Compilation Of Christian Resources
Just wanted to share some of the Christian resources that I have used in the past for any of my Christian readers. This is an updated list from my last article, so I am republishing it.
I lean (not reformed) baptist, so this list will reflect that position. Fair warning.
If you are a new follower of Christ, just get a Bible and find a local church. You don’t need all of these yet.
I hope these help you learn more and connect with God further.
Christian Resource Options
When studying the Bible, having the right tools are helpful. Several tools and apps are indispensable for this purpose. A Bible dictionary, concordance, laws, and maps can provide essential context and insights into scripture. Find ones you like online; most are free. For quick verse comparisons, Bible Gateway is a valuable tool. The Bible App offers a user-friendly way for reading and studying the Bible on the go. Another highly recommended tool is the e-Sword Bible Study App, which can be immensely powerful in the right hands.
Online commentaries are also helpful for deeper exploration of biblical texts. The Kretzmann Project is currently a preferred choice, offering insightful commentary (even though it is Lutheran, which I am not). EnduringWord provides acceptable commentary, although it includes many modernist interpretations. BibleRef is another option, though it’s not yet complete, the available books are quite decent. However, it is important not to rely solely on commentaries for your reading. Use them with caution and discernment to supplement your own study.
For those interested in structured learning, there are several excellent courses and educational resources available. The BibleProject offers engaging video overviews of Bible books, making complex themes more accessible. Insight provides well-written overviews that can guide your study. The Gospel Coalition offers a variety of courses that delve into different aspects of theology and biblical studies. Our Daily Bread University provides courses that are suitable for learners at different levels. For answering specific questions, GotQuestions is a reliable resource. (These are acceptable for the most part. As with anything in our post-Enlightenment age, be prepared to engage with some modernist interpretations on certain things).
For baptist sermons from the NIFB, I recommend the following: All The Preaching, Faithful Word, Stedfast Baptist, Mountain Baptist, Verity Baptist
For theology, see the following: The early church fathers laid the groundwork for Christian theology. Key texts include the Didache, one of the earliest Christian documents, which offers insights into early Christian ethics, rituals, and church organization. Athanasius is known for his defense of Trinitarianism against Arianism, particularly through his work “On the Incarnation”. The Shepherd of Hermas, a Christian literary work, is considered valuable for its teachings on penance and discipline. Polycarp’s writings, including letters and martyrdom accounts, provide a glimpse into early Christian life and beliefs. Additionally, Tertullian’s Apology stands out as a defense of Christianity against Roman paganism and serves as a key text in early Christian apologetics.
I also recommend a thorough review of the Creeds: Creeds have been pivotal in defining core Christian beliefs. Important ones include the Apostles’ Creed, a succinct summary of apostolic teachings, and the Nicene Creed, established at the First Council of Nicaea, which affirms the consubstantiality of the Son with the Father. The Athanasian Creed emphasizes the Trinity and the Incarnation, further clarifying essential Christian doctrines.
Theological works are also useful for when you are ready to dive deeper: Several theological works are essential for a deep understanding of Christian thought. The “Confessions of St. Augustine” is a profound autobiographical work detailing Augustine’s sinful youth and conversion to Christianity. The “Summa Theologica” by St. Thomas Aquinas is a comprehensive compendium of Catholic doctrine, addressing theology, philosophy, and ethics. “Institutes of the Christian Religion” by John Calvin, though controversial, is foundational for understanding Reformed theology. “The Book of Concord” is essential for understanding Lutheran doctrine, even for those who are not Lutheran. Lastly, “The Case for Christian Nationalism” explores the intersection of Christianity and national identity.
If visuals are more your thing: Visual media can be a powerful tool for understanding and sharing faith. “The Jesus Film” is a depiction of the life of Jesus Christ, widely used for evangelism. My NIFB crowd has like 47 documentary films which provide over 30 hours of content from the New Independent Fundamental Baptist movement. It’s easy to find with a quick search. “The Case for Christ” documentary, based on Lee Strobel’s book, explores the historical evidence for Jesus. The “American Gospel” film series critically examines the prosperity gospel and emphasizes the core message of the Gospel.
A variety of other random resources can provide unique insights and tools for personal growth and study. My list of Top Bible Verses is a curated list of my most impactful Bible verses. Various free magazines offer theological insights, personal stories, and practical advice. The Bible Family Tree provides a visual representation of genealogies in the Bible. Berean Patriot’s study on the deity of Christ offers an in-depth affirmation of Christ’s divinity. A compilation of Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by Jesus, the Jesus OT Fulfillment List, is another useful resource. Additionally, Redeemed Zoomer, a Christian YouTuber, discusses faith and culture in an engaging manner.
As a random sidenote, I am a fan of the apocrypha. I don’t consider it Scripture, but it is fascinating to study. For those interested in Apocryphal literature, several resources are invaluable. The NRSVUE (with Apocrypha) is a comprehensive version of the Bible that includes Apocryphal books. Biblewise Commentary provides context and explanations for Apocryphal texts. Theology Pathfinder offers summaries of theological works, including Apocryphal books. Blue Letter Bible also provides summaries and commentaries on various books, including Apocryphal texts. Finally, “The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha” is a favorite book set that offers insights into Jewish writings from the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
If you’re looking for a church, I wish you good luck. It is getting harder and harder to find a decent church. Most are completely lost. But a solid group of real Christians is a massive blessing. In my semi-rural area, I had only two decent options within a large driving radius (~50 miles). If I wanted a church headed by a woman, hordes of mask-wearers, a lesbian married to a transgender (not hyperbole), or a church preaching heresy, it would have been a lot easier. I personally only had luck with baptist churches. But your area may be different.
Final Thoughts
Be careful with all modern tools. Most are getting very soft in the modern era. Even places that claim to be “old-fashioned” or “traditional” are can be a hit or a miss. Many times they are “traditional” as in one hundred years ago, which was also wrong: The Radical Christian Degeneration Of The 1800s. So it’s not always great to be old-fashioned if that time period was also in error.
Still, overall, these resources can greatly enhance your Bible study experience, providing valuable insights, comprehensive overviews, and answers to specific questions, helping you grow in your knowledge and understanding of scripture.
I may not agree with all of these theologically (in fact, some I vehemently disagree with), but I have found them helpful in my personal spiritual development. Hopefully, they can do the same for you.
If you have any others that you use, please feel free to put them in the comments. I am always looking to expand my resource list.
Cheers.
Read Next: The Weak Church: Soft Christianity
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