Recommended Books
BOOKS TO READ FOR YOUR DEVOTIONS:
How to Make Christianity Real:* This book literally changed my life. The week after getting baptized I took this book out of my dad's library and started reading it while riding on the train to school. It completely changed my view on Christianity. I had experienced salvation earlier that year, but now this book explained it in a theological way that I could understand. It is why I preach so much about being crucified with Christ.
Shall We Gather at the Potluck:* What a humorous book filled with powerful messages. It really made me view church differently. It exposes some of the sad realities of church, but in a fun way. It wasn't bitter, but it pointed out some of the silly things we focus on. Many enjoyable stories about the author's personal life. It's one of those books that came in the right time in my life.
Can't Keep My Soul from Dancing:* I would recommend reading "Shall We Gather at the Potluck" first. Same author. It is not as humorous, but the messages are still powerful and more personal stories from the author. As far as I remember they were even more personal. I enjoyed both these books so much I reached out to the author and told him how much I appreciated them. I felt like I knew him personally. His books were very inspiring to me. Made me want to write a devotional book. Maybe one day.
Solid Ground:* One of the best page-per-day devotional. (Some are a little more than a page) Most days have interesting stories to get across the message. Good for devotionals and good to use when you are trying to add more stories to your sermon illustrations collection.
Exploring Ecclesiastes and Songs of Solomon:* This is a devotional commentary on these Biblical books of Solomon. Good book to read when studying these writings.
Sometimes I Don't Feel Like Praying:* Sometimes the spiritual life doesn't feel great, this is a good book to read during those times. The testimony of the author featured in this book is wonderful.
The Word of Promise Audio Bible: Hands Down the best audio Bible I have ever heard. It's an audio drama. It has background music, sound effects, and various voice actors reading the various parts. I noticed that some words are taken out. It is not an exact reading. Because it is an audio dramatization, many times it takes out words like "he said" and instead the actor just starts speaking his lines. If you are not reading along you don't notice it, but when you do read along it throws you off. But it doesn't take away the fact that this is the best and most enjoyable audio Bible.
The Legacy Journey: This is an inspiring book that deals with a Biblical view on wealth. The Bible has so much to say about our finances. This book does a wonderful job of highlighting a number of those principles. I believe if people apply them, they will be blessed.
Shall We Gather at the Potluck:* What a humorous book filled with powerful messages. It really made me view church differently. It exposes some of the sad realities of church, but in a fun way. It wasn't bitter, but it pointed out some of the silly things we focus on. Many enjoyable stories about the author's personal life. It's one of those books that came in the right time in my life.
Can't Keep My Soul from Dancing:* I would recommend reading "Shall We Gather at the Potluck" first. Same author. It is not as humorous, but the messages are still powerful and more personal stories from the author. As far as I remember they were even more personal. I enjoyed both these books so much I reached out to the author and told him how much I appreciated them. I felt like I knew him personally. His books were very inspiring to me. Made me want to write a devotional book. Maybe one day.
Solid Ground:* One of the best page-per-day devotional. (Some are a little more than a page) Most days have interesting stories to get across the message. Good for devotionals and good to use when you are trying to add more stories to your sermon illustrations collection.
Exploring Ecclesiastes and Songs of Solomon:* This is a devotional commentary on these Biblical books of Solomon. Good book to read when studying these writings.
Sometimes I Don't Feel Like Praying:* Sometimes the spiritual life doesn't feel great, this is a good book to read during those times. The testimony of the author featured in this book is wonderful.
The Word of Promise Audio Bible: Hands Down the best audio Bible I have ever heard. It's an audio drama. It has background music, sound effects, and various voice actors reading the various parts. I noticed that some words are taken out. It is not an exact reading. Because it is an audio dramatization, many times it takes out words like "he said" and instead the actor just starts speaking his lines. If you are not reading along you don't notice it, but when you do read along it throws you off. But it doesn't take away the fact that this is the best and most enjoyable audio Bible.
