When I got serious about growing in my faith, I needed help. I sought out the best to get me started. Let me share some of these proven resources to help you and your family grow in your faith. Before I get into the books, I want to remind you that the internet is a great place to find information to help you. I suggest three sites: http://www.bible.org/ (for great Bible study materials from a conservative point of view), http://www.biblegateway.org/ (read any version of the Bible you wish and cross reference passages--I use it every day), and http://www.wikipedia.org/ (be aware that differing biases are represented--liberal and conservative--yet, you can look up any Bible book, term, personality, or theological idea).
1. You need a Bible dictionary. I recommend "Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary." Nelson's contains all of the key people, places, and concepts of the Bible. You can look up ancient cities and customs. For example, you want more information on Old Testament feasts and sacrifices or you want to know what an "alabaster box" was...its all listed alphabetically.
2. You need a basic book on your beliefs. I recommend "Basic Theology" by Charles C. Ryrie. I actually met Charles Ryrie and found him to be very warm and friendly. Ryrie has a knack for telling you deep theological truths in a very plainspoken way. I have referred to this book literally hundreds of times. You want to know the views on the Second Coming? You want to know the different views of the atonement of Christ? Interested in angels and demons? Ryrie gives you the scoop, but does not dive so deep that you lose air.
3. You need a good study Bible. I recommend "Nelson's Study Bible." The chief editor was Earl Radmacher. I met him too--boy, can he teach. He has assembled the very best study bible available today. It has commentary at the bottom of the pages of the Scripture to help you understand what you are reading in "real time." He has strategically placed definitions, maps and church history information throughout the pages. The Bible is thick. It is not your church Bible--probably. Yet, it is a great--I mean GREAT--study Bible.
4. You need a good set of maps. I recommend "The Westminster Historical Atlas of the Bible." It has the stuff you need to understand the Holy Land and the surrounding areas. Do not gloss over the geography of the Bible. If you skip the geography, you often miss the meaning of the passages you are reading.
5. You need a good set of basic commentaries. I recommend two sets. First, "The Bible Exposition Commentary" set by Warren Wiersbe. I met Wiersbe too. Wiersbe is rich and personal in print--much better writer than speaker (great at both). He is not overly technical, but detailed enough. He gives great spiritual application. You can also buy Weirsbe's commentaries individually--called the "BE Series." I also LOVE the "Thru the Bible" set with Dr. J. Vernon McGee. McGee has a podcast/radio program that has carried on after his death in the late 1980s. His notes and lectures are carried on through this fun-to-read look at the Old and New Testaments.
6.You need a good translation of the Bible. I am satisfied with the ESV. This translation is highly praised by reputable scholars. You will be able to understand it much better--particularly if you grew up on the KJV (Also known as the Authorized Version). Buy a good Bible that will last you a lifetime. I suggest the Cambridge ESV wide-margin in leather. You will pay double for a Cambridge University Bible, but it will last you the rest of your life. This brings me to my final suggestion...
7. You need a "wide-margin Bible." This is great to take to church, Bible studies, or to use when reading at home. With a fine point pen or pencil, you can make notes in the margins. The wide margins serve as a place to keep written blessings that God brings to your attention. Your own notes will encourage you for years to come. I have one that I have used for several years--packed with hand-written notes. You need one that is well made and opens flat.
One more suggestion: Get on itunes and subscribe to some great preaching and Bible teaching. I have enjoyed the podcasts of seminary chapel services from conservative seminaries (they usually have the "best" biblical preachers). Many have been helped by "The Theology Program." This is a set of theology classes designed to help everyday Christians get a basic theological education. Finally, try Thru the Bible with Dr. J. Vernon McGee. In five years, you will listen through a discussion of virtually every chapter of the Bible (pardon his twangy voice and corny sense of humor).
These suggestions are for starting out. You may outgrow some of this and move on. However, you would do well if you stayed with most of these resources your entire journey.
Now, go and grow.
