Christians are people of words – help yourself become a good reader. Here are 10 core titles that would give you a solid grounding and a good start.

1. The Bible!
   

If you could only read one book then make sure it is the Bible. A great deal – 66 books in one volume! Win.  Good translations (of the many out there) include the New International Version, the Holman Bible, the English Standard Version, the King James Version (if you like older language) and most recently the Christian Standard Bible. My suggestion is pick the translation above that is used in your Church sermons.

2. More than a Carpenter – Josh McDowell

This is a good little book which will introduce you to Jesus. If you are looking for a good book to give to someone you want to introduce to Jesus – this will do you well.

3. Knowing God – J.I. Packer

This book gives you a good basis in Christian Truth. God by nature is so big and amazing, this is a helpful book to get you looking at the character and concerns of God.

4. The Atonement – by L. Morris or The Cross of Christ –by J. Stott

Both of these books aim to help the reader understand the significance of the cross of Christ. The most recent edition of the John Stott’s The Cross of Christ comes with an excellent study guide.

5. According to Plan – Graeme Goldsworthy

This book will help you understand how the Bible fits together – it helpfully looks at God’s unfolding salvation plan fulfilled by Jesus (Biblical Theology). If you find this book a little heavy, then God’s Big Picture by Vaughan Roberts may be a good alternative.

6. Reason for God – Tim Keller

This book give you a good basis for defending your faith. For the believer or the skeptic, this is an engaging read.

7. Praying with Paul : A Call for Spiritual Reformation – D.A. Carson

This book will give you good basis for thinking about prayer and then challenge you to pray.

8. The Trellis and the Vine – C.M. Marshall and T Payne

This book is a practical ministry book which places the ‘how’ of ministry in the context of the ‘why’.

9. Disciplines of a Godly Man – R.Kent Hughes or Disciplines of a Godly Woman – Barbara Hughes

These books aim to help the Christian man or woman give attention to practices of godliness. Very helpful.

10. Jesus & the Rise of Early Christianity – P. Barnett

Understanding the original setting into which Jesus arrived and from which his good news first spread is helpful for understanding the historical importance of Christianity. This book is a great introduction.

These books you can get in both hard copy or e-book. Go to: the Book Depository or Koorong to order online.

Happy reading.

For a helpful article on ‘Active Reading’ from Chris Metcalf go here.

Feel free to offer other suggestions (and why) in the comments.