8 Best Books for New Christians in 2023

Study Bible

Everything involved in discipleship is spelled out in the Bible. Thus it is the single-most important book recommendation for new Christians, and preferably a good study Bible.

The ESV Study Bible and NLT or NIV Life Application Study Bible are all on the top of the list. With study notes that are simple and practical and translations that are easy for new believers to read and comprehend, these Bibles are exceptional for helping new Christians understand and apply God's truth.

The Gospels are a great place to begin because they recount the moments when discipleship, or following Jesus, began. The Gospel of John is particularly important because John gives new Christians an up-close and personal look at Jesus Christ. The book of Romans is also a good starting place because it clearly explains God's plan for salvation. The Psalms and Proverbs are uplifting and enlightening for those who are just beginning to build a foundation of faith.

Bible Reading Plan

Secondly, choose a good daily Bible reading plan. Following a plan is crucial to remaining consistent and disciplined as you make it a daily practice to read through the entire Bible. Most study Bibles, including those recommended above, come with one or more Bible reading plans in the study resources.

Using a Bible reading plan is a smart way for new believers to break down an overwhelming task into a manageable, organized, and systematic adventure.

"Practicing Basic Spiritual Disciplines" by Charles Stanley

This book examines the essential disciplines for growing in godliness and developing a strong and consistent life of faith. Drawn from the solid and ageless foundation of Scripture, Charles Stanley teaches new believers the ten hallmarks of spiritual strength and the four Rs of spiritual growth.

"New Believer's Guide to Effective Christian Living" by Greg Laurie

Evangelist Greg Laurie has led thousands of people to faith in Jesus Christ, so he's familiar with the problems new believers encounter and the common questions new Christians tend to ask. This uncomplicated guide will clearly explain who Jesus is, what salvation means, and how to live an effective Christian life.

"The New How to Study Your Bible" by Kay Arthur, David Arthur & Pete De Lacy

Most new Christians struggle with questions about how to effectively understand and personally apply God's Word. Kay Arthur's inductive study method (known as Precepts) is one of the best ways to acquire the skills of observation, interpretation, and application to transform the complexities of Bible study into a dynamic, fresh, and life-changing exploration of Scripture.

"Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God" by Francis Chan

Crazy Love challenges Christians, both new and old, to think intensely about God's love for us— and how the Creator of the Universe demonstrated crazy, passionate love through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ. In each chapter, Francis Chan asks a thought-provoking, self-examining question to help readers carefully consider their beliefs and actions toward God and about the Christian faith.

"The Normal Christian Life" by Watchman Nee

This book is a Christian classic and required reading for most Bible students. Although last on the list, The Normal Christian Life has made a significant impact on my Christian walk, probably more than any other book aside from the Bible.

Watchman Nee, a leader in the Chinese house church movement, spent his final 20 years in a Communist prison. Through this book, he presents the eternal purposes of God with clarity and simplicity. Nee reflects on God's great plan of salvation, the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross, the mighty working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, the servanthood of believers, the basis for all ministry, and the goal of the gospel.