Reading the Bible is one of the best ways to grow as a Christian because as we read it, the more we know about God, resulting in a deeper and closer relationship with him. Reading other Christian books like daily devotionals, novels about faith or miracles, and Bible study books, among others are also an effective way to inspire and strengthen our spiritual lives.
But don’t forget to filter what you read through what the Bible says, and then if it passes that test, apply it to your life by practicing those principles until they become a habit. We must think critically and not just accept what someone says just because they are a Christian author.
We’ve compiled 31 Christian books that are worthy of a place on your bookshelves. Some of these books sold millions worldwide, turned into movies, and recognized with awards. Others have only sold a few thousand copies, but are nonetheless impactful!
Get ready to take your faith to a whole new level.
Ready, set, go!
1. Basic Christianity by John Stott
2. Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray
3. A Quest for Godliness by J. I. Packer
Ready for a quest?
This book by J. I. Packer will take you to an inspiring and daring adventure of Puritan spiritual life. For this book, Packer studied the lives and teachings of many notable Puritan leaders like John Owen, Jonathan Edwards, and Richard Baxter
4. A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Elliot
Will you take a chance to die and reclaim your life and dedication to Christ?
In this book, Elisabeth Elliot talks about the life of Amy Carmichael, an inspirational missionary who started the Dohnavur Fellowship, a shelter for children in need.
5. Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
6. How Happiness Happens by Max Lucado
7. I am a Church Member by Thom S. Rainer
8. Risen Motherhood by Emily Jensen & Laura Wifler
9. Why Leadership Sucks® Volume 1 by Miles Anthony Smith
10. Love Does by Bob Goff
11. A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul Miller
12. Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts by Jerry Bridges
13. Finally Free: Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace by Heath Lambert
14. Finally Alive by John Piper
15. Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul
Do we choose God, or does He choose us?
Get a better understanding of human freedom, the Christian doctrine of predestination, God’s sovereignty, and more after reading this exceptional work of R.C. Sproul.
16. Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis
17. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis
19. 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper and Cecil Murphey
Feeling unworthy, insecure, or unhappy?
Let Rachel Hollis’ words stop you from believing the lies that hold you back from living a life with passion and joy. With millions sold worldwide, this book has helped a lot of women to live with a better mindset and self-confidence that comes from knowing who we are in Christ.
21. The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman
22. Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope by Mary Beth Chapman
23. 77 Fairly Safe Science Activities for Illustrating Bible Lessons by Donald B. DeYoung
Using science experiments to teach Bible lessons?
I bet you’ve never heard that before. Catch the attention of children (or even adults!) as you teach Bible principles with the 77 simple science activities on this book.
24. Miracles from Heaven by Christy Wilson-Beam
25. Thirty-One Prayers for my Husband by Jennifer Smith
26. Evangelism in a Skeptical World by Sam Chan
Sharing the gospel is one of our missions as a Christian, but it’s easy to be discouraged in this world that doesn’t want to hear it. Through this book, be equipped to share the good news by learning new and effective methods of evangelism from Sam Chan.
27. Selfies: Searching for the Image of God in a Digital Age by Craig Detweiler
28. The Forgotten Church: Why Rural Ministry Matters for Every Church in America by Glenn Daman
29. The Morals of the Story: Good News About a Good God by David and Marybeth Baggett
This book awarded by Christianity Today as 2019 Book of the Year Award of Merit lays arguments that support God’s existence and influence in our daily lives.
30. Overcomer by Chris Fabry
31. We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis by Mary Demuth
Read Inspiring Christian Books, Apply Biblical Principles, Share the Books, & Help Change Lives!
With loads of Christian books to choose from, you may need more bookshelves.
But don’t forget to filter what you read through what the Bible says, and then if it passes that test, apply it to your life by practicing those principles until they become a habit. We must think critically and not just accept what someone says just because they are a Christian author.
And if you run out of space on your bookshelf, feel free to share your Christian books with others Christ-followers as well as non-believers.
After all, we’re asked to share the good news with others. And why not? Since God has redeemed us from our sins, we have so much to be grateful for!
If there are other books that can help others grow in their faith and should be on the list, please let me know in the comments below.