This is hard for me. The lives of so many faithful ministers have ministered to me through the years! Yet as I look at my shelves and consider the ones that have had the greatest impact on my life there are a few that stand out.
Hudson Taylor and Maria by J.C. Pollock (We all know the story of the pioneer missionary Hudson Taylor, but do you know the story of his wife? Maria’s partnership with her husband allowed the China Inland Mission to reach China with the gospel. Read this book.)
A Passion for Souls by Lyle W. Dorsett (There are hundreds of books written on the life and ministry of D.L. Moody but this volume has been one of my favorites. Dorsett concentrates on the great evangelist’s passion to reach souls with the gospel. I believe the Lord will use the author’s presentation and the subject’s heart to stir you for the work of personal evangelism.)
Lamplighter and Son by Craig Skinner (There are more famous biographies on the life of Charles Haddon Spurgeon. This amazing book tells the lost story of Spurgeon and his son, Thomas, and fills in much personal information related to his family. It will strengthen your faith in the good Providence of our God.)
In Light of Eternity by Mack Tomlinson (You may have a hard time finding this limited print book but it will be worth the effort. Tomlinson has written a huge work on the life and ministry of Leonard Ravenhill. Our generation needs men with the fire of revival burning in their souls. Here is one of those men.)
Borden of Yale ’09 by Mrs. Howard Taylor (I saved this book for last because it is special to me. As a young man this book on the life of William Borden spoke deeply to me. He only lived 25 years but his influence lives on. Hint: take the time to read the footnotes – there are some nuggets there!)
Biographies both instruct and inspire. They help to keep your heart warm and your mind hungry. Longfellow said it well, “Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our lives sublime, and, departing, leave behind us, footprints on the sands of time.”
What is your favorite biography?
Read each article in this series:
5 Books To Read About Jesus (And One Bonus)
5 Books To Read For Bible Study
5 Books To Read On Prayer + 1 I’m Reading Now
5 Books To Read On The Holy Spirit
5 Books To Read On Great Christians
5 Books To Help With Your Personal Devotions
5 Books To Read On Living A Victorious Christian Life
5 Books To Read When You Are Having A Hard Time
5 Books To Read On Church Ministry
5 Books To Read To Help Young People
5 Books To Read As Commentaries
5 Books To Read On Marriage & Family (And One I Am Starting To Read)
