Want to Grow in Your Faith? Read These 15 Christian Books!
Ever find yourself hungering for a deeper understanding of your Christian walk? Well, guess what? You’re in good company! We all know that life can be a rollercoaster, and sometimes, we need a little extra wisdom and insight to navigate the twists and turns.
That’s where these essential Christian books come into play. Think of them as your trusty companions, offering a helping hand as you navigate the intricacies of faith, grace, and everything in between.
So grab a cozy spot and a hot beverage of your choice, and let’s dive into a world of words that have the power to illuminate, challenge, and uplift. These 15 essential Christian books aren’t about mere reading; they’re about exploration, growth, and drawing closer to the Christian faith.
1. The Entire Bible
While there’s certainly a great deal of hope, truth, and encouragement to be gained from hearing or reading portions of Scripture in isolation (whether at church, on social media, or in a popular women’s Bible study), nothing beats reading the entire Bible cover to cover.
By following the entire storyline of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, you learn so much about who God is, who we are in Him, what He wants from us today, and what happens when we go our own way.
2. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
In 1941 England, British author and professor C.S. Lewis gave a series of informal radio lectures on the BBC addressing the central issues of Christianity to a nation living under the harsh realities of World War II.
Since then, these lectures have been compiled into the single book “Mere Christianity,” which remains a staple piece of Christian non-fiction even to this day.
3. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
With over 35 million copies sold, “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren was a run-away hit when it was first published way back in December 2013. If you didn’t have a chance to read it then, however, its message is still every bit as relevant today.
In “The Purpose Driven Life,” Warren invites readers to discover the unique and wonderful lives God created each of us to live. This book isn’t just another book of “shoulds.” It’s an inspiring roadmap to help you understand and know God’s will for your life.
4. The Reason for God by Timothy Keller
In this New York Times bestseller, well-known pastor Timothy Keller boldly addresses head-on the real doubts and questions held by Christians and non-Christians alike, providing a well-thought-out argument why belief in God makes logical sense.
If you’ve ever struggled with doubts or questions that have kept you from fully embracing the God of the Bible, this book is a must-read.
5. Forward by David Jeremiah
In this USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller, pastor and popular radio host Dr. David Jeremiah encourages Christians to continue to move forward in God’s purpose for their lives despite whatever struggles or trials they’re currently facing.
Full of Scripture and inspiring stories of real people who have said “Yes!” to God, this book is sure to motivate you to step more fully into the full and abundant life God has planned for you personally.
6. The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
In “The Divine Conspiracy,” American philosopher and esteemed professor Dallas Willard argues that Christianity isn’t just about getting into Heaven someday — it’s about experiencing God in a very real way in the here and now.
If you’re looking for how to put God first in your life in a deep and profound way, “The Divine Conspiracy” may be just what you’re looking for.
7. Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Named one of the top 50 books that have shaped evangelicals by Christianity Today, “Knowing God” by J.I. Packer is an engaging and thought-provoking Christian classic designed to draw readers into a deeper, more authentic relationship with God Himself.
This book is divided into three sections: how and why we know God, the attributes of God, and the benefits of knowing God personally.
8. Fall in Love with God’s Word by Brittany Ann
Research shows that most Christians want to read their Bibles more often, and yet, they’re often too busy, distracted, or unmotivated to spend time in Scripture.
Author Brittany Ann argues that reading the Bible doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. Rather, Scripture gives us endless wisdom, encouragement, clarity, direction, and the opportunity to have a relationship with the God of the Universe who loves us very much.
This book is perfect for any Christian who wants to read, understand, and enjoy their Bible more, but who needs a little help getting and staying motivated to create this important habit.
9. The Case For Christ by Lee Strobel
A secular book that all people should read, Lee Strobel was a legal journalist and devout atheist before writing The Case For Christ. However, the author felt he couldn’t contest the miracles he once mocked without first researching all the Bible’s declarations for himself.
