Resources to Help You Learn and Grow in the Grace and Knowledge of the Lord Jesus

Scripture tells us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). The following list of online resources and books can help you go deeper in your relationship with Christ and learn more about Him. —Randy Alcorn

Online Resources for Studying the Bible

The Bible Project

Look at the Book

BibleGateway

Got Questions

Bible Study Tools

Podcasts

Ask Pastor John

Daily Devotionals with John Piper

BibleProject with Tim Mackie and John Collins: The creators of BibleProject have in-depth conversations about the Bible and theology. This is a companion podcast to BibleProject videos found at bibleproject.com.

Equipping Podcast (Watermark Church): Weekly episodes with experts on discipleship, theology, and apologetics.  

Pray the Word with David Platt: Short, daily meditations on God’s Word that not only drive us to pray, but drive how we pray, featuring teacher, author, and pastor David Platt.

The Way Home with Dan Darling: The Way Home is Dan Darling’s, VP of the ERLC, weekly podcast featuring conversations with key Christian leaders on church, community, and culture. It’s filled with interesting conversations with leaders like Matt Chandler, Karen Swallow, Brian Ivie, Lee Strobel, and others to stimulate your thinking and provide good content for your commute to and from work

The Briefing with Albert Mohler: The Briefing is a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.

5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols (Ligonier Ministries): Each episode travels back in time and looks at the people, events, and even the places that have shaped the story of Christianity, offering an easily digestible glimpse of how the eternal, unchangeable God has worked in the church over prior generations, and how this can encourage us today.

The Alternative by Dr. Tony Evans: The Urban Alternative is the national ministry of Dr. Tony Evans and is dedicated to restoring hope and transforming lives through the proclamation and application of the Word of God.

The Red Couch Podcast with Propaganda and Alma: Join rapper/activist Propaganda and his wife, university professor Dr. Alma Zaragoza-Petty, on their red couch for candid conversations and interviews covering everything from pop culture to important social issues.

Knowing Faith with Jen Wilkin, JT English and Kyle Worley: This podcast explores how our faith is founded upon Scripture. Hosted by Jen Wilkin, JT English and Kyle Worley, it dives into Christian story, belief, and practice in a way that is accessible to everyone. They believe the Bible is for everyone and are committed to helping the Church understand where their faith is rooted.

ERLC Podcast: Insights into the moral, cultural, and ethical issues of our day.

The Happy Rant: Barnabas Piper, Ted Kluck, and Ronnie Martin cheerfully—if sarcastically—rant about all the things that don’t matter all that much (and some that do).

Fight Hustle, End Hurry: Author and pastor John Mark Comer and author Jefferson Bethke discuss hustle and hurry, the detriment of them to our spiritual lives, and what we can do about it as acts of resistance.

Ask NT Wright Anything: The fortnightly podcast that connects you to NT (Tom) Wright’s thought and theology by allowing you to ask questions.

Renewing Your Mind with R.C. Sproul: Since 1994, this daily broadcast has provided accessible, in-depth Bible teaching to millions around the world. As the principle outreach of Ligonier Ministries, it has instructed listeners in the life-changing truths of historic Christianity and has kept the church community informed about pertinent issues facing believers today.

Risen Motherhood: A weekly podcast for moms. A space to remember we are not alone in our experiences, be challenged to have joy among the chaos, remember grace covers guilt, and seek the truth of the gospel above all else. This podcast is for the imperfect mother, still learning, still growing and still fully recognizing she doesn’t have it all together—but comes everyday, to the base of the cross, to seek the one who does.

The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey: The Happy Hour Podcast is hosted by Jamie Ivey, and each week she brings a guest to the show. During the happy hour they will discuss anything and everything just as if you were around the table with your own girlfriends. Jamie loves to connect with women and encourage them as they journey through life.

Legacy Dads: Real men with authentic faith. Legacy Dads is a community of Christian men focusing on issues such as marriage, parenting, and leadership. We equip men who are trying to balance faith, our modern lives, and leading our families to a lasting legacy.

Bible Message Videos

Tony Evans

Tim Keller

John Piper

Voddie Baucham

Francis Chan

Matt Chandler

John Mark Comer

David Platt

Greg Laurie

Kevin DeYoung 

Dan Franklin

If interested, Randy Alcorn videos (Some of these are short, just 60 seconds to four minutes, others are full length messages.)

Favorite Websites and Blogs, Rich in Biblical and Practical Truth

Here are some of my favorite blogs, and I’d recommend getting on the feeds so they’re emailed to you daily:

Desiring God

The Gospel Coalition

Between Two Worlds (Justin Taylor)

DeYoung, Restless, and Reformed (Kevin DeYoung)

Kingdom People (Trevin Wax)

Christ Is Deeper Still (Ray Ortland)

Tim Challies

Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF)

Generous Giving

Tony Evans and The Urban Alternative

Ann Voskamp

Revive Our Hearts

Radical

Risen Motherhood

Our EPM website is www.epm.org

Marriage and Family Resources

Focus on the Family

Family Life Today

A Weekend to Remember

Online Resources for Kids

Bible Basics Coloring Sheets

Kids Abide Study Cards

YouVersions Bible App for Kids

New City Catechism Bible App for Kids and Adults

Rich Theological Music for Kids- Songs for Saplings

God’s Big Story- Podcast for Kids: God’s Big Story is a new podcast for kids. On each episode, they teach the Bible, sing the Bible, and talk about what it means with some friends.

