If you’re anything like me, your walk with Jesus has been deeply shaped by books. Alongside the Bible, the writings of faithful believers through the centuries have mentored, challenged, and encouraged me to love Jesus more, serve His people better, and finish well.
Whether you’re a new believer or someone who has walked with Christ for decades, this curated list of 25 books offers truth, wisdom, and spiritual depth to help you grow in every season.
📖 Foundational Christian Classics
These books have stood the test of time and continue to shape followers of Jesus around the world.
1. The Bible
It all starts here. God’s Word is the final authority and the daily bread we need for life and godliness. My daily practice is to read a passage from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs daily.
2. Mere Christianity – C.S. Lewis
A brilliant, accessible defense of the Christian faith. Lewis meets the skeptic and the seeker with grace and clarity.
3. The Cost of Discipleship – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
A sobering, powerful call to follow Jesus without compromise.
4. The Pursuit of God – A.W. Tozer
Tozer writes like a prophet, awakening hunger for the presence of God.
5. Knowing God – J.I. Packer
Deep theology made personal and devotional. This book changed how I see God.
🙏 Spiritual Growth & Discipleship
These books will help you cultivate a life that is both rooted in Christ and bearing fruit.
6. Celebration of Discipline – Richard Foster
Foster introduces the classic spiritual practices—like prayer, fasting, and solitude—used by believers through the centuries.
7. The Spirit of the Disciplines – Dallas Willard
Willard shows how the habits of Jesus can shape our lives today.
8. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality – Peter Scazzero
You can’t be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. This one is a game changer.
9. Sacred Rhythms – Ruth Haley Barton
A gentle, wise invitation to create space for God through spiritual disciplines.
10. The Divine Conspiracy – Dallas Willard
One of the most transformative books I’ve read on the Kingdom of God and Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount.
❤️ Devotional and Inspirational
Great for morning readings, quiet moments, or when you need spiritual encouragement.
11. My Utmost for His Highest – Oswald Chambers
Timeless devotions that challenge and stretch your faith.
12. Streams in the Desert – L.B. Cowman
Hope and strength for dry or difficult seasons of life.
13. The Practice of the Presence of God – Brother Lawrence
Short, powerful reflections on walking with God through daily tasks.
14. The Imitation of Christ – Thomas à Kempis
A spiritual classic that calls us to humility and Christlikeness.
15. Morning and Evening – Charles Spurgeon
Rich daily devotions from the “Prince of Preachers.”
🧠 Apologetics & Theology
These books help us understand why we believe what we believe and how to share it wisely.
16. Orthodoxy – G.K. Chesterton
A witty, profound defense of the Christian worldview.
17. The Reason for God – Tim Keller
Engaging, thoughtful responses to common objections to Christianity.
18. Systematic Theology – Wayne Grudem
A comprehensive yet readable overview of Christian doctrine. (For a deeper dive, Millard Erickson’s version is excellent too.)
19. Knowing Scripture – R.C. Sproul
Teaches how to study the Bible faithfully and with understanding.
20. The Knowledge of the Holy – A.W. Tozer
A beautiful meditation on the attributes of God—majestic and moving.
✝️ Christian Living & Mission
Books that inspire us to live boldly and purposefully in our time.
21. Radical – David Platt
A powerful challenge to leave comfortable Christianity behind and live fully for Christ.
22. Don’t Waste Your Life – John Piper
What are you living for? This book will ask—and help you answer—that question.
23. The Hiding Place – Corrie ten Boom
A gripping true story of forgiveness, faith, and courage during World War II.
24. Tortured for Christ – Richard Wurmbrand
The unforgettable testimony of a pastor imprisoned for his faith.
25. Let the Nations Be Glad! – John Piper
A stirring call to missions and God’s global glory.
Final Thoughts
Of course, this list is not exhaustive—and it’s not meant to be a burden. Don’t feel pressure to read them all at once. Let the Holy Spirit guide you to what your heart and soul need in this season.
If you’ve read one of these, or have another to recommend, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Let’s keep growing together.
Blessings,
Mark
