. It was as normal and essential to him as breathing. But though he was in prayer constantly, it never became a chore to him. Throughout his life, whether he was ministering to troops during the Civil War or bringing God's Word to his congregation, E.M. Bounds relished his time in conversation with God. Though only two of his books were published in his lifetime, The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer combines all eight of Bounds's classic treatments of prayer. Join the generation of believers who have energized their prayer lives with the help of this godly man.

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Reference Books

The Strongest Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, Comfort-Print Edition By John R. Kohlenberger III & James A. Swanson / Zondervan This concordance is a larger print version of the the most accurate, truly exhaustive Strong's updated by John Kohlenberger along with James Swanson and compiled and verified by computer technology. In this edition, longstanding errors from the original have been corrected and omissions filled in as well as word studies have been simplified and special care has been taken to maximize the thoroughness and ease of use. The larger type makes this concordance easy to read. Special features include: Strong's numbering system for word studies in Greek and Hebrew Goodrick-Kohlenberger numbers in the dictionary indexes The most up-to-date Hebrew and Greek dictionaries Includes Nave's Topical Bible Reference System Cross-references to places and names used in Bible translations besides the KJV Word counts of every word in the Bible Fast-Tab locators Smythe-sewn binding that opens fully, lays flat, and lasts longer Maps

This also comes in a few other versions:

The Strongest NIV Exhaustive Concordance

The Strongest NASB Exhaustive Concordance

Strongest Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, The: 21st Century Edition

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Revised and Expanded By C. Brand, C.W. Draper & A. England / B & H Publishing Group The Holman Bible Dictionary edited by Trent C. Butler has become one of the best-selling Bible reference tools since its publication in 1991. Now this revised, updated and expanded edition called the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary offers even greater value to Bible students and teachers with over 250 new articles, new maps and charts, and 90 new contributors. This book is designed both for those who need information quickly and those who want in depth treatments of hundreds of topics. Each entry begins with a brief definition of the word followed by more detailed information. Through its more than 700 full-color graphics, this book brings readers right into the world of the Bible and enables them to better understand the Scriptures. Features: Exhaustive definitions of people, places, things and events-dealing with every subject in the Bible Over 700 full-color photos, illustrations and charts. Unique scale drawings and reconstructions of biblical places and objects based on careful archaeological research. Over 60 new, full-color maps with map index Major articles on theological topics, collective articles on plants, animals, occupations, etc. Pronunciation guide for all proper nouns and other hard-to-pronounce words. Up-to-date archaeological information from excavations in Israel. Timeline that compares biblical history to world history Summary definitions that begin each entry for quick reference. A variety of Bible translations used-the only dictionary that includes the HCSB, NIV, KJV, RSV, NRSV,REB, NASB, ESV, and TEV. Many articles based on the original languages, but written in a user-friendly style. Technical language and abbreviations are avoided. Extensive cross-referencing of related articles "Quicktabs": marginal alphabetical guides for quick and easy location of information

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine By Wayne Grudem / Zondervan The Christian church has a long tradition of systematic theology, that is, studying theology and doctrine organized around fairly standard categories such as the Word of God, redemption, and Jesus Christ. This introductory textbook on systematic theology has several distinctive features: A strong emphasis on the scriptural basis for each doctrine and teaching Clear writing, with technical terms kept to a minimum A contemporary approach, treating subjects of special interest to the church today A friendly tone, appealing to the emotions and the spirit as well as the intellect Frequent application to life Resources for worship with each chapter Bibliographies with each chapter that cross-reference subjects to a wide range of other systematic theologies

Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words By W.E. Vine / Thomas Nelson This convenient one volume combines Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words and Unger and White's Expository Dictionary of the Old Testament. This book allows you to easily access the alphabetized English equivalents of the Greek or Hebrew words from which they are translated. Throughout the text the most significant biblical words are illustrated by Scripture passages, comments, cross-references, ancient and modern meanings, precise etymologies, historical notes, and clearly defined technical information. Each original language is indexed, and the addition of a topical index allows you to access all the dictionary entries pertinent to specific New Testament ideas and teachings.Keyed to Strong's.

