People often ask me for book recommendations on different topics, so I thought I would share a few here. Fair warning: I am quite picky about things I recommend to others –– books included! The ONLY book I have no hesitation recommending is the Bible. His word is tried (Psalm 18:30) and revives (Psalm 119:93). Those who hear it and observe it are blessed (Luke 11:28). So, I encourage reading it above all others. It will actually help you have discernment where other books are concerned.
I will update this list as I have more recommendations. Note that these do include affiliate links. Purchasing through my affiliate link helps me keep my website updated. But it in no way affects my recommendations. If you have questions or comments about any of my recommendations send me an email through my contact page. I’d love to hear from you and hear your thoughts on any you read. Happy Reading!
Apologetics, Culture, & the Church
| Faithfully Different: Regaining Biblical Clarity in a Secular Culture By Natasha Crain / Harvest House Publishers In an increasingly secular society, those who have a biblical worldview are now a shrinking minority. As mainstream culture grows more hostile toward the Bible’s truths and those who embrace them, you’ll face mounting pressures –– from family, friends, media, academia, and government –– to change and even abandon your beliefs. But these challenges also create abundant opportunities to stand strong for Christ and shine light to those hurt by the darkness of our day. In Faithfully Different, author and apologist Natasha Crain shares how you can live out your faith with conviction, discernment, and courage. You’ll be equipped to • identify and respond to today’s most significant worldview pressures, such as cancel culture, secular social justice, progressive Christianity, deconstruction, virtue signaling, and more • engage effectively with a world that ridicules biblical truths • defend your faith from misguided influences and live as a bold witness for the Lord As the standards of our day mutate and devolve, Faithfully Different will give you the insight and encouragement you need to believe, think, and live biblically no matter what you face in these turbulent times. |
| Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God’s Grand Story By Christopher Yuan / Multnomah How do we apply the essence of the gospel to a gay loved one? In what ways can we better walk with truth and grace alongside a fellow Christian with same-sex attractions? Holy Sexuality and the Gospel offers theological and practical insights that leads us to find our identity in Christ – not in our sexuality. Dr. Christopher Yuan explores the concept of holy sexuality – chastity in singleness or faithfulness in marriage – in a practical and relevant manner, equipping readers with an accessible yet robust theology of sexuality. Whether you want to share Christ with a loved one who identifies as gay or you’re wrestling with questions of identity yourself, this book will help you better understand sexuality in light of God’s grand story and realize that holy sexuality is actually good news for all. |
Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality
By Nancy R. Pearcey / Baker Books
Following up on her bestseller Total Truth, Pearcey explores the pervasive hostility toward the body and biology in secular culture. In this intelligent and insightful work, she exposes inherent ways in which homosexuality disconnects sexuality from biological identity; abortion discounts the personhood of a human fetus; euthanasia jeopardizes the protection of those with cognitive challenges; and more.
| Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters By Abigal Shrier / Regnery Publishing Irreversible Damage is an exploration of a mystery: Why, in the last decade, has the diagnosis “gender dysphoria”, transformed from a vanishingly rare affliction, applying almost exclusively to boys and men, to an epidemic among teenage girls? Author Abigail Shrier presents shocking statistics and stories from real families to show that America and the West have become fertile ground for a “transgender craze” that has nothing to do with real gender dysphoria and everything to do with our cultural frailty. Teenage girls are taking courses of testosterone and disfiguring their bodies. Parents are undermined; experts are over-relied upon; dissenters in science and medicine are intimidated; free speech truckles under renewed attack; socialized medicine bears hidden consequences; and an intersectional era has arisen in which the desire to escape a dominant identity encourages individuals to take cover in victim groups. Every person who has ever had a skeptical thought about the sudden rush toward a non-binary future but been afraid to express it – this book is for you. |
| Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice By Thaddeus J. Williams / Zondervan In today’s volatile climate, it’s vital to be–or become–a people who seek justice. But for Christians, this must be a social justice that is truly biblical, fashioned according to God’s ways. With input from a diverse range of theologians, sociologists, artists, and activists, Thaddeus Williams addresses topics of racism, sexuality, abortion, culture, tribalism, identity politics, and more in Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth. |
