Every Christian should read biography. Through the years God has used the story of believers in history to both instruct and inspire me. First, let me say that not every biography I read is Christian. There are lessons to be learned from military leaders, businesspeople, athletes, and government figures. Sometimes we learn what to do and sometimes we learn what not to do!
However, there are men and women who have faithfully followed the Lord and their lives can lead us to do the same. We follow in the footsteps of those who have gone ahead. It is for this reason that I think we should continue to study the examples who have blazed the trail before us.
I have shelves full of Christian biographies on individuals, but this list will provide a few volumes that deal with multiple people. They have been a help to me and would be good for anyone to read…
Life Verses by Frank Boreham (This five volume set is a reprint of Boreham’s original books that were published under titles like A Bunch of Everlastings, A Handful of Stars, etc. These brief messages on the life text’s of historical figures opens both God’s Word and human examples to the reader.)
They Found The Secret by V. Raymond Edman (Edman was a missionary statesman who died in the pulpit as he spoke about seeing the Lord. All of his books are helpful, but this volume outlines the lives of twenty Christians who all discovered the secret of the Spirit-filled life. This book personally changed my life many years ago and I have enjoyed recommending it to others.)
50 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren W. Wiersbe (This book is a more updated version of a couple of Wiersbe’s earlier writings on Walking with the Giants, Living with the Giants, etc. It provides a brief glimpse of a variety of men and women who made some contribution to our Christian heritage, and will help you to get acquainted with other authors you need to know.)
How They Prayed by Edwin and Lillian Harvey (There are 3 small volumes in this set. Each relay the encouraging stories of praying families, ministers, and missionaries. You will be blessed and challenged by these books.)
Men of Purpose by Peter Masters (The longtime pastor of Spurgeon’s Metropolitan Tabernacle in London writes compelling summaries of 11 godly men who made significant contributions to society. This is a book every young person should read!)
What biography has made an impact on your life?
Read each article in this series:
5 Books To Read About Jesus (And One Bonus)
5 Books To Read For Bible Study
5 Books To Read On Prayer + 1 I’m Reading Now