Or for more indepth word study, I recommend the following 2 books:

Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament By Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D. / Amg Publishers Explore the idioms and nuances of the original text of the New Testament without learning Greek! This detailed study tool arranges every word by Strong's numbering system. Each entry gives the word's derivation; history and etymology; an exegetical commentary; and synonyms and antonyms. Includes an English word index. 1505 pages, hardcover from AMG.

The Complete Word Study Dictionary : Old Testament By Warren Baker & Eugene Carpenter / Amg Publishers This new dictionary completes the AMG Word Study Series. This dictionary allows the person with no prior knowledge of Hebrew or Aramaic to complete an effective word study. Each Hebrew word in this book is listed numerically by its Strong's reference number. The Complete Word Study Dictionary, Old Tstament includes a guide to tranliteration, a translational reference index, and is written in an easy to read format. Features for each word listed: Derivation Exegetical Commentary Word History and Etymology Derivative, Synonym & Antonym Lists Spiros Zodhiates (Th.D., Luther Rice Seminary) is a recognized authority on the Greek New Testament. He has edited an edition of the Modern Greek New Testament and the author of numerous exegetical books and booklets.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary Complete Set (OT & NT), 12 Volumes By Edited by Frank E. Gaebelein / Zondervan For more than 20 years, the EBC has been widely recognized by preachers, teachers, and laypeople as one of the best commentaries available. Each Bible book features an insightful introduction, detailed outline, penetrating theological and critical exposition, and useful bibliography. Notes on textual difficulties are kept separate and all Hebrew and Greek is transliterated. This commentary uses the New International Version for its text, but freely refers to other translations and the original languages. Esteemed evangelical contributors include: Volume 1: Introductory Articles: General, Old Testament, New Testament (see Excerpts for complete list of article titles and contributors) Volume 2: Genesis: John H. Sailhamer; Exodus: Walter C. Kaiser Jr. ; Leviticus: R. Laird Harris; Numbers: Ronald B. Allen Volume 3: Deuteronomy: Earl S. Kalland; Joshua: Donald H. Madvig; Judges: Herbert Wolf; Ruth: F. B. Huey Jr.; ; 1, 2 Samuel: Ronald F. Youngblood Volume 4: 1, 2 Kings: Richard D. Patterson and Hermann J. Austel; 1, 2 Chronicles: J. Barton Payne; Ezra, Nehemiah: Edwin Yamauchi; Esther: F. B. Huey Jr. ; Job: Elmer B. Smick Volume 5: Psalms: Willem A. VanGemeren; Proverbs: Allen P. Ross; Ecclesiastes: J. Stafford Wright; Song of Songs: Dennis F. Kinlaw Volume 6: Isaiah: Geoffrey W. Grogan; Jeremiah: Charles L. Feinberg; Lamentations: H. L. Ellison; Ezekiel: Ralph H. Alexander Volume 7: Daniel: Gleason L. Archer Jr.; Hosea: Leon J. Wood ;Joel: Richard D. Patterson; Amos: Thomas E. McComiskey; Obadiah: Carl E. Armerding; Jonah: H. L. Ellison; Micah: Thomas E. McComiskey; Nahum, Habakkuk: Carl E. Armerding; Zephaniah: Larry Walker; Haggai: Robert L. Alden; Zechariah: Kenneth L. Barker; Malachi: Robert L. Alden; Volume 8: Matthew: D. A. Carson; Mark: Walter W. Wessel; Luke: Walter L. Liefeld Volume 9: John: Merrill C. Tenney; Acts: Richard N. Longenecker Volume 10: Romans: Everett F. Harrison; 1 Corinthians: W. Harold Mare; 2 Corinthians: Murray J. Harris; Galatians: James Montgomery Boice Volume 11: Ephesians: A. Skevington Wood; Philippians: Homer A. Kent Jr.; Colossians: Curtis Vaughan; 1, 2 Thessalonians: Robert L. Thomas; 1, 2 Timothy: Ralph Earle; Titus: D. Edmond Hiebert; Philemon: Arthur A. Rupprecht; Volume 12: Hebrews: Leon Morris; James: Donald W. Burdick; 1, 2 Peter: Edwin A Blum; 1,2, 3 John: Glenn W. Barker; Jude: Edwin A. Blum; Revelation: Alan F. Johnson An excellent resource at an exceptional price! 12 hardcovers

