Five Books A Christian Should Read

The Bible is the handbook for Christians on earth. Please understand the following books recommended are in no way meant to replace the Bible. They are not even meant to assist the Bible as I firmly believe that the Bible speaks for itself. These are books written by fellow Christians that tell the story or pieces of the story of their lives. They are written by the brethren and try to encourage other Christians to find the delight which they have found in the word of the Lord. All books written by Christians should lead to the Bible. If they do not and make the insane pronouncement that they can stand on their own, then they are not worth reading. That said, here are the five in no special order. (I cannot pick a favorite)

The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan is the classic allegory of Christian and his journey to the Celestial City.  You will want to have your Bible beside you to see the many references Bunyun uses. His purpose is to lead you back to the Bible so that you may see that this book of God was written to guide you.

Christian is shown the way to the Wicket Gate by one named Evangelist and then he has to travel along the Strait and Narrow road. However he is faced with many trials and tribulations and looses and gains friends and family alike. When in the town of Vanity Fair, he is jailed and a faithful friend seems to be lost forever. He even travels through the Valley of The Shadow of Death. This tale is not for the weak at heart for it maps out the path that each and every Christian must take. But oh the reward at the end is worth the journey!

E.M. Bounds On Prayer by E. M. Bounds is a joining of seven of Bound's books on prayer. It includes: Purpose of Prayer, The Necessity of Prayer, The Possibilities of Prayer,The Essentials of Prayer,Obtaining Answers to Prayer, Power Through Prayer and The Weapon of Prayer. In it Bounds puts forth the importance of prayer. His instruction and guidance concerning prayer uses the Bible step by step. It is only possible to get the full understanding of this book with the Bible beside you.

Foxe's Book Of Martyrs by John Foxe, relates the true stories of great Christians throughout the years. Their fearless witnesses for Christ. The persecutions they faced and the victories they gained through the Lord himself. It is a book which reminds us that there is much we can do and that we should be willing to give our very lives for Him if faced with the prospect. This book once again leads one to the Bible to see where these Christians received their strength and to cleave unto the truth which is revealed in the Holy Book.

The Autobiography of George Muller by George Muller presents excerpts from the journals of George Muller presenting the story of his salvation, his faith, and the miracles which he experienced through his practicing that simple faith. Muller shows how important it is to have faith in the promises of God and the reason why God's word stands firm and true.

The Hiding Place by Caspar, Betsie and Corrie Ten Boom with John and Elizabeth Sherril, tells the true story of a Christian Dutch family in the time of World War II. Watchmakers by trade, this family chooses to save the Jewish people by hiding and transporting them to safer places. But they get caught after they are betrayed. The faith which is shown and the value which is placed upon the word of God is one to make a Christian blush because I myself do not know what I would do when in a situation like this. The courage of Betsie's is not her own, it is from the Holy Spirit and we see just what Christ can do even in what seems to be the most hopeless situation. The Bible plays a huge part in this story as well because Corrie is able to spread the word with a tiny one which the soldiers were not able to detect because God blinded them. Hallelujah! God still works!

There are a few more books that I would recommend but I will leave it at five and let you chew on them for a bit. If you decide to read any or have read them, please leave a comment I would be delighted to hear from you!

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