... INTERMEDIATE ...

* Colson, Charles, & Nancy Pearcey, How Now Shall We Then Live? (Hardback - 574 pp.; Tyndale, 1999) - A mammoth resource on developing and maintaining a Christian worldview in post-Christian America. Colson covers all areas from politics to science. Written in a flowing three-part style covering creation, fall, and restoration. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* White, James, The King James Only Controversy (Paperback - 286 pp.; Bethany House, 1995) - Although I myself hold to the "Majority Text" position on variant readings, I have found this book to be very informative. The Church has suffered under the "KJV-only" teaching for far too long. This subject is very important to me - as a young Christian years ago I actually fell for the simplistic logic of teachers like Peter Ruckman. However, White does an excellent job of showing that - while the surface logic sounds good - if you dig a little deeper the position is fraught with ignorance, error, and (sadly) at times with outright deception. White covers all aspects of the controversy in very understandable language. STATUS: IN PRINT. Also recommended :

* Carson, D.A., Showing the Spirit : A Theological Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12-14 (Paperback - 229 pp.; Baker, 1987) - The subject of spiritual gifts has become somewhat controversial in the modern Church. Whether it's the abuse of "charismaniacs" or the denial of the "cessationist," extremes abound. Carson, a Greek scholar, goes to neither extreme as he does a detailed exegesis of 1 Corinthians 12-14 <NOTE: disproves once and for all the idea that "that which is perfect" = "the completed canon of Scripture"> STATUS: IN PRINT.

* THE COUNTERPOINTS SERIES - Believers do not always see eye to eye. I believe that it is important that believers interact on issues where they disagree. We should be aware of differing viewpoints - we just might learn something. This series of books presents different views on the stated topic. All are paperback and published by Zondervan :

* Erickson, Millard J., The Word Became Flesh - A Contemporary Incarnational Christology (Paperback; Baker, 1996) - This 663 page book covers (in summary fashion) information one would normally have to read several volumes to get. Includes an analysis of the various competing modern Christologies (feminist, black, heterodox, etc.), as well as interrelation between them all. What I like most about Erickson's approach is that all of these Christologies are taken seriously as he identifies both the positive and negative points of each view. His sources cover the early church to the present "Jesus Seminar" types. Save some time; instead of reading the hundreds of books available on different sides in the "Christological controversy," read this one. It will give you a good handle on the whole situation as it relates to Biblical orthodoxy. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Sire, James W., Scripture Twisting: 20 Ways the Cults Misread the Bible (Paperback; Intervarsity Press, 1980) - All believers are confronted by pseudo-Christian sects at one point or another. In addition to being informed about these groups, it is also good to be informed on a BIBLICAL level. Be aware of the exegetical difficulties in their claims. A very readable, yet informative, book. STATUS: IN PRINT. I also strongly recommend the following along the same lines:

* Lightfoot, J.B. and Harmer, J.R. (translators), The Apostolic Fathers (Paperback - 368 pp.; Baker, 1998) - This set of books contains the writings of those early Christians known as "the Apostolic Fathers." These men lived and worked just after the death of the Apostle John, and some of them even claim to have known certain Apostles in their final years. Every believer should educate themselves on this crucial period of Church history. Take your time reading these writings until you have a good idea of what the early Church taught and practiced. Read the Fathers critically, but read them you must. Available on cd-rom. STATUS: ON-LINE & IN PRINT. Also, the following will help in understanding the Church Fathers better :

* Hughes, Philip E., The True Image: The Origin and Destiny of Man in Christ (orig. pub. by Eerdmans) - There are so many good things in this book it is hard to know where to begin. The author has an extensive knowledge of Church history and offers insightful commentary on the councils and creeds throughout the book - this is a great follow-up to Kelly's Early Christian Doctrines (see below). The main topical thread - Christ as God's Image and our conforming to that Image - is full of scriptural truths that will make a big difference in your life. Hughes also lands on the side of the ultimate destruction of the wicked, making this a great follow-up to Fudge's The Fire That Consumes (also below). Reviewed in THINKMAIL #1. STATUS: OUT-OF-PRINT. NO PICTURE AVAILABLE

