recommended reading

We often get requests such as; “I would like to be discipled” or “How can I grow as a Christian?” or “How can I be a better parent?” Although we do provide avenues for personal discipleship and growth via our Missional Home Communities and Pathways, we strongly encourage people to take the initiative (and responsibility) to read good books.



Below we list some of the books that we recommend. To be honest, there are literally hundreds of books we could recommend that would be worth your time and effort to read (and thousands that would be a waste of your time). But we feel it is more productive to recommend just a few that we are confident can impact your life, if you engage your mind and heart with their content.

  • where to begin

    At Red Sea we think that it is essential that people know the basics well. If you're new to the Christian faith these two books will provide you with a good start. If you have been a Christian for awhile, these books will remind you of what is important.

    • Living the Cross Centered Life: Keeping The Gospel The Main Thing by C.J. Mahaney
    • Christian Beliefs: twenty basics every Christian should know by Wayne Grudem, edited by Elliot Grudem

  • UNDERSTANDING AND LIVING IN LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL

    The centrality and importance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ CANNOT be overstated. It is of "first importance" (1 Corinthians 15:3) and "it is the power of God" (Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 1:18). At Red Sea, we are committed to continually exploring the many applications of the Gospel in our lives. Below are some books that can help us do this.


    • A Gospel Primer for Christians by Milton Vincent
    • Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die by John Piper
    • The Gospel For Real Life by Jerry Bridges
    • The Cross of Christ by John Stott

  • Growing Mature through the gospel

    • Christ Formed In You by Brian G. Hedges
    • You Can Change by Tim Chester

  • spiritual health

    • don't waste your life by John Piper
    • Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health by Donald S. Whitney

  • living in christian community

    • The Hospitality Commands by Alexander Strauch
    • The Peace Maker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict (Rev Edition) by Ken Sande

  • marriage & family

    • When Sinners Say "I Do": Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage by Dave Harvey
    • Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
    • The Big Picture Story Bible by David R. Helm
    • Long Story Short Family Devotional by Marty Machowski
    • The Gosepl Story Bible by Marty Machowski

  • seeking "God's will" and decision making

    • Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung
    • Prayer Praying Backwards by Bryan Chapell
    • Prayer and the Knowledge of God by Graeme Goldsworthy

  • race & reconciliation

    We want to provide helpful resources to help equip us to have healthy conversations with one another, family, friends, neighbors and co-workers about race and reconciliation. We recognize that some may be on opposite spectrum regarding race and reconciliation, we believe it is important for us all to humble our hearts, educate our minds, open our ears and represent Christ in our words and actions. Below is a list of resources we've recently shared with the church. For a complete list, click here.


    • Race & Reconciliation Video Series - Hinson Baptist Church
    • The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby
    • Bloodline: Race, Cross & the Christian by John Piper
    • Be the Bridge: Pursuing God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation by Latasha Morrison
    • The Third Option by Miles McPherson