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
Podcasts
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
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:
Between Two Worlds (Justin Taylor)
DeYoung, Restless, and Reformed (Kevin DeYoung)
Kingdom People (Trevin Wax)
Christ Is Deeper Still (Ray Ortland)
Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF)
Tony Evans and The Urban Alternative
Our EPM website is www.epm.org
Marriage and Family Resources
Online Resources for Kids
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
Reasonable Faith with Dr. William Lane Craig
The One Minute Apologist with Bobby Conway
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 Strength, One 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.
