"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (II Peter 3:18)
These links are provided to assist your personal Bible study. Clicking a link will bring you to a different site.
Online Resources
Interactive Bibles
Commentaries
- Darby's Synopsis
- Geneva Study Bible notes
- Jamieson, Faussett, & Brown
- John Gill's Exposition
- John Wesley's Notes
- Matthew Henry's Commentary
- Spurgeon's Treasury of David (Psalms)
Sermons
Books
Christian Living
Trusting God
Jerry Bridges
Author Jerry Bridges repeatedly cites Biblical principles and examples as he exhorts us to trust God. This book compassionately reminds us that all things happen for God's glory and our good - even when we have no idea why we are suffering.
Don't wait until you're in the storm of trial before reading this encouraging book about the God who has the very hairs of your head numbered.
The accompanying study guide (purchased separately) is equally excellent, and will lead you to meditate on Scripture by helping you think through the practical application in real life situations.
Recommended for teens through adults.
Essential Virtues
Jim Berg
Subtitle: Marks of the Christ Centered Life
Author Jim Berg examines the Apostle Peter's exortation to
- Faith
- VIrtue
- Knowledge
- Temperance
- Patience
- Godliness
- Brotherly Kindness
- Love
The mature saint is characterized by these essential virtues. The book reviews what each of these is, their place in Christian living, and how we can grow in them. This is a book you won't just read once, but will refer to again and again.
War of Words
Tripp, Paul David
Our Lord tells us that our mouth speaks "out of the abundance of the heart." This book helps you examine what you say, when you say it, and what it all reflects about your heart. Very convicting. Good for teens through adults.
Life in the Father's House
Mack, Wayne
Subtitled "a laymen's guide to the local church," this book covers the importance of God's local church, and our roles within it. Recommended for adults.
The Gospel for Real Life
Jerry Bridges
What is the Gospel? Who needs the Gospel? How do I apply the Gospel to my life? These are questions that Bridges presents and answers in this book about the Gospel. Bridges in this book unpacks the riches of the Gospel and discusses how the Gospel transforms a believer’s life. In Bridges’ own words, “So preaching the gospel to yourself every day is what this book is about.” This book is timely in a day when feelings, opinions, and personal standards take precedence over the Gospel of Christ. This book stresses the necessity and obligation of each believer to turn to the Gospel every day, for in the Gospel one finds the liberating power of the cross of Christ.
Changed Into His Image
Jim Berg
This book discusses living the Christian life from A to Z. Easy to read, yet comprehensive in content. You will finish the book motivated to better know and serve our loving God. Highly recommended reading for teens through adults.
Study guides are also available (teen and adult).
Pursuit of God, The
A.W. Tozer
In this Christian classic, Tozer continuously challenges us to seek an ever deeper relationship with Christ. A highly recommended book for Christian living. Although somewhat more difficult to read than average, this book is well worth a careful reading for any Christian.
Pilgrim's Progress, The
John Bunyan
Allegorical and easy to follow, this classic Christian work was for many years only second to the Bible in worldwide ownership. Bunyan's insights into the Christian experience is immensely helpful to any Christian seeking to "fight the good fight of faith." Highly recommended for children through adults.
Absolute Surrender
Andrew Murray
This book is the work of the great Scottish preacher, Andrew Murray, who spent most of his pastoral ministry in South Africa until his death in 1917. Absolute Surrender is actually a collection of a series of sermons that Murray delivered on the topic of surrender to Christ. Murray in Absolute Surrender exhorts believers at all stages of spiritual development to completely give everything to Christ. He stresses the knowledge of God, the filling of the Spirit, and an intimate fellowship with Christ.
This work will be both inspirational and convicting to all believers.
Biblical Leadership
Ken Collier & Matt Williams
With Jesus as the role model, this book discusses "becoming a different kind of leader." Easy to read and brief (150 pages), the book abounds with principles worth meditating on. Recommended for teens through adults.