* Chittick, Donald E., The Controversy (Paperback; Multnomah Press; 1984) - An excellent follow up to The Genesis Flood. This book is the most underrated in the massive amount of creationist writings. While TGF provides massive amounts of scientific data and its relation to Scripture's account, this book boils everything down to philosophical presuppositions. The author starts with the irrefutable fact that both creationists and evolutionists recognize a large percentage of the same evidence; he then proceeds to ask HOW and WHY different conclusions are reached. This book MUST be read to fully understand the debate on origins. STATUS: OUT OF PRINT (but currently available from ICR).

* The Complete Works of Francis Schaeffer (5 volumes; Good News; 1985) - Schaeffer will challenge your thinking in many areas, strengthening your mind in many areas of thought as well. These books will open your eyes to yourself, the Church, our mission, and above all, our God - all within the context of a decidedly Christian worldview. Available on cd-rom. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Morris, Henry and Whitcomb, John C., The Genesis Flood (Paperback; Presbyterian & Reformed; 1989) - A very comprehensive defense of strict creationism as taught in Scripture. While I would not necessarily vouche for everything written in this book, anyone reading it with an open mind will at least understand that the modern ideas on origins have serious problems and also that one CAN believe Scripture and not be without evidence. Great arguments for a young earth. Need a second opinion? STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Luther, Martin, The Bondage of the Will (Paperback; Fleming H. Revell, 1990) - Luther's classic response to Erasmus concerning "free will" vs. sovereign grace. Luther exhausts his subject and dispels all notions that we fallen mortals contribute ANYTHING to our salvation - including a "decision for Christ" as is so widely taught today. Read some excerpts online. STATUS: IN PRINT. Also highly recommended by Luther :

* Custance, Arthur, The Sovereignty of Grace (Hardcover; orig. pub. by Doorway Pub.) - Easily the best historic and theological presentation of the Sovereign grace of God in this century. This book faces the difficulties and provides the believer with a rock-solid foundation for the doctrines of grace (i.e., "salvation is OF THE LORD"). STATUS: OUT OF PRINT, but ON-LINE.

* Bullinger, E.W., Word Studies on the Holy Spirit (Paperback - 223 pp.; Kregel, 1985) - I don't agree with everything Bullinger ever wrote, but this book is a very helpful resource. Since no capital letters exist in the original languages, we must determine when the Greek word 'pneuma' ("spirit") should be capitalized (to refer to God's Holy Spirit) and when it should not. Unfortunately, our translations are not always correct on this point. Bullinger examines each passage. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Smeaton, George, The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit (Paperback; Banner of Truth, 1998) - The best book on the Holy Spirit in general that I have found - and that by a long shot. Fairly exhaustive, and includes excellent historical research on the topic that you won't find collected elsewhere. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Richardson, Don, Eternity in Their Hearts (paperback - 224 pp.; Regal Books, 1984) - This book demonstrates (I believe irrefutably) that God has never left himself without witness in "Bibleless" lands, but has revealed himself in various ways to ALL peoples throughout world history. Richardson's well-researched book opened my eyes to God's purpose and His justice. WARNING: this book could very well light a fire in your heart for missions! STATUS: IN PRINT.

* ANYTHING BY Philip Mauro - Follow the link to a list of his books, many of them online. His books form the best defense of amillennialism that I have found. Regardless of your eschatological views, Mauro will make you rethink many ideas prevalent today. His books on the Church, evolution, and baptism are also excellent "thinkers'" materials. Most of his works are OUT OF PRINT. However, his excellent commentary on Revelation, Things Which Must Soon Come to Pass (Hardcover; GAM Publ., 1984), is still IN PRINT.

