As you probably know, we live in a day in which self-publication is easier than ever: a teenager becomes an overnight sensation through social media, and an inexperienced author no longer requires publication through a professional publishing house as long as he has enough money to self-publish. With the rise of self-publication, as well as easy access to all that is published, one may find it difficult to wade through the sea of books, podcasts, Internet blogs, and the like. While more could be said about self-publication (both pros and cons) and the effort one may go through to sort through every “wind” of podcast or book that may come your way, the intent of this post (which is self-published) is merely to recommend several books and podcasts to help you along the way:

BOOKS

Christless Christianity by Michael Horton

Christless Christianity was published in 2008, but the issues Horton dealt with then are just as relevant in 2024. For instance, American individualism continues to infect American Christianity, along with pragmatism and pietism, to the point where Christ is practically an afterthought in our “Christian” lives. This book reminds us that it is easy to be biblical yet Christless. Christless Christianity by Michael Horton is a must-read. In fact, I read it twice in the past year.

The Glory of Christ by John Owen (abridged by R.J.K. Law)

Apart from the Bible, this is one of the best books I have ever read. While it was written during the 17^th century, it is both accessible and devotional. After all, it contains Owen’s devotional meditations upon Christ and His excellencies. This was the last book Owen penned before he died, and it is remarkable to consider that his thoughts at the end of his life were captivated by the glorious Christ. I encourage you to pick up this book and read about Christ’s glory, which is transformative to the eye of the beholder (2 Cor 3:18).

The Trinity by Scott Swain

Swain’s short book is an excellent introduction to classical Trinitarian theology; it’s probably the best introduction to the Trinity I’ve read. The book contains little to no historical work, which is okay because, quite frankly, that’s what allows it to be 130 pages as opposed to 300! The glossary makes this title even more accessible, but you might find it helpful to read this book with someone who is familiar with classical theism, since some of the concepts may be overwhelming. But when it comes down to it, these concepts remain overwhelming to us all as we consider the infinite, Trinitarian God, who is incomprehensible yet has made Himself known.

Green Pastures by J. Ryan Davidson

Ryan Davidson writes in a warm and pastoral manner, presenting the means of grace as a sweet buffet for the Christian. If you are unfamiliar with the phrase “means of grace” then this book is for you. Davidson’s book is a primer written for both layman and pastor alike about the means that “Christ ordinarily uses to birth and strengthen the faith of the elect as He is present among them” (20). 

Natural Law by David VanDrunen

VanDrunen approaches natural law in an understandable way that makes this a helpful book for anyone in need of an introduction to the topic. Within the pages of this book, VanDrunen defines natural law and applies it to both the Christian life and the public square. Natural Law serves as an excellent primer on a topic which is often misunderstood and misconstrued. (Note: Natural law has the same substance as the moral law (i.e. ten commandments) but is different in form.)

A Treatise on the Law and the Gospel by John Colquhoun

Every pastor should read Colquhoun’s work on the law and the gospel, especially those in the reformed camp. Colquhoun labors to teach the distinctions between law and gospel, which are important concepts for every Christian to understand. As Colquhoun points out: if we are unable to distinguish between law and gospel, we will not understand a single article of divine truth.

Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child by Anthony Esolen

Through satire, Anthony Esolen provocatively condemns popular beliefs and practices related to child rearing. Straight out of the gate he presents an analogy about a man who insists that he loves books yet has none. He never reads any books nor has any in his home; still, he persists in his claim to love books. Esolen uses this story to illustrate our love for our children: We might say we love our children, but if they are nowhere to be found in our homes, how can we truly say we love them?

The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

Andrew Peterson has given us all a great gift with The Wingfeather Saga. This fictional series is set in a fantasy world permeated with Christian undertones (think Chronicles of Narnia). This is an excellent read-aloud series for families or anyone looking for a good story. The series includes four books, each one riveting in its own right.

The Progress of Sin by Benjamin Keach

The Progress of Sin is an allegory depicting fallen man’s enslavement to sin. Keach allegorizes sin as going from house to house seeking a place to enter. Contrary to godliness, which he writes about in the companion volume, sin has no problem finding a home with young, old, rich, or poor. This book was written in 17^th century English, but modern translations are available.

The Holy Bible

Yes, that’s right. The Bible is a mainstay in the life of the Christian. While many read their Bibles regularly, they fail to grasp its meaning. A helpful tip is to consider Scripture both within its immediate context (the surrounding words, phrases, and paragraphs) and within its theological context (the story of redemptive history). There is much more to say about biblical interpretation but let me conclude with this: the Bible is not an ancient book that is only beneficial for historical study; the Scriptures are the very Word of God. As we learn from Hebrews 4:12 – “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

PODCASTS/AUDIO

The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson

The Whole Christ is available as a book or teaching series that can be found on the Ligonier Ministries website. In the teaching series, Ferguson considers legalism and antinomianism through the lens of the marrow men. If you do not know what any of this means, listen anyways. This teaching series will warm the Christian’s heart. 

The Pactum Podcast

Pat Abendroth and Mike Grimes are accessible and engaging. They commonly discuss the law-gospel distinction and how this is relevant for our everyday lives. 

Theology in Particular and Covenant Podcast

Both podcasts are confessional and reformed. Theology in Particular is connected to International Reformed Baptist Seminary where James Renihan is the president; whereas Covenant Podcast is connected to Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary where Sam Waldron is the president. Each podcast engages relevant matters of doctrine and practice from a confessional Baptist perspective.

That’s all for now. It is my hope and prayer that these resources help you along as you “walk in [Christ], rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (Col 2:6-7).