Pastor Adam’s Top 10 Books Every Christian Should Read

In the “10 Books” series, our pastors share reading recommendations for every Christian’s bookshelf.

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Adam Bishop

Associate Pastor

 

My list of books is very young. Most of the authors listed here aren’t even dead yet! However, I find that these books are as helpful to the average believer as any I’ve read. I tried to include books that would cover a range of issues related to living in and for Christ. This list also includes books that aren’t too large and therefore won’t discourage readers who find a long book depressing. Getting it down to these ten was hard, but at the end of the day I stand by these recommendations as some of the most helpful books any Christian can own. It would delight me to catch you reading any of these fine works.

The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
This was the first book I read as a believer. Bridges’ explanation of holiness and how to strive for it remains one of the most useful and returned to volumes on my shelf.

Desiring God by John Piper
Hands down the most impactful book I’ve ever read. Piper’s high view of God and our delight in Him frames up how I understand God, read His Word, and follow His commands. I am and ever will be thankful for this tremendous book.

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer
Marrying two of the most important aspects of the Christian life, evangelism and doctrine, Packer did the church an immense service with this little book. I’m not sure there is another resource better for instructing us on the power of God to save and our responsibility to share the gospel.

The Thought of God by Maurice Roberts
This collection of essays has done more to increase my passion for and devotion to God than any other. I’ve also bought more copies of this book than almost any other because I keep giving it away.

The Godly Home by Richard Baxter; Ed. by Randall Pederson
There are many books on marriage and parenting that I could recommend to you. However, if you read and understand this one, you wouldn’t need any of the others. I continue to be amazed, led, and shaped by this incredible piece of wisdom.

Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey
Pearcey helps you understand how to think about the world around us. In the current cultural climate, Christians cannot afford to be ignorant of the logic of their belief or the power of it. This book will open the door to a lifetime of right and effective reason.

Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
This remains one of the best selling books of all time for a reason. Bunyan’s allegory of salvation is something every Christian would do well to read and use.

Whatever Happened to Worship? by A.W. Tozer; Ed. by Gerald B. Smith
Anything by Tozer is worth a read. Reading him feels like having a conversation with your grandfather; wisdom and love come mingled down. Yet he will challenge you on worship, both in your practice of it and heart for it.

Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards
A bookshelf without Edwards is like a day without the sun. This is a great introduction to his thought and theology while maintaining an extremely practical connection to our interaction with God in the real world.

Bible Doctrine: Essential Teachings of the Christian Faith by Wayne Grudem; Ed. by Jeff Purswell
Systematic theology is my favorite academic discipline. Apart from that, I believe every Christian ought to know what they believe. Books like this can get awfully big and scare away even a devoted reader. While this one weighs in as the biggest on the list, it is still extremely manageable without giving up too much of the important content. Grudem is also immensely trustworthy. I heartily recommend the vast majority of his theological positions.