rebelling against low expectations

What Christian books do you recommend? How have they helped you grow spiritually?

By Discussion Questions
October 28, 2014
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Discussion Questions

are submitted by real rebelutionaries who are looking for godly answers to tough questions and lively conversation with other young adults. You can join the conversation by commenting below. If you'd like to submit your own discussion question, email us at [email protected].

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  • Here’s a list that really helped me:
    • The Bible.
    • Do Hard Things.
    • Holy Discontent
    • Exploring Creation with Biology, chapter 9
    • Not even a Hint (Joshua Harris)

    That’s all I got. God bless and don’t stress,
    – Trent

  • – Forgotten God (Francis Chan)
    – The Bible
    – Do Hard Things
    – The Accessible Apologetics Workbook

    And “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” helped my sister a lot.
    ~Lily

  • I’ve read a lot of books.

    1. The Bible
    2. The Case for Faith
    3. Do Hard Things
    4. Mere Christianity (is a good one)
    5. The Greatest Hoax on Earth

    I’m still reading…

  • “Desiring God” by John Piper deeply impacted how I viewed my spiritual life and taught me a lot about joy. “The Holiness of God” by R.C. Sproul and “Name above all Names” by Alistair Begg and Sinclair Ferguson shaped my understanding of who God is.

    For girls, I’d really recommend “The True Woman” by Susan Hunt. It moves past some of the basics of biblical femininity and gives a more robust explanation. It’s great to read with your mom (like I did) or another female. 🙂

    I’ve also been greatly ministered to by theological works from by-gone eras, like Jonathan Edwards’ “The Religious Affections” and Calvin’s, “The Institutes.” There are great treasures in these old works. They’re tougher for sure, but they’re worth it!

  • I strongly suggest these books:
    –Epic by John Eldredge
    –The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
    –The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
    –The Westminster Confession of Faith & Catechisms
    –Postmodern Times by Gene Edward Veith
    –Foxe’s Book of Martyrs
    –Knowing God by J.I. Packer

    Any books by these authors are great:
    –Dallas Willard
    –C.S. Lewis (I recommend “The Great Divorce”)
    –Tim Keller
    –Augustine of Hippo (especially “The City of God” and “Confessions”)
    –Dietrich Bonhoeffer
    –John Piper (“Desiring God” is a good one)
    –Lee Strobel (his most popular is “The Case for Christ”)
    –William Lane Craig
    –Martin Luther
    –Francis Shaeffer (“How Should We Then Live?” is a favorite)
    –Edith Shaeffer

    For Girls:
    –Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge
    –Free to be Me by Stasi Eldredge

  • Thanks for these recommendations, i’m definitely going to check some of these out. A few of my favorites…
    “Radical” by David Platt (this one is a must read)
    “The pursuit of God” by Aw Tozer
    “A Young Women after Gods own heart” by Elizabeth George
    “Discover Your Destiny” by Cary Schmidt
    All of these have challenged me so much spiritually. The last two are especially great for teens.

  • In addition to the incredible selections already recommended, may I add:

    –The Naked Gospel, Drew Farley. Actually, anything by Dr Farley is awesome.
    –Lord Foulgrin’s Letters, Randy Alcorn (an “email” reboot of Lewis’ Screwtape Letters)
    –Heaven, Randy Alcorn (Randy’s take on what Heaven will be like.)
    –The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence (Br Lawrence was a monk several centuries ago. This is a collection of his letters to friends about his relationship with the Lord. No book outside Scripture has changed my relationship with Him like this one…although The Naked Gospel is a *very* close second.)

    There are also about a half dozen devotionals that tell the stories behind old hymns of the faith–that’s about 6 years worth of daily encouragements, since most of the m are 365 entries each.

    My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers (a devotional)

    Loads of sermons by Jonathan Edwards (“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” is his most well known, and probably his worst sermon…go figure!) The Puritans had some really good mind stretching stuff. Be aware that they can be really tough plowing–long sermons were a major source of entertainment back then. Massive “run on sentences”–not at all like a 140 character Tweet! But what is that saying around here…oh, yeah…Do Hard Things. 😉

  • Do Hard Things
    Start Here (I’m not quite done with this one yet)
    Foxe’s Book of Martyers (It’s more like a list of people who died for their faith but it’s really sobering)
    Girls Gone Wise (It was a good reminder to me that christians are supposed to be different from the people of the world)
    The Left Behind books (I have most of them, when I wasn’t saved they scared me a lot because they helped me know what I would go through if I didn’t get saved)
    The Bible ( because “the Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.”)

