In a world that can often feel overwhelmed with content, it can be hard to determine what is worth your time. That’s why Watermark’s Equipping Team has a created a list of 26 essential books for believers looking to grow in their faith. From Apologetics to Christian Fiction, these time-worn reads will help you better understand and apply Scripture as you look to become a more fully devoted follower of Christ. Happy reading!
By J.C. Ryle
If you are unfamiliar with or need an introduction to J.C. Ryle, then this short but mistitled book is for you. Ryle has long been a Pastor to this pastor, and I am grateful to him for his clarity and faithfulness to Truth. This is NOT a book for young men—this is a book ALL men should read and reread until they model, teach, and pass on its content to others. If you haven’t read this book yet, read it next!
—Todd Wagner
30 Days to Understanding the Bible
By Max Anders
One of the most transformational books out there because it helps you to understand THE book! Like starting a puzzle with all the border pieces, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible helps you build the structure for going deep in God’s Word.
—Patrick Blocker
By Larry Osborne
If you immediately think of someone else when you read this title, you need to read this book.
—Nathan Wagnon
By Lee Strobel
A hard-charging, take-no-prisoners reporter examines the story of Jesus Christ using all his investigative powers and techniques. As a result, Lee Strobel becomes convinced that the Gospels are true and that Jesus is who He says He is. Convinced me, too. Who do you say that Jesus is?
—Bobby Crotty
By C. S. Lewis
I first read the seven books of The Chronicles of Narnia in three weeks during law school. I could not put them down. I wept at the Stone Table scene in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. I have read them several times since and read them to my children a couple of times. They are children’s stories filled with insights into the nature of Christ that will captivate and instruct any adult. Aslan is not a tame lion, but he is good.
—Bobby Crotty
By Philip Yancey
When circumstances in your life are not making sense, Yancey helps you drive down stakes of God’s truth that lead to a confidence in God’s love for you and His ultimate goodness and a desire to know Him more.
—Krista Sanders
By Randy Alcorn
With all of the confusing cultural images of heaven, we needed a book based on biblical truth. I am so grateful Randy Alcorn has created a work that makes us long for heaven while we are still here on earth!
—Krista Sanders
By Philip Yancey
This book changed the way I viewed Jesus’ life while He was on the earth. Philip Yancey will help you understand the Gospels better, while also engaging your heart as you see more fully the Savior who died for you.
—Jayson Fisher
By Paul E. Little
This book is a foundational resource for every believer either to answer their own questions or equip them to answer tough questions from critics. Paul Little gives concise and direct answers to questions you will always desire to respond to well!
—Patrick Blocker
By Paul E. Little
Without knowing why you believe, you may throw your faith away when life gets difficult. Paul Little walks you through why you should trust in the God of the Scriptures.
—Jayson Fisher
J. I. Packer
Knowing God lays a sweet foundation for the heart of all of Christianity—to have a deep relationship with the Lord where you don’t just know ABOUT him, you actually know Him in an intimate way.
—Karen Henson
By Robert Coleman
This short read answers one single question, “How did Jesus make disciples?” By looking at the Master, we see the simplicity and beauty of what it means to be and make disciples.
—Derek Matthews
By C. S. Lewis
Mere Christianity is an excellent resource that unpacks a logical defense of the Christian faith. Lewis is thorough, yet compelling, as he engages with questions that believers and unbelievers alike commonly ask regarding Christianity.
—Karen Henson
Money, Possessions, and Eternity
By Randy Alcorn
We all have room to grow in viewing money and possessions as a tool and testimony to show the love of Christ to others. Randy Alcorn shows how viewing everything in light of eternity changes how you view the money and possessions God has given you to steward.
—Jayson Fisher
By Josh McDowell
More Than a Carpenter is a short, compelling apologetic of the Christian faith that focuses on who Jesus is and what He came to do. Josh McDowell, a former atheist, clearly explains the reliability of Scripture, the deity of Christ, and the significance of His resurrection. This book would be very helpful to young believers or skeptics.
—Gigi Hornberger
By Oswald Chambers
My Upmost for His Highest is a classic devotional with insightful daily readings that will draw you into the Lord’s presence as you drink deeply from sound theological truth.
—Gigi Hornberger
By Paul David Tripp
New Morning Mercies are daily reminders of God’s amazing grace and mercy through tender words and deep theology. You will be encouraged and strengthened through messages filled with gospel hope to apply to our daily struggles and celebrations.
—Gigi Hornberger
By Jen Wilkin
God is without equal; and yet we, as humans, attempt daily to put ourselves in His place. None Like Him counteracts this desire by reminding readers, chapter after chapter, of the distinctness of God. This book helped me focus on the characteristics that only God possesses, an exercise that was both humbling and refreshing.
—Karen Henson
By John Bunyan
This book helped me, in a creative and thought-provoking way, to better understand the journey that is following Jesus.
—Karen Henson
The Practice of the Presence of God
By Brother Lawrence
If you want to know what it’s like to be in the mind of a man consumed with the love of God, read this book. It’s one I return to often.
—Nathan Wagnon
By A. W. Tozer
The Pursuit of God pushes past surface-level religiosity and encourages readers to seek after God with great diligence and desire. It is a short book packed with words of wisdom that every believer should read and apply!
—Karen Henson
By Timothy Keller
Tim Keller uses reason and revelation to present the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith. This book is easily understood, yet thought provoking. Simply put, this is a modern day Mere Christianity.
—Derek Matthew
By C. S. Lewis
A C.S. Lewis classic that all believers should read. I have read it several times, read it to my children, listened to it as an audiobook, and seen it performed as a theatrical production. Uncanny insights into both our adversary’s stratagems and our Savior’s love and grace.
—Bobby Crotty
By Gregory Koukl
Tactics gives you the basic tools you need to boost your confidence in your ability to have conversations about Jesus.
—Nathan Wagnon
By Gene Edwards
Want to discover how to not be prideful in your youth or arrogant in your age? You will find A Tale of Three Kings to be a great read! Using the stories of Saul, David, and Absalom, Edwards unwraps the idea of true humility in each season of our lives.
—Patrick Blocker
By Jen Wilkin
No other book I’ve read has given me a better understanding on the why and the how we study God’s Word in so few words! It’s an easy read, packed full of truth, challenge, and inspiration to open your Bible and study.
—Krista Sanders