5 Books That Changed My Life

"When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments."

-2 Timothy 4:13 ESV

In 2 Timothy 4:13, Paul closes his letter by asking for "the books" and "the parchments." We don't know precisely what he means. These could have been portions of Scripture, books, personal notes, or perhaps writing materials. However, many commentators think Paul is referring to books that will be brought for him to read. John Piper agrees and states his reason. "We do not know what these are, but the words scrolls and parchments are both plural, which suggests to me that they’re more than the Bible" (from John Piper's sermon in 2013 titled "The Sadness and Beauty of Paul's Final Words").

This is Paul's last letter, but stunningly, he's still asking for them to bring books! Piper continues by explaining the importance of reading books (even if it's on your deathbed!). "What are you going to do in your last two days? The doctor says you have a week, maybe. You can call up your wife and say, 'Would you bring my copy of Edwards?' Do you think I’m joking? Nobody, nobody on the planet gets me more in touch with Jesus outside of the Bible than Jonathan Edwards. So I would want to read a sermon from this man who has ministered to my soul like nobody else has ministered to my soul as I get ready to meet my Jesus. You pick your own favorite helper. My point is, it doesn’t follow to say, 'Okay, in a few days I’m going to see him face to face, so I don’t need the book anymore.' You do need the book — the book and books. You need them both because those are the means by which you die well. They’re not superfluous" (from John Piper's sermon in 2013 titled "The Sadness and Beauty of Paul's Final Words").

Likewise, on this verse Charles Spurgeon has commented: "Even an apostle must read . . . He is inspired, and yet he wants books! He has been preaching at least for thirty years, and yet he wants books! He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants books! He had had a wider experience than most men, and yet he wants books! He had been caught up into the third heaven, and had heard things which it was unlawful for a man to utter, yet he wants books!" (from Charles Spurgeon's sermon preached in 1863 titled "Paul-His Cloak and His Books").

If Paul thought it was important to read books, then I do too. Books can be transformational. Many books have helped me understand Scripture, love Jesus more, and love people better. Below I have listed 5 books (outside of the Bible!) that were life-changing for me!

Communion with God

By John Owen

This book, written by the Puritan John Owen, is an incredibly rich book about connecting with each member of the Trinity (i.e., Father, Son, and Spirit). Since it's about 400 years old it's not always the easiest to read, but it's worth the effort!

Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist

By John Piper

This book changed my life. God doesn't want just duty and begrudging obedience. He cares about delight, our happiness. Piper argues that our happiness and glorifying God are not incompatible. Instead, they are inseparable. We glorify God most when we find our happiness in him. He applies this idea in a ton of practical ways (i.e., worship, Bible reading, prayer, marriage, money, suffering, etc.).

Rejoicing in Christ

By Michael Reeves

This book is so helpful in an age where we have our minds selfishly fixed upon ourselves. Reeves helps us fix our minds on Jesus; he helps us rejoice in Jesus above everything and everyone else. Reeves' exceptional book Delighting in the Trinity almost made this list, but I think this one impacted me even more!

Systematic Theology

By Wayne Grudem

Grudem's Systematic Theology is almost unbelievable! Why? It covers such a wide range of theological topics in an accessible way, with application, and in a manner which leads you to worship. It is incredibly helpful!

Historical Theology

By Gregg Allison

My friend, Gregg Allison, wrote this phenomenal companion to Grudem's book (covered previously)! Where Grudem covers a doctrine from the Bible, Allison covers how that doctrine has been understood over the past 2,000 years by looking at the early church, medieval period, Reformation/Post-Reformation, and the modern period. It is very interesting and insightful!