Devotional Helps
GOD IS... (learning about my God)
Hummel, Rand
Intended for ages 10-13 (grades 5-8), this book is takes you on a six week daily Bible journey discovering more about God. Consider this book a devotional tool to point readers to the scriptures, pencil in hand, to explore God's love, forgiveness, patience, power, omnipresence, and mercy/grace. Daily lessons are brief, but meaningful.
Recommended for late elementary & Jr. high.
Abide in Christ
Murray, Andrew
Rich in Biblical truth, this book helps you consider your walk with our Lord. Easy to read, written in 31 short chapters, so it can be used as a month-long daily devotional. Recommended for teens to adults.
What Do I Know About My God?
Mardi Collier
Written for women, this book is a great resource for improving the quality of personal devotions. Mrs. Collier begins by recognizing that the Scriptures reveal God to man, and suggests a method of devotional note-taking that consistently points us to the goal of Bible study - growth in the knowledge of God.
Morning and Evening
Charles Spurgeon
Among the treasured works of the "Prince of Preachers" is Morning and Evening, a devotional intended to be read daily both in the morning and evening. For each time of day, Spurgeon gives some devotional thoughts based upon either one verse or a brief phrase. His way with words and his gift of illustrations helps to drive his point home to his readers.
This is a wonderful tool to use both in the morning and evening as an aid to one's personal time with the Lord. In addition, families will find it a wonderful resource.
This Day in Baptist History
David L. Cummins and E. Wayne Thompson
This book is a devotional book intended to read through each of the 365 days of the year. Each day's reading features either the life of a specific Baptist pastor of the past or a historical event that relates to the history of the Baptist movement. The material is fascinating to read and is permeated with tidbits that most believers are not aware of.
It is highly recommended families read this book together to discover the treasures of Baptist history and to praise the Lord of these Baptist pastors who gave their lives so willingly for the cause of Christ.
An Exposition of the Whole Bible
Morgan, G Campbell
Morgan, known for his depth of Bible reading and understanding, provieds a summary of each chapter of the Bible.
Church History
Foxe's Book of Martyrs
Foxe, John
Described as "a history of the lives, sufferings and triumphant deaths of the early Christian and the Protestant martyrs." While such reading is not inherently pleasant, the book will inform and inspire.
"After the Bible itself, no book so profoundly influenced early Protestant sentiment as the Book of Martyrs. Even in our time it is still a living force. It is more than a record of persecution. It is an arsenal of controversy, a storehouse of romance, as well as a source of edification." - James Miller Dodds, English Prose.
Recommended for teens through adults.
The Mayflower Pilgrims
Beale, David
A well documented account of the Pilgrims' journey to the New World. This book puts into perspective who these godly people were and the reason for the journey they made.
The Power of Prayer
Prime, Samuel
One of the finest works on the impact of revival and prayer. The book includes first-hand accounts of a relatively unknown revival.
or buy:
Biography
Billy Sunday and the Redemption of Urban America
Dorsett, Lyle
This work illustrates how God can use the willing. Sunday was among the most outspoken for the Lord in his day. His zealous desire to see souls saved and the change in his life show a faithful man who loved the Lord at all costs. Recommended for teens through adults.
To the Golden Shore
Anderson, Courtney
Moving account of the life of Adoniram Judson, the first North American missionary (to Burma). Judson's life has local connections (Plymouth, Boston, North Shore, western MA). Exciting and inspirational, the book reveals God's sufficient grace even in impossibly difficult circumstances (death of spouse, child, imprisonment, etc). Recommended reading for teens through adults.
Hudson Taylor (two volume set)
Taylor, Dr. & Mrs. Howard
This definitive account on the life of James Hudson Taylor, 19th century missionary to China, details his life in narrative and in journal form.
- Volume I, entitled "The Growth of a Soul," traces the early life of Taylor including his conversion and his call to and preparation for China.
