I love to read. There have been a few books I’ve read in recent years that have helped me “Think Differently”, to borrow a phrase from Bob Hamp. They’re the kind of books that, once you read them, tend to open up new and helpful ways of seeing and understanding.

First, I want to recommend a couple of books that will give you some great insight into the Jewish background of our Christian faith. The Bible is mostly written by Jewish people about Jewish ideas and events. Without this background, many treasures within scripture will be opaque.

Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith by Marvin R. Wilson

Jesus the Jewish Theologian by Brad H. Young

Next, I want to recommend an amazing book about the role of scripture in our lives.

Scripture and the Authority of God: How to Read the Bible Today by N.T. Wright

These next two books are about the gospel, and represent some discussion and even some disagreement about some essential issues. Interacting with Wright and Piper will serve to enrich and deepen your own understanding of the gospel, justification, faith, and righteousness.

The Future of Justification: A Response to N.T. Wright, by John Piper

Justification: God’s Plan and Paul’s Vision by N.T. Wright

We often think of the gospel only in terms of getting us to heaven when we die; but the Bible’s emphasis, without minimizing the previous, is a heaven to earth perspective. These two books will help you begin to think from that direction.

When Heaven Invades Earth: A Practical Guide to a Life of Miracles by Bill Johnson

Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection and the Mission of the Church by N.T. Wright

These next books don’t fit in a specific category together, but they will help you “Think Differently” about how God interacts with man, will present some new and fresh ways to interact with God relationally day by day, and will help you think through some of your assumptions about God’s sovereignty and the freedom he gives to his creatures.

Think Differently Live Differently: Keys to a Life of Freedom by Bob Hamp

Intercessory Prayer: How God Can Use Your Prayers to Move Heaven and Earth by Dutch Sheets

Satan and the Problem of Evil: Constructing a Trinitarian Warfare Theodicy by Gregory A. Boyd