My must-have Christian resources

This page include affiliate links. I have personally used ALL the resources on this list. Funds from affiliate sales are reinvested back into my online ministry.

All my favorite resources, in one spot! Explore my recommendations for Bible studies, podcasts, books, and more. These resources have blessed my walk with the Lord, and I hope they’ll bless you too.

If you’re just getting starting

One of the most common questions I receive: where do I start with the Bible if I’m just getting started? These are the resources I recommend for beginners, or if you want to brush up on the basics.

  • Amen | From Eden to Eternity - Provides a quick survey of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. You’ll learn how all of scripture fits together. This is a great place to start if you’ve never read the Bible, or you want to brush up on your knowledge.

  • Search the Word | Study - The study for the woman who doesn’t know how to study, or needs to brush up on the basics. It will walk you through how to read, interpret, and apply scripture.

  • Women of the Word | Jen Wilkin - This book will dive even deeper into how to study the word with both your mind and heart. Jen is so talented at making Bible study tangible for the average person.

Quiet time basket

My most-used resources that I store in my quiet time basket.

  • In the Word | A Journal for Deeper Bible Study - The journal provides prompts you can use for any passage of scripture to go deeper and apply the inductive method. This is a helpful companion for any Bible study.

  • Behold: A Study of the New Testament by Daily Grace Co. - Read through the New Testament in a year with this four-book study series. While I haven’t yet completed this series, I have learned a lot so far and highly recommend.

  • ESV Single Column Journaling Bible - Large Print - This is the Bible I use everyday and the one you’ll see on my Instagram. The leather cover is sturdy and beautiful, and I love the wide margins for notetaking.

  • The Story of Redemption Journal Bundle - These are a favorite of mine! It’s a set of four journals with journaling space for each book of the Bible. Each journal has a table of contents, making it easy to turn to your notes on any book. I love this for keeping my notes organized.

  • Dwell scripture memory journal - This journal gives such great tips for memorization and walks you through practical steps to help learn the passages by heart.⁠

  • Muted Pastel Highlighters - These highlighters have beautiful, muted colors, and are great for marking in books or Bibles with thick pages.

  • Pencil pouch - This pouch is really affordable and sturdy, and perfect for putting pens and highlighters in!

Bibles

Bible study resources

  • The Bible Handbook - I love to use this handbook before I study a book of the Bible. It gives an overview of the book and lists key themes, verses, and keywords. It also includes helpful charts, maps, and timelines.

  • In the Word | A Journal for Deeper Bible Study - The journal provides prompts you can use for any passage of scripture to go deeper and apply the inductive method. This is a helpful companion for any Bible study.

  • Believer’s Bible Commentary - This commentary offers verse-by-verse commentary for the entire Bible. It also includes helpful introductory information for every book. It’s easy to understand and practical, while going deep in its study of theology.

  • Moody Bible Commentary - Straight-forward and concise, this commentary is a library must-have. Use it to dive deeper into the meaning and context of any text in the Bible.

  • Holman Bible Dictionary - Use it to look up keywords in the Bible including names, locations, terms, etc. I learn a lot by looking up locations and seeing pictures so I can better understand the historical context.

  • How the Bible Came to Be | Phylicia Masonheimer - Develop an understanding of how the canon of scripture was written and formed. This book will help you know why we can trust the Bible as God’s inspired word.

Prayer

Quiet time accessories

  • Selah Collection Bible Journaling Set - My friend Kristin Nave (@shelovesbible) just launched this Bible journaling set with Mr. Pen. Includes sticky notes, Bible tabs, gel highlighters, fineliner, pens, stickers, paper clips, and a pencil. Such a good value, and so beautiful!

  • The Story of Redemption Journal Bundle - These are a favorite of mine! It’s a set of four journals with journaling space for each book of the Bible. Each journal has a table of contents, making it easy to turn to your notes on any book. I love this for keeping my notes organized.

  • Muted Pastel Highlighters - These highlighters have beautiful, muted colors and are great for marking in books or Bibles with thick pages.

  • Bible Study Stickers | Give Me Jesus - Great for adding flair to your journals, Bibles, and planners.

Spiritual disciplines

Bible studies

  • The Story of Redemption by Daily Grace Co. - A four-book series, this study collection walks you through the Bible in a year. If reading the entire Bible is a goal of yours, this study will break it down and make it doable.

