Recently Esther Oliveira, writing in the Christian Post, listed five Christian books you must read (other than the Bible).
As I read the title, I thought to myself which ones I would choose. While I might add others to the list, I really can’t argue with the list she has given. I would very much encourage you to purchase or check out these books. I have read four of the five and fully intend to begin reading the other right away.
Here is her list:
1. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. C.S. Lewis became a legend in the English speaking world during WW II in Great Britain. He spoke by radio and spoke of the Christian faith. His words helped hold England together during the dark days of the war. Mere Christianity is adapted from his broadcasts from 1942-1944. Lewis taught at Oxford University. He is one of Christendom’s most beloved writers.
2. The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer is best known as a vocal critic of Adolf Hitler before and during World War II. His most famous words from The Cost of Discipleship are these: “When Jesus calls a man, He bids him come and die.” Not many years later, Hitler had Bonhoeffer executed in a concentration camp shortly before its liberation near the end of the war.
3. Basic Christianity by John Stott. John Stott was one of the church’s great expositors. This is a must read for new (and maturing) believers.
4. Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton. Written in 1908, this is a classic of apologetics “not of whether the Christian faith can be believed, but of how he personally has come to believe it.” This is the book I have not read, but I intend to as quickly as possible.
5. The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. Over the past two years I have read many books by Tozer. This book is one of the classics. He points us to God, not only to know about God but to meet Him personally.
No believer can grow in holiness without thinking about God and pursuing Him. These are books which will help you do so.
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6 Responses
Thanks Pastor, I enjoy the suggested readings you mention. They are always a benefit.
You are welcome. Have a blessed day.
I love these kinds of lists! I always asked this of the members of my discipleship groups: “What 10 books would you take if stranded on a desert island?” I have had some interesting suggestions let me tell you! I would replace Stott with “The Christian Life” by Calvin but that’s because Calvin’s is a simpler read IMHO. I would place Bonhoeffer’s “Life Together” on my 10 (or 5!) list. Anything by Tozer. I would have “Religious Affections” by Jonathan Edwards on my list. Also, anything by E.M. Bounds. Bunyan’s “Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners.” How about “Why Revival Tarries” by Ravenhill. Gotta have that one. And . . . well, this could go on and on, couldn’t it? “But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body” (Ecclesiastes 12:12, NASB). Now how many times have we who teach had that one thrown back at us?! Be blessed, dear brother–
Thanks for your list. I love lists like this as well and plan to do one of my own someday.
Interesting how many ways His Truth is Told. April 9, 1945 told just a step in Deitrich’s story, it continues.
I see “Be Ye Doers of the Word, not hearers only” is apt for all Whom seek His Face.
Shades of the intent of the “Goatkeeper.”
Amazing what is done to provoke a responce to “Prove What is that Good…”
😉
Blessings
Great suggestions!