College can be a challenging time for some students. Learning to balance the Christian faith with the demands of a college education isn’t always easy. Right now, books can be the key to helping the Christian college student stay focused, both academically and spiritually. Many of these books are easy to read and can give you just the right amount of support for your spiritual life without adding a heavy burden to your to-do list.
12 Books Every Christian College Student Should Read
Although you may have as much downtime to read as before school, it’s important to spend some time developing your faith through quality books and bible study. however, how can you search through all the Christian books on the market to find the right ones? many self-help books will not strengthen your faith, even if they have a biblical bias. As you choose things to read this semester, here are some books you should consider adding to your list:
You are reading: Good bible study books for college students
1. radical: reclaiming your faith from the american dream by david platt
The American Dream may sound like a great thing to strive for, but is it really a healthy choice for your spiritual journey? Radical: Reclaiming Your Faith from the American Dream challenges American Christians to wake up and consider why they are here on this earth. Is it having two and a half children, a dog and a house in the suburbs? Or is there something bigger? this book specifically explores foreign missions and will challenge you spiritually on every page.
2. why we love church: in praise of institutions and organized religion by kevin deyoung and ted kluck
In your college years, you may be tempted to stray away from organized religion and the church in general. there are many things demanding your attention. going to church can feel like a little more than you can handle. sometimes when you go you can feel that the church is full of more problems than the world. Why We Love Church will remind you of the theological reasons why the church is important and will challenge you to get involved in your local church, despite its imperfections, to glorify God with your life.
3. don’t waste your life by john piper
Do you want your life to count? of course you would, or you wouldn’t be in college. but how do you want it to count? if you want it to count for christ, don’t waste your life will help you remember how to do it. This is one of the must-read Christian books, not just for college students, but for all people of faith. With so many temptations to throw life away, this book will help you keep your priorities straight.
4. knowing god by j. Yo. packer
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Knowing God is one of the best-selling Christian books of all time. This book delves into how to truly get to know God on an intimate level. Packer takes the reader beyond mental knowledge of God and explores how to know him personally. this book has sold over a million copies, placing it at the top of the list among theological books. If you want to revolutionize your walk with God, this book will help you do it.
5. prayer: experiencing awe and intimacy with god by tim keller
Learning to pray is not always easy. you know you should, but how do you build this discipline into your life? keller explores this concept in prayer: experiencing awe and intimacy with god. With a strong prayer life, your college experience will be much more focused and enjoyable.
6. just do something: a liberating approach to finding god’s will by kevin deyoung
The college years are filled with questions about what to do next, and a believing college student will want to find God’s will in that endeavor. this book made the list because it addresses those nagging questions young adults face, like “where should I live after graduation?” and “what is god’s will for this next step?” While adults face these questions regularly, there seem to be a lot of them in college, and just doing something will help you see how to find God’s hand in these big decisions.
7. The Holiness of God by R.C. sprout
god is holy. As a Christian, you probably know and accept this fact, but do you really understand what it means and how it should affect your daily life? most college students don’t. The Holiness of God will bring you face to face with the awesome presence of a holy god, giving you a much-needed perspective on the greatness of God and your lowliness.
8. from the mouth of god: trust, read, and apply the bible by sinclair ferguson
This book is a great little read because it is just over 200 pages long and has practical applications and teaching on every page. If you are new to your faith, From God’s Mouth will explore some of the most basic doctrines while teaching you how to read and interpret the Bible on your own. If you’ve been a believer for a while, this short book will give you an overview of the doctrines that are so vital to your success as a believer.
9. ordinary: sustainable faith in a radical and restless world by michael horton
Our world is definitely unsettled, and people of faith can be a stalwart example right now. however, many are also restless. This book is geared toward the millennial generation, and it has plenty of truth for today’s college student. Ordinary: Sustainable Faith in a Restless, Radical World shows the beauty of ordinary commitment to the local church, faithfulness to Christ in the daily grinds of life, and how that kind of lifestyle is more sustainable than the ordinary style of ministry. radical that is too popular in modern culture.
10. what is the difference? virility and femininity according to the john piper bible
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with only 91 pages, what’s the difference? explores the ideas of biblical masculinity and femininity in one concise volume. This is a concept that is fast becoming forgotten in modern society, yet the roles of men and women are clearly taught in scripture. This is one of the best Christian books for men and women that helps define genders and their roles in the Christian life. it’s not demeaning to either, but it shows how both masculinity and femininity benefit the world and the church with their distinctions.
11. spiritual disciplines for christian living by donald whitney
what do you really need to do to be a growing and victorious Christian? your college years are the best time to learn the disciplines you need for your adult life. Spiritual Disciplines for Christian Living looks at these disciplines, including prayer, bible reading, journaling, and others, and how to make them a habit. By cultivating them in your life, you can become more like Christ every day, and that is the ultimate goal of your Christian walk. Applying the truths in this book will help you graduate with solid habits that will help you on your faith journey well beyond your college years.
12. when i don’t desire god: how to fight for joy by john piper
You may not want to admit it, but at some point in your college career, you may find that you just don’t feel all that spiritual. the demands of classwork, social activities, work, and life in general can distract him from his Christian faith. These seasons of spiritual dryness can create a lack of joy and desire for God. it is important to address them and move on. piper investigates how to do this when i don’t want god: how to fight for joy. This book explores how to overcome this spiritual dryness and strive for the joy that is found in the Lord.
build your Christian faith with the right educational foundation
College is a critical time for you to build and develop your faith, but it’s also a critical time for you to get the proper educational foundation. the school you choose can be a crucial part of both.
university of the cumberlands believes in providing students with a strong educational foundation while supporting them in their christian faith. By bridging school and faith, and offering a supportive atmosphere for both, we can help you earn your degree while focusing on growing your beliefs at the same time.
If you are interested in learning more about the undergraduate or graduate degrees offered at the University of the Cumberlands, contact an admissions counselor or request more information today.
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