The Legacy Journey: This is an inspiring book that deals with a Biblical view on wealth. The Bible has so much to say about our finances. This book does a wonderful job of highlighting a number of those principles. I believe if people apply them, they will be blessed.
BOOKS DEALING WITH RELATIONSHIPS:
The Ten Commandments of Dating: Great principles to live by when trying to go about dating as a Christian. In fact, I would say most of these would apply to even the non-Christian. A lot of stories to illustrate the points. Also has statistics to back up the claims. I once did a seminar using this book and even the married people came to me and said they wished they had known these things when they were dating.
Before You Say I Do: This is one of the books I use when do pre-marital counseling with couples. It is a workbook that both couples should buy. They work on each chapter separately and then discuss it together (and during counseling they discuss it with me as well). I would recommend it for couples to use before they even get engaged.
After You Say I Do: This is literally the same book as "Before You Say I Do" except the wording in changed to reflect the fact that the couple is already married. So it will say "spouse" instead of fiancé. So many couples don't have proper pre-marital counseling and so I recommend they buy two copies of this book so they can work on it separately and after each chapter discuss it together.
How Can I Be Sure: I also use this book when I do pre-marital counseling with couples. It covers some subjects that is not covered in "Before You Say I do". As for the subjects that overlap it asks different questions. If a couple is not in a rush I recommend both. But if they had to choose one then they can do this book first, then after they are married they can go through "After You Say I Do".
Finding The Right One For You: Great book to read if you are in a relationship but aren't ready for pre-marital counseling; or if you are in between relationships. It is written by the same author of "Before You Say I do" which I use for pre-marital counseling.
Before You Say I Do: This is one of the books I use when do pre-marital counseling with couples. It is a workbook that both couples should buy. They work on each chapter separately and then discuss it together (and during counseling they discuss it with me as well). I would recommend it for couples to use before they even get engaged.
After You Say I Do: This is literally the same book as "Before You Say I Do" except the wording in changed to reflect the fact that the couple is already married. So it will say "spouse" instead of fiancé. So many couples don't have proper pre-marital counseling and so I recommend they buy two copies of this book so they can work on it separately and after each chapter discuss it together.
How Can I Be Sure: I also use this book when I do pre-marital counseling with couples. It covers some subjects that is not covered in "Before You Say I do". As for the subjects that overlap it asks different questions. If a couple is not in a rush I recommend both. But if they had to choose one then they can do this book first, then after they are married they can go through "After You Say I Do".
Finding The Right One For You: Great book to read if you are in a relationship but aren't ready for pre-marital counseling; or if you are in between relationships. It is written by the same author of "Before You Say I do" which I use for pre-marital counseling.
BOOKS AND RESOURCES FOR LEADERS:
New American Standard Bible (NASB): There are a number of Bible versions out there, but the one I would recommend the most for Biblical study is this one. Especially for the New Testament. It's a literal translation and it respects the structure of the sentences when translating.
What The Bible Says About:* This is like an encyclopedia of Biblical topics. If you are giving a Bible Study or just having a personal Bible study on doctrines this is an awesome book to reference.
Church Zero: Looking back to the Biblical Acts model of church and applying it to today's world. Written in a very contemporary way using pop culture references. Very ambitious thoughts about church planting. Outside of it's concept of prophets I would recommend this book in order to get a fresh perspective.
The Revolutionized Church of the 21st Century:* This is very similar message as Church Zero but with the the perspective of small groups. It gives history from the early Adventist church as well as before.
A Brief History of Seventh-Day Adventist:* I appreciate that this book is made for the average reader. Its not a boring history book. Easy way to learn the history of the Adventist Church.
In Tune With God:* Great book to study the concept of worship and music. Also good to study the history of it.
The New Worship: I found this book interesting in my study of worship. Has a good number of practical ideas.
New Harmonies: Another interesting book on music. Even comes with a CD to listen to examples to illustrate what the book is talking about.
