The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. Wisdom and encouragement come from hearing others’ stories, and learning from fellow believers. Unfortunately, we women often find ourselves isolated for various reasons.
That is precisely the beauty of books. In their pages, we can discover a wealth of knowledge and application.
The problem is knowing where to begin. Hundreds of thousands of Christian books are available at your fingertip. Which one do you choose?
Here is a look at some of the best books that Christian women can read to build a solid foundation for a faithful life of following Christ.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Oleksandr Yakoniuk
Christian Books for Women to Study the Bible
Any woman’s highest calling is to become a disciple of Christ. Like Mary, we are called to sit at Christ’s feet and learn from Him. Doing so requires a steadfast study of His Word. These books will assist anyone who wishes to become a more astute, committed student and thus, a more faithful follower of Christ.
Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin. Jen Wilkin is passionate about the importance of being shaped by the Word of God. As someone familiar with the barriers that commonly prevent us from studying it routinely, she is particularly equipped to help women overcome these obstacles and find a love for studying Scripture. Offering clear and practical advice, she equips readers to go deeper in their daily study of God’s Word.
How to Read the Bible For All Its Worth by Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart. Although Scripture contains simple truths that anyone in any culture can grasp, it is not straightforward. It is a masterpiece of literature written in a cultural context that looks far different from ours, leaving even theologians perplexed about particular passages. If we want to be people of the Word who can properly exegete and apply Biblical truths to our lives, we must know how to study it well. A proficient understanding of how to approach reading the Bible not only helps us avoid common pitfalls but also equips us to experience the depth of incredible creativity and truth found in its pages. How to Read the Bible For All Its Worth will help anyone who desires to read Scripture well to become proficient Bible students.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Ben White
Christian Books for Women on Prayer
As God’s children, we are invited to knock on the doorway to Heaven and come ‘boldly before the throne of grace’ (Hebrew 4:16). God has made it clear that if we wish to see His power in our lives, we must ask for it in prayer. We have been offered a means to engage with the Creator of our very souls. Yet we tend to find every reason in the book to neglect this sacred practice. If you find it difficult to pray to your Heavenly Father regularly, these books will be of immeasurable value.
No Easy Road by Dick Eastman. Praying isn’t easy. Dick Eastman knows that. But it is necessary for the livelihood of any Christian. It is, after all, God’s method for making His power available to believers. Using a progression similar to The Pilgrim’s Progress, Dick Eastman masterfully walks readers through common peaks and valleys that Christians experience in their prayer life. Offering Biblical guidance and encouragement, he leaves readers with an urgency to renew their prayer life and an increased understanding of how to do so.
With Christ in the School of Prayer by Andrew Murray. Aptly titled, Andrew Murray’s book will make you feel as if you are learning from Christ Himself on a topic that He is most familiar with. Much is said nowadays about prayer, but how much is biblical? With Christ in the School of Prayer will help you to weed through what you have been taught and discern whether it was from Christ or another source.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Tinnakorn Jorruang
Christian Books for Women on Theology
Theology, the study of God’s nature, rests at the heart of our religious experience. What we believe about God shapes every aspect of our life. Many works are written on systematic theology, all valuable in their own right. These two are my favorites for getting to the heart of theological study: knowing God and His ways.
If by Amy Carmichael. Although not strictly a theology book, this work by Amy Carmichael has shaped my understanding of God’s nature of God and the gospel more than almost any other book (and I did my fair share of reading in seminary). Grounded entirely in Calvary love, this book is a series of “if, then” statements that reveal the heart of the gospel, and the heart of the God who sent His Son to die for our sake.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. There is good reason for the immense popularity of this beloved book. Lewis lays out the basic tenets of the Christian faith in a comprehensive and winsome manner. Whether you are a brand new Christian or have been one all of your life, I suggest putting this one at the top of your list if you want to understand foundational theological concepts better.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/DavidLezcano
Christian Books for Women on Biblical Womanhood
Much has been written about biblical womanhood. Unfortunately, too much has been based more on opinion than on Scripture. These two works focus solely on what can be learned by reading the Word of God. Both are intent on seeing Scripture’s women clearly, thus offering their readers a look into true biblical womanhood.
Jesus Through the Eyes of Women by Rebecca McLaughlin. As you read this delightful book and gain insight into the minds of the women who knew Jesus best, you are simultaneously invited into an understanding of how Jesus viewed women. If you have ever felt that Jesus does not truly see you or could never really understand you as a woman, this book is for you. This is a must-read if you have ever questioned whether some critics are correct when they claim Christ is misogynistic. McLaughlin does an impeccable job delving into the gospel accounts, highlighting why the Christian message has always been particularly attractive to women.
Gospel Women by Richard Bauckham. As a woman, it is easy to feel that the Scriptures forget all about you. Richard Bauckham offers a different perspective. Through an in-depth look at the women’s lives in Scripture (not just in the gospels, as the title may suggest), he lets readers see the Word of God from a woman’s perspective.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Lord Henri Voton
Christian Books for Women about Inspiring Women
The Apostle Paul implored the Corinthian believers to “be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Having spiritual mentors helps us to see how to imitate Christ. While having personal mentors holds great value, we occasionally find those models through books. By reading the experiences of faithful believers who have faced the same trials and temptations that we face today and have come out victorious, we can gain immense wisdom and encouragement.
Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose. If your circumstances tempt you to doubt God’s goodness, this book is for you. It is a testimony to God’s faithfulness to redeem what human evil has tried so hard to spoil. As a young bride, Darlene Deibler moved with her missionary husband to the jungles of New Guinea. It was not long before she would say goodbye to him forever, as both would be forced into separate Japanese internment camps. This is the story of her time before, during, and after their captivity. This is a story of true faith and a present and active God.
Becoming Elisabeth Elliot by Ellen Vaughn. Many are familiar with Elisabeth Elliot, but few know much beyond her husband’s fateful encounter with an Indian tribe in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ellen Vaughn’s retelling of Elliot’s time in the Jungle with that same tribe leaves the reader feeling that they, too, had been given the intimate opportunity to sit down with Mrs. Elliot and hear firsthand the specific trials and triumphs she experienced. How does a book-loving, shy, serious young woman become a jungle midwife, missionary, and renowned author? I can give you one hint: obedience. Read this book to find out the rest of the story.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/kieferpix
