Are you a new Christian?
If you’re looking for some great books to read, I've got you covered. I’ve put together a list of my top five favorite books for new Christians. These books will help you learn more about your faith and grow in your relationship with Jesus.
Reading is a great way to learn and grow, so we hope you enjoy these books as much as we did!
Keep reading to find out more about the best books for new believers!
How I Choose
It can be tough to know where to start when you're new to Christianity. There are so many books out there, and it's hard to know which ones are worth reading.
You don't want to waste your time reading a book that won't help you grow in your faith. You also don't want to read a book that's been written by someone who doesn't really understand what it's like to be a new Christian.
These 5 books are the best of the best. I've read a lot of Christian books over the years. I wanted to create a list of books that would be helpful for someone just starting out on their faith journey.
So, I combed through thousands of reviews from Christians to determine which books are worthy of consideration. I only add the top books mentioned at least twice in my list. I then pick the top 5 based on certain criteria that will help you grow in your faith faster. So, whether you're just starting out on your journey of faith or you're looking for something to take your faith to the next level, these books will definitely do the trick.
Why I Love It!
As true today as when it was originally penned by Lewis in the late 1940s over the BBC as a series of talks, this book has become a timeless classic. Read through the work, keeping the historical setting in mind. This is a compilation of talks, so Lewis did not presume that his first series of speakers had heard his second series.
In Christian doctrine, both believers and non-believers can benefit from Lewis' work. Assuming a reader already knows x or believes y is not his approach. He expertly (and extensively) uses metaphors to help mere humans understand God's incomprehensible nature. In doing so, he enriches our lives, whether we are Christians or not.
What You Should Know
Many Christians find this to be an essential book. It is extremely difficult for someone to explain Christian theology in a clear and concise manner as Lewis does. He establishes a foundation based on the fundamentals of the faith. Whether you are already a Christian or not, you can gain a deeper understanding of your beliefs. Anyone who is interested in understanding biblical truth better should read this book.
Why I Love It!
Having grown up going to church every Sunday, my faith has always played an important role in my life. "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan has challenged me in a way that few Christian books have. As I try to follow God, Chan's honesty and blunt nature make me question my excuses. This book is a fast read. It features online content for every chapter. It's a great book for anyone interested in deepening their relationship with Jesus. Occasionally, Chan can come across as harsh due to his blunt nature. The more you read the book, the more you realize this is more helpful than harmful. The book is a great choice for a group reading so that you can discuss and debrief your experiences. It has helped me to grow in my Christian faith, and this book has played an important role in that growth.
What You Should Know
Chan is an insightful, challenging writer who desires for God's people to be empowered in their Christian walk with Him. He offers up the old theology that you can never do enough or have all of your sins mastered so as not to feel guilty about what little we accomplish here on earth--but rather provides new insights into how boldly devoted our lives should really become! We may start out small at first because it feels uncomfortable-this was written after all, but through repetition and consistency, these actions will lead us toward maturity, which only comes after much effort has been put forth.
Why I Love It!
If you are looking for a book that will challenge your faith and encourage you to live a more committed, Christ-centered everyday life, then you need to read "The Cost of Discipleship." This novel was written by a man who ultimately and willingly gave up his life sake of the gospel. In contrast to many contemporary theological works that are produced by people sitting in offices that have never paid dearly for their trust in Jesus,
As a result, this book provides a much-needed perspective on what it means to truly follow Jesus and live out God's Word. Additionally, the author doesn't try to sugarcoat the challenges of the normal Christian life—rather, he offers an honest and realistic portrayal of what it means to pursue Jesus with all of your heart. If you are ready to be challenged and encouraged in your faith, then this book is for you.
What You Should Know
Bonhoeffer's argument is that believers are no less bound to take the Sermon on Mount and Gospel seriously in order for them to live it out every moment. He demonstrates this through analysis by looking at how Jesus Christ's allegiance was with His Father throughout their conversation after being asked about John 6:20, “What does it mean 'to follow'?"
Bonoffers' point shines a light on several key moments where there was a cost for discipleship that was paid. He also looks at how we need to come to grips with the idea of grace and what it really means in order for us to move forward into sanctification.
This book is a bit dense, but if you can push through, it will definitely help you grow in your faith. It's full of rich theology and will help you understand Christianity at a much deeper level.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It's dense, but it's worth pushing through. If you want to grow in your faith and understand Christianity on a deeper level, this book is for you.
Why I Love It!
When I first read this book as a new Christian, it was challenging to understand the language and sentence structure because of how different our speech is now. Reading books from centuries ago can be tricky since they don't use modern-day vernacular. However, reading Pilgrim's Progress has always been an absolute delight for me!
