From an exposition on the beatitudes, to finding lasting contentment, to a lesson on church history, here are twelve books you should gift this Christmas—as recommended by our faculty and staff.
Thomas Watson’s exposition on the Beatitudes is an extensive investigation into one of the high points of our Lord’s teaching. His thorough analysis unmasks the meaning and impact of discipleship in a way that is rooted in theology and flourishes through devotion. This is a work that will not only strengthen your knowledge of God’s expectations for you but will also equip you in knowing how to live a life that is consistent with those expectations. Purchase >
Protestant evangelicals are often curious about church history, especially as it relates to claims made by the Roman Catholic church. In a concise yet comprehensive way, Webster digs through early church history to show how Rome’s bold assertions do not hold up to either biblical truth or historical fact. This work will not only affirm your evangelical convictions, it will also equip you to reach out with gospel truth to Roman Catholic family members and friends. Purchase >
The atonement of Christ is the sun in the solar system of divine truth. By its light is the mind enlightened; by its heat is the heart warmed. This collection of essays is an unassailable defense of the glory of the cross in all its invincible power to save those for whom Christ died. Combining historical, biblical, theological, and practical disciplines, it is sure to bless the reader by exalting our Mediator and His accomplishment of salvation. Purchase >
Many Christians have heard a lot about the puritans but are typically scared to read them. To be fair, Jonathan Edwards has sentences that are longer than many other author’s paragraphs and uses words that seemed locked in a time where men wore wigs. However, Piper has done an excellent job making “The End for Which God Created the World” accessible to contemporary Christians. Edward’s understanding and teaching of the centrality of the glory of God in all of life is, I believe, one of the most important doctrinal understandings every believer should have. If God’s glory is central in your life, everything else will find its place. Purchase >
This book is an encouraging reminder that God often uses the hidden sacrificial giving of His people for the furtherance of the gospel. It spotlights three heroes of the faith who invested and involved themselves in the work of evangelism, Bible translation, and service to gospel ministers. Purchase >
No other chapter in the Bible intersects with the Christian’s life and experience as Romans 8. In How the Gospel Brings Us All the Way Home, Dr. Derek Thomas mines this chapter, guiding the reader from death to life, from suffering to hoping in God’s preserving power, for a glorious destination. Read this to remind yourself of why you treasure the gospel of Jesus Christ above all else. Purchase >
This book is an ideal read this Christmas season as we focus on the birth of Jesus the Messiah. The distinctiveness of this book is its discussion of the Messiah throughout the ages. The book explains the key Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah, the intertestamental period and its various views of the Messiah, the New Testament fulfillments of the Messiah, and even modern-day perspectives about Jesus in Judaism and Christianity. Purchase >
This book is perfect for believers at any stage. The Banner of Truth edition of Pilgrim’s Progress is the best in existence. It has been beautifully re-typeset and includes marginal notes and Scripture references which enriches the reading experience. Purchase >
This book is concise and accessible reading for everyone. Not only will it stimulate the recipient's prayer life, it will direct them to time in the Word. Christ came to give us access to God, and prayer is daily access to our sacrificial and loving Savior. Purchase >
Living in an era in which we are daily bombarded with temptations to envy and covet, I can't think of better medicine than this Puritan classic. I find myself returning to it again and again to have my eyes lifted back up to Christ, my sufficiency. Purchase >
This book has helped me so much in my understanding of legalism, antinomianism, and assurance. Fergusson dissects the problem with precision and then issues the remedy—namely Christ—with force. The Whole Christ is a valuable resource, theologically, devotionally, and pastorally. Purchase >
This is a book of short chapters by some well-known preachers and theologians in which they talk about the books that have had the greatest impact on them on their ministries. It's a book about books (in honor of Iain Murray and the 60th anniversary of the founding of Banner of Truth). Any bibliophile will love getting this book! Purchase >