A recommendation of a particular book does not necessarily endorse its author, or everything its author believes.  Obviously not all the authors in this list are independent Baptists; nonetheless, there are certain truths we can glean from within the writings of the following books:

To Try Mens Souls

Newt Gingrich

William R. Forstchen, Ph. D

To Try Mens Souls is a fictional novel about George Washington as he crossed the Delaware in 1776 during the Battle of Trenton.  Although this book is secular and does not promote any biblical principles; it does remind the reader of the determination and spirit that our country was built upon.  In a day of political corruption, this book offers a refreshing reminder of the godly heritage of our great nation.

Paul and His Letters

John B. Polhill

This is perhaps the most exhaustive and complete work of the life of Paul that I have ever read.  Polhill examines in great detail the culture, life, ministry, and message of the great apostle Paul.  He not only offers a scholary and technical survey of Paul's life, he examines the spiritual ramifications of the apostle's work.  If you are looking for a thorough survey of the life of Paul you will definately want this book in your library. 

The Bible Explorer's Guide

John Phillips

This was one of my favorite text books in Bible College.  John Phillips is a favorite writer of many pastors and preachers and this book really gives some great and practical ways to study and develop the Scriptures.  From typology to understanding Hermeneutical principles, The Bible Explorer's Guide will be a tremendous help in your biblical exploration.

The Size of the Soul

A.W. Tozer

Compiled by Harry Verploegh

A.W. Tozer was a modern-day prophet.  His ability to speak, write, and preach was the manifestion of a introspective and recluse lifestyle of meditation and prayer.  This book compiled by Harry Verploegh is a collection of editorials taken from the publications ministry of Tozer entitled Alliance Life.  The book contains 43 excerpts of Tozer's writings and exposes his ability to discern man's need for prayer and reliance upon God.

The Sacred Anointing

The Preaching of Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones

Tony Sargent

This biography of Martyn Lloyd Jones is an extensive work of his life and ministry.  Sargent does an excellent job of revealing how Jones truly relied on the Holy Spirit to equip him for the service of the Lord.  If you are not familiar with the work of Dr. Jones this biography will thoroughly acquaint you with his ministry.  A good solid read.

The D.L. Moody Collection

James Bell

This book offers a biography of Moody along with classic sermons, devotions, and writings from the famed evangelist.  One of the best sections of the book is entitled, "Why the Lord used D.L. Moody."  Anyone interested in a simple and precise history of Moody will enjoy this read. 

Power in the Pulpit

Jerry Vines

Jim Shaddix

This is a great work for the preacher looking for methods of sermon development.  The need for expository preaching is great in our world.  From selecting a text to preparing a conclusion, Vines gives some great insight in sermon preparation.  This book not only helps the preacher develop the sermon, it also develops the preacher.  Great read for all preachers who are convinced that expository preaching still works.

The Tabernacle

M.R. DeHaan

Anyone interested in a serious study of the tabernacle would benefit greatly from this classic book by Dr. DeHaan.  Thorough in its evaluation, and practical in its application, this work has been used for years as a guideline for tabernacle theology.  DeHaan takes the reader from the outer court to the Holies of Holy without neglecting any detail.  My favorite book on Tabernacle study.

Study of the Types

Ada Habershon

Ada Habershon was a devoted friend to Spurgeon, Moody, Torrey, and Sankey. This is an incomparable work in the study of typology.  Every student of the Word of God would benefit greatly from having this classic book in his library.  I have yet to find a more helpful book in the field of typology.

The Abolition of Man

C.S. Lewis

This classic work by C.S. Lewis deals with the moral quandry of mankind.  Although Lewis is considered a liberal my many, his ability to rationalize the Christian worldview is definately worth the read.  Though Lewis often takes the long route to prove his point in this book, once you arrive you will agree with his logic.

Becoming a 1st Century Church

Clarence Sexton

Dr. Clarence Sexton has many books through Crown Christian Publications, but I believe this is by far the best book he has written.  He earnestly opposes the contemporary church movement and our need to return to biblical, New Testament Christianity.  The attempt to revamp church has been a lost cause.  We should strive to become a 1st-Century Church.

How Now Shall We Live?

Charles Colson

Nancy Pearcey

This three volume book thoughtfully presents the practical and logical aspects of the Christian worldview.  Regardless of your take on Colson, he does a great job in this book exposing the fallacies of Darwinism and humanism.  The material is laid out in an organized and systematic manner with an easy-to-read style.  This is another great apologetic work by Colson.

The Power of Prayer

R.A. Torrey

The Power of Prayer is a classic on prayer, and is a must have for every Christian library.  Not only did Torrey express the lack of prayer in our lives, he gave the results that prayer can have in a life that is committed to spending time with God.  Not only is prayer our duty, it is our priviledge.  Every preacher should read this once a year for a refreshing reminder of the importance of prayer in the ministry.

More Precious Than Gold

Dr. John Vaughn

Brenda Vaughn

Dr. Vaughn and his wife Brenda open their hearts to tell the story of the fiery trial of their faith, marriage, and life.  At an early age their daughter was severly burned in a house fire.  As they convey, this fiery trial exposed the crumbling aspects of their life.  I had the privilege to meet Dr. Vaughn several years ago, and his humility and kindness brings testimony of a man who has went through the flames and discovered the all-sufficiency of Christ.  This book will strengthen your faith.

The New Absolutes

William Watkins

William Watkins exposes how absolute truth has been replaced by relativism.  The "old" absolutes of marriage, life, sexuality, and morality have hypocritically been uprooted by modernists as the "new" absolutes of relativism have been embraced.  As Watkins contends relativism cannot logically be accepted.  This book is a must read for anyone interested in Christian apologetics.

The Pursuit of God

A.W. Tozer

The Pursuit of God was poured out of the the soul of one of the most dedicated and eccentric servants of the Lord.  This book will challenge you to leave the ordinary and enter into the holiness of Almighty God.  Tozer points the believer to a life of sacrifice and surrender.  This book will create in you a hunger and thirst to know and experience the Living God.  By far this is one of my favorite books.

Legislating Morality

Norman Geisler

Frank Turk

Legislating Morality declares that America is "slouching toward Gomorrah."  This book reveals how liberalism, secularism, and humanism imposes immorality on America by legislating ideas that are contrary to the Constitution.  The authors systematically show how issues like homosexuality, abortion, and euthanasia are being pushed by radical politicians.  In an age where absolute truth is being disregarded, it is refreshing to read a book that intelligently exposes the erroneous logic of political correctness.

Church Still Works

Paul Chappell

Clayton Reed

Dr. Paul Chappell and Clayton Reed put together one of the most practical analysis of the independent Baptist movement I have ever read.  The information in this book will not only challenge you, it will encourage you about the state of our independent Baptist churches.  By far, the most compelling element of the book is to create a burden for church-planting in the United States.  This is the kind of book every independent Baptist pastor needs.  Dr. Chappell's spirit of excellence is infectious and should challenge all Christian workers to maintain spiritual ambition.  This is a must-read for pastors, preachers, staff-workers, missionaries, and laymen serious about the work of the church.

He Restoreth My Soul

Serving a God of Second Chances

Kenneth Kuykendall

This book details the biblical doctrine of restoration from the view point of twelve people who desperately stood in need of second chances.  Such chapters include: He Restoreth My Soul from Doubt, Disease, Desperation, Depression, Discouragement, Depravity, and Death.  Each chapter deals with a particular person from the Bible who discovered that our God is a God of restoration.