J.I. Packer's Knowing God is a timeless Christian classic that bridges profound theology with heartfelt devotion. This transformative book takes readers on a journey to better understand who God is, blending deep biblical insight with practical application for everyday faith. Packer masterfully illuminates topics such as God’s character, love, and sovereignty, helping believers not just to know about God, but to experience Him personally.

Praised for its clarity and spiritual depth, Knowing God has become a must-read for Christians seeking to deepen their relationship with God and live out their faith with greater passion and purpose. Whether you're a seasoned believer or new to the faith, this book will inspire you to draw nearer to the God who calls you to know Him intimately.

Perfect for personal reflection or group study, Knowing God will ignite your understanding of theology and equip you to walk more closely with the Savior.

In The Pursuit of Holiness, Jerry Bridges offers an inspiring and practical guide to living a life that reflects God’s character. With wisdom drawn from Scripture, Bridges challenges readers to take personal responsibility for their spiritual growth while relying on God’s grace and power. He unpacks what it means to live a holy life, addresses common struggles with sin, and offers actionable steps for cultivating habits that align with God’s will.

This enduring classic resonates with anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ and grow in obedience and faith. Perfect for individual study or small groups, The Pursuit of Holiness equips believers to navigate the daily challenges of following Christ with clarity and conviction.

Discover the joy and transformation that come from pursuing holiness—not as an obligation but as an act of love and worship.

The Holiness of God:
Encounter the Awe of the Almighty

R.C. Sproul’s Holiness-of-God The Holiness of God is a profound exploration of one of the most awe-inspiring and misunderstood attributes of God—His holiness. Through vivid storytelling, deep theological insight, and practical application, Sproul reveals how God’s holiness shapes our understanding of His justice, mercy, and grace.

This life-changing book invites readers to confront the majesty and purity of God, inspiring reverence, humility, and transformation. Ideal for personal reflection or group study, The Holiness of God challenges believers to grasp the weight of God’s glory and live in response to His call to holiness.

Prepare to be captivated by the grandeur of the God you worship and transformed by the truth of who He is. The Holiness of God will leave you with a deeper faith and a renewed vision of God’s greatness.

I would suggest that Christian living is hard because we have never been taught to live the Christian life. We have been taught a lot about the Bible. We know a lot of Bible stories from the Bible. We could give you a lot of Bible facts. We could even throw in a few Greek words and several dates. But we have never been taught, systematically, step-by-step, how to live the Christian life.

We read one book that says that the secret is to be continually filled with the Spirit. Is that right? Well, that is part of the answer. But, there is more to discipleship than living the Spirit-filled life.

We read another book that says we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. And we are. But, there are 20 other ways we are transformed.

Here is this book in a nutshell: Discipleship is complicated. It includes being Spirit-filled, but it is more than that. It included being transformed by the renewing of our minds but it is more than that. A lot more. Twenty things. more.

We fail to live the Christian life because we fail to understand how complicated it is. We fail to make disciples because we fail to understand how complicated it is. To paraphrase Einstein, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.” If we don’t understand all 21 laws of discipleship we oversimplify things. The result?

• We fail to live the Christian life.
• We fail to make disciples.

Josh Hunt, The 21 Laws of Discipleship (Good Questions, 2024).

Are you satisfied with the level of discipleship in your church?

If you’ve ever looked at your church and felt that something was missing, you’re not alone. Many of us long for a deeper sense of transformation within our communities but feel stuck in a cycle of programs, good intentions, and limited results. Paul David Tripp’s How People Change offers a fresh and gospel-centered vision for discipleship that goes far beyond surface-level solutions. It’s not just about improving attendance or implementing a new curriculum; it’s about equipping people to live out their faith in real, everyday life.

In How People Change, Tripp and co-author Timothy S. Lane address a question we’ve all asked at one time or another: Why do Christians who know the gospel still struggle to live transformed lives? The answer lies in how we view change itself. Too often, we approach discipleship as behavior management or knowledge transfer. While those things have their place, true change doesn’t happen from the outside in—it happens from the inside out.

