The following books have helped shape the views of Chaille Brindley, the
author of Organic Faith and the 'brains' behind this Web site. I have
found these books to be spiritually challenging and insightful. Please
keep in mind that I am not condoning every last word in these books.
Don't believe everything in a book (except of course the Bible) just
because it was written by a "Christian."
Turn on your brain and listen to the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit as
you read. It can be real easy for an author to go from the anointing of
the Spirit to human wisdom even in the span of a few words. As a
result, you must always be on your guard looking for the truth. Compare
everything in the following books to Scripture and let the Holy Spirit
guide you.
Notice
The best book to read is the Bible - God's love letter to you. It should
be a daily part of your life. But if you're like me and like
to read, here are some additional books to consider. May these books
challenge you as they have me.
Reading List
John Bevere - Bevere puts tough lessons in easy-to-swallow
language. He brings harsh prophetic messages with a smile. While many
calling the Church to repentance are tuned out almost immediately,
Bevere has a way of calling down the fire without scaring the reader in
the process.
A Heart Ablaze - Bevere lays out what it takes to develop a
heart on fire for God. God used this book to provoke me to seek greater
intimacy with Him. Anybody have a match?
The Fear of the Lord - Sometimes we take God and his holy side a
little too lightly. Bevere spells out what happens to those who do not
fear God and why the fear of God is so critical to revival.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer - The Cost of Discipleship - Bonhoeffer gave all for
the cause of Christ, including his life. As a leader in the underground
church in Germany, Bonhoeffer went head-to-head against the Nazi
leadership. In this Christian classic, Bonhoeffer explains just what
Jesus requires of His disciples and key lessons we all must learn if we
truly want to live a life worth of the Kingdom of God.
Michael Brown - Go & Sin No More - Do you have a sin problem? This book
explores the entanglements of sin and how you can break free through the
power of Jesus.
Chuck Colson - After a life in politics and prison, Colson experienced
many things which have given him a broad view of the Church and its role
in society.
Kingdoms in Conflict - Explains how the kingdoms of men and the
Kingdom of God clash and co-exist at the same time. From a political
insider turned devote Christian, Colson presents interesting insight to
one of the greatest struggles of the modern era.
The Body - Colson unmasks some of the problems with the
established church and highlights many of the authentic moves of God
taking place all over the globe.
Jeanne Guyon - Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ - This is a
classic on seeking God, especially through meditation and listening in
stillness to the voice of God. If you want to go to the next level,
consider living this book.
C.S. Lewis - One of the greatest Christian authors of all times and my
personal favorite. He has written so many good books. I have highlighted
two.
Mere Christianity - The classic book on Christian apologetics.
It has helped many people grapple with intellectual barriers standing in
the way of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.
The Screwtape Letters - Lewis dove deep into the psyche of the
enemy as he explains spiritual warfare from the viewpoint of a demon.
The psychological and spiritual insights in this book are outstanding -
a must for any serious reader of Christian literature.
Watchman Nee - Imprisoned for his faith and a leader in the Chinese
church, Nee's works are deep and powerful. You will never look at the
world the same after you get a hold of his books.
Authority & Submission - Nee tackles spiritual authority, which
is one of the toughest issues facing the Church today. If you have
'authority' issues, this book will help you see how even Jesus honored
the authorities during His earthly ministry.
The Song of Songs - Nee brilliantly explains the details of the
great love story between Solomon and the Shulamite princess and how it
foreshadows the love relationship between Jesus and His bride.
The Spiritual Man - A look at the spiritual side of mankind and
how it should shape our entire life as a Christian.
Charles Newbold - These books are so dangerous to the establishment that
they should carry a Surgeon General's warning on them. Don't read these
books unless you are willing to throw out everything you thought about
'church' and 'living a happy, blessed life here on earth'.
The Crucified Ones - Newbold describes the challenge to those
who desire to be part of the radical end-time remnant - those who will
lay it all down for the cause of Christ.
The Harlot Church System - Just be warned, you will probably be
offended if you read this book, especially if you are a pastor. As
Newbold explains that is exactly what many in the modern Church need.
Approach this book with an open mind and you will likely be surprised by
how God refines your view of His work on the earth.
Michael Slaughter - UnLearning Church - One of my favorite books on the
postmodern movement and how the Church must adopt to meet the needs of
the current culture while holding onto the truths that give the Church
its power and reason for existence. Every pastor should read this book.
Tommy Tenney - The God Chasers - A good book on developing a hunger for
intimacy with God.
David Wilkerson - The Cross and the Switchblade - One of the greatest
stories of faith of the 20th century, Wilkerson retells how God took him
from a preacher in a small town to leading heroine addicts and gang
members to Christ in New York City.
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