12 Key Christian Books for Your 2018 Reading List

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Kickstart the new year by adding these key books on the Christian faith to your 2018 reading list. (Click here for the 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019 lists.)

1. All of Grace by Charles Spurgeon

If you are wondering if God's grace is enough to save even you, please read this comforting book by Charles Spurgeon. It will help you better understand the true joy found in salvation by God's grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. For more details, click here.

2. Basic Christianity by John Stott

Do you ever wish you had a short and sweet book that explained the basics of Christianity and the difference it makes in your life? Try this little gem, which comes with study questions as an added bonus! Get a handle on what Christianity is and what it means for you. For more details, click here.

3. Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels by J. Warner Wallace

If only there was good evidence for Christianity and the existence of Christ. Well, here it is! J. Warner Wallace takes you on a forensic journey to analyze the message of the Bible from a no-nonsene perspective. What are the facts? Is there reasonable proof regarding the historicity of the resurrection? How do the Scriptures stand up to investigation by a homicide detective? Read Wallace's book to find out. For more details, click here.

4. Core Christianity: Finding Yourself in God's Story by Michael Horton

The Bible is an unfolding drama of the greatest rescue mission ever: God's redemptive plan to save the world. Join Michael Horton as he winsomely explains what God is doing in the world and how you fit into the drama of redemption as his image-bearer. For more details, click here.

5. Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith by Michael Reeves

What does it mean that there is "one God in three persons"? How do we relate to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit? We hear a lot about Jesus and God the Father, but what is our relationship to the Holy Spirit? Join Michael Reeves as he explores the wonderful reality of the Trinity and how we can delight in knowing God. For more details, click here.

6. God's Big Picture by Vaughan Roberts

Have you ever wished you could make sense of the Bible? It's a big book full of ancient names, places, and customs. Not only that, it's written in different genres over different time periods. How in the world is it all connected? Begin the journey of understanding God's message in his Word with Vaughan Roberts as he guides you to see the big picture of what God is communicating in the Bible. For more details, click here.

7. The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul

It's all about holiness! The problem is that God is holy and we aren't. God is pure goodness, and he must uphold all of his attributes of love, truth, justice, and righteousness. R. C. Sproul explains why a better knowledge of God’s holiness will fill us with awe and wonder—and will help us to understand why we need to be holy through the finished work of Christ on our behalf to stand in God’s presence. For more details, click here.

8. Jesus the King: Understanding the Life and Death of the Son of God by Timothy Keller

Who is Jesus anyway? Some call him a prophet, some a good moral teacher, and many say he is dead. But what does the Bible actually teach about him, and what impact does he have on our lives now? Follow Timothy Keller as he unpacks who Jesus is and how we should understand his purpose and mission as revealed in the Scriptures. The answer may surprise and shock you, but hopefully, it comforts and encourages you as well. For more details, click here.

9. Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (9 Marks) by Mark Dever and David Platt

How do you know if you are in a good church? The assortment of styles, vibes, programs, and ministries makes choosing a church mind-boggling at times. Mark Dever and David Platt provide this helpful resource in sorting through the noise and identifying the essentials of a healthy church. For more details, click here.

10. A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul Miller

Praying is hard. We talk daily to friends, co-workers, and neighbors; but when it comes to speaking with God, we don't have much to say. How is it that speaking to the most important being in the world is a neglected or awkward practice? Paul Miller helps the want-to-be-a-praying-Christian embrace prayer in a natural and helpful manner by offering practical instruction and encouragement along the way. For more details, click here.

11. The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller

How do you explain God to yourself or others? Many mock belief in an all-powerful, good, and wise God who made the universe and also has a relationship with humankind. Have your questions answered by Pastor Tim Keller and be encouraged that there is a defense for the God of the Bible. For more details, click here.

12. What is the Gospel? (9Marks) by Greg Gilbert

The Gospel is central to Christianity, yet it's amazing to see how much Christians struggle to answer the question of what the Gospel is. Such an important message should be understood, and every Christian should be ready to share it. If you need help answering this question don't be shy. Join Greg Gilbert as he explains what the Gospel is. For more details, click here.

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