- Volume II, entitled "The Growth of the Work of God" focuses on Taylor's ministry and the founding and growth of the China Inland Mission.
This biography includes many personal anecdotes and diary entries from Taylor himself which make the reading of it highly rewarding. Also appreciated is the authors' purpose not to glorify a man, but to glorify the great God of His servant.
These two volumes (for the serious reader) will be an immense blessing to both teens and adults. See also Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret for a condensed, one volume summary.
Children of the Storm
Vins, Natasha
Written as an autobiography by the daughter of Georgi Vins, Children of the Storm shows another exciting side to God's deliverance in the true story of Christian persecution.
The Gospel in Bonds
Vins, Georgi
An easy to read, yet fascinating account of a Baptist preacher in Communist Russia. Vins, who died in 1998, faithfully proclaimed God's Word even in Siberian prison camps.
Russian Gospel Ministries, Elkhart, IN, 1995
D.L. Moody, Soul Winner
Mann, Chester
This is only one among many works written about this very unusual man of God. His life and ministry continue to be encouraging and challenging for today's Christians in search of commitment and spiritual power. Recommended reading for all Christians.
Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret
Taylor, Dr. & Mrs. Howard
A condensed version of the two volume classic, this brief version rewards the reader with the "highlights" from Taylor's amazing ministry in China.
Topical Studies
Prayer: A Holy Occupation
Chambers, Oswald
Not a detailed study, but a very basic book on prayer with some thought-provoking suggestions. The believer will be inspired as he reads simple comments about a commonly discussed subject.
Pain, the Plight of Fallen Man
Halla, James
Written by a rheumatologist, this book considers the biblical response a believer should have to health problems (specifically pain).
Reference
Adventuring through the Bible
Stedman, Ray
This book summarizes of each book of the Bible in a few pages. Helpful as part of a Bible study program.
The MacArthur Bible Commentary
MacArthur, John
Covering the Bible in one volume, great resource for personal Bible study.
Wiersbe Bible Commentary (Complete Set)
Warren Wiersbe
A two volume (OT & NT) Bible commentary written in plain English. Easy to understand by teens to adults. Great study resource.
Unger's Bible Handbook
Unger, Merrill
A classic Bible handbook providing a synopsis of each chapter or section of every book of the Bible. This helpful resource is also filled with information to help students understand the Bible in its historical setting.
Holman QuickSource Bible Atlas
Wright, Paul
Maps, charts, historical descriptions and explanations. An excellent source for basic study, providing helpful background.
Hammond's Atlas of Bible Lands
Hammond World Atlas Corp.
Clear, large maps of OT and NT lands. Immensely helpful for the student of the Word, or even for the casual inquirer.
Parenting
Age of Opportunity
Tripp, Paul David
Excellent resource for parents of teens (or for parents of children who will be teens). The author provides helpful advice to keep parents focused on raising teens who have a heart for God. Though we differ with some of Tripp's personal standards, we are humbled by his wise Biblical counsel, and are grateful for this resource. Recommended reading for all Christian parents.
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Tripp, Tedd
Excellent resource for parents of young children. Tripp applies Biblical principles in practical settings, reminding us to focus not only on the behavior, but on the heart which produced it.
Music
Strings
With Grateful Praise
Soundforth
Masterfully arranged and performed, this recording features the Soundforth String Quartet. The Quartet plays thirteen traditional hymns such as “O For a Thousand Toungues to Sing,” “Be Thou My Vision,” “Come Thou Fount,” and “Rejoice, the Lord is King.” This recording is sure to encourage and warm one’s soul.
String Quartet (Click here to BUY)
Orchestra
Blessed Assurance
Soundforth
Under the direction of Dr. Dwight Gustafson, the Bob Jones University Symphony Orchestra performs traditional hymns with fresh settings that will aid in comforting the believer’s heart.