  • Haha, I could tell you used Apologia Biology from one of your comments on here, because your points were straight from the textbook. I took it twice; it’s a great course!

  • I started reading that Elizabeth George one but I forgot about it until now. (one of the disadvantages of reading several books at once.)

  • Oh my goodness! I can’t believe I forgot the left behind books! Yes, most definitely!

    Also, I recommend the Left Behind – The Kids. Despite the name, it’s really a teenage version. God bless!

  • If you’re really interested in the Creation/Evolution debate, “Total Truth” by Nancy Pearcey is great. While Apologia was good, this one confronts the issue from so many more angles. It’s not even strictly a Creation/Evolution book, but it’s still fantastic. I find myself constantly recommending it.

  • Thanks, dude! I will check that out. Do you by any chance have a hyperlink I could press?

    If not, I will probably just borrow it from the library. God bless, man.

  • 1. Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris
    and 2. Thrive by Mark Hall

    Both these books talked about doing more than what you think is your best. Here’s a quote from Thrive that spoke to me:

    You were not meant to struggle to make it through the week, the day, the next hour. You were not meant for your world to feel like a weight, for the break of dawn to be the starter pistol for another meaningless rat race. You were not meant to be shackled by anxiety, worry, and fear. No, you were meant for so much more. (Pg.9)

  • -The Bible
    -Through My Eyes (Tim Tebow)
    -Boyhood and Beyond (Bob Schultz)
    -Thoughts for Young Men (J. C. Ryle)
    -Boys of Grit

    I really loved, Through My Eyes: A Quarterback’s Journey. It really shows how much perseverance Tebow had, and even has a specific verse for each chapter.

  • -The Bible (God)
    -The Answers book 1(Ken Ham)
    -Do Hard Things (Harris)
    -Peace Child (Don Richardson)
    -Eric Liddell (Catherine Swift)
    These books are all great! They have strengthened my faith, all in different ways!

  • Haven’t read any of Dr. Farley’s books yet, but can highly recommend everything else you listed! Randy Alcorn is a friend and mentor to Alex and me and his books have really encouraged us. Every Christian should read Heaven.

  • Randy is quite the encourager. You are blessed to have him as a mentor.

    Drew Farley is the pastor of Ecclesia in Texas. Sorry, can’t pull the city out of the brain cramp just now. (ecclesia.com, andrewfarley.com)

    His doctorate is in biblical languages, especially Greek. (I only have a minor in Greek; only took 4 1/2 years in seminary)–I have to admit being rather biased since he is as into words & language as I am…more actually. He has an app for Android to stream his sermons, lessons, podcasts–all of which are available via iTunes as well. I am particularly fond of his study of Hebrews, although as I mentioned before, anything he’s done will be worth the time reading or listening to it.

    His tag line for The Naked Gospel is “Jesus Plus Nothing.” All of his material is about living in the Grace by which we are saved–what it looks like when accurately lived out. Neither legalism nor license, but real freedom.

    I recommend reading or listening for yourself, since he is much more…eloquent isn’t the word, since he’s a very down to earth, plain speaking kind of guy…I guess he “just” understands the ideas and materials so well he can explain with great ease. I am not the communicator he is.

    I agree about believers reading Randy’s “Heaven”. I can’t recall the title of the first book of his I read–it was a science fiction story about someone traveling back in time, not to meet Jesus, but Paul. I was taken with the attention to detail about 1st Century culture, both Greek & Hebrew…that led me to looking for other goodies he wrote. Weren’t as many way back in the day…

    On the last note (for now), it is a huge blessing to me to see so many participants on this site, and knowing that it means there is a growing number of younger believers looking to turn the world upside down!

