You have so much you want to tell your senior, whether it’s a child, grandchild, or friend. Even though you’ve spent years sharing the wisdom you’ve gained from life, somehow that doesn’t seem like enough. There’s always something else you wanted to say, some advice you forgot to mention, some story from your past that could definitely help.
Instead of loading them down with everything you think they’ll need, sometimes it’s better to provide them with solid books that can shape them in the long run. but which ones should you choose? we would love to help. These books have had an impact on us as publishers and Christians, and we believe they are essential to any graduate’s library.
You are reading: Best christian books for high school graduates
We’re assuming here that you already have a solid bible to study (and know a good website for in-depth reading on your smartphone). none of these recommendations matter if there is no solid scriptural foundation. but if that’s there, then here are 12 books to give your graduate to help them on their journey.
personalize your gift book with one of these Bible verses for graduates
mere christianity by c.s. louis
This classic explanation and defense of the Christian faith has moved men and women for decades. the conversational style and vivid prose make chewing through even complex theological concepts enjoyable. You may not agree with Lewis on every point, but sheer Christianity will challenge you to examine what you believe and why you believe it. every graduate needs to take a look inside.
the battle of every young man/woman by stephen arterburn, fred stoeker and shannon ethridge
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sex. Every graduate will face an attack from the world when it comes to sex. porn is more common on the internet than cat memes, smartphone apps encourage connection with a simple swipe, and temptations have become almost constant. in fact, the battle they face will probably only get more intense. they need help, and the series of battles of all men gives them the weapons to win. Both Every Young Man’s Battle and Every Young Woman’s Battle tackle this topic in a way that will stick with them.
god’s reason: belief in the age of skepticism by tim keller
Considered by many an instant classic, The Reason for God by Pastor Tim Keller often appears on lists of the best Christian books of all time. there is a good reason for that. this well-reasoned volume has become the go-to book for answering today’s skeptics. With his firm understanding of scripture, Keller will give your graduate a newfound confidence in God’s infallible word.
crazy love: overwhelmed by an unforgiving god by francis chan
Millions of Christians have responded to the passionate call that Francis Chan unleashed on the world in the form of crazy love. This book has become fodder for small group studies and awakened many to the need to do more in their love for God than just “try not to swear.” Easy to read but impossible to put down, Chan’s short book will encourage your graduate to pursue a wild love for Jesus.
influence: discover and unleash your god given influence by jenni catron
every teen and young adult longs to be meaningful, to do something that matters. that is why it is often so difficult for many to “establish themselves” in a decisive career choice or specialization, and why they often doubt its influence. In Influence, Jenni Catron examines the life of Jesus to see exactly what her leadership looks like in Philippians 2. She wants us as Christians to follow her example by releasing our “influence” and using our gifts to impact the world. /p>
radical: reclaiming your faith from the american dream by david platt
Pastor David Platt has become widely known for his multi-hour sermons during special “Secret Church” events. but his passion for sharing the gospel is the real engine that drives him, and you can see that in his radical best-selling book. most graduates take the comforts of home for granted: security, money, convenience. But this book will challenge you to see beyond the world what it really means to take up your crosses and follow Jesus.
the new evidence that demands a verdict by josh mcdowell
For many Christians, Josh McDowell’s timeless defense of the faith has answered the world’s skeptical questions and given them a renewed sense of confidence. The new evidence that demands a verdict is not casual reading, to be sure, but in-depth investigation of science, history, archaeology, philosophy, and more will provide some serious thought. Any graduate can return to this reference book again and again for answers to questions posed in classes and by friends. (Bonus: The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel is a great companion book.)
Kingdom Called: Vocational Stewardship for the Common Good by Amy Sherman
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Too often, Christians make a distinction between “sacred work” and “secular work.” some jobs, the argument goes, have an impact on the kingdom and some don’t. but jesus never presented vocation as an impediment to sharing the gospel: he worked through fishermen, tax collectors, soldiers and doctors. In Kingdom Calling, Amy Sherman shows how any job can be a launching pad for kingdom advancement. plus, there are practical tips on how it works in daily life.
(the cost of) discipleship by dietrich bonhoeffer
Thanks to recent biographies, Bonhoeffer’s stature among Christians has risen once again. And that’s a good thing because his classic work Discipleship (also called The Cost of Discipleship) is a must-read for any believer. Although the core of the book is a study of the Sermon on the Mount, the true power of this work is its insightful (and sometimes devastating) explanation of what it means to follow Jesus, no matter the cost.
redemptive love of francine rivers
it is true that redemptive love is fiction and not what you would expect in a list of books to help graduates embark on life’s journey. But Rivers’s novel goes beyond a simple engaging retelling of the Book of Hosea. It helps us powerfully glimpse the awesome and persecuting love of God. For many graduates, knowing that God loves us and truly believing are two different things. this story weaves them into one.
wild heart: unlocking the secret of a man’s soul by john eldredge
Good examples of masculinity in our culture are few and far between. in fact, even the church can sometimes try to make men feel like their masculinity is out of whack. with all that, most guys don’t really know what to do with the passions they have, the wildness. enter wild in the heart. For many men (young and old), this book has been the call to godly adventure they were desperate for.
heaven by randy alcorn
Let’s be real. there is a lot of bad information floating around about heaven and not enough careful study of what the bible actually teaches on the subject. That is why Pastor Randy Alcorn’s Heaven is such an important book. This in-depth look at what the scriptures teach should be in any Christian’s library, and it will help your graduate remember that an even better graduation is coming.
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