In celebration of his much-anticipated new release, this October (I'd Like You More if You Were More like Me), we take a look at the top 10 books (with a nugget of wisdom from each) by the book-title-genius and inspirational author, John Ortberg.

10. Know Doubt

Also known as ‘Faith and Doubt’, this book doesn’t chide the doubts that believers hold. Rather it explores why doubts can actually be a vital part of faith.

“Underneath the surface of the sceptic is fear — fear of being disappointed.”

9. Life Changing Love

Many people know God in their hearts, and others in their minds, but what about knowing Him in both? Life Changing Love is a call to encounter deeply God’s love, the sheer heat and depth of it.

"We may be unlovely, yet we are not unloved"

8. Who is This Man?

It’s the big question that many people ask of Jesus: who is He? It’s also a question with many answers, from the wise to the weird. But in this Ortberg classic, we see more of who Jesus is, what his mission, purpose, and character was. It also shows what we can take away from his life, if we want to truly be Christ-like.

“One of the most impressive aspects of Jesus is how he was impressed by unimpressive people.”

7. All The Places To Go...How Will You Know?

What doors does God open for you each day? That’s the question behind this entry, which challenges you to see all the opportunities God places before you. From the small to the eternal, the effects of saying ‘yes’ to God could be the first step in a new adventure.

“God’s primary will for your life is not the achievements you accrue; it’s the person you become.”

6. Soul Keeping

Many people eat healthily, exercise, and drink plenty of water - all towards the goal of a healthy body. But what do you do if you want a healthy soul? Soul Keeping is John Ortberg's fitness regimen for the spirit. Offering alternatives to the traps and pitfalls of modern life, he helps you to grow in faith and depth.

“Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.

5. The Life You've Always Wanted

I have a 45 page manual on using my printer; a 12-page instruction booklet on assembling some shelves; 60+ pages on using my new remote control. All these are manuals for bits of living, but not for life. One of the most popular of Ortberg’s books, The Life You've Always Wanted has helped many people see how to live out their relationship with God. Clear and compelling, it is a book for growing in joy and faith.

“We have largely traded wisdom for information, depth for breadth. We want to microwave maturity.”

4. God Is Closer Than You Think

There is a big difference between knowing someone, and being close to them. This book is all about bridging that gap and helping people discover intimacy with God. It answers the big question of ‘If God Is Always with Us, Why Is He So Hard to Find?’

“The story of the Bible isn’t primarily about the desire of people to be with God; it’s the desire of God to be with people.”

3. When the Game is Over, it All Goes Back in the Box

We all love winning, but how long does that feeling last? For that matter, how long do most of the feelings we seek actually last? Helping you sort out what is fleeting happiness, and what is lasting joy, John Ortberg runs with the idea of board games to make a book that is both humorous and wise.

“Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation.”

2. Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them

What a title. Funny and so very accurate, if ever you wanted to sum up the majority of John Ortberg's books, this is the one with which to do it. It’s a book that asks you to embrace people, quirks and all, and see people how God sees them. It also shows the wonders of grace, and community, and how to grow meaningful relationships in the face of weirdness.

“There is a very important theological distinction between being a prophet and being a jerk. What burns deeply in the heart of a true prophet is not just anger but love.”

1. If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat

I don’t think there has ever been a book with such a challenging title. First published almost 17 years ago, to this day people are still being challenged to step up in their faith. Rooted in the story of Peter meeting Jesus on the water, If You Want to Walk…. is a calling to do the scary, do the impossible, and do everything in faith.

“The decision to grow always involves a choice between risk and comfort. This means that to be a follower of Jesus you must renounce comfort as the ultimate value of your life.”

Did we miss your favourite from the list?

Are you excited about John Ortberg's new book, coming this October?