  • Oh wow! You guys can really recommend good stuff 🙂 I find it hard to read Christian books in my spare(?!) time because I’m studying theology but there are several not academic books which have been a big influence on my life. I’d seriously recommend Disciplines of a Godly Man/Woman/Young Man by Barbara Hughes and her husband. I’d also really recommend True Discipleship by William MacDonald and the Broken Hearted Evangelist by Jeremy Walker.
    On the other hand, if you’re looking for people’s stories, Sabrina Wurmbrand’s story and Hudson Taylor’s are pretty encouraging but don’t read them without tissues. They’re heartbreaking, uplifting, and challenging all at the same time 🙂
    Disciplines has helped me grow because I’m not that focussed really. The others have challenged how I see the world and lost people and even myself in relation to God. They’re worth reading. So is Desiring God like Jaquelle says but I struggled with that one. I find Piper’s writing style a bit hard to get my head round.
    Ooh! Last one, I promise! The Edge of Reason by Francis Schaeffer is amazing. It has really helped me to understand how our culture works and how to live a godly life in it and how to evangelize and stuff. It’s quite short but helpful anyway 🙂

  • Oh boy… here are some, but I know I’ll forget lots…

    -Mere Christianity by C S Lewis
    -The Pursuit of Holiness and the Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges
    -Money, Possessions and Eternity by Randy Alcorn (not just a finance book!)
    -Any of the ‘Christian Heroes:Then and Now’ biography series
    -The Artful Dodger by Alan Scholes (apologetic)
    -But Don’t All Religions Lead to God? by Michael Green

    For girls:
    -Secret Keeper by Dannah Gresh (Modesty)
    -Get Lost by Dannah Gresh (MUST READ!!!!)
    -Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Mally

    Fiction:
    -Knights of Arrethtrae series by Chuck Black (Oh my gosh, these are amazing!!! Awesome fiction, but they also draw you closer to God. I’ve also heard the Kingdom series by the same author is just as epic.)
    -DragonKeeper series by Donita K. Paul (dito to above.)

  • Oh! Sorry, one more thing. If you’re looking for stuff to read, there’s a website called Christian Classics Ethereal Library and they have loads of stuff from throughout church history so devotionals, biographies, hymns, commentaries… you’ve just got to sift through. Or if you’re looking for a topic in particular you can just search it. It’s a great resource. They have a few different languages and plenty of topics. Here’s a link:

    http://www.ccel.org/

    Have fun. And never stop reading. I’ve found the more you read, the more you understand and the less you know 😉

  • The Peacemaker by Ken Sande. A must read for all who believe in Jesus it will transform the way you relate to others in big ways.

  • So many good books!
    But my favorites include Waking the Dead by John Eldredge, Captivating by John and Staci Eldredge, So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore, and Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Mally.
    For a little lighter read try the Mr. Pipes Series by Douglas Bond, which follow the adventures of two American teens and their British companion, Mr Pipes, as they discover the Hymn writers.
    For guys looking for fiction, Douglas Bond has written several great books (can’t remember all the titles at the moment – but one is “Hostage Lands”.) And my dad is currently rereading the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Petersen – be prepared to laugh. 🙂
    This is definitely the short list. (I am a certified book lover/worm.) SO if you are looking for more titles – just let me know! 🙂 Have fun reading!
    In Christ,
    Lauren

  • The one book that has impacted my Christian life the most is “Delighting in the Trinity” by Michael Reeves. Changed the way of view of God tremendously. Sounds like a boring book, but I honestly was more excited about that book than any other I have ever read.

  • For sure the Bible! And “Do Hard Things”!!! Also “Heaven is for Real” by Todd Burpo. That one was amazing. Really helped me to understand heaven and made me question my faith in asking why can’t my faith be as simple as a child? I know the older we get, the more we know, the more we think and question. But Jesus is so simple and I know I tend to forget that simple love Christ has.

  • Do Hard Things and Start Here-Alex and Brett Harris 🙂
    ProLife Answers to ProChoice Arguments-Randy Alcorn (THE best prolife book EVER–totally defeats all arguments! gives you a great abortion education)
    Love the Least (A Lot)-Michael Spielman
    Not a fan-Kyle Idleman (still reading this one)
    Radical-David Platt (helps you think about what Jesus actually said and how we can live the real Gospel and the Great Commission)
    Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire: What Happens when God’s Spirit Invades the Hearts of His People-Jim Cymbala
    Fresh Faith-Jim Cymbala
    Mere Christianity-C.S. Lewis (I don’t agree with everything it says, but it’s a good one to read; it makes you think)
    Lord Foulgrin’s Letters-Randy Alcorn (helps you think about the ways the devil may be trying to trip you up)

