I’m not the first Christian in history.

Brothers and sisters throughout church history have walked with Christ, struggled with the Scriptures and engaged every kind of culture imaginable.

I’m not the only Christian alive today.

Brothers and sisters around the world are walking with Christ, struggling with the Scriptures and engaging every kind of culture imaginable.

The wonderful thing is, those brothers and sisters of the past wrote about what they learned. They shared their experiences in books. When we open the pages of those books and read, amazing things happen. We can benefit and learn and grow from those lessons they learned and those experiences they lived. Isn’t that wonderful?!

This is also true of those brothers and sisters who are alive today. Their words aren’t the word of God. Their books should never be mentioned in the same breath as Scripture. But, like a good sermon, books can help us know God more deeply. Like the words of a wise teacher who has studied the Scriptures for decades, books can help us grow in our understanding of the Bible.

I know this, because I have experienced it. I was not a “reader” when I became a Christian. But I desired to grow and I found that books helped me. Challenged me. Encouraged me.

I’m going to start compiling a list of books I think every Christian should read. In fact, I’m really hoping every member of CBC will read this first, short list as soon as you can:

• Free and Clear. So many important questions swirl around the issue of salvation—how exactly a person is saved from sin and given the promise of eternal life in heaven with God. This book by R. Larry Moyer is not a difficult read, but is one of the best for explaining the Gospel itself as well as several related issues such as, “What about repentance?” “Where does the Lordship of Christ fit in?” and “Is baptism essential for salvation?” This book is in the CBC Library.
• The Pursuit of God. This classic by A. W. Tozer has inspired many Christians to not settle for a mediocre spiritual life.
• Decision-Making and the Will of God. Gary Friesen challenges the traditional Christian approach to decision making and gives us practical principles for making everyday decisions. 
• Heaven. By Randy Alcorn. Another author named Stu Webber has said about this book, “Other than the Bible itself, this may well be the single most life-changing book you’ll ever read.”
• I’m Glad You Asked. Ken Boa and Larry Moody wrote this book to address the most common objections to Christianity and religion.
• Christianity in Crisis. Hank Hanegraaff’s classic has been revised and updated. Well worth your time.
• Can Man Live Without God? Ravi Zacharias exposes the emptiness of life without God. 
• The Grace Awakening. Chuck Swindoll squares off against legalism. This book might just set you free!
• Disappointment With God. Philip Yancey asks three questions no one asks aloud. If you’re disappointed with God, take this journey with Yancey. I’m confident it will help.
• The Measure of a Man. Gene Getz walks through the Bible’s explanation of what a mature, Christian man looks like. Every man should read this book…twice.
• He That Is Spiritual. This classic by Lewis Sperry Chafer breaks down the Bible’s teaching about true spirituality.