I am not the most academic or well-read individual. However, God continues to grow my love for him through the growth of my knowledge of him. I often hang out with a lot of people who give me recommendations of resources they think would help me and others love the Lord more fully.
At Veritas, two of our church values are abiding and training. Abiding focuses on the practice and development of personal spiritual rhythms. Training focuses on helping followers of Jesus proactively live their lives on mission for Jesus. Given the importance these values play in our growth and sanctification, we want to provide some recommended books that you may just want to add to your Christmas list!
This categorical list is not exhaustive. It should serve as a helpful place to continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! We are praying that these resources will benefit you and grow your love for God above all else.
Doctrine
Do You Believe - Paul David Tripp
These 12 core doctrines and how they engage and transform the human heart and mind. According to Tripp, “true belief is always lived.” To demonstrate, he unpacks each doctrine and presents its relevance for the Christian life. As readers explore topics such as the doctrine of God, the holiness of God, and the doctrine of Scripture, they will be fueled to fall deeper in love with and stand in awe of their Creator and Father―putting the truths of God’s word on display for all the world to see.
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Concise Theology - J.I. Packer
This summary of Christian teaching covers nearly 100 major theological points from a biblical Reformed perspective. Brief, easy-to-understand chapters offer precise descriptions without sacrificing depth.
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Knowing God’s Truth - Jon Nielson
Jon Nielson wrote Knowing God’s Truth to make systematic theology clear, meaningful, and practical for those looking for a highly accessible guide to studying God. In this introduction, Nielson defines systematic theology as “theological study done in a highly organized, topical way” and covers the 12 basic categories―Scripture, man, sin, church, and more. He also helps readers learn to apply theology in their everyday lives by integrating invitations to pray and meditate on what they’ve learned.
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The Wonderful Works of God - Herman Bavinck
110 years after its original publication, The Wonderful Works of God remains one of the finest single-volume systematic theologies ever written. Adapting the magisterial systematic theology found in his four-volume Reformed Dogmatics, this is perhaps Bavinck's most eminently practical work, a single, accessible volume for the college classroom and the family bookshelf.
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Devotion
Knowing God - J. I. Packer
Stemming from Packer's profound theological knowledge, Knowing God brings together two key facets of the Christian faith―knowing about God and knowing God through a close relationship with Jesus Christ. Written in an engaging and practical tone, this thought-provoking work seeks to renew and enrich our understanding of God.
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Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers - Dane C. Ortlund
Christians know what Jesus Christ has done—but who is he? What is his deepest heart for his people, weary and faltering on their journey toward heaven? Jesus said he is “gentle and lowly in heart.” This book reflects on these words, opening up a neglected yet central truth about who he is for sinners and sufferers today.
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Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners - Dane C. Ortlund
In this book, Dane Ortlund points believers to Christ, making the case that sanctification does not happen by doing more or becoming better, but by going deeper into the wondrous gospel truths that washed over them when they were first united to him. Drawing on wisdom from figures throughout church history, Ortlund encourages readers to fix their gaze on Jesus in the battle against sin, casting themselves upon his grace and living out their invincible identity in Christ.
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Bright Hope for Tomorrow - Chris Davis
Christ is risen, and Christ will come again. That is the hope that fueled the lives of Jesus' disciples and the momentum of the early church. The hope of seeing their risen Lord face-to-face powered their endurance through persecution, their patience in discipling new believers, and their courage to renounce injustice and sinful passions.
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Study
God’s Word For You Series
God's Word For You is a series of expository guides by trusted Bible teachers that walks you through books of the Bible verse-by-verse in an accessible and applied way. Less academic than traditional commentaries, these flexible resources can be read cover-to-cover, used in personal devotions, used to lead small group studies, or used for sermon preparation. Whether reading, feeding or leading, this series is for you!
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The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible Series
This series is published in partnership with Serge. Each book in the series examines how the gospel story is revealed throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Every book includes rich discussion questions, exercises, and articles to encourage deep examination of the text for one-to-one discipleship, small group, or large group settings as well as leader’s notes.
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Knowing the Bible Series
The Knowing the Bible series is a line of Bible studies designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God’s Word. Each 12-week study covers one book of the Bible over 12 weeks, making practical applications and connections between the passage and the rest of Scripture. The series is edited by theologian J. I. Packer, and includes contributions from an array of influential pastors and church leaders. Perfect for both small groups and individuals, these gospel-centered studies will help you see and cherish the message of God’s grace on each and every page of the Bible.
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Family and Kids
Special God - Julie Melilli
Written to make the truths of the gospel accessible to children, this book uses simple illustrations and concrete, easy-to-understand language to explain important theological ideas, such as sin, heaven, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit. Each of the 25 chapters introduces a biblical concept by asking a question and answering it with simple vocabulary and plenty of review to help the information stick.
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The Biggest Story Bible Story Book - Kevin DeYoung & Don Clark
Beginning in Genesis and ending with Revelation, DeYoung provides engaging retellings of various Bible stories, explaining how they fit into the overarching storyline. Each reading is coupled with beautiful illustrations by award-winning artist Don Clark and concludes with a reflective prayer. Perfect for bedtime stories or to read together as a family, both children and parents alike will experience afresh the captivating story of the Bible in an easy-to-understand, compelling way.