    There are a gazillion others, but there’s a start. 🙂

  • The Left Behind books are my most favorite series of all times. however, it can be really hard to make sure that it doesn’t set the impression that in the end times, a priest named Zion will save everyone, have his family murdered, or that the Satanic Person will be named Nicolae Carpathia. I am NOT accusing anyone, but this is something that must be kept into perspective when reading these kinds of books. also, the Bible is not clear on whether people will be “caught up in the clouds” before, in the middle, or after the tribulation. in the book, they disappear once before, than they are gathered together at the end

  • The Bible
    Left Behind
    Do Hard Things (still reading, almost done)
    God Guy
    Multiple articles by Ken Ham about creation
    I will soon be starting one on Muslim religion, and how it compares to Christianity.
    Any other awesome suggestions?

  • I know there are many, but right this moment I can think of only three books that have significantly shaped my life (apart from the Bible) these last couple of years.

    • I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Josh Harris
    and
    • Boy Meets Girl by Josh Harris
    were God-delivered right into my hand at the exact time I needed it last year. I learned a huge lesson plus so many little ones about relationships and love that I think everyone, man and woman, should know.

    • The Reason: How I Discovered A Life Worth Living by Lacey Sturm
    This book is the biography of my inspiration and role model, Lacey Nicole Sturm. Her testimony is *incredible* and her words are so powerful and inspirational. She has the most beautiful soul and I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
    Her story, before, during, and after as the ex-lead singer of the band Flyleaf, is out of the ordinary and delivers the message of God in such a truthful, blunt form, but is so kind and loving at the same time.
    All I can say is that it turned my world around more than I thought it already could and helped me reconnect with God in a way I haven’t in a long time. High praises for this book!

  • I agree, it is important that we keep in perspective that the left behind books are faction (part fiction and part fact). The Bible is specifically states that the tribulation is for the lost not the believers. in Revelation 3:10 it says “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” In that verse it says specifically and clearly that God will keep believers from the “hour of temptation” (the tribulation).

  • The Bible (My favorite is Psalm 51)
    Do Hard Things – Alex and Brett Harris
    The Harbingers
    The Shack – William Young
    Thr3e – Ted Dekker
    Heaven’s Wager – Ted Dekker
    Watchmen
    This Present Darkness – Frank Peretti (I think that’s how you spell his name lol.)
    Fahrenheit 451
    Clone Codes
    The Screwtape Letters – C.S. Lewis
    The Four Loves – C.S. Lewis
    The Chronicles of Narnia series – C.S. Lewis
    Mere Christianity – C.S. Lewis
    Summa Theologica – St. Thomas Aquinas
    The Divine Trilogy – Dante
    Laches – Plato
    The Essays – Montaigne
    The Five Love Languages – Gary Chapman

  • Absolutely true. Any other books that you would recommend as very influential? I haven’t had chance to read very many…

  • Well I haven’t read many either I prefer reading fiction novels and stuff like that but, here’s the short list of what ones I can think of off the top of my head.
    Locker 572 (it’s not exactly a christian book but it still has a good message)
    The Terrestria Chronicles ( the first book in the series is The Sword the Ring and the Parchment)
    The Methuselah Chronicles (beware these are faction books as well. I’m not sure what the first book in that series was)
    I guess that could be considered a short list or a long list depending on how you look at it, but that”s all I could think of off the top of my head. Lately I’ve been re reading the Terrestria Chronicles again because I really enjoyed them. They’re sort of like faction but written more like Pilgrim’s Progress. btw it was really hard to find Locker 572 they didn’t have it at my library so I ended up borrowing it from my cousin. I’m not sure if you’re one of those people who buys books or not I just figured I should let you know.

  • Haha, I know what you mean. I think im reading like 4 right now. Well whenever you get the chance to finish, I think you would really enjoy it!

  • They all sound great!!! If you like fiction novels, the Chronicles of Narnia are a great Christian set. I’ve read them all several times. You should check it out!

  • I read all the Narnia books but I found them to be more Catholic than Christian. But I guess that’s what you get when the author is a Catholic.