| Another Gospel? A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity By Alisa Childers / Tyndale Momentum A movement seeks to redefine Christianity. Some think that it is a much-needed progressive reformation. Others believe that it is an attack on historic Christianity. Alisa Childers never thought she would question her Christian faith. She was raised in a Christian home, where she had seen her mom and dad feed the hungry, clothe the homeless, and love the outcast. She had witnessed God at work and then had dedicated her own life to leading worship, as part of the popular Christian band ZOEgirl. All that was deeply challenged when she met a progressive pastor, who called himself a hopeful agnostic. Another Gospel? describes the intellectual journey Alisa took over several years as she wrestled with a series of questions that struck at the core of the Christian faith. After everything she had ever believed about God, Jesus, and the Bible had been picked apart, she found herself at the brink of despair . . . until God rescued her, helping her to rebuild her faith, one solid brick at a time. In a culture of endless questions, you need solid answers. If you or someone you love has encountered the ideas of progressive Christianity and aren’t sure how to respond, Alisa’s journey will show you how to determine –– and rest in ––what’s unmistakably true. “This may be the most influential book you will read this year.” –– Lee Strobel, bestselling author of The Case for Miracles |
| Person of Interest: Why Jesus Still Matters in a World that Rejects the Bible By J. Warner Wallace / Zondervan Reflective Imagine investigating a murder where there was no crime scene, physical evidence, or body. How could you prove your case? Drawing on his experience as a homicide detective, Wallace employs an innovative strategy to examine historical claims about Jesus that confirm his authenticity –– without relying on New Testament manuscripts. A powerful tool to reach seekers! |
| Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions, 10th Anniversary Edition By Gregory Koukl / Zondervan This expanded anniversary edition includes updates and expansions of existing tactics, as well as the addition of an all-new tactic and a chapter on Mini Tactics filled with simple maneuvers to aid in discussions. In a world increasingly indifferent to Christian truth, followers of Christ need to be equipped to communicate with those who do not speak their language or accept their source of authority. Tactics, 10th Anniversary Edition, Gregory Koukl demonstrates how to artfully regain control of conversations, keeping them moving forward in constructive ways through thoughtful diplomacy. You’ll learn how to stop challengers in their tracks and how to turn the tables on questions or provocative statements. Most important, you’ll learn how to get people thinking about Jesus. Tactics provides the game plan for communicating the compelling truth about Christianity with confidence and grace. Drawing on extensive experience defending Christianity in the public square, Koukl shows readers how to: • Initiate conversations effortlessly • Present the truth clearly, cleverly, and persuasively • Graciously and effectively expose faulty thinking • Skillfully manage the details of dialogue • Maintain an engaging, disarming style even under attack |
Bibles & Bible Study
| NASB New Inductive Study Bible, Hardcover By Harvest House Publishers The NASB New Inductive Study Bible is designed to encourage you to study the Bible for yourself, rather than relying on the interpretation of commentaries. It presents an inductive method of study and Bible marking which leads you directly back to the source, allowing God’s Word to become its own commentary. Its study tools and questions teaches you how to understand and apply Scripture to your own life. Through an effective system of Bible-marking, the Bible itself becomes a personal record of insight and growth. Contains the Updated NASB. Special features include: • Step-by-step instruction in the acclaimed “inductive study method” • Beautifully illustrated diagrams of: … The Tabernacle & The High Priest in his Priestly Garments … Solomon’s Temple … Herod’s Temple … The Temple Mount – During the Second Temple Period … Timeline of Israel’s history from Adam to Modern Times • Single-column format • Inner-margin cross-references • Individualized overviews and instructions for every book of the Bible • Wider margins for note-taking • 24 pages of maps and charts • Black letter • Bible Study Helps section includes: … Understanding the Value of God’s Word … Major Events in Israel’s History … Historical and Grammatical Helps … Bible Reading Plans … Harmony of the Gospels … Historical Charts index … Topical Charts index … Maps index … Illustrations index … NASB Concordance … 8 Pages of Color Maps • Blank pages for personal notes • 9-point text size • 9.50″ x 6.50″ 2.00″ Discover how letting God’s Word speak for itself is the best way to experience its life-transforming power! |
| ESV Illuminated Bible, Art Journaling Edition–cloth over board, eggplant By Crossway Art journaling is a great way to creatively interact with the Word of God. The ESV Illuminated Bible places the full ESV text alongside over 500 elegantly hand-lettered gold ink illustrations by renowned artist Dana Tanamachi, encouraging readers to illumine the words of Scripture by adding their own artwork and color to each page. Printed on thick cream-colored paper, the Bible’s single-column text setting and wide margins provide generous space for additional notes, prayers, and designs-inviting readers to creatively engage with and reflect on the beauty of God’s Word. Features: • 9-point, Lexicon • 2-color printing • 64 full-page, custom book opener illustrations • 50 full-page verse illustrations • 250+ hand-lettered margin verses • 100+ other illustrations throughout • Illustrated by Dana Tanamachi, whose work has been featured by Google, The Wall Street Journal, Random House, USPS, and Target • Thick, cream-colored paper • Wide margins • Single-column format • Smyth-sewn binding• |
