Many good resources are available to help us worship God and grow in our faith. Here are some suggestions:
Trinity Hymnal. Great Commission Publications, 1990. A great place to begin is with your own copy of our denomination’s hymnal. You may use it to preview the hymns for Sunday, familiarize yourself with new hymns, or sing individually or as a group. Even if you choose not to sing, hymns are brief poetic devotions based on Scripture that bear much fruit upon reflection. The Trinity Hymnal also comes with selected Psalter readings, historic creeds, and the full text of the Westminster Confession of Faith and Shorter Catechism. For your convenience, copies are available through the church office at no charge.
The ESV Study Bible. Crossway, 2008. The best one-volume tool for studying the Scriptures even if the English Standard Version (ESV) is not your preferred translation. Filled with excellent book introductions, maps, charts, articles, notes, and cross-references. This should be a standard reference work in every home.
When You Pray: Making the Lord’s Prayer Your Own by Philip Ryken. Crossway 2000, 206 pages. A practical study of the Lord’s Prayer that will help enrich every area of your prayer life. Also suitable for use in small groups as there are discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Timothy Keller. Dutton 2008, 139 pages. A highly accessible introduction to the gracious message of the Gospel. Perfect for anyone who is new to the faith, who is considering the faith, or who simply wants to better understand why we are all in need of the grace of Christ.
Grace Through the Ages: A One Year Devotional Illustrating God’s Unrelenting Grace and Love by William Smith 2012, 380 pages. A good beginning-level devotional guide that reflects on a short passage of Scripture each day, focusing on God’s gracious character to us in Christ. Very strong in identifying and engaging the attitudes of our hearts in view of God’s mercy.
The Discipline of Grace: God’s Role and Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges. Navpress 1994, 253 pages. An excellent overview of how to grow in the grace of Christ with implications for our everyday lives.
For the Love of God: A Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God’s Word by D.A. Carson. Crossway 1998, 391 pages. A richer, meatier devotional guide that follows Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s Bible-through-the-year reading program. For each day’s reading, Carson selects one passage and provides a one-page commentary that explains and applies it within the larger framework of God’s saving plan in Christ. One of the best tools available if you’re serious about reading all of God’s word and seeing how it all points to Christ.
The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. Zonderkids 2007, 351 pages. This is an excellent resource to place in the hands of every family with young children. The stories are faithful to Scripture and do an excellent job of remaining focused on our ultimate salvation in Christ. Parents have often commented that they have found the book as helpful as their children due to the clear, simple, and memorable method of presentation. A colorful and well-illustrated volume that kids will find appealing.
The Shepherd Leader at Home: Knowing, Leading, Protecting, and Providing for Your Family by Timothy Witmer. Crossway 2012, 173 pages. An excellent resource for husbands and fathers who seek to point their families to Christ, as well as for those hoping to become husbands and fathers in the future.
Grow in Grace by Sinclair Ferguson. Banner of Truth Trust 1989, 139 pages. With biblical insight, pastoral passion, and theological precision, Ferguson shows us how to grow in the grace of Christ and worship Him with our whole lives. Other titles by Ferguson that are equally helpful include A Heart for God, The Christian Life, and Children of the Living God.
Worship by the Book by D.A. Carson, ed. Zondervan 2002, 256 pages. Carson partners with Mark Ashton, Kent Hughes, and Timothy Keller to provide a thoughtful and rich biblical theology of worship. By taking advantage of perspectives from across denominational lines, the book offers a substantive discussion of how the Church may grow in its worship of God.
Read the Bible: The Gospel Coalition's Daily Devotional Reading Plan in partnership with Crossway. Follows Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s plan, which goes through the entire Bible in a year (including the New Testament and Psalms twice). Download the PDF reading plan here.
Truth for Life with Alistair Begg, available on many Christian radio stations or anytime through their website and mobile app.
Renewing Your Mind with R.C. Sproul, available on many Christian radio stations or anytime online.
Every Last Word with Philip Ryken, available on Christian radio stations or anytime online.
Kevin DeYoung’s blog DeYoung, Restless, and Reformed available through the Gospel Coalition website. DeYoung addresses current issues in the church from an engaging and challenging pastoral perspective.
D.A. Carson’s blog For the Love of God available through the Gospel Coalition website. This blog presents the same content as the For the Love of God book listed above but in a free, digital format. You may even sign up to have it sent to you by e-mail on a daily basis. Highly recommended.
Jesus displayed a passion for ministerial development. He focused His attention on twelve disciples, training them through an intense three-year program of lessons, demonstrations, and supervised field work. ...