  • Reckless Abandon -David Sitton
    A Chance to Die -Elisabeth Elliot
    Kisses From Katie -Katie Davis
    God’s Smuggler -Brother Andrew
    Radical -David Platt

  • Meditation by James Downing
    Anything and everything by C.S. Lewis (especially the Screwtape Letters)
    The book of James

  • I also love I Kissed Dating Goodbye and Boy Meets Girl by Joshua Harris, Alex and Brett’s older brother. 🙂 You guys just have a whole family full of writers!!

  • “Living the Cross Centered Life” by C.J. Mahaney
    He is a great speaker and leader, I have heard him in person. Its not a long book, but it is so well written and highlights some amazing truths.

    “Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books” by Tony Reinke
    Yes, it is a book about reading books! Also not a long book, or a book exclusively for people who like to read. I want to be a writer, so it was great for me, but its about approaching what we read with a Gospel outlook.

    I generally don’t read teen books, because most of the secular teen books are about things I shouldn’t read about, and I’d rather challenge myself a little more, so I read “Do Hard Things.”

  • “Unshakable” by Tai Sophia
    “Return to Me” by Reba Bowman
    Lots of books by Elisabeth George
    fortheloveofjesuschrist.weebly.com

  • I love reading in general (as long as it’s not required for school) so I could make a list pages long, but here are a few:

    Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman–I read this book on my own and then was part of a small group that did a study on it. It convicted me because I sometimes fall into a trap of sitting on the sidelines and admiring other people who are living godly lives and doing great things for Christ instead of taking action and joining them on the field.

    Is that Really You, God? by Loren Cunningham–it’s been a while since I read this one, but I know I really liked it.

    If you want to Walk on Water, you’ve got to get out of the Boat by John Ortberg–I just recently started this book, but one of my favorite lines so far is, “You were made for something more than merely avoiding failure.”

    I also enjoy books about missionaries. I’ve read dozens in the Christian Heroes Then and Now series by Janet and Geoff Benge, and many others as well. Some of my favorites are about Nate Saint, Jim Elliot, Rachel Saint, Elizabeth Elliot, Hudson Taylor, David Livingstone, and Cameron Townsend.

  • Practicing The Presence Of Jesus.

    The Alchemist.
    The Shack.

    He Loves Me.
    Mere Christianity.
    So You Don’t Want To Go To Church Anymore.
    Age Of The Christ.
    Wild At Heart.

    Anything by Wayne Jacobsen is good too.

  • Hate to be contrary, but CS Lewis was an Anglican. His religion growing up, before he became an atheist and then converted to christianity, was Ulster Protestant. And if you would like to know exactly where he stood on Christianity, read Mere Christianity by Lewis. Possibly the greatest Christian book of the last century.

  • Agreed! Read Christianity for Modern Pagans by Pascal and Kreeft. Hard read, but fantastic and convicting insights.

  • Non-Fiction:
    -Crazy Love by Francis Chan
    -Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman
    -The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
    -Confessions by Augustine

    Fiction:
    -Prophet by R.J. Larson

  • I usually stick to non-fiction, but I remembered a few Christian novels that have been pretty powerful to me over the years (some of which were already mentioned):

    “The Bronze Bow” by Elizabeth George Speare. (I cried.)
    “In His Steps” by Charles Sheldon. (This one sparked the whole WWJD? craze, and is probably my favorite novel of all time.)
    “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis.
    The Left Behind series by Tim Lahaye an Jerry Jenkins.
    “This Present Darkness” by Frank Peretti.
    “The Pilgrim’s Progress” by John Bunyan.

  • I’ve read so many amazing Christian books that I want even attempt to mention them all, but here are a few that I’ve read recently and really enjoyed.

    Fearless by Max Lucado – Fantastic book, full of encouraging words for facing any kind of fearful situation you can imagine (plus the ones you forgot about!).

    (This one’s for girls) The Cinderella Rule by Bethany Jett – This is probably one of my favorite Christian books ever (excluding the Bible, of course!). It is a book about dating, but, besides being a very good book in that respect alone, it goes above and beyond in encouraging you in your walk with Jesus. I wrote a full review here: http://theteentheme.wordpress.com/2014/07/10/book-review-the-cinderella-rule-by-bethany-jett/ I can’t say enough good things about this book!

