A lifelong pursuit of knowing God should embody the Christian existence. According to eminent theologian J I Packer, however, Christians have become enchanted by modern scepticism and have joined the "gigantic conspiracy of misdirection" by failing to put first things first. Knowing God aims to redirect our attention to the simple, deep truth that to know God is to love His Word. What began as a number of consecutive articles angled for "honest, no-nonsense readers who were fed up with facile Christian verbiage" in 1973, Knowing God has become a contemporary classic by creating "small studies out of great subjects". Each chapter is so specific in focus (covering topics such as the trinity, election, God's wrath, and God's sovereignty), that each succeeding chapter's theology seems to rival the next until one's mind is so expanded that one's entire view of God has changed.

Wayne Grudem believes that 'theology is meant to be lived and prayed and sung' - but before this can happen, it must be understood.

In this best-selling textbook, each chapter begins with a clear definition of the doctrine under consideration and moves on to a thorough exposition of its basis in Scripture. Then follow questions for personal application which help to bring out the relevance of the doctrine to the life of the individual and the church; and finally, a hymn suitable for corporate use or personal meditation.

This original and authoritative dictionary concentrates upon theology - its biblical basis, systematic expression and historical development. The aim has been to provide a concise reference tool without in any way curtailing the comprehensive treatment of theological subjects.

Reading the Bible is meant to be exciting, but for many of us the reality falls short of the ideal. We try to study it, but cannot see how it all fits together, or understand the ancient context and unfamiliar concepts. And what on earth does it mean for us now? Perhaps we long for a guide to help us in our reading – one that will not take longer to read than the Bible itself!

Any of the titles in this series would be helpful, but I would start with The Message of the Living God by Peter Lewis.

The universal symbol of the Christian faith is not a crib nor a manger but a gruesome cross. Yet many people are unclear about its meaning, and cannot understand why Christ had to die.

In this magisterial book John Stott explains the significance of Christ’s cross and answers the objections commonly brought against biblical teaching on the atonement.

An increasing number of theologians and church leaders are questioning the doctrine of penal substitution. The authors offer a fresh re-articulation of the doctrine and its central role, and engage with over twenty specific objections that have been brought against it.

The Bible Speaks Today commentaries are an excellent starting point for getting to grips with any book of the bible.

The Tyndale Commentary Series has long been a trusted resource for Bible study. Written by some of the world's most distinguished evangelical scholars, each book offers clear, reliable, and relevant expositions.