Joyful, Christian Living

Of the thirty-six boxes (or subject areas) on the previous page, almost all of them have a narrow focus, whether on parenting, small group leadership, or church leadership. This category—Joyful, Christian Living—is the broadest of all. This page is a place for me to list books that simply bring me joy and encourage me to stay on the Christian path. Enjoy.

If You Only Knew by Jamie Ivey (1): The author is unusually authentic and longs to be like Jesus. My wife stayed up late into the night to finish the book, and she devours Jamie’s podcasts. Check out Jamie’s website.

*Made for More, Humble Roots, and All That’s Good by Hannah Anderson (1): These books are earthy, balanced, and filled with wisdom.

Lifted by Sam Allberry (1 or 2): God the Father raised Jesus from the dead in victory over sin and death, and God raises his people to life with him. The author explains how to live a “resurrection life.”

*In His Image and None Like Him by Jen Wilkin (2): Two books on the attributes of God, both are foundational to thinking and living as a Christian.

None Greater by Matthew Barrett (2 or 3): Another book on the attributes of God, written by one of my favorite theologians.

*The Dangerous Duty of Delight by John Piper (2 or 3): No contemporary writer has influenced me more than Dr. Piper, and I praise God for his life and ministry. This is the place to start if you know little about his work. It lays the groundwork for everything he writes in a highly-accessible way. Then read his Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die (2 or 3), for the cross is the center of reality for God’s people.

To dig deeper:

50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith by Gregg R. Allison (3): Clear, concise theology at its best. All who teach God’s Word should read and reread this book.

40 Questions About Salvation by Matthew Barrett (3 or 4): What a glorious salvation we have. What a great and sovereign God!

Salvation Accomplished by the Son by Robert A. Peterson (4 or 5): This book explains the great events of Jesus’s life and fuels worship at the deepest level of our souls.

*The Letter to the Romans by Douglas J. Moo (4 or 5): Other than the Bible, this is my favorite book. When reading it, I often feel like a child trying to keep up with his long-legged, fast-walking daddy at a grocery store. I read a page or two a day to establish a solid foundation for my life and ministry—and for my joy.