As Christians, we ought to constantly seek greater spiritual growth and maturity in our lives. We want to be able to look back in a year, 5 years, and 10 years from now and count the ways we have grown in our walk with God. We don’t want to remain “infants in Christ” as Paul chides in 1 Corinthians 3.
Our first sources of spiritual growth come by reading the Bible, prayer, and consistently sitting under sound, biblical preaching. We also live in an age where there are so many beneficial resources available to us! If you are seeking to add to your spiritual growth routine, our Christian Care Ministry chaplains put together a list of 9 helpful books for spiritual development.
- Spiritual Slavery to Spiritual Sonship, Jack Frost
Jack Frost’s book is one of the best books about how to combat the orphan spirit. The link that Frost makes between the striving and stress which define our lives and our relationship with God lays bare the root of much of the hardship we experience. Learning how to reject the spirit of slavery and receive the spirit of adoption from Romans 8:15 is perhaps the most necessary skill needed to grow as a believer and as a person. - The Meaning of Marriage, Timothy and Kathy Keller
God invented marriage with a purpose – and it is for our good. In this time of ongoing and confusing (sometimes unbelievable) debates on gender identity and sexuality, this could be considered a classic portrait of what Scripture has to say about marriage and how relevant it is to today. - The Holiness of God, R.C. Sproul
R.C. Sproul's classic book The Holiness of God instructs us in the truth of God's word. Sproul gently teaches us about this important aspect of the nature and character of God and what it means for Christians who desire to be conformed to His image. When we encounter the holiness of God, our lives will be transformed. - The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence
This book contains the collected teachings, conversations, and letters of a monk who was renowned for the depth of his relationship with God and inner peace. The book discusses how to be more aware of God’s presence and how to commune with Him in every moment, a message that is even more relevant in the busyness and distraction of our current era. - Gentle and Lowly, Dane Ortlund
Centered on the Scriptures and drawing upon the best of the Puritan tradition, Ortlund helps us see the heart of God as it is revealed to us in Christ. He reminds us not only of Jesus's promises of rest and comfort, but of the Bible's vision of Jesus: a kind and gracious King. - Rejoicing in Christ, Michael Reeves
Rejoicing in Christ helps us celebrate who Christ is, His work on earth, His death and resurrection, His anticipated return, and how we share in His life. It aims for something deeper than a new technique or a call to action. - Israel Matters, Gerald R. McDermott
Israel Matters addresses the perennially important issue of the relationship between Christianity and the people and land of Israel, offering a unique and compelling "third way" between typical approaches and correcting common misunderstandings along the way. - Humility, Andrew Murray
Humility is a classic on the trait of holiness. "Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you" (James 4:10). Murray explains this highest virtue and that dependence on God is the basis for true Christian blessing. Learn why the humility of Jesus becomes our salvation. - Knowing God, J. I. Packer
J. I. Packer, in his classic, confronts us with the truth in a gentle way, encouraging his readers to see God for who He really is, beholding the wonder, glory, and joy of knowing Him.
Conclusion
We hope you find these books to be helpful in your spiritual growth. It is such a blessing to be able to read and learn from the lives, research, and expertise of fellow Christians. The ideas in these books may just offer you the different perspective you need for a breakthrough. As always, we recommend testing everything you read against the inspired Word of God. Happy reading!
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