Core Christianity by Michael Horton. For some people, and perhaps especially young people, theology and doctrine can be intimidating words or even irrelevant ones. But this should not be the case. It must not be the case. Reading this book will help your teens understand the basic, foundational doctrines of the Christian faith and hopefully give them a taste for more. It is an ideal book for those who are new to the faith or those who are just beginning to learn the precious truths upon which we stand or fall.
The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. It is for good reason that Bunyan’s allegorical tale has endured as a Christian classic and perhaps as the Christian classic. Many notable leaders have made it a habit to read and re-read the book and, indeed, it rewards such commitment. It can be read in the original 17th-century English or in modernized forms. Either way, your teens will witness Christian’s long journey to the Celestial City and, from it, learn what God requires of them and what he provides for them as they make the very same journey.
Habits of Grace by David Mathis. At some point every Christian is told they need to commit to spiritual disciplines like reading the Bible and praying. David Mathis refers to these as “habits of grace” and does an excellent job of describing how Christians are to form and keep such habits. There is not a Christian in the world who has mastered the spiritual disciplines. In fact, the more we grow in grace, the more we realize how little we know of them. Habits of Grace is a powerful guide to these disciplines. It offers basic instructions to new believers while bringing fresh encouragement to those who have walked with the Lord for many years. It will set your teens for a lifetime of pursing God.
Messy Grace by Caleb Kaltenbach. No contemporary issue so divides the church from the world, and even Christian from Christian, as the issue of homosexuality. In Messy Grace Caleb Kaltenbach brings an informed, fascinating, biblical perspective to this issue. He grew up in the LGBT community with a mother who is lesbian and father who is gay. As he tells his story and explores what the Bible says, he manages to walk the line of grace and truth, to communicate love for people and respect for the Word of God. Teens who read it will be better equipped to confidently understand what the Bible says about homosexuality and why it matters.
Tactics by Greg Koukl. Christian teens need to be prepared to defend their Christian faith, especially as they head into college and the workplace. Greg Koukl’s Tactics provides teens with a helpful game plan for discussing Christian convictions, even in hostile environments. “Koukl demonstrates how to get in the driver’s seat, keeping any conversation moving with thoughtful, artful diplomacy. You’ll learn how to maneuver comfortably and graciously through the minefields, stop challengers in their tracks, turn the tables and—most importantly—get people thinking about Jesus. Soon, your conversations will look more like diplomacy than D-Day.”
Extra Suggestions
In just 10 books I could not cover every category, so let me cheat a little with some extra suggestions.
- Money: Managing God’s Money by Randy Alcorn
- Pornography: Finally Free by Heath Lambert (or, for young men, my own Sexual Detox; for women, Purity Is Possible by Helen Thorne)
- Church History: Rescuing the Gospel by Erwin Lutzer
- College: Thriving at College by Alex Chediak
- Biography: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, For the Glory by Duncan Hamilton, Spurgeon by Arnold Dallimore.
- Productivity: Do More Better by me.
- Race: Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson
- Leadership: The Conviction to Lead by Albert Mohler
- Dating: Sex, Dating, and Relationships by Gerald Hiestand and Jay Thomas
- Marriage: Married for God by Christopher Ash
- Worldview: Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey
This article originally appeared here.
