For several years, I have followed theologians and academics who are solid born-again professors (and often pastors). Some of the books I share below have been helpful by making me study and dig out things I've always taken for granted but never studied on my own. Some of this is heavy reading and will take time to get through (skimming may help at times). Feel free to comment if you have questions. Although I'd love to discuss theology with you, I promise I don't have all the answers ... not even near! 😄

Note: The authors of these recommended books are trustworthy scholars. However, there are times I don't agree with everything they write. But even in disagreement, I'm compelled to pray and dig deeper. And, that's always a good thing!

Recommended Reading

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Bearing God's Name

Bearing God's Name

Some Christian leaders believe we should cast off the Old Testament now that we have the New. Carmen Joy Imes disagrees and takes listeners back to Sinai, the ancient mountain where Israel met their God, and explains the meaning of events there. (Note: Carmen Joy Imes is a favorite author.)
Being God's Image

Being God's Image

Recover the theologically rich message of the creation narratives starting in the book of Genesis as they illuminate what it means to be human. Being God's Image explores the implications of this kinship relationship with God and what it means. (Note: Carmen Imes is a favorite!)
Becoming God's Family

Becoming God's Family

Does the church still matter in our modern world? After waves of disillusionment, #churchtoo movements, and political divides, it's easy to question the value of investing in the church. Biblical scholar Carmen Joy Imes offers an answer in Becoming God's Family. (Note: This author is a favorite!)
Who God Is

Who God Is

In Who God Is, world-renowned New Testament scholar Ben Witherington III explores the nature and character of the God of the Bible by focusing specifically on the nouns used to describe who God is. (Note: I used this as the basis for an in-depth group Bible Study.)
Exodus Old and New

Exodus Old and New

In Exodus Old and New, L. Michael Morales examines the key elements of three major redemption movements in Scripture: the exodus out of Egypt, the second exodus foretold by the prophets, and the new exodus accomplished by Jesus Christ.
Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?

Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?

The question of ascending God's mountain to his house was likely recited by pilgrims approaching the temple on Mount Zion during the annual festivals. The advent of Christ would open up a new and living way into the house of God.
Unveiling Mercy

Unveiling Mercy

Unveiling Mercy is the greatest devotional book that answers the Greeks statement to Philip in John 12:21 when they said, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." (John 12:21) Bird offers 365 straight days of seeing Jesus on every page! Unveiling Mercy delivers God's greatest eternal gift, Jesus Christ.
Limping With God

Limping With God

imping With God: Jacob and the Old Testament Guide to Messy Discipleship posits that we can also look to Jacob. Jacob seems to be anything but a model disciple, though we can learn a lot from his journey.
The Christ Key

The Christ Key

The Christ Key will reintroduce readers to these old books as ever-fresh, ever-new testimonies of Jesus. By the end, you will see even Leviticus as a book of grace and mercy, and you will hear in the Psalms the resounding voice of Christ.
Evil and the Justice of God

Evil and the Justice of God

With every earthquake and war, understanding the nature of evil and our response to it becomes more urgent. Evil is no longer the concern just of ministers and theologians but also of politicians and the media.
The Meal Jesus Gave Us

The Meal Jesus Gave Us

In this introductory volume, author N. T. Wright explains in clear and vivid style the background of the Last Supper, the ways in which Christians have interpreted this event over the centuries, and what it all means for us today.
The Lord and His Prayer

The Lord and His Prayer

Wright locates the Lord's Prayer, clause by clause, within the historical life and work of Jesus and allows the prayer's devotional application to grow out of its historical context. The result is a fresh understanding of Christian spirituality and the life of prayer.
Paul, a Biography

Paul, a Biography

In this definitive biography, bestselling author N. T. Wright offers a radical look at the apostle Paul, illuminating the humanity and remarkable achievements of this intellectual who invented Christian theology—transforming a faith and changing the world.
On Earth As In Heaven

On Earth As In Heaven

Today’s leading Bible scholar, Anglican bishop, and acclaimed author N. T. Wright returns with a collection of pastoral excerpts, carefully curated from his widely celebrated books, that will inspire those wanting to cultivate a life “on earth as it is in heaven.”
Simply Jesus

Simply Jesus

"We have reduced the kingdom of God to private piety; the victory of the cross to comfort for the conscience; Easter itself to a happy, escapist ending after a sad, dark tale. Piety, conscience, and ultimate happiness are important, but not nearly as important as Jesus himself..."
Paul and the Meaning of Scripture

