A reading list for the curious Christian

Recorded below is a recommended reading list for those who wish to be a little more educated in their approach to the Bible. This list is short, and the reads are concise. It is by no means exhaustive, and there are still mountains of other great books to read on topics ranging from biblical and systematic theology to worship and evangelism. I hope these can open that door for further experience, growth, and enjoyment.

1. Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know, by Wayne Grudem - this small book provides a short, systematic overview of the main doctrines of the Bible. Important topics such as the Trinity, sin, the holiness of God, Christ's atonement and resurrection, and the final judgment of the world are covered in this little book.
2. The God Who Is There: Finding Your Place in God's Story, by D.A. Carson - here is a wonderful primer that highlights many of the major themes in the Scriptures, aiding the Christian in grasping the grander picture of God's workings throughout history. Before you can grasp the significance of any particular event in history, it is important to see how it fits into the entire story.
3. The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism, by Kevin DeYoung - penetrating both the heart and the mind, this book on the Heidelberg Catechism is a great resource to use for weekly devotional reading. While a catechism isn't a replacement for Scripture, it certainly is a nice companion and supplement to use in addition to your study of the Scriptures. Furthermore, DeYoung's brief input in each "Lord's Day" is well worth the purchase.
4. Knowing God, by J.I. Packer - probably one of the best books on this topic, Packer focuses on the joys supremely experienced by the Christian in knowing the holy God who draws near to his people. This is a classic that will continue to be read by both newcomers and heavy readers alike for decades to come.
5. The Doctrines of Grace: Rediscovering the Evangelical Gospel, by James M. Boice and Philip Ryken - here is a concise yet powerful summary of five fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith. This book hits the high points of topics such as the depravity of man, God's election of undeserving sinners, the extent of Christ's atonement, the power of redeeming grace, and the perseverance of God's saints. In essence, this book provides an overview of what was decided upon by the Dutch Reformed Church at the synod of Dort in 1619.
6. Disciplines of a Godly Man, by R. Kent Hughes - Hughes walks through the elemental disciplines of piety, such as prayer, worship, speech, purity, and work, that the Christian might understand the significance of living a godly life.

This list is a good introduction to a world of literature that will move both the heart and the mind. I encourage you to start your journey with some (or all!) of these books and continue to read more good books throughout the rest of your life. We are exiles in the world, longing for that Kingdom which we read and pray about to come breaking through into this realm, world without end.