Sale 
God Cares for Me (For the Bible Tells Me So)
Wetherell, Kristen (Author); English (Publication Language); 22 Pages - 09/26/2023 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
It is surprisingly difficult to find a list of Christian books that have been released in any given month—especially if you want that list to be filtered by books released through particular publishers. That’s one of the reasons why I close each month by coming up with my list of New and Notable books. I comb through what I’ve received in the past month (and scour all the publishers’ websites) to come up with a list of titles that are interesting to me—and may just be interesting to you. Here are my picks for April. In each case, I’ve included the publisher’s description.]]>
It is surprisingly difficult to find a list of Christian books that have been released in any given month—especially if you want that list to be filtered by books released through particular publishers. That’s one of the reasons why I close each month by coming up with my list of New and Notable books. I comb through what I’ve received in the past month (and scour all the publishers’ websites) to come up with a list of titles that are interesting to me—and may just be interesting to you. Here are my picks for April. In each case, I’ve included the publisher’s description.
Tim Keller on the Christian Life: The Transforming Power of the Gospel by Matt Smethurst. “Pastor and author Timothy Keller (1950–2023) built a lasting legacy in Christian ministry, planting Redeemer Presbyterian Church and cofounding the Gospel Coalition. With sharp biblical insight that has shaped countless church leaders, along with counsel on the Christian life that has stirred and strengthened audiences worldwide, Keller’s teaching promises to influence generations to come. Synthesizing Keller’s work topic by topic, each chapter of this book highlights a key aspect of the Christian life—covering his views on prayer, suffering, friendship, vocation, intimacy with God, and more. Written by pastor Matt Smethurst, Tim Keller on the Christian Life draws from Keller’s nearly 50 years of sermons, conference messages, and books to share practical theological insight that will galvanize leaders and laypeople alike.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
What Makes You Beautiful: 20 Daily Devotions for Girls by Kristen Wetherell. “In a society that values physical beauty, worldly achievements, and popularity, many young people suffer under the weight of the world’s expectations. The pressure to conform is especially intense for young girls who long to be accepted. Thankfully, the Creator of the world doesn’t judge our beauty through these impossible ideals. Instead, he focuses on the character of our hearts—our love for Christ, our fear of him, and our continual transformation by his grace. Written for girls ages 9–12, this devotional traces the theme of beauty to help young readers know and love the one who created them in his likeness. Each reading includes a portion of a poem, a related Bible verse, a concise devotion, and a brief prayer. As young readers marvel at the beauty of God, they will be transformed, learning that the more they appreciate God’s beauty, the more beautiful they will become.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Somethingism: Exploring Our Sense of More by Luke Cawley. “Most of us have a sense that there may be more out there than only what we can see or touch—not necessarily a God but something. You could call this intuition ‘somethingism.’ Some who believe this would also say they are ‘spiritual but not religious.’ This book offers those with this sense of belief in ‘something’ the opportunity to begin to explore faith. Imaginative and thoughtful chapters consider the possibility that the sense of something out there correlates to a someone who not only exists but can be encountered and known in the person of Jesus. A fresh approach to evangelism that particularly resonates with younger generations, this book is great to read individually, with a friend, or over four sessions in a group. There are questions to fuel reflection and discussion.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Every Hour I Need You: 30 Meditations for Moms on the Character of God by Katie Faris. From early mornings to sleepless nights and busy activity schedules in between, motherhood is difficult, sanctifying work. Confronted with the struggles and unknowns of raising children, women are reminded daily of their need for help, and from this awareness comes the heart cry of every mother: a longing to be known and loved through it all. Having raised 5 children between the ages of 7 and 18, Katie Faris understands the challenges of parenting and the importance of remembering God’s provision and providence. In Every Hour I Need You, she walks with women, helping them contemplate God’s unchanging character and discover how his purposes are at work, even in the everyday moments of motherhood. These 30 brief devotions focus on distinct characteristics of God—including his sovereignty, generosity, and patience—inviting women to know him more through his word, experience deeper spiritual affections and stronger faith, and serve Christ through the care of their families at home.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The People in Paul’s Letters: A Compendium of Characters by Guy Manuell. “Of the twenty–seven books of the New Testament, thirteen are letters written by the apostle Paul to early Christian communities and individuals. These churches were working out the reality of living for Christ and His Kingdom in a world antagonistic to the gospel. Many of the individuals in these congregations were mentioned by name in Paul’s letters, and there is much to be learned from them. We can learn as much by considering Paul’s interactions with people as his directions about Christian thought and behaviour. Although separated by twenty centuries, many of the issues we face today relate closely to matters they encountered. Guy Manuell has thoroughly researched the people mentioned in Paul’s letters. Each person has an individual entry, starting with the verses in which they are found, and giving a full explanation of who they were and their relationship to Paul.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
