Our Favorite Books Right Now
There are some books you read once and forget, and others that follow you for years. We asked our pastors and staff to share the titles that have truly shaped their faith and challenged the way they think. If you’re looking for your next deep dive, these come highly recommended by our team.
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Tim Keller on the Christian Life – Matt Smethurst
Recommended by: Ely Davis
“I read this book last year. Matt Smethurst uses Tim Keller’s life, preaching, and writings to distill gospel lessons that are applicable to all areas of life. This book would encourage everyone from the new believer to the church elder.”
Heaven is a World of Love – Jonathan Edwards
Recommended by: Kelly Amis
"Edwards’, Heaven Is a World of Love, reshaped my view of love as God-centered, self-forgetful service, not sentiment. It draws eternity into everyday relationships and asks if my love reflects heaven."
How to Build a Healthy Church – Mark Dever and Paul Alexander
Recommended by: Nick Dutton
"As a man who is aspiring to the ministry, I found this book to be beneficial for thinking about the practical ways we implement healthy church principles. You don't have to be in the ministry or even aspiring to it to benefit from the highly practical yet biblically faithful guidance in this book."
The Fountain of Life – Samuel Parker
Recommended by: Cory Hughes
“I read this book on a plane ride, which means it’s short. Like an elevator into the clouds, this book will give you some breathtaking looks at God’s self-existence. Afterwards you are sure to understand why God’s aseity is glorious and makes Him worthy of our eternal worship."
Risk is Right – John Piper
Recommended by: JM Lee
“Risk Is Right is a short but powerful read. In this book, John Piper hopes to inspire Christian’s to take bold risks in faith rather than live for comfort and safety. Trusting God through sacrifice and uncertainty leads to a greater joy and eternal purpose in this life.
Gospel Treason: Betraying the Gospel with Hidden Idols - Brad Bigney
Recommended by: Jason Winstead
"Our deepest struggles trace back to 'respectable' idols — good things elevated above Christ. It was a good reminder that real change isn't behavior management; it's the gospel dethroning the hidden loyalties that quietly rule us."
______________________________________
Tim Keller on the Christian Life – Matt Smethurst
Recommended by: Ely Davis
“I read this book last year. Matt Smethurst uses Tim Keller’s life, preaching, and writings to distill gospel lessons that are applicable to all areas of life. This book would encourage everyone from the new believer to the church elder.”
Heaven is a World of Love – Jonathan Edwards
Recommended by: Kelly Amis
"Edwards’, Heaven Is a World of Love, reshaped my view of love as God-centered, self-forgetful service, not sentiment. It draws eternity into everyday relationships and asks if my love reflects heaven."
How to Build a Healthy Church – Mark Dever and Paul Alexander
Recommended by: Nick Dutton
"As a man who is aspiring to the ministry, I found this book to be beneficial for thinking about the practical ways we implement healthy church principles. You don't have to be in the ministry or even aspiring to it to benefit from the highly practical yet biblically faithful guidance in this book."
- Available in the GF Library
- Purchase from 10ofThose
The Fountain of Life – Samuel Parker
Recommended by: Cory Hughes
“I read this book on a plane ride, which means it’s short. Like an elevator into the clouds, this book will give you some breathtaking looks at God’s self-existence. Afterwards you are sure to understand why God’s aseity is glorious and makes Him worthy of our eternal worship."
- Available in the GF Library
Risk is Right – John Piper
Recommended by: JM Lee
“Risk Is Right is a short but powerful read. In this book, John Piper hopes to inspire Christian’s to take bold risks in faith rather than live for comfort and safety. Trusting God through sacrifice and uncertainty leads to a greater joy and eternal purpose in this life.
- Available in the GF Library
- Purchase from 10ofThose
Gospel Treason: Betraying the Gospel with Hidden Idols - Brad Bigney
Recommended by: Jason Winstead
"Our deepest struggles trace back to 'respectable' idols — good things elevated above Christ. It was a good reminder that real change isn't behavior management; it's the gospel dethroning the hidden loyalties that quietly rule us."