Fruit of the Spirit: This has 48 Bible Studies written out for small group discussions. 6 studies per fruit of the Spirit. This is what I am currently using with one of my church's prayer sessions. It is very easy for leaders to use. The sessions have been going great. I am witnessing some very dynamic discussions. I am loving what I am seeing.
Serendipity Bible: What an amazing resource for leading out a small group. Pretty much whatever passage you read in the Bible there are discussion questions provided. There are also group discussion questions provided topically. Use it if you are leading a small group Bible Study, a Sabbath School class, or family worship.
Help! I've Been Asked to Preach:* Very simple, practical guide to first time preachers.
The Art of Storytelling: This is an excellent book filled with practical exercises when it comes to storytelling. I use some of these exercises whenever I teach a preaching class.
Master Book of New Illustrations: Good reference book to find stories and illustrations for sermons. Some are hit and miss, but sometimes you find some good ones.
Preaching Without Notes: Learn to preach without needing any paper in front of you. Good techniques.
How to Develop A Brilliant Memory Week by Week: One of the best classes I took in college was a memory class. Unfortunately, I found out about it in my last year. However, I was able to use the techniques for my graduate studies, memorize lines for a play I was in, grocery lists when I go shopping, memorize names of people in church and more. This book doesn't really go into theory and principles that much, but it gives techniques and tricks that you can try out.
What The Bible Says About:* This is like an encyclopedia of Biblical topics. If you are giving a Bible Study or just having a personal Bible study on doctrines this is an awesome book to reference.
Church Zero: Looking back to the Biblical Acts model of church and applying it to today's world. Written in a very contemporary way using pop culture references. Very ambitious thoughts about church planting. Outside of it's concept of prophets I would recommend this book in order to get a fresh perspective.
The Revolutionized Church of the 21st Century:* This is very similar message as Church Zero but with the the perspective of small groups. It gives history from the early Adventist church as well as before.
A Brief History of Seventh-Day Adventist:* I appreciate that this book is made for the average reader. Its not a boring history book. Easy way to learn the history of the Adventist Church.
In Tune With God:* Great book to study the concept of worship and music. Also good to study the history of it.
The New Worship: I found this book interesting in my study of worship. Has a good number of practical ideas.
New Harmonies: Another interesting book on music. Even comes with a CD to listen to examples to illustrate what the book is talking about.
Fruit of the Spirit: This has 48 Bible Studies written out for small group discussions. 6 studies per fruit of the Spirit. This is what I am currently using with one of my church's prayer sessions. It is very easy for leaders to use. The sessions have been going great. I am witnessing some very dynamic discussions. I am loving what I am seeing.
Serendipity Bible: What an amazing resource for leading out a small group. Pretty much whatever passage you read in the Bible there are discussion questions provided. There are also group discussion questions provided topically. Use it if you are leading a small group Bible Study, a Sabbath School class, or family worship.
Help! I've Been Asked to Preach:* Very simple, practical guide to first time preachers.
The Art of Storytelling: This is an excellent book filled with practical exercises when it comes to storytelling. I use some of these exercises whenever I teach a preaching class.
Master Book of New Illustrations: Good reference book to find stories and illustrations for sermons. Some are hit and miss, but sometimes you find some good ones.
Preaching Without Notes: Learn to preach without needing any paper in front of you. Good techniques.
How to Develop A Brilliant Memory Week by Week: One of the best classes I took in college was a memory class. Unfortunately, I found out about it in my last year. However, I was able to use the techniques for my graduate studies, memorize lines for a play I was in, grocery lists when I go shopping, memorize names of people in church and more. This book doesn't really go into theory and principles that much, but it gives techniques and tricks that you can try out.
BOOKS THAT ARE STORIES:
Come To The Quiet:* This book is the true story of a man who applies the 'being crucified with Christ' principle in his life. That principle can be found in the book How to Make Christianity Real (I recommend reading that book first or at least watch my sermon about it so that you can understand why he is doing what he is doing). In fact some of the other principles found in that book are also illustrated in this story. If you want to see what those Christian principles look like in someone's life, I say read this book.
