Book Recommendations

Looking for a good book on the Christian life for you or your small group? Here’s a list of “staff picks.”If you have a great book to add to the list send an email to Adult Ministries Director, Christyn Knoop, and tell us about it.

Staff Book Recommendations:

Discipleship Essentials, by Greg Ogden

24 lessons on core truths of the Christian life with accompanying Scripture studies and inspiring articles.

The True Story of the Whole World, by Michael W Goheen, Craig, Bartholomew

One of the most helpful little books for understanding the “big picture” of Scripture. Each chapter contains discussion questions.

Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die, by John Piper

John Piper has gathered from the New Testament fifty reasons in answer to the most important question that each of us must face: What did God achieve for sinners like us in sending his Son to die?

Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster

Introduction to core spiritual practices (i.e. meditation, fasting, simplicity) and how they lead us into deeper relationship with God. Good for groups as you could discuss weekly application.

Detox: Clearing the Way for Spiritual Wellness by Dr. Jackie Roese

Just as built-up toxins prevent our best physical health, harmful blockers in our hearts and minds also impede our spiritual well-being. This study deals with spiritual pollutants such as fear, envy, people-pleasing and unforgiveness. A fresh way of thinking and living is waiting for you.

More Books:

The Forgotten God, by Francis Chan. A follow up to the profound message of Crazy Love, Pastor Francis Chan offers a compelling invitation to understand, embrace, and follow the Holy Spirit’s direction in our lives.

Explicit Gospel, by Matt Chandler. Here is a call to true Christianity, to know the gospel explicitly, and to unite the church on the amazing grounds of the good news of Jesus!

Theology for the Community of God, by Stanley Grenz.  Curious about Christian theology?  This is a user-friendly book to explore Christian beliefs in detail. 

Not a Fan, by Kyle Idleman. With frankness and humor, Not a Fan calls you to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple.

Water from a Deep Well: Christian Spirituality from Early Martyrs to Modern Missionaries, by Gerald L. Sittser.  An extraordinary, moving history of men and women who have given their all for the Gospel.  Exercises at the end of each chapter make this great for small groups or personal devotions.

Study Tools

The MDPC Commentary Library is in Room 217.

Recommended online resources:

Blue Letter Bible (also comes in an app)

Bible Gateway

David Guzik Bible Commentaries

Free Bible Commentary

The Bible App

In-house resources to help you study the Bible:

MDPC Prayer Guide

Reformed Guidelines for Biblical Interpretation

Reformed Affirmation for Scriptural Authority

Blogs, Devotionals, and Culture

Bible Gateway allows you to subscribe to a verse of the day, Bible reading plan, or daily devotional right to your inbox.

Relevant Magazine has tons of interesting articles about the intersection of faith, life, work, and culture.

MDPC Small Group Studies

MDPC hosts small group studies each Spring and Fall.  Curriculum is posted below:

Eat Pray Lent 2015: Rest

Fall 2014: Discover Philippians 

Eat Pray Lent 2014: Faces & Places Around the Cross