    Do Hard Things–and I’m not just saying this because… well, you know! This book has really impacted and influenced my life for the better, and I will always thank God for the day that my youth pastor gave me a copy. 🙂

    God bless!
    Christy

  • Experiencing God by Henry T. Blackaby & Claude V. King
    The True Vine by Andrew Murray
    My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
    It’s been listed before, but the Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis are really incredible–even though I read them so long ago they still really stick with me.
    The Prayer of Jabez by Dr. Bruce H. Wilkinson was a good book but is controversial as far as I’m told, so, it’s up to the moderators to tell you more about that one, I haven’t read it in a while.
    The Ransomed Heart a collection of devotional readings by John Eldredge

  • Oh my goodness, so, I was scanning the comments to see if anyone would mention Chuck Black’s AMAZING books and you did. Haven’t read the Knights of Arrethtrae yet, but my library system has them on order for me…I am very impatiently waiting for them!

  • My personal policy is to only respond once to online rebuttals.

    I would suggest that you research CS Lewis more yourself. I only made it through part of that article, but only what I did read contained a myriad of logical problems. Sorry to be harsh. I don’t know how else to say it. Read it again looking for ad hominem attacks, association fallacy, and cherry picking. It would not hold up in an academic court of opinion.

    I will say that Lewis was humanly fallible. But don’t reject him without careful thought and research, for it would be unjust.

  • For the both of you, I have just started Crazy Love. It is an awesome book!!!!! Anyone else read it before?

  • Bible
    Do Hard Things
    Left behind
    Narnia
    Knights of Arrethtrae
    Crazy Love

    Thse are just a few of many awesome books. Most of them are faction, (lol i stole someone elses word for those XD) all except crazy love, do hard things, and the bible (duh :P) you should really try Crazy Love, Awesome book!!
    Any more suggestions?

  • Yes Yes YES!!!!! Dude those are all good books. Ive read most of them. Left behind, I cried when the main characters died :'( Narnia, awesome. Pilgrims progress, inspirational/convicting (in a good way). The others ill have to check out. God bless bro!!

  • Bible,
    Do Hard Things,
    Knights of Arrethtrae
    Knights Kingdom
    Chronicles of Narnia
    Left Behind
    Pilgrims Progress
    Crazy Love

    All great books! God bless!!!

  • She basically talks about some of the most common lies that we believe about God and ourselves and shows how to fight them with truth found in Scripture. Some of the lies are “I know God should be the only thing that satisfies, but if it could be Him and my friends, then I could be happy”, “I have to perform to be loved and accepted”, and “God is not really involved in my life.”

  • I also like the Left Behind series. Particularly if you read through some of the end time prophecies (like in Revelation, second half of David and Matthew 24-24) at the same time

  • I am new to this awesome blog. I am older and was involved in youth ministry for years. Love to see the convictions of righteousness of young people.

    I have a concern when I read over these books and authors. May I suggest that it would be wise to do research on any author before reading their books. There are men ‘s names on some of these lists that lack integrity and a moral compass in their private lives. We vet our pastors and political leaders prior to appointments. We should do the same with authors that we let speak into our lives. Be careful whose words you are reading.

    1 Thessalonians 5:21 but test everything; hold fast what is good.

    If you want depth, anything John MacArthur writes is biblically sound and challenging.

  • A few years ago my parents and I read The Answers Book by Ken Ham. I loved all the answers he gave for why Christians shouldn’t believe in evolution, how creation is backed up by science, the importance of Genesis in context of the entire Bible etc. It also makes you think of the fall in a new and amazing way. I would suggest it strongly.

    A few others I really enjoy are:

    More Than A Carpenter – Josh D. McDowell

    Set Apart Femininity – Leslie Ludy
    Growing Up Duggar – Jana, Jill, Jessa and Jinjer Duggar

  • Just noticed the book by Tai Sophia. If I’m not mistaken, she was a very active “rebelutionary” on this website back when it first started. =)

  • Thanks for the question. I get a lot of my news on the internet. I also go to their websites and read their info. I also google and filter through what is truth and what is not. I check and cross check and ask questions. There are very few authors that are not involved in the culturally relevant culture. If something doesn’t set right, check it out. I live in an area where a mega church pastor responsible for writing and selling millions of books and exalted by his followers had to walk away from his church as he disqualified himself. If people had challenged and compared many his writings with scripture, they would have noticed. The nuances in ‘Christian’ books can be very slight, but should be noticeable to one who knows the Word, loves the Word and lives by the Word. Ignorance is no excuse. Just because a book is popular in the Christian arena does not warrant it to be righteous. I would also find an older mentor that has lived and walked the truth for guidance. You will be blessed.