The way that Bunyan wrote his story allows readers with any level of understanding to enjoy themselves, regardless of whether you are just starting out in the Christian faith or have decades under your belt like myself—the message will still resonate strongly no matter what stage life brings us all through its pages: that Christ Jesus alone saves fertile souls (John 3:16)from eternal damnation via sin.
What You Should Know
A new Christian in this walk has not yet had sufficient time to become hardened to the many problems and sorrows that arise on the journey of devotional life. We need all the help we can get if we are to complete the journey successfully and reach our goal.
Many books have been written on the Christian life, but this one is outstanding because it so beautifully illustrates the main problems new believers may come across and gives sound advice on how to overcome each one. The illustrations are simple but very effective and will appeal to new Christians in particular. I highly recommend this book.
Why I Love It!
It is primarily because they do not grasp God's holiness that so many professing Christians do not agree with the total depravity of fallen mankind. The idea that God is just a better version of ourselves seems so popular with so many people. There is nothing more blasphemous than this. I realize that each of us grows differently, and some of us grow very slowly, possibly remaining theological midgets for the rest of our lives.
However, if we are to have any hope of devotional growth and understanding, we must come to terms with this fundamental doctrine. We cannot afford to ignore it or downplay its importance. In fact, I would argue that every Christian leader should make it a priority to read and study this important book. By doing so, we can begin to better understand the nature of God and His relationship with us.
What You Should Know
God is holy. This is a fact that many religious people understand, but don't seem to grasp the implications of. God is infinitely more holy than we could ever comprehend, and His holiness is the very thing that keeps us from experiencing His presence. In this book, R.C. Sproul goes to great lengths to explain why a benevolent God would create hell—it's because God is just as much about justice as He is about love. If you've ever wondered about the fairness of God sending people to hell, this book will help you see things from His perspective. You'll never be able to look at God the same way after reading this book.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few more books that didn't quite make the best list but I felt deserved to be mentioned. These bonus titles can definitely help you if you're looking for some additional reading material!
Basic Christianity
In the book, the author covers some of the most important apologetics topics from a Christian perspective. He discusses a number of issues, including the fact that people cannot find Jesus unless God first seeks them; that the Gospel is primarily a statement about what God has done for us through Christ rather than an invitation to people; that only those who genuinely seek God will find Him; the significance of humility in the spiritual disciplines, and the fact that many people who are part of the "visible" world are actually spiritually blind. By discussing these topics, the author gives readers a well-rounded view of apologetics and why it matters from a Christian perspective.
Knowing God
J.I. Packer's Knowing God has been a frequent recommendation, so I was glad to finally have read it. Although the theology seems most familiar to me, Packer presents it in a way that is quite affecting. He spends most of the book on the scriptural analysis of the old testament and new testament, with a few hymns and poems interspersed, and doesn't hold back on exhortations to live in accordance with the scriptures. The points and subpoints in each chapter make it read like a well-written sermon. It was convicting and inspiring, and I'm grateful to have read it.
Redemption Accomplished and Applied
This book is an overview of the doctrine. It deals with spiritual disciplines that believers engage in their everyday lives, which are important for them to know about and apply correctly into practice because this will increase one's faith level.
This presentation should be kept by every Christian as there are plenty of resources available on these topics if you look hard enough or just want some new reading material besides what would already exist within your collections without having purchased anything extra beforehand. However, I feel Murray did more than an adequate job covering everything, so don't worry yourself too much over details since
Lectures to My Students
Ministry is a topical subject for any mature Christian man. This passage teaches readers about what it means to be sanctified or have an impact on others as a speaker. Spurgeon and other teachers have taught us all this! He speaks without ever deviating from the topic at hand, while also unafraid of addressing practical issues such as stage presence and illustrations...
Any guy looking into becoming more Christ-like should definitely take time to read through these chapters written specifically pertaining to serving God's church---whether you're serving locally, nationally, or globally.
Need to Know
Gary Millar unpacks knowing Jesus through the Gospel. He deals with our knowledge of Him, an understanding of the Trinity, union with Christ, and His satisfaction for all who are saved. This book also covers how we come to know ourselves by walking in grace as exemplified in scripture during trials or temptations when fighting against sin and temptation. He also explains sanctification, holiness, and the importance of community and how we achieve it through the gospel.
Christian Life FAQs
It can be tough to find good books to read during your Christian life. You want something that will challenge you and help you grow in your faith, but you don't want to waste your time on something that isn't going to be helpful.
With so many books out there, it can be tough to know where to start when looking for reading material related to Christianity. Not only do you have to worry about finding something that is well-written and interesting, but you also need to make sure that the book is actually going to help you learn and grow in your faith. So, I've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions. This will help you choose the in your walk.
What books should a new Christian read?
