In between your walks in the park, visits to the beach, and campfires this summer, here are 13 Biblically sound books to read to grow in your understanding of theology, in your walk as a believer, and in your Bible study.
Theology
Knowing God by J.I. Packer. This book by Packer will challenge you in your understanding about the character of God and provoke you to begin a lifelong journey of growing in the knowledge of God.
Attributes of God by A.W. Pink. This is an old one, so it may take some time to get used to the language. But, you can find it for free online since it is so old. This book examines nineteen of God’s attributes from Scripture and should instill awe in you as you learn more about him.
None Like Him by Jen Wilkin. In this book, Wilkin studies ten of God’s attributes and highlights how we are nothing like God—and what our response to that should be.
Christian Living
Adorned by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. If you are seeking to disciple younger women or to be a younger woman discipled by an older woman, this is a must read. Wolgemuth expounds on the famous passage in Titus 2 about discipleship and how it applies to both younger and older women in the church.
Humble Roots by Hannah Anderson. Even if you don’t think you have a pride problem, you will by the time you finish this book. Anderson, through Scripture and story, shows us how pride is the root to many of our struggles and sins as believers, especially stress.
When People Are Big and God Is Small by Ed Welch. I believe everyone has a bit of fear of man in them, and this book will make that evident. In this book, Welch shows the sin that is fear of man, people-pleasing, and co-dependency and gives us the biblical response and remedy to it.
Picture Perfect by Amy Baker. If perfectionism is something you battle, this book will help you find freedom from the anxiety it brings. Baker looks to Scripture to show us the sins of perfectionism and how we can overcome it’s temptation.
Trusting God by Jerry Bridges. This book is one I return to when my anxiety overwhelms me. Bridges reminds us why God is trustworthy and shows us how his sovereignty and goodness come together flawlessly to give us peace.
Bible Study
Basic Bible Interpretation by Roy B. Zuck. A thorough book on biblical interpretation. This book will give you a higher esteem for God’s Word and help you more accurately study, interpret, and apply it.
Philippians for You by Steven Lawson. If you are studying Philippians, this book will be a useful tool to help you interpret and apply each and every verse of Philippians. In this commentary, Lawson works expositionally through the entire book of Philippians, giving both thorough explanations and applications.
Toward An Exegetical Theology by Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. Though more written for preachers, this book is another useful tool in learning how to properly study and handle God’s Word.
Sing a New Song by Lydia Brownback. If you are looking to do a deeper study of the Psalms, this book will help you interpret and apply each of the Psalms and see Christ in them.
Memoir
The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield. If you are looking for a thought provoking, can’t-put-it-down book to read this summer, this one is perfect. I listened to this entire book in a few days because I was so captivated by it. Butterfield gives an account of her conversion as a lesbian feminist professor to Christianity, which she describes as a train wreck, and how God worked in her life afterwards as she sorted out her beliefs and new roles as a Christian woman.
What books are you reading this summer?