Paul and the Meaning of Scripture

One exciting area of study is Paul's use of the Old Testament. The apostle routinely appeals to Scripture to support his arguments and to persuade his readers. There is something enigmatic about Paul's use of the Old Testament at the same time--something elusive and even puzzling.
The End of the World as You Know It

The End of the World as You Know It

The Bible was written for us, but not to us. We must bridge the gap between Scripture's ancient context and our own. Reading end-times texts in their ancient context helps us understand our present and future. And, when we do, we find that God's Word brings peace, not fear and confusion.
The Battle For the Keys

The Battle For the Keys

This unique book is an in-depth investigation of the history of the doctrine of Christ's descent and how Revelation 1:18 alludes to that significant doctrine. This book is a valuable contribution to the study of afterlife and underworld imagery in the New Testament theology.
The Bedrock of Christianity

The Bedrock of Christianity

The Unalterable Facts of Jesus' Death and Resurrection. This study demonstrates what we can really know about the historical truth of Jesus' death and resurrection. Through an examination of each of the key facts, readers will encounter the unalterable truth.
The Useen Realm (Expanded Edition)

The Useen Realm (Expanded Edition)

New edition of a bestseller (over 175k copies sold), featuring more content from Michael S. Heiser. Talking snakes. Giants. A heavenly council. Imprisoned spirits. Your Bible is filled with strange things, but what do they mean, and why do they matter?
The Bible Unfiltered

The Bible Unfiltered

The Bible is mysterious, surprising-and often deeply misunderstood. Dr. Michael Heiser explores the most unusual, interesting, and least understood parts of the Bible and offers insights that will inspire, inform, and surprise you on every page.
Demons

Demons

Reviewing all the material, helpfully gathered into this book, will challenge most everyone's understanding of demons. Dr. Michael Heiser's work is controversial, so he brings the work of those who differ with him into his discussions.
Reversing Hermon

Reversing Hermon

Dr. Michael S. Heiser's book, Reversing Hermon, is a groundbreaking work, unveiling what most in the modern Church have never heard regarding how the story of the sin of the Watchers (a type of heavenly being) helped frame the mission of Jesus, the Messiah. Use the link to learn more.
The Unseen Realm

The Unseen Realm

Dr. Michael S. Heiser's books, podcasts, etc., provide serious academic content for understanding the Bible in its own context, unfiltered by creeds and traditions — but made decipherable to non-academics. Use the link to learn more.
For All Peoples: A Biblical Theology of Missions...

For All Peoples: A Biblical Theology of Missions...

After almost two millennia, Dr. Craig S. Keener reminds us just how relevant this call remains for the growing and vibrant churches of Asia today. This is Craig Keener at his best--thoroughly expositional and passionately missional.
Tell Her Story

Tell Her Story

Nijay Gupta calls us to bring these women out of the shadows by shining light on their many inspiring contributions to the planting, growth, and health of the first Christian churches.
Suffering

Suffering

Professors, students, church leaders, and anyone seeking to understand suffering within the context of a Spirit-filled life will benefit from this illuminating study.
Switch On Your Brain

Switch On Your Brain

The vast majority of the illnesses that plague us today are a direct result of our thought life. What we think about truly affects us both physically and emotionally. Today, our culture is undergoing an epidemic of toxic thoughts that, left unchecked, create ideal conditions for illnesses.
Foxe's Book of Martyrs

Foxe's Book of Martyrs

Would you suffer and die for Christ? When the Church does not feel pain with those that are part of them, the Church's nerves ... become dead. This classic work will stir you, challenge you, and inspire you to surrender everything to Christ. It will greatly build your faith.
The Biblical World of Gender

The Biblical World of Gender

The Biblical World of Gender explores gender "backstage" in the daily lives and assumptions of the biblical authors and "on-stage" in their writings.
Contagious Disciple Making

Contagious Disciple Making

In Contagious Disciple Making, David Watson and Paul Watson map out a simple method that has sparked an explosion of homegrown churches in the United States and around the world.
Family Discipleship

Family Discipleship

This book is a profound yet down-to-earth guide to help you form a framework for your home that fits your personality and gifts. If you are a flawed parent who doesn’t have it all together, but believes that God desires to use you to shape your kids to know and enjoy Jesus, this book is for you.
The Women of Christmas

The Women of Christmas

Best-selling author Liz Curtis Higgs explores the biblical stories of Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna, unwrapping each verse with tender care and introducing you afresh to The Women of Christmas.