What followed was an exhaustive odyssey of self-discovery in which all of Strobel’s disbelief unraveled, forming a remarkable journey from skepticism to faith.
10. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Named one of America’s top 100 most-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” is the second (and most well-known) of C.S. Lewis’s seven-book series, The Chronicles of Narnia.
A must-read book for adults and children alike, this delightful and imaginative book teaches general Christian concepts through the lens of a fictional story set in the fantasy land of Narnia.
11. Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
The faith journey of minister John Bunyan in the 1600s led to this famous novel which is an allegory of the spiritual life. Starting in the “City of Destruction” and making his way to the “Celestial City”, the main character Christian meets others such as “Obstinate” and “Help” who represent their names and interact with Christian along his journey.
Pilgrim’s Progress is a classic masterpiece that has influenced millions of Christians along their own faith journey, making it a perfect addition to your bookshelf!
12. More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell
Is God really who he claims to be? How can we know for sure? If you’ve ever asked these questions then you need to read More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell.
The revised version includes more arguments of faith from the skeptic-turned-believer author and his son Sean, plus new content from popular questions raised by atheists today. With over 15 million copies sold and translated into dozens of languages, this book is a tried and true example of faith overcoming doubt.
13. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
This short novel provides a truly unusual experience into the fictional mind and conversations of Satan’s demons.
Based on 31 letters from a demon uncle to his nephew Wormwood, this book brings up many issues in Christian theology such as resisting temptation and faithfully attending church. If you’ve ever been curious about spiritual warfare or understanding more about how to live for Christ, check out The Screwtape Letters today.
14. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
Based on the biblical story of Hosea in the Old Testament, Redeeming Love is the story of love that never gives up. Set in the Wild West, the main character Angel struggles through her life as an illegitimate child and later a brothel worker. But when Michael Hosea meets Angel, he vows to marry her and love her unconditionally, despite Angel’s disbelief.
What follows is the ultimate test of love in the face of anger, trauma, and tragedy. Be sure to read Redeeming Love with a box of tissues nearby, then check out the movie adaptation with the same title.
15. They Walked with God: 40 Bible Characters Who Inspire Us by Max Lucado
Pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado looks at 40 of the most inspirational and encouraging Bible characters in a unique and memorable way.
The main point of Lucado’s book is that if God can find a place for each of these characters from the Bible, He can certainly write your story too.
This book also includes a series of in-depth discussion questions which makes it a great option for your next Bible study or small group read.
Jesus: Historical Figure or Modern Fairy Tale?
Was Jesus real?
It’s a question that most of us take for granted, and yet, honestly, I’m not sure there is a more important question we could ever ask. After all, if Jesus of Nazareth wasn’t a real person, everything we believe is nothing more than a fairy tale, a myth, a waste of time. Yes, Christianity may make you a better person, but if it isn’t true, then what’s the point?
Jesus: Historical Figure or Modern Fairy Tale?
10 Best Books on Early Christian Church History
Are you a fan of Christian history? Want to learn more about the forces and beliefs that shaped the early Christian church? If so, you’ll definitely want to check out this collection of easy-to-understand books on early church history. You’re sure to learn a lot!
10 Best Books on Early Christian Church History
10 Best Bible Studies for Women to Help You Grow in Faith
Want to dive deeper into regular Bible study, but you’re not sure where to start? We’ve compiled a list of the most popular, most highly recommended Bible studies for Christian women today.
10 Best Bible Studies for Women to Help You Grow in Faith
How to Hear God’s Voice Clearly
Wish you could hear God speaking to you? You can!
Here are six step-by-step tips you can use today to help you hear the Holy Spirit speaking to you loudly and clearly.
How to Hear God’s Voice Clearly
Do You Truly Enjoy Reading the Bible? You Can!
Reading the Bible doesn’t have to be dull, dry, or boring; You truly can look forward to and enjoy reading the Bible. Check out these 6 practical and effective tips to help!