    Song of Solomon 2:15 Catch the foxes for us,the little foxesthat spoil the vineyards,for our vineyards are in blossom.”

  • Well, I didn’t read all of the comments – there’s a lot! 🙂 But there are a couple books that I have read that majorly impacted me that I haven’t seen listed here, so I would like to add them!

    First off is The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson.
    I cannot say enough about this book! I consider it the single most impactful and life change book I have ever, ever read, other than the Bible!! It has changed my life. I have read it over and over and will continue to do so because you get something new every time!

    The second book is Restoring The Dance by Ann Stevenson.
    Now, this book may have a bit more of a targeted audience than The Dream Giver, which is written for all people of all ages. This book is about dance in the church and how it has been twisted by the world and needs to be restored back to it’s original purpose: worshiping God. Even if you don’t have any connection with dance, it could still be a good read because we are all called to worship and I think all areas of worship are attacked, not just dance. Also, the church as a whole needs to come to the understanding of what dance really is – what it is supposed to be.

  • I don’t know if anyone has specified this book yet, but even so I would like to stress it. It is Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. I know some other people have said him, and some other books by him, and I wanted to as well. He is (or should I say was) a great Christian and author. I think I’m repeating what some other people have said, but the Kingdom Series by Chuck Black are awesome. Another really good one is How To Be Your Own Selfish Pig by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay. She is Francis Schaeffer’s daughter. He wrote some great books as well.

  • I had to read Changed into His Image for a leadership training week at a camp I go to (the Wilds of New England). We also read Respectable Sins by Bridges, another excellent book.

  • For young men and women…
    *Every Young Man’s Battle and Every Young Woman’s Battle by Shannon Ethridge & Stephen Arterburn.

    For ladies, Saving My First Kiss by Lisa Velthouse.

    I learned so much from these books… I really recommend them. :)) God bless!

  • If you are interested in learning more about Islam, check out Unveiling Islam and Voices Behind the Veil by Ergun and Emir Caner, brothers who grew up Muslim and later came to Christ.

  • There have been so many good recommendations but I would still like to add a few that I haven’t seen mentioned:
    For teenage and up girls: “Unseduced and Unshaken” by Rosalie De Rosset, and “It’s Not That Complicated” by Anna Sofia Botkin.
    “Bonhoeffer” by Eric Metaxas.
    “A Child of the King” by Bill Bright and Marion Wells.
    Anything by George MacDonald, my favorites of his fiction are:
    “The Curate of Glaston” series
    “The Highlander’s Last Song”
    “The Fisherman’s Lady” (sequel to this one is “The Marquis’ Secret”)

  • There are lots of great books that I have read but these are a few that I have read in recent years.

    “Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis (One of my personal favs as a young teen.)
    “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis (If you ever get the chance this is a fantastic read.)
    “The Jesus I Never Knew” and “What’s So Amazing About Grace” by Phillip Yancey (Amazing!)
    “Spiritual Leadership” by J. Oswald Sanders (Just finished this one for collage and it’s very challenging and inspiring.)
    “The Holy Bible” by God (It’s life changing. Literally.)

    There’s lots more but these are some of my favs that I highly recommend to just about anyone.

  • Steps to Christ, Great Controversy, Desire of Ages, Messages to Young People, Letters to Young Lovers – All by Ellen White.
    Why Great Men Fall – Wayde Goodall
    Prayer by E. M bounds

  • It is. I have read it over and over. The principles there a sound and practical. I highly recommend it.

  • Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot
    Don’t waste you Life by John Piper
    and for fiction:
    Frank Peretti books!