Orchestra (click here to BUY)
Choral
Elijah
Mendelssohn
Based upon the Biblical narrative of the life and ministry of Elijah the prophet of God in I and II Kings, Mendelssohn composed this oratorio in 1846. Elijah traces the life of a man of God who was mightily used of God to accomplish great things for God. The Scriptural texts chosen by Mendelssohn focus on the power of God and the repentance of Israel.
Messiah
Handel
Composed in 1741 in only seventeen days, Messiah has been a sacred masterwork ever since its premiere in 1742. This oratorio is comprised of three parts: I. Christ’s Birth, II. Christ’s Suffering, and III. Christ’s Reign. This work is entirely based on the Scriptures, primarily the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament. From the majestic “Hallelujah Chorus” to “For Unto Us a Child Is Born” to “Worthy is the Lamb,” Handel brilliantly paints the text in his use of the choir and orchestra. This is a work that every believer will receive a blessing from and will gain a greater love and appreciation for their Christ, the Messiah. This piece would especially be good for both parents and children to listen to and to discuss for their edification.
The Creation
Haydn
The Scriptural source of The Creation is Genesis 1-3, recounting the six days of Creation. Haydn masterfully employs the orchestra to enhance the text and to tell the historical account of Creation. This composition effectively communicates the sovereignty and power of God in Creation. It is highly recommended that believers listen and rejoice in their Creator and God.
St. Matthew's Passion
Bach
This work was first performed on Good Friday in 1727 at Bach’s church in Leipzig, Germany. This oratorio gives the account according to Matthew of the Passion week of Christ and focuses primarily on His sufferings on the cross. The music graphically portrays the agonies that Christ went through to save man from his sin. Bach, in this piece, expresses both his faith in Christ and his belief that the Gospel saves men from sin.
Think On These Things
Soundforth
The Soundforth Choir from Bob Jones University presents a fresh and convicting program of music that challenges believers to meditate upon the Word of God. Each arrangement on this recording is based upon a specific portion of Scripture. This recording is a great tool for believers who are memorizing the Scriptures.
Choir with orchestra (Click here to BUY)
King of Love
Soundforth
This recording released in 2008 features the Soundforth Choir singing traditional hymns with fresh settings as well as some newer songs. The Choir, backed by orchestral accompaniment, effectively communicates the worshipful texts of these hymns.
Choral (click here to BUY)
Lift Up Your Voice
SMS
The SMS choir sings a mixture of traditional hymns and new songs on this recording. This recording is an outstanding example of fresh, worshipful, and Christ-honoring music.
Choral (click here to BUY)
Piano
Prepare Him Room
Soundforth
Arranged and performed by Dan Forrest, this Christmas recording reminds believers of the incarnation of Christ and the joy they should have for His first advent in this world.
Piano, Christmas (click here to BUY)
Piano & Orchestra
Our Great Savior
SMS
Joan Pinkston and the SMS Orchestra collaborate in a Christ-honoring collection of hymns set for piano and orchestra. The arrangements are masterfully set to the texts of each hymn, allowing the listener to meditate upon the truths of the hymn.
Piano & Orchestra (click here to BUY)
Exaltation
SMS
Faye Lopez and the SMS Orchestra collaborate in a program of uplifting, inspiring hymns for piano and orchestra. The colorful arrangements complement the hymn texts with great success.
Piano & Orchestra (click here to BUY)
Vocal
To the Praise of His Glory
The Wilds
This excellent recording features Mary Lynn Van Gelderen singing recently composed songs and new settings of traditional hymns. Her gift of communication of the texts is evident in this recording. The message of the music is both compelling and stirring. This recording will be a blessing to all believers.
Vocal (click here to BUY)
Men's Choir
Worship the King
SMS
The SMS Men's Choir sings a nice variety of traditional hymns including Holy, Holy, Holy; Safe in the Arms of Jesus; Amazing Grace; and All Hail the Power. The quality and balance of the men's choir is striking and effective in their communication of these great hymns of the faith.
Men's Choir (click here to BUY)