Occasionally I share what’s on my reading table as a way to encourage (maybe even entice) those who like to read to consider adding to their own list some works that I have found particularly helpful and/or challenging. Recently, I was asked to share what I believe is a “must-read” list of books for every believer. Although I recognize that not everyone has a passion for reading, I do feel that, if we are going to challenge ourselves to grow in our faith in a holistic manner, reading good Christian books is a boon to our growth and comprehension of that faith. With this in mind, I humbly offer you today a list of important books for new/growing Christians.
*Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan: Where else to start than the book reprinted more than any other in human history next to the Bible? Bunyan’s work is the definition of a “classic.” Read it in a good modern translation (I recommend Judith Markham’s), and don’t forget Little Pilgrim’s Progress (adapted by Helen Taylor) for your children.
*Knowing God by J.I. Packer: This is a mid-level read, but worth every ounce of effort. A wonderful overview of biblical theology and the nature of God.
*Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis: A wonderful overview of the faith by one of the best writers in English the world has ever known.
*Be Still My Soul by Elisabeth Elliot: Elliot both thought and wrote beautifully. Here is a simple book of reflections on living the Christian life.
*The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer: A mere 100 pages, but packed tightly with what you need to seek and find a God who invites you to know him.
*The Cross of Christ by John R.W. Stott: A book that will help you (if you will stick with it) understand the atoning work of Christ at Calvary as well as any other ever written.
*The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul: The Bible teaches us that God is “Holy, Holy, Holy.” We should find out why that attribute of God is repeated in threes by the angels in heaven.
*The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert E. Coleman: What was Jesus’ strategy for evangelism? Find out in this modern classic.
*Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret by Dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor: Although technically a missionary biography, this man’s life, and faith will challenge and encourage every reader. There are dozens of wonderful missionary biographies I could recommend—this is the best (and one of the shortest) to read.
*The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs: This Puritan preacher understood the Christian faith and how we as Christ-followers find our hope and contentment in him. Get a good modern translation…then enjoy.
*The Autobiography of George Mueller: This man, the manner by which God responded to his prayers, and the work that was accomplished for the kingdom of God and the good of humanity is a must-read.
The average reader can handle all of these works with a little bit of effort. If you are new to the faith (or reading), I might suggest: Basic Christianity by John Stott; How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart; The Story of Reality by Greg Koukl; In His Steps by Charles Sheldon, and God’s Big Picture by Vaughn Roberts.
For mature believers who want to stretch themselves, these books (in modern English translations, and even in a good abridged edition) are classics: Confessions by St. Augustine; Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton; Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer; The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther; and The Mortification of Sin by John Owen.
If you are reading to children, you cannot go wrong with The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis; The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones; Christie’s Old Organ by Mrs. O.F. Walton, and The Biggest Story: How the Snake-Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden by Kevin DeYoung.
There you go, I’ve only left off about 2,000 great books. But hey, it’s a good beginning. Start with your Bibles friends, but supplement that reading with good books.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jym