If you’re like me it’s a pretty sure bet you’ve got questions about this whole God thing. I know I did when I first started my journey. (And still do! Sheesh. Questions seem to lead to more questions, lol. But the journey to answers is certainly illuminating.)
Numero uno on the list is how the frack can a book, written centuries ago by countless different people, possibly be accurate?
How Could It Possibly Be the Inspired Word of God?
Then I ran across the second book listed below and suddenly I had some of the answers I was looking for. Not all mind you, but some.
Did you know the Bible was written by 40 different authors over the span of approximately 1500 years? And yet according to some of the books I’ve read thus far, each and every writing shares so many commonalities it’s eerie.
Every single one proclaims the same one true God and that the only way to Him is through Jesus Christ.
According to what I’ve read, any contradictions or errors in the Bible are extremely minor and have been easily accounted for by modern researchers.
Obviously you shouldn’t take my word for it though. Instead, make a choice to embark upon your own journey of discovery.
Before you read a single one of the books below however, please, please, PLEASE, start with the first recommend.
It’s a free read, and you can read it right online or do like I did and open it up on iBooks on your iPad.
That book 100% changed my perspective about God and many of the questions I had, EVEN after reading every. single. ONE. of the additional books below it.
And as they say… change your perspective, change your life. So if you’ve got questions, just man (or woman) up already, and read it, right now.
M’kay? M’kay.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
This is the freebie. After you’ve read this one, check out the other books below by Grant R. Jeffery (may he rest in peace).
In his first book below, he goes over all of the prophesies in the Bible that have already occurred and that he believes will occur and lays out all of the scientific evidence that he has found thus far to back up his views, laying out a compelling case for why he believes these prophesies to be true.
The second book is also a great read by the same author. In fact I’m working on reading all of Grant’s books, but for now these two are a good start.
The Signature of God by Grant R. Jeffery
Countdown to the Apocalypse by Grant R. Jeffery
I’d also recommend checking out KJVBible.org by Gaines R. Johnson. The website itself is like an “online book”, but you can download the actual book from Amazon to Kindle if you prefer reading that way. He covers a lot of questions many folks have surrounding the Bible, Genesis, and Creation, and why geological evidence doesn’t in fact, contradict God’s Word like some believe. He then goes about proving it with each passage of the Bible called into question.
After you read the above book by Gaines, I’d recommend this one below. It totally changed my perspective on the creation account in Genesis, which was already being stretched by the book from Gaines. It’s very thoughtfully written and proposes that the creation account wasn’t actually an account of material creation as we in the modern world tend to perceive it.
Instead it was written to describe a creation of functions, which is more in line with how the Ancient Israelites would have interpreted it, and how the author probably intended it. He details why we should read the Bible from this perspective as well and why we should stop trying to transpose our own modern ideologies into the Biblical text.
The Lost World of Genesis One- Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate
Another great book to check out if you have questions regarding the accuracy or God-driven inspiration of the Bible is actually a compilation of notes and facts from the creator of the lecture series “Christianity: Hoax or History”.
It’s written entirely in outline format so that you can quickly and easily address the questions specific to you. Again extremely valuable information if you’re struggling with doubts about the authenticity of the Bible. Again, obviously do your own due diligence in whatever you read and choose to believe.
Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh Mcdowell
You might also check out this little reference guide about the end times and clarifications for questions you may have regarding Revelation. It’s easy to skip around in and makes for very interesting (and mildly scary!) reading.
The Prophesy Answer Book by David Jeremiah
Another book I just recently read and that was awesome was by Joel Olsteen and all about how your words have prophetic powers over your life. You can speak something into existence in the same manner God did (although not nearly as well, obviously) and your life then fulfills the words you have declared to be Truth.
GREAT book, can’t recommend it enough.
I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak Over Your Life by Joel Osteen
Another book I’ve just recently dived in to is by Joyce Myers and is actually a great read too. I’d never read her stuff before, but after reading this one, I’m definitely down for more.
This book delves into your mind and mental barriers that keep you separated from God and His Plan for you. We often have no idea the power our thoughts and mental attitudes hold over our lives. Your mind truly is a battle ground and this book pretty much sums up how you can win the battle.
Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer
Another book I want to recommend is a phenomenal and inspiring read by Nick Vujicic. He’s the man with no arms and no legs and every word of this book makes you want to try harder than ever to be the person God wants you to be. Life is hard and we all have struggles. And as Nick proves, many struggles can seem overwhelming. But when you turn to God, you are literally “Unstoppable”!
Unstoppable- The Incredible Power of Faith in Action by Nick Vujicic
The book below is a great book that talks about grace… what it is, and what it isn’t. Not to mention how we go about getting it. (Hint- all the “good works and good behavior” in the world isn’t the answer!)
Long story short, you can’t earn it, you don’t deserve it, but you most definitely will get it anyway when you are willing to accept it. It’s something gifted to us from God and all we have to do is be willing to take the gift and open it up.
Grace- More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine
This book is by Joel Osteen’s sister and was one I personally found very inspirational. Sometimes you just need to be reminded that your life is meant for big things and that you are part of God’s very own perfect design.
You Are Made for More! How to Become All You Were Created to Be
The book below was written by the late John Osteen, father to Joel Osteen. This one was another eye-opener for me on the power of your thoughts and the subsequent words you speak.
What sort of life and future are you predicting for yourself? One filled with grace and love and healing? Or one filled with resentment and anger and sadness? God promises each of us a blessed life but we have to be willing to step out in faith and accept His perfect will for us first.
Your Words Hold a Miracle- The Power of Speaking God’s Word
The Tangible Kingdom is a great book for those of you who perhaps (like me) don’t necessarily feel “church” is a building you simply visit once a week.
It’s possible typical “churches” make you feel uncomfy and perhaps even downright unwelcome. But you believe in God and worship and ministry and are looking for ways to step outside of the so-called norm and really connect and minister to people in a real and meaningful way.
The Tangible Kingdom- Creating Incarnational Community
Another great read that runs along similar lines as the book above is Deep and Wide. I read them both at the same time and love the ideas contained within each.
Deep and Wide- Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend
OK that’s about it for my list of recommended reading for the moment. This list of books both answered a boatload of questions for me, inspired new questions, and also helped me to grow in my faith and firmly cement my own relationship with God.
Maybe they can do the same for you.
Note:
It’s recently come to my awareness that there are some people out there that have attempted to discredit Mr. Jeffery and his works, as well as Josh McDowell and his works.
Ultimately only YOU can decide what you believe or don’t believe. These books are just a guide, books to reference in your search for knowledge and history. If there’s anything you’re unsure about, research it more fully on your own, don’t rely only on the author’s knowledge or point of view.
And remember that none of these books are anything without looking straight to the source, God’s Word itself.
Read the Bible, study His Word, and make your own decisions.
At the end of the day, you either believe in God or you don’t. That’s why it’s called a Faith Walk, friends.
And ultimately, your beliefs are what will direct the course of your life here on Earth.
Disclosure- The links to these books are affiliate links. That means I make a buck or two if you decide to purchase one. However it in no way influences my recommendation, these books are recommended entirely on their merit as a resource.