Fruit of the Spirit Activity Packs (note: these are not free)

Online Resources on Apologetics

Cold-Case Christianity with J. Warner Wallace

JP Moreland

Reasonable Faith with Dr. William Lane Craig

Impact 360 Institute

The One Minute Apologist with Bobby Conway

Sean McDowell  

Best Bible Study Software

Logos Bible Software is an incredible resource I use nearly daily at home and in study. It’s totally portable, so I use it on my tablet and cell phone too. As the pastor preaches a passage, I sometimes check the meanings of the Hebrew and Greek words in the biblical text. It’s an unbelievably helpful tool, particularly if you take the time to learn how to use it. See what endorsers, including me, have to say about it.

They offer different software packages. Pick one and dive in. Be sure you take advantage of their online training videos.

Online Theology Courses/Quizzes

Theology and Life Courses by The Gospel Coalition

Theology Quizzes from Tim Challies

Class on God’s Providence from Western Seminary and Gerry Breshears

Study Bibles

The ESV Study Bible has great biblical/theological notes on Scripture texts, with helpful articles in the back.

New Living Translation, Life Application Study Bible is a little easier to read, with good practical notes.           

The Beyond Suffering Bible (NLT) is not only attractive but also highly readable. It tackles tough questions about suffering head-on. The additional materials—profiles, devotionals, words from Joni Eareckson Tada, connection points, study notes, intros, and topical guides—are exceptionally well done.

CSB Study Bible features the text of the Christian Standard Bible, a translation I have come to appreciate. I find the CSB to be faithful to the original languages and also very readable.

The Jesus Bible, NIV Edition lifts Jesus up as the lead story of the Bible with insights from Louie Giglio, Max Lucado, and John Piper.

Recommended Books to Read

Resources for Learning Theological Truth

Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem

This 1,200 page book, extremely readable and biblically accurate, will likely become your “go to” resource when addressing every biblical doctrine—from the deity and humanity of Christ to the nature of God, creation, redemption, justification by faith, grace, the nature of the church, the return of Christ, and countless other issues.

Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem (abridged version of above)

This is a 500 page condensation of Systematic Theology. Both books are TREASURES. I would just say, “Get one and read it!” If you’re not sure which to get, I’d get the first one, the bigger one. You don’t have to read it all, though you can, and it may hook you and reel you in (I hope it does). But when I go to it as a resource I prefer having more to read, not less.

Theology: The Basics by Alister McGrath is a good intro to doctrine, 250 pages.

The New City Catechism: 52 Questions & Answers for Our Hearts and Minds by Kathy Keller

The New City Catechism Devotional: God’s Truth for Our Hearts and Minds by Collin Hansen

NIV Bible Study Commentary by John Sailhamer

Growing in Christ

Growing in Christ by J. I. Packer

How to Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur

Your Life in Christ: Design for Discipleship (Topical Bible Study)

The Baker Illustrated Bible Handbook by J. Daniel Hays (1,100 page resource; not necessary if you get Logos Bible Software, see last resource)

Streams of Living Water by Richard Foster

Divine Mentor: Growing Your Faith as You Sit at the Feet of the Savior by Wayne Cordeiro 

Behold Your God: Studies on the Attributes of God by Myrna Alexander

Books about God

The Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer (A concise and really deep and rewarding book on the attributes of God. The audio version is terrific too, download from Audible.com)

Knowing God J.I. Packer

Knowing Christ by Mark Jones

None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different from Usby Jen Wilkin

In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character by Jen Wilkin

No Wonder They Call Him the Savior by Max Lucado

The Promised One (A 10-week Bible Study): Seeing Jesus in Genesis by Nancy Guthrie

Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan

The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey

Spiritual Growth/Christian Life

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

Don’t Waste Your Life and Desiring God by John Piper

The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler

God in the Mirror: Discovering Who You Were Created to Be and Bad to the Bone: Fifteen Young Bible Heroes Who Lived Radical Lives for Godby Miles McPherson

Grace by Max Lucado

Loving God by Charles Colson

The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges

Radical and Follow Me by David Platt

Rise: Get Up and Live in God's Great Story by Trip Lee

When People Are Big and God Is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man by Edward Welch

Knowing the Heart of the Father: Four Experiences with God that will Change Your Life by David Eckman

Valley of Vision (Puritan prayer and meditations)