| How to Study Your Bible: Discover the Life-Changing Approach to God’s Word By Kay Arthur, David Arthur & Pete De Lacy / Harvest House Publishers Want to dive deeper into Scripture? Learn to cultivate the skills of observation, interpretation, and application – and become an active participant in God’s Word! This dynamic guide presents a systematic approach that includes keywords, context studies, comparisons and contrasts, topical studies, and more. A life-changing resource to help you live boldly in God’s truths! Lay-flat softcover. |
| Lord, Teach Me to Study the Bible in 28 Days By Kay Arthur / Harvest House Publishers Learn to mine the riches of God’s Word for yourself with Bible teacher Arthur’s tried-and-true tools. Using select practice passages for each technique, her hands-on workbook explains keyword searches; contexts; themes; interpreting Scripture with Scripture; metaphorical and literal phrases; the use of cross-references and multiple translations; and word, topical, and character studies. Life-transforming! 160 pages, lay-flat softcover from Harvest. |
| Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds, Second Edition By Jen Wilkin / Crossway When you consider studying God’s Word, do you wonder where to begin? Do lack of time and past frustrations discourage you? Wilkin helps Christian women keep their focus and sustain their passion when reading Scripture! In this fresh edition of her bestseller, she’s added study questions to each chapter to train your mind and transform your heart. 170 pages, softcover from Crossway. |
| How to Study Your Bible, for Kids – Discover 4 Yourself Series By Kay Arthur & Janna Arndt / Harvest House Publishers Put on your deerstalker hat, grab your magnifying glass, and join the M-and-M Detective Agency to discover what the Bible is all about! In this inductive study, your 9- to 12-year-olds will examine the scene (context); interpret clues (who, what, where, why, and when); unscramble secret messages (memory verses); and use their walkie-talkies (prayer). 185 pages, softcover from Harvest. |
Parenting
| Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies By Harvest House Publishers The problem with lies is they don’t often sound like lies. They seem harmless, and even sound right. So what’s a Mama Bear to do when her kids seem to be absorbing the culture’s lies uncritically? Mama Bear ApologeticsTM; is the book you’ve been looking for. This mom-to-mom guide will equip you to teach your kids how to form their own biblical beliefs about what is true and what is false. Through transparent life stories and clear, practical applications – including prayer strategies – this band of Mama Bears offers you tools to train yourself, so you can turn around and train your kids. Are you ready to answer the rallying cry, “Mess with our kids and we will demolish your arguments”? Join the Mama Bears and raise your voice to protect your kids – by teaching them how to think through and address the issues head-on, yet with gentleness and respect. Foreword written by Nancy Pearcey. |
| Talking with Your Kids about Jesus: 30 Conversations Every Christian Parent Must Have By Natasha Crain / Baker Books You’re aware that today’s world will test your children’s Christian faith—but do you know the specific challenges, how to talk about them, and what that means on a day-to-day basis? Crain’s guide prepares you for essential conversations about Jesus’ identity, teachings, death, and resurrection—and the difference each one makes. Adaptable to any age. Foreword by Lee Strobel. 304 pages, softcover from Baker. |
| Keeping Your Kids on God’s Side: 40 Conversations to Help Them Build a Lasting Faith By Natasha Crain / Harvest House Publishers Are your children facing criticism of Christianity while they’re at school, with friends, or online? Perhaps they’ve already expressed some doubts about God. Crain responds to 40 challenging questions that kids face today. Learn how to replace their doubts with confidence, encourage open dialogue, and equip them to defend their faith. |
Worship
| Whatever Happened to Worship: A Call to True Worship By A.W. Tozer / Wingspread Tozer calls God the “Composer of the Cosmos,” the “Chief Musician of the Universe.” He calls on the birds to chirp their beautiful tune in the coolness and tranquility of a spring morning, simply because that is what He designed them to do. Each note is wonderfully constructed by God, uniquely bringing praise to His name. With this inspiring perspective on worship, Tozer invites his readers to take a deep look into the ways in which we worship and why. He reminds us that we were created solely for the purpose of worshipping the Father and seeking fellowship in His delight. This new edition now includes “Worship: The Missing Jewel of the Evangelical Church,” first published in Alliance Life magazine in 1965 and still profound today! |
Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy
By Nancy Leigh DeMoss / Moody Publishers
Develop an attitude of gratitude and experience the joy of the Lord! Encouraging you to choose to live a life of humble thankfulness, DeMoss shows how embracing intentional gratefulness can free you from bitterness so you can serve Christ and others. Includes a 30-day program of journaling, prayer, and activities. 240 pages, softcover from Moody.
Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God
By Bob Kauflin / Crossway
Learn to root your corporate worship in unchanging biblical principles rather than divisive trends. Kauflin’s practical guide focuses on the devastating effects of worshiping the wrong things; basing praise on God’s self-revelation rather than our assumptions; managing healthy tensions; and maintaining relationships in the worshiping community. Includes a special word for pastors and leaders. 256 pages, softcover from Crossway.
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