* Chantry, Walter J., Today's Gospel: Authentic or Synthetic? (Paperback; Banner of Truth, 1996) - A small book with a big message! I read this when I was still Arminian to the core and it changed my entire outlook on modern "evangelism." Chantry cuts through the heart of today's synthetic "make a decision for Christ" Gospel, contrasting it with the Gospel preached in Scripture. A great book to read along with MacArthur's The Gospel Acording to Jesus (see BEGINNING). STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Sayers, Dorothy L., The Mind of the Maker (Paperback - 229 pp.; Harper, 1987) - Some Evangelicals have concluded that women are not capable of serious theological studies. To the contrary ... I present Dorothy Sayers, one of Oxford's first female graduates and a friend of Tolkien and Lewis. Best known for her famous mystery novels, Sayers here uses her creative talents to probe the lofty truths of Scripture - with some very unique results. STATUS: IN PRINT. Also recommended by Sayers :

Custance, Arthur, Two Men Called Adam (Paperback; orig. publ. by Doorway Publ.) - This brilliant scientist and lay theologian looks at the creation/evolution conflict in fresh light - from a THEOLOGICAL perspective. While I am more of a strict creationist than Custance (who was a proponent of the "gap theory"), the insights in this book are brilliant and will provide much help for the creationist. If you're an evolutionist, I dare you to read this book. STATUS: OUT OF PRINT, but ONLINE.

Page, Sydney H.T., Powers of Evil (Paperback - 295 pp.; Baker, 1996) - A very thorough treatment of what Scripture teaches about Satan and Demons - and what it doesn't. Catagorizes all relevant passages and then takes an exegetical approach to each one. Takes full consideration of previous studies by others, as well as non-canonical literature. Page is also very fair when treating a variety of different viewpoints. STATUS: IN PRINT.

* Johnson, Luke Timothy, The Real Jesus (Paperback - 182 pp.; Harper, 1997) - This little scholarly book meets the "Jesus Seminar" on their own turf. Both an argument AGAINST the Seminar and an argument FOR the Jesus of Biblical faith. Subtitled "The Misguided Quest for the Historical Jesus and the Truth of the Traditional Gospels." STATUS: IN PRINT. Also recommended:

* Eusebius, The History of the Church from Christ to Constantine (Paperback; Penguin, 1990) - A newer printing of Eusebius' Ecclesiastical History. Written by a contemporary of Constantine, this book follows the earliest period of Church history. Fascinating reading! STATUS: ONLINE & IN PRINT.

* Cooper, Bill, After the Flood (Paperback - 256 pp.; New Wine Press, 1995) - A great book demonstrating young-earth creationism from a historical perspective. The early Europeans are traced back to Noah, Beowulf is analyzed as a historical account of dinosaurs in history, and early Irish history tells of the real "ice age." Very extensive documentation, fourteen detailed appendixes, and Cooper's writing style make this book both interesting and informative. STATUS: ONLINE & Currently available from ICR.

* Kreeft, Peter & Pascal, Blaise, Christianity for Modern Pagans : Pascal's Pensees (Paperback - 341 pp.; Ignatius Press, 1993) - Kreeft has done all believers a service by editing the Pensees of the brilliant Blaise Pascal for us - not to mention adding some excellent commentary as well. Those unfamiliar with Pascal can read an article about him online. Pascal was not only a scientist, but a Christian apologist as well. His apologetic writings speak to our own time in an amazing way. STATUS: IN PRINT. <The unedited Pensees are ONLINE.>

Hendriksen, William, More Than Conquerors (hardcover; Baker Book House, 1979) - A very readable exposition of the entire book of Revelation from the amillennial perspective. One of the best I have read anywhere! Hendriksen is especially successful in demonstrating that Revelation does NOT give a consistent chronological sequence of events from beginning to end, but rather is a succession of REPEATED scenarios in different visions. STATUS: IN PRINT.

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Upon reading any of the above books, let me know what you think! Or perhaps you can recommend some "must reads" to me?

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