This book would be great for: reading with a friend or neighbour who wants to find out more about Jesus; or as an Easter gift for that person who has never investigated Christianity for themselves; or a giveaway at your next evangelistic event.

Even though I’ve been a Christian for many years, I found this book a fresh read. As each chapter explained yet another facet of God’s glorious being, it re-tuned my heart to sing his praises.

I love this scaringly insightful little book. Sam Alberry realistically describes how church can feel like an effort and sometimes is just hard work. But then he gives me a more optimistic reminder of my church, as both ‘human’ and ‘spiritual’.

I first read God’s Good Design years ago, and have since used my dog-eared copy many times, as I have re-engaged with those ‘tricky’ passages on the roles of men and women. In fact, this has now become my book of choice, that I recommend to anyone who would like some help understanding God’s vision for men and women.

This book is a short, easy read that would be perfect to give to a teenager before they head out into the ‘real world’. It isn’t an academic tome full of jargon and philosophical arguments. Most Christians could read this, in order to know why they think what they think, and so that they can decide how to respond to environmental destruction from a Biblical perspective.

Captivated by Christ enabled me to see Jesus more clearly by delving deeply into the book of Colossians. It’s an easy read, like chatting with a good friend, as Richard Chin shares parts of his life, revealing how Colossians speaks to the issues of today.

As I read their reflections, it was like an older sister reminding me, that my true identity is found only in Christ; that I have been rescued by grace, am beloved by the Father, clothed in splendor, filled with the Holy Spirit and a citizen of heaven, just to name a few!

Suffering Well is a must-read for everyone. It’s a vaccination against fallen life that you and I need, now and for the years to come. I guess, that’s why it’s been chosen as the EQUIP Essential Classic this year.

EQUIP19 Picks… While this book would traditionally be considered a children’s picture book, it speaks so beautifully of the reality of resurrection and hope, both through its words and Catalina Echeverri’s stunning illustrations, that it’s a book for adults too. A friend gave our family this book after our two-year-old daughter passed away. As I have read it to myself and to my son, my grief-ridden heart has been reminded that because of the resurrection, our good-bye is not a forever goodbye.  

EQUIP19 Picks… It’s a practical book. I finished it, thinking about ways I could encourage my minister; but it’s so much more. Sprinkled with relevant Bible verses throughout, Ash doesn’t just give us ‘tips’ but explores the uniquely Christian life, a life shaped by a deep understanding of God and His purposes.