Bible Recommendation:
English Standard Version Study Bible - At Cornerstone we love the Bible. It is fundamental. During our services and our studies, we regularly use the ESV Bible. We do so because we believe it is a good translation that is as close to a word for word translation as you can get while keeping the text understandable. We also love the study Bible version so as to give readers a deeper understanding about context and references to other parts of the Bible. If you are looking to purcahse a Bible, we highly recommend the above resource.
Book Recommendations:
Basic Christianity (John Stott) - This is a great book for beginning Christians. It is easy to read and provides a great picture of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
Living by the Book:The Art and Science of Reading the Bible (Howard Hendricks) - How do you read the Bible? Great question. So many people read wrongly. This book helps you go deep into God's Word to find the truth in every text. Don't get frustrated, get equipped.
Mere Christianity (CS Lewis) - This is a classic. All Christians should read this book. Why? Because it approaches the truth of Christ from a very powerful perspective. It is also a great book to have in your toolbox to give to your unbelieving friends.
This Momentary Marriage (John Piper) - If you are going to read a book on marriage, this is it. It is clear, it is powerful, and it will help you understand God's good design for marriage. Whether you are single, dating, divorced, or happily married you would be well served to soak in these pages.
Systematic Theology: And Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Wayne Grudem) - Every Christian should own this book. Wayne Grudem does a great job of bringing scripture together to understand the wisdom of God as it relates to one specific topic. If Systematic theology is new to you, this is the best one to start with.
The Ology (Marty Machowski) - "Truth is for kids, not just for adults! So The Ology gives kids of all ages a beginner's theology book to help them understand who God is and how we, as his children, relate to him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are on display and easier to understand. Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together."
Let the Nations Be Glad (John PIper) - This is a great book to understand God's global purpose to reconcile a people. It is free on Desiring God.com.
Shepherding a Child's Heart (Tedd Tripp) - Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life. Shepherding a Child's Heart gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing.
Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother (Carolyn Mahaney) - "Carolyn Mahaney explores seven virtues from Titus 2 that have transformed her life and the lives of countless other women. Learn how to live with true feminine appeal and become a woman who lives for God and helps others to do the same."
Glimpses of Grace (Gloria Furman) - Life is crazy for wives and mothers. How can you find moments with God in the chaos of the home? Gloria does a great job of setting a clear foundation on the Gospel and showing how Christ can be magnified in the moments of your life.
The Big Picture Story Book Bible (David Helm) - "Everyone loves a good story—especially children! But what we sometimes overlook is that the Bible is more than a collection of great stories. It is the real account of God’s love for the world. The Big Picture Story Bible presents this remarkable true story. Simple words and striking illustrations unfold the storyline of God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation. All ages will enjoy this exciting discovery of a God who keeps his big promise."
Living by the Book:The Art and Science of Reading the Bible (Howard Hendricks) - How do you read the Bible? Great question. So many people read wrongly. This book helps you go deep into God's Word to find the truth in every text. Don't get frustrated, get equipped.
Mere Christianity (CS Lewis) - This is a classic. All Christians should read this book. Why? Because it approaches the truth of Christ from a very powerful perspective. It is also a great book to have in your toolbox to give to your unbelieving friends.
This Momentary Marriage (John Piper) - If you are going to read a book on marriage, this is it. It is clear, it is powerful, and it will help you understand God's good design for marriage. Whether you are single, dating, divorced, or happily married you would be well served to soak in these pages.
Systematic Theology: And Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Wayne Grudem) - Every Christian should own this book. Wayne Grudem does a great job of bringing scripture together to understand the wisdom of God as it relates to one specific topic. If Systematic theology is new to you, this is the best one to start with.
The Ology (Marty Machowski) - "Truth is for kids, not just for adults! So The Ology gives kids of all ages a beginner's theology book to help them understand who God is and how we, as his children, relate to him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are on display and easier to understand. Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together."
Let the Nations Be Glad (John PIper) - This is a great book to understand God's global purpose to reconcile a people. It is free on Desiring God.com.
Shepherding a Child's Heart (Tedd Tripp) - Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life. Shepherding a Child's Heart gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing.
Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother (Carolyn Mahaney) - "Carolyn Mahaney explores seven virtues from Titus 2 that have transformed her life and the lives of countless other women. Learn how to live with true feminine appeal and become a woman who lives for God and helps others to do the same."
Glimpses of Grace (Gloria Furman) - Life is crazy for wives and mothers. How can you find moments with God in the chaos of the home? Gloria does a great job of setting a clear foundation on the Gospel and showing how Christ can be magnified in the moments of your life.
The Big Picture Story Book Bible (David Helm) - "Everyone loves a good story—especially children! But what we sometimes overlook is that the Bible is more than a collection of great stories. It is the real account of God’s love for the world. The Big Picture Story Bible presents this remarkable true story. Simple words and striking illustrations unfold the storyline of God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation. All ages will enjoy this exciting discovery of a God who keeps his big promise."
Christian Websites:
The Gospel Coalition - Cornerstone is a member of a network of churches named the Gospel Coalition. TGC is a collection of different churches from different denominations that believe in common biblical principals. TGC website is very useful for reading articles and books reviews on certain Biblical topics. It is worth checking out daily if you have the time.
Desiring God - This is a great resource for sermons, books, and blogs that are biblical and practical. For a number of years, Pastor Phil has attended the national convention and is blessed each time he attends by the quality of Christ exultation and commitment to God's Word.
Challies Dot Com: In forming the Reforming - Tim Challies covers everything...it seems. This is also a great resource for book reviews. In addition, Tim has a keen discernment when it come to Christians interaction with technology.
Desiring God - This is a great resource for sermons, books, and blogs that are biblical and practical. For a number of years, Pastor Phil has attended the national convention and is blessed each time he attends by the quality of Christ exultation and commitment to God's Word.
Challies Dot Com: In forming the Reforming - Tim Challies covers everything...it seems. This is also a great resource for book reviews. In addition, Tim has a keen discernment when it come to Christians interaction with technology.
Book Stores:
Crossway Online Book Store - There are many books that exist that claim to contain truth. Some do and some don't. This site is a trusted resource to find books written by Christ exalting, bible saturated people. With that said, never assume everything written by them is right. When reading always be examining the book against the Bible. It is the measuring stick for all truth.
Westminster Online Bookstore - Here is a second option for finding Christ exalting, bible saturated books. There is a great section for the family that you may want to check out, as well as books that can be useful in making the next step in your growth to be more Christ-like!
Devotionals:
Solid Joys - Daily Devotional - Meditating daily on God's Word is crucial in your spiritual walk. Devotionals can be extremely helpful to assist you in dwelling upon the Glory of God. Devotionals should never be used in place of reading your Bible, but are great secondary resource to help you drink deeply of God's living water.