Featured Recommended Books for New Believers.

I have a collection of Systematic Theologies covering a broad spectrum of thought but the one I grab first is the one by John MacArthur. Not that I hang on his every word.

I personally have not mastered the fine art of receiving comfort and edification from works such as these, I refer to all inclusive systematic theologies, but I use them to get some insights on what others think. I think it is possible that I like the idea of collecting them over actually studying them but I do read a lot of theology works, that I do. I have Reymond somewhere in the house, don't have Culver, at least I don't think I have it.

My copy of Institutes is a full version in 2 volumes, mine is the Henry Beveridge translation, Erdmans paperback 1957. I find it a bit of a chore to read, certainly not a beginners book. I have had it for probably 40 years, don't know how I came to possess it, seems like I have always had it.

People gush over RCS Knowing Scripture. I really don't understand why, I find it very simplistic.

Another book I have but don't read is John Piper The Justification of God. I don't care for him.

Warming up in the Bull Pen is The Extent of the Atonement by David Allen. I'm in the process of stocking up on vitamin E for that one, it appears to be a daunting project. But first, I'm in the beginning phase, the absolute beginning of a book study on Isaiah. I spent about 8 months in 1 Corinthians and quite honestly know less about the book now than I did a year ago, but time to move on.

 

That and his Old Testament Bible History, a good read.

 

I haven't read anything Allen has written. But I have heard him speak and was unimpressed by his incompetence theologically. His understanding of Scripture is akin to that of Norm Geisler ---and that's not at all good.

Pick up a copy (or even as a library book) Jame's White's The Potter's Freedom. It is highly readable, quite biblical, and very comprehensive in its 376 pages. White writes clearly and he exegetes passages thoroughly.

 

Culver comes across as a gracious man. He covers the gamut of theology and its history. It's the fruit of thousands of classroom hours. It's serious biblical theology, but it's also warm and devotional much of the time. He writes like a kindly grandfather passing on his decades of study for our benefit.

J.C. Ryle wrote in that fashion too when I read his works.

 

You forgot to mention, Allen's book doesn't have any pictures.

 

Since I haven't picked up any of Allen's books, I don't even know if he has the ability of an Annie Vallotton or the photographic skills of a pro.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Christian-Apologetics-Reference-Library/dp/0801021510

 

Give a person a fish and you feed him or her for a day, teach a person to fish and you feed him or her for a lifetime.

Rather than books of indoctrination, books teaching how to get the most out of God's word, are what new Christians need. Discipleship. Heavy on the spiritual milk of the gospel. New Christians need to grow on the pure milk, before they tackle spiritual solid food. The essential importance of our prayer life. Our need for fellowship with other Christians such that we can serve and be served.

A good study bible that the new Christian understands.
A bible Dictionary
An English dictionary.