Recommended Reading
As someone who's worked in a Christian Bookstore, I've seen my share of those people who are always recommending books. What you end up with is a huge list of books to read (because each one, of course, is life-changing) that just seems overwhelming. Here at Shoreline, we believe that there's only one book that's truly life-changing: God's Word, the Bible. On this recommended reading page, we're not going to inundate you with a ton of books full of good ideas—if a book ends up on this list, it's because it's truly impacted the lives of one of the pastors with it's clear and encouraging application of God's Word to our lives.
Best of the Best:
This section contains the books we really, really like. Every book on this list is one we believe everyone should own and read because of the way it applies Scripture to our lives.
Instruments In The Redeemer's Hands by Paul David Tripp
If you've ever struggled with life and/or desired
to grow in your spiritual maturity (which should include pretty much
everyone who's ever lived ever), this book is an absolute must-read.
It explains how God grows us and how he desires to use us to help
others grow in our community. Plus, it's incredibly smooth and easy to
read.
View Instruments In The Redeemer's Hands on Amazon.com
The MacArthur Study Bible by John MacArthur
You know that you're really reading the Bible if
you have questions about what you read. That's why a study bible is a
necessity—when you run into a question, you can look to the bottom of
the page and get help in answering it. This study bible is extraordinarily helpful, so if you've
ever had bible questions that you actually want to answer, this is the
bible for you.
View The MacArthur Study Bible on Amazon.com
Building Your Relationship with God:
Last May, Shoreline finished a series on the Vibrant Church: what it looks like and how to get there. In the series, the scriptures again pointed us towards the most basic need for a Christian—the need for a vibrant, personal relationship with God. It's one thing to know about Jesus, but it's a whole other thing to truly know Him. Without this kind of relationship, everything else in our life suffers. But many people have never experienced a relationship like that. In order to encourage you and point you down the road towards that kind of relationship with God, I recommended these two books, which I would call "must-reads":
The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
A.W. Tozer was a powerful preacher who always
seemed like he just came from meeting with God. He wrote this book on
a 4 1/2 hour train ride to encourage and guide those who desire to
pursue a relationship with God. It's an absolute classic, and short
enough to read in a couple of sittings.
View The Pursuit of God on Amazon.com
How To Worship Jesus Christ by Joseph Carroll
Joseph Carroll wrote this 90-page book to answer a
question he frequently receives when he's travelling as a preacher:
"How can I know God as a Person? How can He become real to me like
He's real to you?"
View How To Worship Jesus Christ on Amazon.com