Recommended Reading
Bible Reading.
Getting into the Word and getting the Word into us is one of our primary tasks as followers of Jesus.
ESV Bible.
While we recognize there are several quality translations of the Bible, the ESV is the primary Bible used in preaching and teaching at Colomokee. It is an essentially literal translation into contemporary English and emphasizes word-for-word accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning. You can read the ESV online or easily purchase one from Amazon.
NIV Bible.
The NIV is excellent for Bible devotions and study, especially for those who have difficulty with literal, word-for-word translations. It seeks to balance precision and accuracy in translation with readability in contemporary English. You can purchase an excellent NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible here or read the NIV in several different Bible apps.
YouVersion.
YouVersion is one of the leading apps for reading the Bible on your smart device. It offers 2,062 Bible versions in 1,372 languages, and includes many excellent reading plans and added features. They also have a Bible App for Kids that is a great tool to help your children engage with the Scripture.
Pastor’s Note: Not all translations are the same quality. I encourage you to be aware of what translation you are reading, why, and its particular advantages and disadvantages.
Bible Commentaries.
Matthew Henry.
There are many excellent commentaries, old and new. However, reading the greats outside our modern era can help to significantly expand your perspective and break you free from unconscious assumptions and ideas in modern works. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Bible is an excellent choice for those seeking a rich, time-tested, theologically sound commentary to support their Bible study.
Martin Luther.
Martin Luther is easily one of the most influential Christians of the last 1000 years. His commentary on Galatians is widely regarded as one of the most important commentaries written on the nature of grace, faith, and the gospel. In a day where false gospels and confusion about true saving faith abound, this masterpiece continues to strengthen believers and clearly declare the one true gospel.
Bible Hub.
Bible Hub is a vast resource, combining dozens of Bible translations and powerful Bible study tools. This includes over 25 commentaries. With Bible Hub you can read the Bible, gain insight from some of history’s greatest commentators (while being wary of some not-so-great), work with tools that help you better understand the original languages, and more. It’s not pretty, and there is a learning curve, but it’s powerful!
Systematic Theology.
Systematic Theology.
Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology is a thorough, clear, readable and practical presentation of the central doctrines of the Bible. Built on the conviction that the Bible is completely true and absolutely authoritative, this book will broaden, deepen, and refine your understanding of the great truths of Scripture. You can also listen to Grudem teach through it for free.
Bible Doctrine.
Bible Doctrine: Essential Teaching of the Christian Faith is a shortened version of Grudem’s Systematic Theology and covers the same material in condensed form. If you want to significantly strengthen your grasp of the major teachings of the Bible, but don’t want to read or reference a 1200+ page book, this book is for you.
General Reading.
Knowing God.
A modern day classic, Knowing God by J.I. Packer is essential reading for those who do not just want to know about God, but want to know him personally through a close relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. Biblically sound and theologically rich — while not being academic or stale — this book has the potential to profoundly transform your spiritual life.
A Peculiar Glory.
Is the Bible really true? Is it really the Word of God? Does God perceptibly reveal Himself and His glory through Scripture? A Peculiar Glory: How the Christian Scriptures Reveal Their Complete Truthfulness rigorously answers these questions with a resounding YES. This book will dramatically strengthen your confidence in the Bible and help you better see the glory of God in His Word.
Can Man Live Without God.
We live in an age where it’s increasingly said Christianity is only believed by ignorant, uneducated, gullible people. Can Man Live Without God demolishes these notions and gives a brilliant, compelling, eye-opening defense of the Christian faith. You will see how Christianity fully withstands the deepest scrutiny and most vicious attacks the world levies against it.