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Popular Reference Books

The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict By Josh McDowell / Thomas Nelson When Josh McDowell (More Than A Carpenter) was a pre-law student, he was challenged by a group of Christians to investigate the claims of Jesus from a purely intellectual standpoint. At the time, he felt supremely confident Christianity would fail such an examination, so he set out to prove that Christianity was a sham. Along the way, he discovered something else; he discovered Jesus. Evidence that Demands a Verdict may have started out as an attempt to prove Christianity intellectually false. What it has now become is something completely different. McDowell uncovered in his research the incredible resiliency of the Christian faith, and the strength of its intellectual claims. Thus, when he came to setting out his findings, he ended up creating one of the best Christian apologetic references available. And now he has made that reference work even better, revising it and updating it for the 21st century. The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict maintains and strengthens McDowell's original arguments for the validity of Christianity. Jam-packed with information, this book looks at why the Bible can be trusted, including its historical reliability and accuracy. McDowell explains who Jesus is, and why the New Testament record of his personality and ministry is the best and most authentic source available. He also explains how several worldviews have attempted to discredit Christianity, particularly through the methods of biblical, form, and textual criticism. McDowell also examines several philosophical systems, including skepticism, agnosticism, and mysticism, and offers a cogent defense of the idea and reality of miracles. Few apologetics books can claim the intellectual breadth that The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict has. Its extensive bibliography and documentation give it a firm foundation that enables it to weather even the strongest criticism. It has been a classic apologetic reference since its first publication, and it is now even better.

Kingdom of the Cults, rev. and updated ed. By Walter Martin, edited by Ravi Zacharias / Bethany Radio's original Bible Answer Man Walter Martin's classic resource as updated by cult and occult specialist Ravi Zacharias. Using Martin's well-researched and easily accessible text, Zacharias brings the experience of in-depth study, some would say immersion, into this sometimes confusing field of study and includes many facts and figures covering occurrences in the 1990's (as Martin passed away in 1989).Kingdom of the Cults has always been a trusted resource in times where accurate information is imperative to someone's salvation from the strange world of cults and the occult. Ranging in topics from the structure of cults to how cults are encountered on the mission field, many cults and movements are described in full, and intimate details of the inner workings can sometimes be indicative of where a cult may be leading. For anyone considering joining any of these groups or looking for more information for a friend or family member, this is an invaluable resource.

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Chronicles of Narnia

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Movie Tie-In Edition 7-Volume Boxed Set, Softcovers By C.S. Lewis / HarperCollins Narnia Invest in a handsome unabridged souvenir set of C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia for your home library. Included are stunning pictures from the movie Prince Caspian, plus the seven volumes: The Magician's Nephew; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; The Horse and His Boy; Prince Caspian; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; The Silver Chair; and The Last Battle. This set is sure to captivate children and adults, while providing hours of excellent reading. Each softcover book has approximately 200 pages, and measures 4.25" x 6.75".

The Chronicles of Narnia Special Deluxe Edition By C.S. Lewis / HarperCollins Narnia A feast for Narnia fans! Not only does this special edition include all seven books, it also features a pull-out color map of the magical frozen land for your walls, and informative excerpts from Beyond the Wardrobe: The Official Guide to Narnia. Each chapter opens with black-and-white artwork by Pauline Baynes. Ages 12 and up. 816 pages, hardcover from Zonderkidz.

The Chronicles of Narnia: 7-Volume Slipcased Softcover Set By C.S. Lewis / HarperCollins Narnia Once your children have followed Lucy through the back of a magic wardrobe - and met Aslan, the Christlike lion - they'll never be the same! Kids adore these classics for their imaginative story lines and adults appreciate the rich Christian symbolism. This softcover set is perfect for young children and families that are on the go. Each volume in this 7 book softcover set includesstunning new cover art by Cliff Nielsen. The individual books include approximately 200 pages and measure 4.25" by 7.25". This set also includes an attractive slipcase in which the books can be safely stored and attractively displayed.

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