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The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden - Kevin DeYoung & Don Clark
The Biggest Story, Kevin DeYoung―a best-selling author and father of nine―leads kids and parents alike on an exciting journey through the Bible, connecting the dots from the garden of Eden to Christ's death on the cross to the new heaven and new earth.
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The Biggest Story ABC - Kevin DeYoung & Don Clark
This book is designed to help kids ages 1 to 3 to make connections from Genesis to Revelation and from A to Z. Each page introduces a new letter of the alphabet with engaging and whimsical illustrations from award-winning artist Don Clark, retelling the biblical narrative in one continuous story. This board book is a fun way for parents to introduce their small children to the big story of the Bible.
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Tales That Tell the Truth Series
Every book in this series features beautiful illustrations and engaging story-telling that captures young imaginations but always remains faithful and true to the biblical text. Which means that adults will love these books as much as the kids they are reading to! There are board books, which are perfect for toddlers, or storybooks for children 3-6 which go deeper in to the richness of each story.
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My First Book of Questions and Answers - Carine MacKenzie
Children always have questions about what it means to be a Christian. Do they need a long philosophical answer? Not always and it is simple answers to deep questions that feature in this book. If you have ever wanted to know how to explain the Christian faith to young children in bite-sized chunks then the 114 profound questions and answers, backed by scripture proofs provide an invaluable tool to get you started.
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The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name - Sally Lloyd-Jones & Jago<
or over a decade, The Jesus Storybook Bible has been introducing children to God’s wonderful story, and the Savior at the center of that story. Trusted and treasured for over a decade, with over 3 million copies sold, The Jesus Storybook Bible is the quintessential book for parents, grandparents, pastors, and anyone else who wants to share God’s Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love with children.
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Topical
Parenting: The 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family - Paul David Tripp
In this life-giving book, Paul Tripp offers parents much more than a to-do list. Instead, he presents us with a big-picture view of God’s plan for us as parents. Outlining fourteen foundational principles centered on the gospel, he shows that we need more than the latest parenting strategy or list of techniques. Rather, we need the rescuing grace of God―grace that has the power to shape how we view everything we do as parents.
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Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make - Paul David Tripp
In this rebranded edition of What Did You Expect?, popular author and pastor Paul David Tripp encourages couples to make six biblical commitments to the Lord and to one another. These commitments, which include a lifestyle of confession and forgiveness, building trust, and appreciating differences, will equip couples to cultivate thriving, joy-filled marriages built on Christ.
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Don’t Waste Your Life - John Piper
In this bestselling book, John Piper warns readers of the dangers of an irrelevant life that counts for nothing and calls Christians to the deeper joys, and risks, that matter for eternity. This new edition features a fresh cover, a revised preface, and updated statistics.
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Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist - John Piper
Desiring God is a paradigm-shattering work that dramatically alters common perspectives on relating to God. Piper reveals that there really is no need to choose between duty and delight in the Christian life. In fact, for the follower of Jesus, delight is the duty as Christ is most magnified in His people when they are most satisfied in Him.
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A Short Guide to Reading the Bible Better - George H. Guthrie
A Short Guide to Reading the Bible Better is an accessible handbook to help you better read God’s Word, whether you are new to the Bible or have been reading it faithfully for decades. This book was designed to be read together by an entire church, studied by a small group, or engaged by an individual looking to sharpen his or her Bible reading skill. A clear and concise roadmap for reading God’s Word well, this book will equip you to open God’s Word with intention, purpose, and context every time, so that you may see God transform your hearts and minds as you read.
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The Advantage of Average: Anyone Can Do the Most Important Things - Mark Arant
It's pressing in on us from all sides: the pressure to be amazing. But have you ever considered that there might be an advantage to being... average? In a world obsessed with "amazing," join pastor Mark Arant in exploring the ways that Christians can live differently, embracing the fact that none of us is really a big deal. Jesus has shown us the way, and anybody can get in on it.
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The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction - Justin Whitmel Earley
Habits form us more than we form them. The modern world is a machine of invisible habits, forming us into anxious, busy people. We yearn for the freedom of the gospel but remain shackled by our screens and exhausted by our routines. The answer is a rule of life that aligns our habits to our beliefs. The Common Rule's four daily and four weekly habits transform frazzled days into lives of love for God and neighbor. Justin Earley provides doable, life-giving practices to find freedom and rest for your soul.
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Habits of the Household - Justin Whitmel Earley
Discover simple habits and easy-to-implement daily rhythms that will help you find meaning beyond the chaos of family life as you create a home where kids and parents alike practice how to love God and each other.
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The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution - Carl R. Trueman
Carl Trueman analyzes the development of the sexual revolution as a symptom—rather than the cause—of the human search for identity. Trueman surveys the past, brings clarity to the present, and gives guidance for the future as Christians navigate the culture in humanity’s ever-changing quest for identity.
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I am confident some great books have been left off this list. We need to remember that saving faith results in treasuring Jesus. Let’s be people who treasure Jesus more than we treasure this world, especially with what we set our hearts on and fill our minds with. If you have any recommendations for other books you frequently recommend to others, please email us at resources@veritaschurch.org and put “Recommended Resource” in the subject line.