  • These books have really helped me in many ways. I hope they help you…

    *”gods at war: student edition”* by Kyle Idleman (there’s also an adult version)
    *”Be the Change”* by Zach Hunter
    *”Generation Change”* by Zach Hunter
    *”A Young Woman”* Series by Elizabeth George (for girls)
    *”A Young Man”* Series by Jim George (for guys)
    *”Not a Fan”* by Kyle Idleman (student edition and adult edition)
    *”God Girl”* by Hayley DiMarco (for girls, obviously…. 😀 )
    *”God Guy”* by Michael DiMarco (for guys….)
    *”Jesus Calling”* by Sarah Young
    *”A Love that Multiplies”* by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar
    *”Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends: How to Fight the GOOD Fight at Home!”* by Sarah, Stephen, and Grace Mally

  • Yeah, I actually read the Kingdom Series before I read the Knights of Arrethtrae…what’s your favorite of the 12 books? 🙂

  • Wild Grace by Max Lucado a book on grace and it’s true meaning and what it is to have grace as a christian. id recommend this to anyone. and it is a short read it wont take up weeks reading it.

  • I recommend Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. It tells the incredible true story of a little boy who visited Heaven.

  • Hey, thanks for all the ideas, I’ll write them down and look for them in my library!

  • Hey Hannah! I know this is an old discussion, but I was just curious if you were aware that that book clearly contradicts the scriptures. I’m not trying to debate, just wanted to make you aware. =)

  • Some of my favorites are–

    Nonfiction:
    -The Bible by God (naturally)
    -Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
    -The Deadliest Monster by J.F. Baldwin (you have to read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde first though because it talks about those)
    -Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris (of course xD)
    -I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris (^)
    -Where’s God When It Hurts? by Phillip Yancey

    Fiction:
    -The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
    -The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien
    -The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare (it’s more of a children’s book, but it’s still really good)
    -This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti
    -The Shack by William P. Young (though I don’t agree with all the author’s worldviews, it’s still good)

  • If someone is looking for a good, clean, christian adventure story, try the Silver Falls series by Casey Head. He self-publishes/ publishes through amazon. They may be fiction, but they contain quite a bit of meat. Beautiful stories of love, friendship, redemption, forgiveness, family, and adventure. He explores several genres through out the series. One’s a mystery. There is a sweet, well-done love story. Crazy adventures. The last one out so far (6a) is sad. I can’t wait for 6b!

    Warning: you may need tissues at several points

    Did I mention that they are about talking animals?

    Oh, and if you are a grammar nerd, there are lots of typos. It will drive you nuts, but is a marvelous way to amuse yourself… The writing and story are great, though. He just needs an editor.

  • I’d recommend “The Lie:Evolution” by Ken Ham(Founder & President of Answers In Genesis). It helps defend your faith.

  • By the way, LOTR(Lord Of The Rings) isn’t a Christian story, and plus J. R. R. Tolkien is a Roman Catholic.
    But still some of those books are good(even though I don’t know some of them)

  • nonfiction:
    EthiX (or Ethix): Being Bold in a Whatever World, by Josh McDowell. It’s about “helping young people better understand how to make Bible-informed ethical decisions on major issues.”

    Understanding Intelligent Design: Everything You Need to Know in Plain Language, by William A. Dembski and Sean McDowell. It shows how creation points to a Creator and that blind evolution basically crumbles compared to the overwhelming evidence for intelligent design.

    fiction:
    The Tales of Goldstone Wood series by Anne Elisabeth Stengl is a Christian fantasy series that ranks right up there with LotR in my library- no joke. I’ve only read the first three books- Heartless, Veiled Rose, and Moonblood- but they are INCREDIBLE. Hard to find, though.

    This Present Darkness by Frank E. Peretti. Action-packed and has an interesting view on spiritual warfare. The sequel, Piercing the Darkness, is also very good, however my friend says she wishes she would have waited to read the sequel because of some dark issues that are discussed.

    The Knights of Arrenthae and the Kingdom Series by Chuck Black. The Kingdom Series is an allegory and the Knights books focus on individual followers of the Prince. His other series, the Wars of the Realm Trilogy, is aimed at an older audience but is also very good and focuses on spiritual warfare.

    The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor series by Melody Carlson. I’ve only read the third and fourth books, (Playing with Fire and Payback), but I actually really enjoyed them.

    I’m a bookworm and so there’s a lot more books I could probably list, but these are my favorites. Hope you enjoy.

    -Emily

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By Discussion Questions October 28, 2014
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rebelling against low expectations

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