Just 5 Books

In response to this giveaway at Pastor Justin's blog ~ If I were going overseas for three years and could only take 5 books (in addition to the Bible), which would they be?

1. A Christian Directory {Richard Baxter} - This is volume 1 of "The Practical Works of Richard Baxter." And it is just that; very practical. Spanning over a million-and-a-quarter words (nearly 1,000 pages), you can imagine that it covers quite the array of topics. I agree with Dr. Timothy Keller, that it is "...the greatest manual on biblical counseling ever produced..." And since Baxter spent over 15 years compiling it, I can surely not exhaust this "practical sum of theology" in a mere 3 years.

2. The Family {J.R. Miller} - Originally published in 1882, this little book is a gem that I can read over and over again. "Its aim is to mark out the duties and responsibilities of each member of the household... in hope that its pages may carry inspiration and a little help to those who desire to do faithful work for God within their own doors." It never fails - my heart is always exhorted, encouraged, and stirred to the point of tears. I love the manner in which it is written and I love that the inside cover is inscribed with sweet words from my sweet husband, commemorating my 23rd birthday.

3. Christ in the Camp {J. William Jones} - I have not yet read this book, but it is on our to-buy list. "This is one of the few books on the War which shows the working of the Holy Spirit in the midst of suffering, chaos, and judgment. From 1861 to 1865, many thousands of soldiers professed Christ as their Savior and Lord, and many more were renewed in their commitment to serve God in camp and battlefield." I think this book would serve as a great reminder to God's providential hand through all of history.

4. Pushing the Antithesis {Greg Bahnsen, edited by Gary Demar} - Teaching presuppositional apologetics, this book has been a very helpful aid in defending the faith against all opposition. Whether that be an atheist on a college campus, a confused catholic, or a humanistic school book. Christianity is the only consistent worldview!

5. Death by Love {Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears} - I have read a couple chapters of this book online and have listened to the sermon series that this book is based on (more than once). It is looking at the Cross from all different angles giving the "real-life implications of Jesus' death on the cross for those who have sinned and have been sinned against." Great truths that I must be continually reminded of.