As Christmas approaches and you are still trying to think of some last minute gifts, why not consider giving someone one of the following books? Or if you aren’t in the habit of reading Christian books yourself, maybe you could read one of the following as a new year’s resolution. We have an abundance of good resources in the English language for Christians and those interested in finding out more about Jesus. The following list will hopefully make the decision about what to read a little less overwhelming!
Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis
A collection of war time radio broadcasts, Lewis explains the key elements of the Christian faith to a skeptical and hurting world. Lewis’ style and ability to explain difficult ideas in very relatable and winsome ways, makes this a great read.
The Reason for God, Timothy Keller
Having served as a Pastor in Manhattan, Tim Keller has learned what questions a post-modern generation has about faith and life. Through this book he seeks to address these questions and make a case that belief in God is possible in a skeptical generation.
A Chance to Die, Elisabeth Elliot
Reading stories of the lives of other Christians is one of the best ways to encourage yourself in your faith. In A Chance to Die, author Elisabeth Elliot, a former resident of the North Shore, tells the incredible story of the life of Amy Carmichael, an Irish woman of great courage, who lived as a missionary in India for 53 years. Carmichael had weaknesses and insecurities, yet she was powerfully used by God as she learnt how to trust in him through many challenges. A truly inspirational story!
The Valley of Vision
This is a classic collection of prayers and devotions from various puritan authors. The puritans often get a bad name in popular culture as kill joys, but these prayers overflow with love, joy, tenderness, and devotion. Reading a short prayer from this book every morning is an inspiration and a great way to learn to pray with more depth and passion.
Habits of Grace, David Mathis
The new year is often a time when we try to devote ourselves to new patterns or disciplines, sometimes with more success than others! This wonderful book makes the case that through simple spiritual habits, our lives can be so much more full of God’s grace. David Mathis is able to do this in a beautifully motivating way so that after reading this book the spiritual disciplines won’t be something you feel guilty about not practicing, but habits that your heart is desperate to form. A perfect read for the New Year!
God’s Big Picture, Vaughan Roberts
Have you ever started a New Year’s Bible reading plan only to get stuck in the midst of Old Testament laws, prophets and kings that you don’t understand? This short book sets out a road map to help you understand the Bible, not as a collection of random stories, but as one big narrative culminating in Jesus. I’d recommend this book to anyone who wants to read the Bible with more confidence and understanding, and have a better appreciation of God’s plan for our world.
The Gospel Comes With a House Key, Rosaria Butterfield
What did God use to draw a radical, committed unbeliever to himself? Did God take her to an evangelistic rally? Or, since she had her doctorate in literature, did he use something in print? No, God used an invitation to dinner in a modest home, from a humble couple who lived out the gospel daily, simply, and authentically.
The Songs of Jesus, Timothy Keller
Why does the Bible contain the 150 songs of the Psalms? Jesus showed us the Psalms are a rich resource and show us how to relate to God in all life circumstances. If you are looking for a daily devotional for 2019, this is an excellent choice. Each reading takes about 5 minutes, but this is enough time to get your heart singing each day!