  • Behold: A Study of the New Testament by Daily Grace Co. - Read through the New Testament in a year with this four-book study series. While I haven’t yet completed this series, I have learned a lot so far and highly recommend.

  • God of Creation (Genesis 1-11) by Jen Wilkin - Honestly, I have loved every study I’ve done by Jen Wilkin. I always learn so much, even from scriptures I’ve heard my whole life. This study helped me see Genesis with fresh eyes.

  • Abide (1-3 John) by Jen Wilkin - I came away from this study with so much practical wisdom I’m still applying: how to have assurance of my faith, how to discern truths from lies, and what it means to live as a believer.

  • This is the Gospel by She Reads Truth - This is one of my favorite things to gift an unbeliever. It beautifully and simply walks through the core gospel message for someone who is searching for answers.

Theology

  • The Theology Handbook - This is a great primer on theology, with chapters to introduce you to different theological topics.

  • Every Woman a Theologian | Phylicia Masonheimer - Phylicia provides an introduction to theology, while going deep. She has such a gift for showing how theology matters for our daily lives.

  • Know the Creeds and Councils | Justin Holcomb - If you want to learn more about church history, this is a great start. You’ll learn about the Christian statements of belief (creeds) and the key gatherings of church leaders that determined the course of the church (councils).

  • Phylicia Masonheimer’s Quick Theology book series - Each book addresses a practical theological question and helps you apply what you learn. They’re very short and can be read in one sitting. They’re very affordable as well—$6 for a print book and $3 for an ebook.

Apologetics (defense of the Christian faith)

  • The Case for Faith | Lee Strobel - This book is excellent for answering basic barriers to the Christian faith. Examples: "Church history is littered with oppression and violence" and "Since evil and suffering exist, a loving God cannot."

  • Reason for God | Timothy Keller - I would describe this as the "Mere Christianity" of the 21st century. Tim Keller provides an excellent, exhaustive defense of the Christian faith that is incredibly relevant for those searching for answers. Note: I differ from Tim Keller's stance on evolution. Keller believes evolution is compatible with the Christian worldview, which I disagree with. In my opinion, the Case for Faith better responds to evolution, both biblically and scientifically.

  • Mama Bear Apologetics | Hayley Morgan - While written for moms, anyone could learn from this book. It breaks down some of culture’s biggest lies, responds with truth, and teaches women how to critically think through the world’s claims.

  • Tactics | Gregory Koukl - If you struggle to know how to engage with unbelievers around faith, this is an excellent resource. You’ll learn how to ask good questions that put people at ease and inspire deeper conversation.

Podcasts

  • Verity by Phylicia Masonheimer - Learn about theology, church history, and spiritual disciplines with Phylicia, the found of Every Woman a Theologian. I love her practical and simple breakdown of complex topics.

  • Cultivate What Matters - Get inspired to pursue your goals and steward what God’s given you while embracing grace and rest. I’m always so motivated by this podcast and leave feeling encouraged in both my work and rest.

  • Relatable by Allie Beth Stuckey - Learn about politics and social issues from a biblical perspective. While Allie Beth deals with heavy topics, you will learn a lot.

  • Alisa Childers Podcast - Alisa graciously responds to Progressive Christianity and skeptical claims against the gospel. I’ve learned a lot about my faith through this podcast and how to better respond to cultural claims.

  • Risen Motherhood - Learn how to live out the gospel in motherhood alongside other mamas. I appreciate how this podcasts features perspectives from both women who do income producing work and stay at home moms.

Free online resources

  • ​BibleRef.com - This free digital commentary is easy to navigate and understand. I love that you can turn to any verse or chapter of the Bible and receive a brief description of what's going on in the book, chapter, AND verse. It's great if you're looking up cross-references and want to know the context without extensive reading.

  • GotQuestions.org - The Christian version of Google! I have been pleasantly surprised by the depth of its answers and often use this tool to research for my writing.

  • Accordance Bible Software app - Tap on any word in the Bible, and it will give you a quick word study of the original text. Super easy to use and helpful for Bible study.

  • Blue Letter Bible app - This tool include different Bible versions and lets you read different Bible translations side-by-side.

  • Logos: Deep Bible Study app - This app gives access to so many free resources including commentaries, Bible dictionaries, books, and more.

Allison Mattson