7 Books Every Christian Should Read

The Bible

The Bible, the inspired, inerrant, infallible, written word of the Creator, should be the single most important Book to any Christian. As the Word of the Lord, it demands our reverence, honor, diligent study and application in all areas of life. The Bible is both a 100% accurate historical document and a living testament of God's plan for the world, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and wisdom, comfort and guidance for God's people. Read it!

2 Timothy 3:16: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 

Proverbs 30:5: "Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." 

Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan

The Pilgrim's Progress is a classic Christian allegory written by John Bunyan almost 350 years ago. It tells of Christian's journey, who left his home in the City of Destruction and travels to the Celestial City, facing many obstacles and challenges along the way, including the Slough of Despond and the Valley of Shadow of Death, which symbolize life's struggles and temptations. The book is a wonderfully engaging, profound encouragement to believers and illustrates the importance of perseverance in the journey of salvation.


The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom

The Hiding Place is undoubtedly a challenging book to get through for many reasons, particularly due to the descriptions of the harsh realities of war and persecution throughout the book. The horrors of concentration camps, the suffering of Jews, much loss and heartache...all of these things pose a stumbling block to potential readers. However, I strongly recommend that you read it anyway. The Hiding Place tells the true story of Corrie ten Boom, who, along with her family, helped hide Jews from the Nazis during World War II in their home in the Netherlands. When discovered, they were arrested and sent to a concentration camp. It is one of the most powerful books I have ever read and is packed with themes of incredible faith and resilience amidst unimaginable circumstances, the power of love, forgiveness, and family, and more. Read it, and be encouraged to have the kind of faith that sustained Corrie through her hardships.


The Autobiography of George Muller, George Muller

George Muller was a German evangelist and founder of the Orphanage at Ashley Downs in Bristol, England. Müller was notable for his commitment to prayer and incredible reliance on God’s provision to fund his work, having never formally solicited donations. His autobiography details his life, from the early days in Germany to his work in England, chronicles his transformation from an unruly teenager to a devoted follower of Christ, and showcases his truly amazing testimony and faith in the Lord.


Keys to Spiritual Growth, John MacArthur

In this insightful book, MacArthur guides you through Scripture, showing you the doors to continued growth in grace and faith. First, he tells of the "master key" (a presupposition), the "master purpose" (the glory of God), and the "master plan" (how to glorify God). Then he devotes a chapter each to the keys of discipleship, including obedience, confession, love, prayer, fellowship, and others. This has been incredibly helpful for me in unlocking the riches of God and gaining spiritual maturement.


A Chance to Die, Elisabeth Elliot

A Chance to Die is, I believe, one of the best missionary books out there. It is written by the great Elisabeth Elliot, about Amy Carmichael. Amy Carmichael was an Irish missionary who served in India for 55 years and wrote some 35 books about her work! Her life story is extraordinary and so worth reading about.


Taking the World for Jesus Christ, Kevin Swanson

Taking the World for Jesus Christ is a history book that chronicles the history and spread of Christianity, the growth of the Church, and the Lord Jesus Christ's transforming influence in countries across every continent over the last 2,000 years. It is a wonderful resource for anyone wanting to seriously study world history through the lens of the Great Commission and how the early Church truly changed the world.


"Give yourself unto reading. The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains proves that he has no brains of his own. You need to read."


-Charles Spurgeon