Any believer, who wants to advance in his faith, gain knowledge, and get inspired, truly benefits from a good library. Thus, reading becomes essential in the Christian life since God’s word provides direction, solace, and understanding of Christ’s way. Therefore, although the Bible is the word of God, and people believe it represents absolute knowledge and guidance, other Christian literature might expand and broaden one’s knowledge and shed light on new aspects and practical ways of living a Christian life.
Christianity also includes a broad list of subjects, which ranges from the theory to the religious practice, beliefs and even spirituality. Every one of the books included in this article has been selected intentionally to have something specific to offer to these areas. These works will benefit someone whether they are a new Christian or one who has been in Christ for decades, they explain the mysteries, challenges and realities of following Christ and living out the Christian faith in today’s society.
The selected 20 books are being considered both classic novels that have become the staples of the literature and modern works that confront the current issues and come from time to time to review the previous lessons. These are the books that do not leave the shelf bare: they contain the fundamental philosophical and theological texts as well as the manuals for the Christian everyday life.
Here are some of these compulsory books that have rich experiences and lessons to offer depending on how you want to approach or perceive life. The facets of these basic lessons as contained in these books hold a rich experience and lessons, depending on how they are approached or perceived.
The Holy Bible
The scriptures are the most important document in the beliefs of Christians. It makes up the Old and New Testaments and is accepted as the holy bible that is the life reference source of God’s revelation and guidance. Versions like the NIV, KJV and ESV bring about other interpretations and therefore should be useful in improving understanding. The Bible that you choose should be easy to read and understand since it would be the foundation of your faith.
Mere Christianity was written by C. S. Lewis.
The book, “Mere Christianity” by C. S. Lewis is the perfect book to read for those who would like to know about the fundamentals of Christianity. Lewis strengthens the basis of Christians’ beliefs and helps relate to people comprehensively and energetically. This book was written as radio broadcasts which Lewis gave during World War II and it is today considered a classic work of Christian apologetics.
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
Essentially, “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren is another inspiring work that shows Christians how to find answers to their life’s purpose. It gives real-life methods and prescriptions on how to live as per God’s plan. In particular, Warren shares steps on how one can go through 40 days journey to find out what God wants for each person in his/her life, stressing on seriousness and direction in following God’s will.
Knowing God by J. I. Packer
The nature of God and the process of getting to know Him is explained in the book “Knowing God” by J. I. Packer. This book is undoubtedly a theological opus, which significantly contributes toward the clarification of God and his standpoints of people. Because of this, Packer provides the reader with theology at its best by sharpening thought-provoking theoretical ideas and applying them to the real world.
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is a masterpiece of satire writeFile.
Another book by C. S. Lewis is “The Screwtape Letters”, which presents the readers with an interesting outlook on the problem of the spiritual battle under the shape of the correspondence between two devils. It was revealing of the aspect of temptation and the struggle of the Christian against sin.
Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster
Richard J. Foster’s book ‘Celebration of Discipline’ is devoted to the Christian’s spiritual formation and practice of several disciplines like prayer, fasting, and Christian meditations. It encourages them to practice and obtain a more disciplined spiritual life of a Christian.
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship is a treatise that calls the believers to stop merely professing faith, but rather to follow Christ in earnest. Bonhoeffer’s concept of costly discipleship is good and fits today’s society.
The Confessions written by St. Augustine.
As a religious work of literature that is classified under the genre of spiritual autobiography, “The Confessions” by St. Augustine narrates the author’s conversion to Christianity as well as his meditations on the issue of grace. It is a classic work which tells a man about sin, repentance, and the meaning of life.
Desiring God by John Piper.
John Piper’s book ‘Desiring God’ introduces the notion of ‘Christian Hedonism’ which focuses on rejoicing in God as the ultimate purpose of a Christian. This passion is reflected in Piper’s calloused and intense writing that urges Christians to discover happiness in God. He used it to underline that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, so joy is a crucial part of Christians’ life.
The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
First of all, it is essential to stress that ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ is an allegory written by John Bunyan; the story focuses on the Christian’s path to salvation. It is a bright masterpiece which is filled with brilliant references and great morals for people, which are of great value to any Christian regardless of his or her age.
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
Jacob Boehme’s “The Way to Christ” is said to be like Brother Lawrence’s “The Practice of the Presence of God,” which consists of letters and several conversations that accentuate the need to have God always on man’s mind. This book therefore calls for constant prayers and seclusion in the devoted individuals’ lives.
Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
Wayne Grudem’s bestselling Systematic Theology is a vast manual of Donald’s major doctrines of the Christian faith. It is without a doubt the single most helpful resource for anyone pursuing a formalized structure for his or her belief system. Grudem’s theological system is presented in an easily intelligible fashion and is accompanied by scripture references for every doctrine.
The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis’
Thomas à Kempis’s “The Imitation of Christ” is a timeless book that provides straightforward practical guidance for focusing one’s life on Christ. This teaching remains relevant and thought-provoking as it encourages the believers towards the goal of sanctification.
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
The book by Brennan Manning titled, “The Ragamuffin Gospel; Good News for the Bedraggled, Beat-Up, and Shell-Shocked” is a great book to read as it teaches men about the Grace of God. These stories without fail bring the reader to the reality of one’s existence before God, regardless of blemishes here and there.
Radical by David Platt
This present paper focuses on the book Radical written by David Platt in a bid to show how the author wants Christians to change their perception towards faith and discipleship. The authors’ Platt challenges Christians to be radical in their discipleship, which entails following Jesus no matter the cost.
Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton.
Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton – is quite an intriguing and rather profound apologetic work that promotes the cause of Christianity. This work can be viewed as an outstanding piece of apologetics due to Chesterton’s rather distinctive approach to writing and the extraordinary amount of wisdom one can find between the book’s covers.
Crazy Love by Francis Chan.
Listening to “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan, the author describes God’s love and urges the Christians to reciprocate this feeling by loving God wholeheartedly. Chan builds up his audience to embrace the authentic lifestyle of faith and do so passionately.
The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer.
The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer belongs to this category as it is one of the most popular and significant works that focus on finding a personal and genuine relationship with God. In this case, Tozer’s works call believers to duty and devotion, especially in their search for God.
The Reason for God by Timothy Keller
This book by Timothy Keller titled “The Reason for God” handles issues of faith and gives an apologetic to the reasons why one should have faith in Christianity. This is thanks to the superb writing that Keller has applied in this book, whereby even atheists can find solace in its content. He does a good job debating the most profound issues of faith concerning suffering and the existence of God.
The Case for Christ written by Lee Strobel.
The Case for Christ is a non-fiction book by Lee Strobel that presents the author’s fact-finding journalism investigation on the existence of Jesus Christ. I found Strobel’s methodology of going through the historical background of each testimony to be quite comprehensive and Strobel’s passing of the questions from one expert to another and his dialogue with them makes this book very interesting to read for anyone who wants to learn the historical origins of Christianity. The sceptical mindset that Strobel used to have makes the book’s approach for those interested in Christianity more personal and easier to follow.
Conclusion
Thus, there are 20 books that, in my opinion, will help and inspire Christians regardless of the age and level of their spiritual experience. These books are theological textbooks just as much as they are guidance for Christians on how to continue living their lives for Jesus after receiving Jesus into their hearts by baptism. Desiring to focus more on the scripture, build spiritual knowledge, or get wise counsel for everyday living, these books are perfect for any Christian’s library. Both these works are timeless and life-changing and are critical additions to any Christian’s library striving to deepen and further their faith.