Tripp and Lane introduce a framework rooted in Scripture that helps believers understand the heart dynamics behind lasting transformation. They explore how the gospel reshapes our identity, motivations, and habits, and they provide practical tools to connect these truths to the everyday challenges we face. Whether it’s dealing with anger, navigating relationships, or battling fear and insecurity, this book helps readers see how the gospel speaks to all of life.

But How People Change isn’t just for personal growth; it’s a guide for shaping a culture of discipleship in your church. If you’re a pastor, small group leader, or mentor, this book equips you to disciple others in a way that goes beyond quick fixes and shallow advice. It invites your church to move from surface-level engagement to a deep, heart-level connection with Christ and one another.

Through real-life stories, practical examples, and a clear connection to God’s Word, Tripp makes it clear that transformation is not only possible—it’s what the gospel promises. This book doesn’t offer a magic formula, but it does provide a roadmap for understanding how God works through His Word and His people to bring about real change. The process can be messy, but it’s worth it.

So, are you satisfied with the level of discipleship in your church? Or are you ready to take a step toward deeper transformation—for yourself, your small group, and your entire church community? How People Change will challenge you, inspire you, and equip you to experience the gospel in a way that changes everything. Transformation is possible. Let the journey begin.

• The Me I Want to Be, John Ortberg (22 week)

• Twelve Ordinary Men, John MacArthur

• How People Change, Paul David Tripp

• The Good and Beautiful Community, James Bryan Smith

• 10 Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health, Donald Whitney

• Dark Clouds; Deep Mercy, Mark Vroegop

• The Good and Beautiful Life, James Bryan Smith (A Study of the Sermon on the Mount)

• The Good and Beautiful God, James Bryan Smith

• Finding Your Way Back to God, Dave and Jon Ferguson

• Think Ahead, Craig Groeschel 

• As It Is In Heaven, Greg Laurie

• True Spirituality, Francis Schaeffer

• Deeper, Dane Ortlund

• When Your Way Isn't Working, Kyle Idleman

• Shadow Christians, Jeff Iorg

• Holier Than Thou, Jackie Hill Perry

• Please, Sorry, Thanks, Mark Batterson

• Live No Lies, John Mark Comer

• The God Who Is There, D.A. Carson

• Prodigal God, Tim Keller

• The Power to Change, Craig Groeschel

• The Good Life (the beatitudes) Derwin Gray

• The Overcoming Life, D. L. Moody

• Unfailing Love (1 John)

• Yes! You Really Can Change! Chip Ingram

• God Is Closer Than You Think, Ortberg

• Joyful Surrender, Elizabeth Elliott

• Running from Mercy (Jonah), Anthony Carter

• Mere Hope, Jason Duesing 

• The Life You've Always Wanted, Ortberg

• The Four Wills of God, Emerson Eggerichs

• Pray Big, Alistair Begg

• God's Devil, Edwin Lutzer

• Count It All Joy -- A Study of Philippians, David Jeremiah

• How to Talk about Jesus, Chan

• Absolute Surrender, Murray

• All of Grace, Spurgeon

• The Me I Want to Be   John Ortberg (7 week study)

• Difference Maker, Gregg Matte 

• The Tongue is a Rudder / Tongue Pierced, Nelson Searcy

• Forward, David Jeremiah

• God Has Not Forgotten You, David Jeremiah

• Made for this Moment (A Study of Esther), Max Lucado

• Sing!  Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty,

• Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, Peter Scazzero 

• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, John Mark Comer

• Bless: 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World, Dave Ferguson, Jon Ferguson