If you're a new believer, congratulations! You've just embarked on a wonderful journey that will change your life forever. The Bible is obviously the most important book for Christians, as it contains the teachings of Jesus Christ, and there are many different versions available to suit your needs (such as The Message Bible, which is designed to be easy to read and understand).
Other excellent books for new Christians include Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, which provides a clear overview of the Christian faith; vicar and writer Nadia Bolz-Weber's Pastrix: The Cranky Beauty of Church, which discusses what it means to be a Christian in today's world; and JustListen by Sarah Stewart Holland and Jay Demerit, which offers advice on how to be a better listener (something that is essential for anyone who wants to grow in their faith).
What book of the Bible should a new believer start with?
The Bible is a complex and multi-layered work, so there's no easy answer to this question. It depends on what you're looking for and where you are in your journey of faith.
If you're just starting out, I would recommend the book of Luke. It's a great introduction to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. After that, you might want to try the book of John, which goes deeper into some of the key concepts of Christianity. And finally, for a more comprehensive overview of the Bible, try the book of First Corinthians.
What novels should Christians read?
It really depends on what you're looking for in a novel. If you're looking for a story that is uplifting and has a Christian message, then I would recommend reading The Shack or The Bible. If you're looking for a novel with more of a suspenseful plot line, then I would recommend reading books by authors such as Dean Koontz or James Patterson.
What is a good book to read in the Bible for beginners?
A good book to read in the Bible for beginners is The Gospel of John. It is a clear and concise account of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection. It is also one of the shortest books in the Bible, making it perfect for those who are just starting out.
How do I start Christianity?
There is no one right way to start in the Christian faith. Different people have different experiences and paths that led them to become Christians. Here are a few of the most common ways people become Christians:
1) Some people grow up in families that practice Christianity, and they gradually come to believe in it themselves as they learn more about it.
Others hear the gospel preached and come to faith in Christ through hearing the gospel message.
3) Some people have a spiritual experience that leads them to believe in God and Jesus.
4) Still others find Christianity through reading the Bible or other religious texts.
How do you start reading the Bible?
There are a lot of different ways to approach reading the Bible, and it really depends on what you're looking for in terms of guidance or understanding.
One approach is to read the Bible chronologically, from beginning to end. This can give you a broad overview of the story of humanity and God's relationship with us.
Another approach is to read the Bible thematically, looking at specific topics or themes that interest you. This can help you dive deeper into specific parts of the Bible that speak to your life and faith journey.
No matter how you choose to read it, the Bible is an amazing resource full of wisdom and guidance for living a fulfilling life. I encourage you to explore.
What books are based on the Bible?
There are a number of books that are based on the Bible. Examples include:
- The Bible itself! While there are many different versions and translations of the Bible, it remains one of the most popular and influential books ever written.
- The Book of Mormon is another well-known book that is based on the Bible. Originally published in 1830, this religious text continues to be studied and followed by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- The Qu'ran is the central holy book of Islam and contains numerous references to stories and figures from the Bible. Muslims believe that the Qu'ran was revealed by God to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years.
Are religious books fiction or nonfiction?
There's no one answer to this question since there are so many different religious books out there. However, most religious texts are considered nonfiction because they're based on historical events and real-life people. That said, some scriptures may be interpreted as fiction by certain individuals or groups, depending on their religious beliefs.
Where do I start when studying the Bible?
When it comes to studying the Bible, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, there are some general principles that can help you get started.
First and foremost, pray for guidance. Ask God to help you understand what He is saying in His Word. The Holy Spirit is our helper and teacher (John 14:26), and He will give us wisdom as we study the Bible (James 1:5).
Secondly, read the Bible with a pen in hand. As you read, jot down notes, underline verses that stand out to you, and write down questions that come to mind. This will help you engage with the text and keep track of your thoughts.
What book in the Bible should I read to get closer to God?
The Bible is a big book, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start. A great place to start is with the Gospels, which are the first four books of the New Testament. These books tell the story of Jesus' life and teachings.
Another great place to read is the Psalms, which are prayers written by King David. They offer a glimpse into how God works in people's lives and give us practical advice on how to pray.
Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which books in the Bible resonate with you and speak to your heart. The Bible is a living book that speaks directly to each person who reads it. So read widely, and prayerfully, and let God guide you.
What is a good beginner's Bible for adults?
There are a lot of great Bible translations out there, but my personal favorite is the ESV. It's an easy-to-read translation that's perfect for beginners. Another good option is the King James Version, which is a classic translation that's still widely used today.
Whatever Bible you choose, make sure to read it regularly and implement its teachings into your life. The Bible can be an amazing tool to help you grow in your faith and live a godly life.
The right book for you!
If you are looking for a great place to start in your journey through the Christian faith, I would recommend any of the books on this list. They will help you grow in your faith and understand more about what it means to be a follower of Jesus. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as we have!