I have a relative whom is serving time in prison for the third time in the last 10 years. It seems as if each time he gets let go, he steals, does drugs and ends up in there again. He came from a easy-believism church and I am not sure, but I believe him to be a false convert, yet I can't say for certain. Perhaps he has heard too many self-esteem messages and weak presentations on sin, hell, and repentance so he sees no need to change his life. You can't recommend the Bible because all seeker friendly, easy believism, and such churches with false converts use the Bible but fail to interpret it properly. This is why a good book or books would be good as the author can communicate the Bible well and hit on sin. I had thought about getting him the Gospel According to Jesus but its an academic read and needed something simple. Paul Washer's books would have the same problem.
So I bought him Hard to Believe and the Vanishing Conscience which may be the best for laymen whom are or maybe false converts. Did I get the best books? Calvinist that are well educated in books can tell me if I missed a hidden gem by a good author.
You may want to try another MacArthur book, "Saved without a Doubt" it definitely assures the genuine believer but I would imagine it will convict someone who is lost.
The best book to hit on sin is the Word of God.
I don't think any book can beat it.
I don't care that people misinterpret it - it is God's Word.
In saying "No Bible because a book is better" is showing him that God's Word is not sufficient for him and he needs to seek out man's interpretation in order to believe it.
Dangerous stuff there.
Now if you want a book to go along with the Word of God and encourage him to spend time in the Word and give him a few books to help him study, then that's a different story but that's not what it sounds like to me.
Your relative is not in prison - literally or sin wise - because of the Bible.
I understand the power of a good commentator or author, but your paragraph here sounds as if you trust man's "proper interpretations" more than God's actual Word.
I know that's not what you meant, but it comes forth like that.
He should have a Bible that he can read and DOES read first - and a book of interpretations second.
"The Bible...Take it or Leave it."
wait... no...."The Bible" - take it or leave it.
I typically suggest John.
Not only because it is my name (and your's) but because the Gospel of John helped me understand the gospel (the wonderful name being a benefit).
I never once said a book is more important than the Bible. What I said is that a book can better communicate the Bible and make the Bible and its teachings come more alive. There is a reason God gave teachers to the church. If what you say is true then there certainly is no reason to attend church and listen to sermons.
If the author says something the Bible does not say then he is wrong.
Evan I agreed with Ann for there is no better book than the Bible, I didn't take her post as saying one shouldn't recommend a book, just that the Bible is the best one, that is all.
Maybe you should set the cup of coffee down and back away slowly....lol
Hmmm - I guess you missed the end of what I said - and you quoted:
"Now if you want a book to go along with the Word of God and encourage him to spend time in the Word and give him a few books to help him study, then that's a different story but that's not what it sounds like to me."
Well first he needs an interest and only saved have that. But as for saved then yes I agree with you. There are lots of books for that. Which ones do you recommend? But first I want to see him saved, or if he is saved, mature in the Lord and get interested in the Bible.