Starting to build your library of biblical and theological resources? Here are 8 books to get you started.

I read somewhere that Al Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and prominent evangelical leader, has said "Don't just read books.  Build a library."  

For what it's worth, I agree.  The value of building a library is that books can then become long-term "friends" we can carry on a conversation with - not just once, but over the course of time as we turn to them again and again.  Books can become reference tools we rely on (and benefit from) repeatedly.

Last week, I had the privilege of recommending some books for someone who was starting to build a library of resources for biblical and theological studies.  If you're looking to slowly start building a biblical and theological library yourself, here are eight places I'd point you as you begin:

(Click on either the book's picture or title to be taken to the Amazon.com page where you can learn a bit more about any of these.)

Biblical Studies: Interpreting and Understanding God's Word

What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About: A Survey of Jesus' Bible, edited by Jason DeRouchie

Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey, 3rd ed, by Walter A. Elwell and Robert W. Yarbrough

Journey Into God's Word: Your Guide to Understanding and Applying the Bible, by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays

The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story, 2nd ed, by Craig G. Bartholomew and Michael W. Goheen

Theological Studies: Christian Doctrines and Themes

Bible Doctrine: Essential Teachings of the Christian Faith, by Wayne Grudem

The Gospel as Center: Renewing Our Faith and Reforming Our Ministry Practices, edited by D.A. Carson and Timothy Keller

Church History: Because It's Good to Learn from the Past

Church History in Plain Language, 4th ed, by Bruce L. Shelley

131 Christians Everyone Should Know, edited by Mark Galli and Ted Olsen

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What books would you have included, that I didn't here?  (Because let's be honest, there are lots of additional books that can be a part of a good biblical and theological library, that I didn't include here for space reasons.)  List anything you'd add (and why!) here.