• Heaven on Earth Alan Streett

• What Did You Expect, Paul Tripp

• Detours: Lessons from the Life of Joseph, Tony Evans
  

• None Like Him, Jen Wilkin

• When We Say Father, Adrian Rogers

• Chasing God, Angie Smith

• Winning The War in Your Mind, Craig Groeschel 

• The Meaning of Marriage, Tim Keller

• The Blessing of Humility (The Beatitudes), Jerry Bridges
  

• More Than A Carpenter, Josh McDowell

• A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, Eugene Peterson

• Above All, J.D. Greear

• When the Enemy Strikes, Charles Stanley

• Facing Your Giants / A Study of the Life of David, Max Lucado

• Power of Purpose (Philippians), Michael Catt

• You Are Gifted, Ken Hemphill

• Everything You Need, David Jeremiah

• The Secret of Happiness, Billy Graham

• The End of Me, Kyle Idleman

• Never Enough, Ron Blue

• It Happens After Prayer, Charles

• Jesus Continued, Greear

• Becoming a Welcoming Church, Thom Rainer
  

• The Power of Jesus Names, Tony Evans

• Worry Less; Live More, by Robert Morgan

• God's Power to Change Your Life, Rick Warren

• God's Answer to Life's Difficult Questions, Rick Warren

• Twelve Extraordinary Women, John MacArthur

• When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box, John Ortberg

• Green Hearts,  Jeff Bumgardner and Dr. Stephen Cutchins

• You'll Get Through This, Max Lucado

• Culture Shock, Chip Ingram

• To Live is Christ, (Philippians), Matt Chandler

• God Loves You, David Jeremiah

• Union With Christ, Rankin Wilbourne

• Not God Enough, J. D. Greear

• Letters to the Church, Francis Chan

• The Prodigal Prophet, Tim Keller

• Why I Believe, Chip Ingram

• The Dangerous Duty of Delight, John Piper

• Anxious for Nothing Max Lucado

• The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel
• Knowing God J.I. Packer
• Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Donald Whitney 
• Holiness of God, R.C. Sproul 
• Pursuit of Holiness, Jerry Bridges 
• Surprise the World, Michael Frost
• Eternity Is Now In Session, John Ortberg
• UnScripted, Jeff Iorg
• A Life Beyond Amazing, David Jeremiah

If you have a request for a book, email me at josh@joshhunt.com 

Years ago, I read this verse in my Quiet Time:

When you come, be sure to bring the coat
I left with Carpus at Troas.
Also bring my books,
and especially my papers. 
2 Timothy 4:13 (NLT)

I wrote in the margin of my Bible:

Books have always been important
to the people of God.

The passing years have confirmed that observation to be true. Most of the godly people I have known were lovers of books. They have shelves full of books in their homes. They read nearly every day. They love to hang out at Barnes and Noble.

When I think of my own walk with Christ, the same dynamic holds true. Books have been the #1 influence in leading me into a maturing relationship with Christ. My guess is this is true of many believers.  

What is even more interesting is that most of them have read the same books. It seems there is a core curriculum of spiritual maturity that most of us have enjoyed. It is the core curriculum of great books that will be the backbone of a new curriculum outline.

The Great Books

I am pleased to introduce the release of a new curriculum outline. For years I have written four lessons a week, based on the suggested texts of someone else’s outlines. With this new outline, I will invite groups to join me in reading The Great Books and discussing the Bible verses in those books.

I plan to write these first four and then evaluate from there. If I get positive feedback, the plan would be to write about 6 a year. This way, you will always have choices. I will be writing more than you have time to complete. These studies will be suitable for Sunday morning as well as mid-week groups.

Participants will be encouraged to buy and read the corresponding book. I will be writing a study guide in the form of Good Questions Have Groups Talking. These will be available on Amazon, in both print and Kindle versions. In addition, they will be available by subscription as part of www.mybiblestudylessons.com . Churches would be encouraged to subsidize the cost of the books. I do not encourage churches buy the books outright, as the typically do with Sunday School curriculum. If people will not pay for the book, they are likely not going to read it.

Nothing has influenced my life—except for reading the Bible itself in Christian Quiet Time—like the reading of The Great Books. My dream is that this plan will encourage thousands of Christians to benefit from these books in the same way that I have.