Master Preachers:* This is a collection of true stories of the most famous preachers in history. Each chapter focuses on another preacher. It talks about their devotional life and their study habits. Such an inspirational book. I actually went through this book again in preparation for the Everyday With Jesus series where I preached for 90 days straight.
Justin Case Adventures:* I have read this entire series growing up. Such a fun series, each with a good message. This is a fictional series about kids going through crazy adventures as they try to solve mysteries.
The Richest Caveman:* What an amazing true testimony of a guy who lived in a cave.
Race to Victory Lane:* A true story about John and Dale Earnhardt (NASCAR legend) who took different paths in life.
Master Preachers:* This is a collection of true stories of the most famous preachers in history. Each chapter focuses on another preacher. It talks about their devotional life and their study habits. Such an inspirational book. I actually went through this book again in preparation for the Everyday With Jesus series where I preached for 90 days straight.
Justin Case Adventures:* I have read this entire series growing up. Such a fun series, each with a good message. This is a fictional series about kids going through crazy adventures as they try to solve mysteries.
The Richest Caveman:* What an amazing true testimony of a guy who lived in a cave.
Race to Victory Lane:* A true story about John and Dale Earnhardt (NASCAR legend) who took different paths in life.
BOOKS I HAVE WRITTEN:
Daniel Dreamgazer: In A Strange Land:* This is a comic book that I wrote and edited, which is illustrated by my brother Andrew Jamel. This is the first installment in a 12 book series chronicling the adventures and dreams from the Biblical book of Daniel. This issue is based on Daniel chapter 1 where a teenager is captured by this tyrant, King Nebuchadnezzar and he and his friends are brought to the strange land of Babylon. There, they will have to decide between survival and staying loyal to their God.
Daniel Dreamgazer: The Man With the Golden Head:* This is the second installment of this comic book series that I and my brother are making. This one is based on Daniel chapter 2 where Daniel is trapped in Babylon and he has to gaze into the king’s dream in order to save him and his friends from imminent danger. While one can read this comic book without reading the first one, I do recommend going in order.
Daniel Dreamgazer: The Forge of Fire:* This is the third installment of this comic book series that I and my brother are making. This one is based on Daniel chapter 3 when Daniel’s friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are faced with a life-threatening decision to obey the unhinged king of Babylon or face the forge of fire. While one can read this comic book without reading the first two, I do recommend going in order.
Daniel Dreamgazer: The Man Who Became a Beast:* This is the fourth installment of this comic book series my brother and I are making. This one is based on Daniel chapter 4 when Nebuchadnezzar looses his mind and takes on the characteristics of a beast. While one can read this comic book without reading the first three, I do recommend going in order.
Daniel Dreamgazer: The Man With the Golden Head:* This is the second installment of this comic book series that I and my brother are making. This one is based on Daniel chapter 2 where Daniel is trapped in Babylon and he has to gaze into the king’s dream in order to save him and his friends from imminent danger. While one can read this comic book without reading the first one, I do recommend going in order.
Daniel Dreamgazer: The Forge of Fire:* This is the third installment of this comic book series that I and my brother are making. This one is based on Daniel chapter 3 when Daniel’s friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are faced with a life-threatening decision to obey the unhinged king of Babylon or face the forge of fire. While one can read this comic book without reading the first two, I do recommend going in order.
Daniel Dreamgazer: The Man Who Became a Beast:* This is the fourth installment of this comic book series my brother and I are making. This one is based on Daniel chapter 4 when Nebuchadnezzar looses his mind and takes on the characteristics of a beast. While one can read this comic book without reading the first three, I do recommend going in order.
*Written by an Adventist.
Note: As an Amazon Associate I receive a small commission when you purchase a book after clicking one of these links.
With that being said I only recommend books I truly believe in.
Note: As an Amazon Associate I receive a small commission when you purchase a book after clicking one of these links.
With that being said I only recommend books I truly believe in.