The Grace Awakening by Charles Swindoll

The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis 

My Utmost for His Highest Oswald Chambers 

The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Your Sabbath by Mark Buchanan

Prodigal God: Recover the Heart of the Christian Faith by Timothy Keller 

Gratitude

Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp

Prayer

Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Tim Keller

Praying God's Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds by Beth Moore

Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds

When God Doesn't Answer Your Prayer by Jerry Sittser

Sexual Purity

Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave by Ed Welch

The Purity Principle by Randy Alcorn

Sexual Detox by Tim Challies

Wired for Intimacy: How Pornography Hijacks the Male Brain by William M. Struthers

Holy Sexuality and the Gospel by Christopher Yuan

Suffering

90 Days of God's Goodness by Randy Alcorn

The Broken Way: A Daring Path into the Abundant Life by Ann Voskamp

Holding On to Hope: A Pathway through Suffering to the Heart of God by Nancy Guthrie

If God Is Good by Randy Alcorn

Trusting God by Jerry Bridges

Walking with God through Pain and Suffering by Timothy Keller

Anxiety

Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety by Elyse Fitzpatrick

Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves by Trillia Newbell

Apologetics

The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus and The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity by Lee Strobel

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

More Than a Carpenter (about the uniqueness of Jesus) by Josh McDowell

The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Tim Keller  

The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between by Greg Koukl

Cold-Case Christianity by J. Warner Wallace

Moral and Social Issues 

Good News About Injustice: A Witness of Courage in a Hurting World by Gary Haugen

Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson (NFL); maybe the best book on racial issues, and I’ve read dozens

Why ProLife? by Randy Alcorn

Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield

Openness Unhindered by Rosaria Butterfield

Autobiographies/Memoirs

Death Row Chaplain: Unbelievable True Stories from America's Most Notorious Prison by Rev. Earl Smith

Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins (a classic book by a great civil rights leader and pastor)

Unashamed by Lecrae

21 Servants of Sovereign Joy: Faithful, Flawed and Fruitful by John Piper

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas

Peace Child by Don Richardson

Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber

Books for Men

Game Plan for Life by Joe Gibbs plus Tony Dungy, Tony Evans, Randy Alcorn, and others

Kingdom Man: Every Man's Destiny, Every Woman's Dream by Tony Evans

Quiet StrengthOne Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge, and Uncommon Manhood by Tony Dungy

The Resolution for Men by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, and Randy Alcorn

Books for Women

Because He Loves Me: How Christ Transforms Our Daily Life by Elyse Fitzpatrick 

Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer and Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Is Speaking by Priscilla Shirer 

Help for Women Under Stress by Randy and Nanci Alcorn

Kingdom Woman: Embracing Your Purpose, Power, and Possibilities by Tony Evans and Chrystal Evans Hurst

Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds by Jen Wilkin

Risen Motherhood by Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler

Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full by Gloria Furman

Missional Motherhood Gloria Furman

Marriage

The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Each for the Other by Brian Chapell

Kingdom Marriage: Connecting God's Purpose with Your Pleasure by Tony Evans

Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs

The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller, with Kathy Keller

The Mingling of Souls: God's Design for Love, Marriage, Sex, and Redemption by Matt Chandler

You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity by Francis and Lisa Chan

A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken

Parenting

52 Things Kids Need in a Dad by Jay Payleitner

Family Driven Faith: Doing What It Takes to Raise Sons and Daughters Who Walk with God by Voddie Baucham

Gospel Powered Parenting by William Farley

Grace-Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel

Instructing a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp

The One Year Praying through the Bible for Your Kids by Nancy Guthrie

Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Really Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp

Foundations: 12 Biblical Truths to Shape a Family by Ruth Chou Simons and Troy Simons

Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World: How One Family Learned That Saying No Can Lead to Life’s Biggest Yesby Kristen Welch

Children’s Books

The Action Bible (comic book style, kids 8 and older and many adults love it; true to Scripture)

The Jesus Story Book Bible (best Bible storybook for kids I’ve seen)

The Kingstone Bible (longest single graphic novel ever published, as well as the most complete graphic novel adaptation of the Bible)

The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung

The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross by Carl Laferton

God’s Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell

The Ology by Marty Machowski

The Donkey Who Carried a King by R.C. Sproul

The Gospel by Devon Provencher

God by Devon Provencher

Jesus by Devon Provencher

The Friend Who Forgives by Dan DeWitt

Jesus and the Lion’s Den by Alison Mitchell

Fiction

The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis

The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis

Also, Focus on the Family Radio Dramas performs these brilliantly, and you can get CDs or downloads. See Screwtape as well as all seven Narnia books (these are fabulous). You can browse more great Christian audio dramas for you and your family.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers

Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Perelandra, Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis

I give some more Christian fiction recommendations here.

If interested, here’s a list of my own books, including nonfiction, fiction, graphic novels (comic book style), and children’s books.

Randy Alcorn (@randyalcorn) is the author of over sixty books and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries

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