Recently, I was asked to post a list of books that I have read or am reading and would recommend to the students (and adults!) here at CCML. Those of you that know me know I like to read...a lot.  I have heard it said that in many ways, the sum of who you are as a person has an awful lot to do with the books you have read during your lifetime. While I'm not totally sure I agree with that statement 100%, I will say this; what you read can change you. Books can entertain you, challenge you, and help you see the world in new ways.With that, it is without question that the most important book I have ever read-and still read most days-is the Bible...the Scripture, the Word of God, etc.

 

In Hebrews 4, we are told the the Word of God is "living and active" and "cuts through" us, revealing our thought and showing us for who we are. I can honestly say that each time I read the Bible and think (meditate) about what I have read, I leave changed-every time!  So, here is a starter list of several books I think will challenge and entertain and teach. Some of the books below are about God and Jesus, some are about faith in general, some are novels about angels and demons, some are about how to read the bible, some about defending your faith when others make you question what you believe-whatever your interest, there's something below for you! If there is an asterisk (*) in front of the title, this means that this book in particular, I liked.

 

Check them out at the library, buy them, READ them, then give them away.  Most can be purchased at a Christian bookstore such as Family Christian Bookstore, Barnes and Noble, Borders Books, or on Amazon.com.....just don't forget to read your Bible, too!

 

Jason 

BIBLES for Teens

(I recommend either the NIV or ESV translations for most students)

 

"The NIV Student Bible" by Phillip Yancey & Tim Stafford

 

"Life Application Study Bible" by Zondervan Publishers

 

"The Apologetics Study Bible, Understand What You Believe." by Holman Bible Publishers

 

JUST SOME GOOD READING!

 

*"Crazy Love" by Francis Chan

 

*"I Would Die for You" by Brent & Deanna Higgins

 

"Dare 2 Share" by Greg Steir

 

"Piercing the Darkness" by Frank Peretti

 

*"This Present Darkness" by Frank Peretti

 

"Do Hard Things" by Alex & Brett Harris

 

"The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis

 

"Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis

 

 

"Jesus Freaks: Martyrs" by dc Talk

 

"More Than a Carpenter" by Josh McDowell

 

"The Case for the Real Jesus" by Lee Strobel

(Also, "The Case for Faith or Creator" by Lee are good reads.)

 

*"The 10 Most Common Objections to Christianity" by Alex Mcfarland

 

"Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller

 

"Safely Home" by Randy Alcorn

 

"The Blue Parakeet" by Scott McKnight

 

"The Jesus Creed" by Scott McKnight

 

*"Vintage Jesus" by Mark Driscoll

 

For GUYS: "Wild at Heart" by John Eldridge

 

For GIRLS: "Captivating" by Staci Eldridge

 

"Jesus Wants to Save Christians" by Rob Bell

 

"The Baker Pocket Guide to WORLD RELIGIONS" by Gerald McDermott

 

*"Desiring God" by John Piper

 

"Death by Love" by Mark Driscoll

 

*"The Reason for God" by Tim Keller

 

*"Systematic Theology"  by Robert Duncan Culver

"Finally Alive" by John Piper

 

 

More to come!  Check back soon!