Welcome to the 2026 One Desire Fast! We have created a reading list based on what the members of our church have read in the past and found to be helpful in their walk with Christ. As we spend time away from distractions, this is a good time to feast on things that teaches us of who God is. This is also a great opportunity to read and go through a book together with someone who you are walking with.
We have provided 2 categories of books:
- Foundational Concepts in Christianity: A great place to start if you’re new to Christian literature or want to revisit and refresh various concepts.
- Spiritual Growth for Christians: More geared towards those desiring to take a next step in their faith and growth as a Christ follower.
#1 Foundational Concepts in Christianity
Mere Christianity by C.S.Lewis
Synopsis: This classic work presents Lewis’s defense of Christian beliefs, breaking down the core tenets of Christianity into understandable concepts. He explores moral law, the nature of God, and the significance of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. By using reason and logic, Lewis invites readers to ponder the foundational aspects of their faith.
“After I accepted Christ and started my journey of learning more of who God is, this book helped me contextualize what the gospel means in my day-to-day walk, and it answered a lot of my questions about Christianity and the theological foundation in more layman’s examples” – Ting
The Screwtape Letters by C.S Lewis
Synopsis: Written as a series of fictional letters from a senior demon named Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood, this satirical book reveals the subtleties of temptation and spiritual warfare. Through humor and wit, Lewis illustrates how ordinary Christians confront spiritual challenges daily. It serves as both a cautionary tale and a deeper reflection on human nature and faith.
“Its super well written and very insightful into all the ways we fall as humans from the devil’s perspective. Powerful thought exercise as many of us always think we are better, but the book forces us to think otherwise.” – Lucas
Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller
Synopsis: Tim Keller examines the modern idols that compete for our hearts, including success, love, and power. He argues that these idols can prevent true fulfillment and spiritual growth, urging readers to redirect their devotion to God. Through biblical stories and contemporary examples, Keller encourages a deeper understanding of worship and purpose.
“Last year, during ODF, this book was helpful for me to realize the idols I had in my heart. God had revealed to me through the Bible the things that I had used to replace His position in my heart. This book was helpful in figuring out how to deal with these idols.” – Afia
Every Good Endeavour by Timothy Keller
Synopsis: This book explores the meaning and purpose of work from a Christian perspective, emphasizing that work is a divine calling rather than a mere obligation. He provides a framework for understanding how to integrate faith into various professional contexts. This book empowers readers to view their work as an opportunity to serve God and others.
“This book helped me to gain a perspective of how my work can be part of God’s work of healing the city and my mission ground. It also helped me realize that the gospel redeems work by reframing it as a way to serve God and neighbor, providing meaning even in frustrating jobs, rather than being a pursuit of self-glory or status.” – Ting
#2 Spiritual Growth for Christians
The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg
Synopsis: Ortberg offers practical guidance on spiritual disciplines that foster personal transformation and a deeper relationship with God. Each chapter presents insights and steps to help readers live out their faith authentically and joyfully. The book emphasizes that spiritual growth is a journey, encouraging readers to embrace God’s grace along the way.
“I’m reading this book right now! And this is helping me relearn the importance of different spiritual disciplines so that I experience more of the fullness of life that Jesus calls me to live. teaching me that all these disciplines are ways that I can connect with the lord and be transformed on a regular basis. I think it’s quite helpful for odf right now too, as we start off the year!” – Charissa
Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
Synopsis: This book invites readers to adopt spiritual practices that align with Jesus’s teachings, emphasizing the importance of being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. This book offers practical insights and guidance for cultivating a Christ-centered life in a busy world. It challenges readers to reassess their routines and priorities in light of their faith.
“Spiritual practices were something I never really enjoyed in my life, but doing this with a few other people really showed me that discipline and practices are not just a means to an end, but the times we spend with God are really joyful times” – Randall
Emotionally Healthy Discipleship by Peter Scazzero
Synopsis: This book highlights the necessity of emotional health as a foundation for spiritual growth and leadership. the book discusses the impact of unresolved emotional issues on one’s relationship with God and others, proposing a holistic approach to discipleship. This book provides tools and insights for fostering an emotionally mature faith community.
“I always wanted to grow in my relationship with God but never felt like it was going deep. When we were studying this book in Building Blocks, it gave me a wider perspective of how my emotions, habits, rhythms, and past affects my spiritual walk with God. It inspired me to see my relationship with God not as just a spiritual thing, but something that needed to embody my entire lifestyle.” – Reiko
Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt
Synopsis: This book emphasizes the importance of communicating the truths of the Gospel in everyday life, enabling believers to articulate their faith meaningfully. It encourages readers to see their lives as opportunities to reflect God’s love and grace to those around them. This book aims to equip Christians to live out their faith in authentic and impactful ways
“The author uses many stories to inspire how we may share and also see the gospel for ourselves. I was inspired to see how the gospel could be so present in many everyday life situations,” – Ngai Qi An