By Aaron Joseph Hall

I’ve loved books ever since I was a kid. Over the years, since becoming a follower of Jesus, I’ve read multiple faith-based books that have had a big impact on my walk with Jesus. I want to share with you the 5 best Christian books every believer should read. These are solely my opinion but I do believe these books can challenge you and help you grow closer to our Lord Jesus! And of course, nothing compares to the Bible—so don’t supplement any book for the Bible!

The following 5 books are not listed in any specific order. Along with the title you’ll find the Amazon description of each book with a link. I hope this list of books is an encouragement to you as you pursue Jesus every day!

1) Truth Plus Love: The Jesus Way to Influence by Matt Brown

From Amazon: “Imagine what our world might look like if Christians became known for remarkable love, as well as life-giving truth. 

The stakes are high and the need is great for Christians to represent Jesus to a watching world. And today, we have more influence than ever before--for better and for worse. We are among the first generations to have access to a global megaphone through social media. But it's not enough to speak truth louder to a noisy culture. To counter the reputation Christians have earned, our love must be just as loud. 

Ask evangelist Matt Brown, and he will tell you Christians today are facing a crisis of influence. In our rush to speak truth to today's tensions, cultural issues, and trending controversies, it becomes all too easy to focus on proving our points rather than extending God's grace. Conversely, when we seek only to love yet never proclaim a better way, we short-circuit God's plan.

Truth Plus Love invites you to rediscover the biblical framework for engaging culture as ambassadors of Christ. Through biblical insight, cultural analysis, and practical principles, Matt Brown outlines how to champion truth without compromise, how to love unconditionally, and ultimately, how to step into this great adventure of representing God to the world. It's hard, it's messy, and it's the unfinished project of a lifetime, yet here we find our great adventure: representing God to a watching world.”

2) Whisper: How to Hear the Voice of God by Mark Batterson

From Amazon: “The voice that spoke the cosmos into existence is the same voice that parted the Red Sea, and made the sun stand still in the midday sky. One day, this voice will make all things new, but it’s also speaking to you now!
 
That voice is God’s voice, and what we’ve learned from Scripture is that He often speaks in a whisper. Not to make it difficult to hear Him, but to draw us close.
 
Many people have a tough time believing God still speaks. Sure, in ancient times and in mysterious ways, God spoke to His people, but is He still speaking now?
 
Mark Batterson certainly believes so. And he wants to introduce you to the seven love languages of God; each of them unique and entirely divine. Some of them you might suspect but others will surprise you.
 
By learning to tune in to and decipher each language, you’ll be able to hear His guidance in simple as well as life-altering choices. God is actively speaking through: Scripture, Desires, Doors, Dreams, People, Promptings, and Pain. Batterson gives you the tools you need to unlock each of these languages.
 
God’s whisper can answer your most burning questions, calm your deepest fears, and fulfill your loftiest dreams.
 
Discover how simple it is to hear God’s voice in every aspect of your life!
 
He’s speaking, make sure you know how to listen!”

3) The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson

From Amazon: “Do you ever sense that there's far more to prayer than what you're experiencing? Are you praying over your impossible dreams and greatest fears? Do you feel like something is holding you back in your prayer life?

It's time you learned from the legend of Honi the Circle Maker. When his land was drought-stricken in ancient times, Honi ha-M'agel drew a circle in the sand, stepped inside it, and wouldn't budge until God answered his petition for rain. Honi's story transformed author Mark Batterson's own experience with prayer and inspired him to document his journey to praying more powerful prayers in The Circle Maker.”

4) Under Cover: Why Your Response to Leadership Determines Your Future by John Bevere

From Amazon: “From the bestselling author of Killing Kryptonite and The Bait of Satan comes the newly revised edition of John Bevere’s classic Under Cover. This impactful examination of leadership and authority will answer questions like:

• Ever wonder how to respond to a difficult boss?

• Why you should listen to them in the first place?

• What does God want me to understand about authority?

By teaching us how to properly relate to leadership, John shows why living under authority is better than we think.

The truth is, we will all one day have to follow the leader. Whether at school, at work, in the military, or even in the national political arena, the question of who will lead and who will follow is constantly before us.

Your response will determine your future.”

5) 41 Will Come: Holding On When Life Gets Tough and Standing Strong Until a New Day Dawns by Chuck E. Tate

From Amazon: “A bold declaration of faith, 41 Will Come is a shot of encouragement and hope for all of us who desperately need to hear: God is with you. Your story is not over. You are not defeated.
 
In the Bible, it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. 41 came and the rain stopped. The people of Israel wandered the wilderness for 40 years. 41 came and a new generation entered their Promised Land. For 40 days Goliath bullied Israel and taunted anyone to fight him. 41 came and David slew Goliath.
 
Do you see the theme? Don't quit. Don't give up. Perhaps you're stuck in a downpour or lost in one of life's deserts. Maybe you're facing someone or something that could take you down. You might feel stuck on your journey . . . but day 41 is on its way. 
 
No matter how long your battle--days, weeks, or years--Chuck E. Tate offers you seven keys to help you hang onto the promise and the truth that God will come through for you.”

As I mentioned above, I love books! I could compile a list of probably 30+ books that have made an impact on me and my faith. This list showcases some of my favorites that I have read over the years! Share this on your social media, tag Think Eternity, and let us know some of your favorites!

Aaron Joseph Hall, the writer behind RootedInChrist267.com and the youth pastor at More 2 Life Ministries, resides in Okeechobee, Florida, with his wife and four children. You can connect with him on Instagram and X.