10 Books for the New Believer

When we first become Christians naturally there are a lot of questions. It can almost feel like you’re drinking from a fire hydrant with all of the new feelings and information you’re taking in. With that said, I’d like to give you ten good books I think every new Christian should read. There are thousands of books out there, undoubtedly ones better than what I’ve listed here, but this is just a good place to start.

1. The Explicit Gospel By Matt Chandler

   1. This book is a great place to start because it lays out what the Gospel is in the simplest and most clear terms. Matt Chandler gives you the message of who Jesus is and what he has done in an easy, readable format.

2. Living the Cross Centered Life by CJ Mahaney

   1. This was a really big book for me when I first became a Christian. CJ talks about what it means to live in light of the cross. It is a small book that is purposely not over complicated because ultimately, following Jesus shouldn’t feel like a job. 

3. The Pursuit of God by AW Tozer

   1. This is an oldie but goodie. Another small book aimed at teaching us what it means to chase God and live how he has called us to.

4. The Unbelievable Gospel by Jonathon Dodson 

   1. This is another good book that lays out the beauty of the Gospel. Jonathon Dodson shows us just how amazing the life saving message of Jesus Christ is. 

5. 9 Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever

   1. This is a good and important book. There is no such thing as a Christian who is divorced from the community. Jesus doesn’t save us to live alone on an island, instead he calls us to be a part of the Church. The collection of people saved by grace and pursuing Jesus together. Unfortunately, not every church is a healthy church. Mark Dever helps you figure out what to look for as you look for a church to belong to.

6. Plain Theology for Plain People by Charles Ocatvius Boothe

   1. This is a great book that breaks down basic elements of Christian theology in plain terms. Charles Boothe specifically wrote this book so that the common person can read it and understand the faith. 

7. A Praying Life by Paul Miller

   1. As Christians we are powered by prayer. It is the way that we communicate with God. Most Christians struggle with a strong and consistent prayer life, Paul offers great guidance on the purpose and power of prayer.

8. The Life of God in the Soul of the Church by Thabiti Anyabwile

   1. This is another great book on what it means to be a part of the Church. Thabiti zooms in on what it looks like for us to be faithful members, using the gifts that God has given us for the mutual encouragement and building up of one another.

9. Practicing the Power by sam storms 

   1. Christians are empowered by the Holy Spirit. He lives inside of us transforming us into the image of Jesus, teaching us, leading and guiding us. Unfortunately, He is often the forgotten member of the Trinity. In this book Sam Storms walks us through what it means to embrace the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives.

10. Radical by David Platt

    1. I honestly think this will be one of the best and most challenging books you will ever read about the life of a Christian. We live in a society that prizes safety, security, and comfort. The hard truth is that Jesus did not promise any of those things. In fact, he promised that we would face persecution and things would be hard but the good news is that He has promised us a far greater life than this world could give us. Because our hope is not in today but tomorrow, Platt challenges us to live radical lives for Jesus that completely buck conventional American wisdom.

That’s it. Ten books I think every new Christian will benefit greatly from. None of these are too long or complicated. Simple teachings in the way of Jesus.