10 Questions about Salvation: 30 Devotions for Kids, Teens, and Families by Champ Thornton. “Everyone has questions about religion, but when you’re young, finding the answers can be difficult. Some books are too complex and others don’t dive deeply enough into the faith topics that matter most to kids and teens. So where can young readers go to grow in their understanding of God and his word? The 10 Questions series invites children ages 8–14 to investigate spiritual questions and provides reliable theological and practical answers on their level. The first book, 10 Questions about Salvation, helps readers find joy, security, and hope in God’s gracious love. Each 10 Questions book presents one main topic, poses 10 vital questions on the topic, and answers each question through 3 short devotions. Readers can work through the 30 readings in any order they choose. Written to be read alone or aloud with family, 10 Questions about Salvation is the perfect way to start or end each day reflecting on the things of God.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Why Your Work Matters: How God Uses Our Everyday Vocations to Transform Us, Our Neighbors, and the World by Tom Nelson. “Americans spend a majority of their waking hours working, whether paid or unpaid. Due to rapidly advancing technology, hybrid work, shifts in the economy, and more, the working world has become an increasingly complex place to navigate. In this newly expanded and updated version of his 2011 book, Work Matters, author and pastor Tom Nelson wrestles with the latest trends and dynamics of work, including remote work, work-life balance, technology, the meaning of Sabbath, and working for the common good. Nelson explores the grand story of work in the Bible, revealing that all work matters in God’s economy and that Christians can love and serve their neighbors no matter what they do for their daily vocation. He helps readers discover that their work matters deeply–not just now but for eternity. Why Your Work Matters contains 70% new material and has been updated throughout. It includes six new chapters and a new introduction.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Archaeology and the Ministry of Paul: A Visual Guide by David A. deSilva. “A fundamental principle of biblical interpretation is the importance of context–historical, literary, and canonical. But an often-neglected source of context for understanding Scripture is the field of archaeology. The physical and cultural world we inhabit affects us deeply, and that was no less true for the original writers and readers of Scripture. Archaeology provides insights into important questions like, What did these believers see day to day? What messages did they receive from their environment? What social practices influenced them? In this first of three planned volumes, New Testament scholar David deSilva uses archaeological findings to explore places where the apostle Paul ministered and his audiences lived. This visually compelling and beautifully designed book contains more than 250 full-color photographs of sites and artifacts. The author focuses on the fruits of archaeology in regard to the sites associated with Paul’s ministry in Acts and in Paul’s own writings. This book helps readers understand the real-life situations Paul addressed.” (Buy it at Amazon)
A Light on the Hill: The Surprising Story of How a Local Church in the Nation’s Capital Influenced Evangelicalism by Caleb Morell. “Capitol Hill Baptist Church, located just blocks away from the center of American power, has a rich 150-year history. Its members have participated in significant world events, advocated for religious freedoms, and spoken out against the moral failings of the times. There’s no doubt this church has had a unique impact on evangelicalism from a significant location. But these lively characters and their unique experiences only tell part of this engaging narrative. Through real-life stories, A Light on the Hill reveals how God works through church bodies and remains faithful during times of uncertainty. Exploring themes such as pastoral ministry, faithfulness, courage, racial reconciliation, church and politics, and more, this book will help readers see the long-term effects of faithful church ministries. Ultimately they will be encouraged to invest in a local church and preserve the gospel for the next generation.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Death of the Deadly Sins: Embracing the Virtues That Transform Lives, edited by Daniel M. Doriani. “Pride. Greed. Anger. Envy. Sloth. Gluttony. These sins have endured since the beginning, but they do not need to endure in a believer’s life. This book explores their counterpoint virtues—showing how we can drive out vice with Christlikeness as we learn to increasingly desire, discern, and practice what is good. Daniel Doriani, Michael Kruger, Jen Pollock Michel, and others explore biblical teaching on godly character and the practices and means of grace that promote virtue.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
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Every month I put together a roundup of new and notable books for grownup readers. But I also receive a lot of books for kids and like to put together the occasional roundup of these books as well. So today I bring you a whole big batch of new books for kids of all ages (up to and including teens).]]>
Every month I put together a roundup of new and notable books for grownup readers. But I also receive a lot of books for kids and like to put together the occasional roundup of these books as well. So today I bring you a whole big batch of new books for kids of all ages (up to and including teens).
Pippa and the Singing Tree: Joining the Song of All Creation by Kristyn Getty. “The whole earth is a symphony to God. The universe echoes his glory, and believers harmonize with songs of adoration. In the illustrated book Pippa and the Singing Tree, singer and hymn writer Kristyn Getty teaches children how they can answer Scripture’s call to worship. Playing outside one chilly autumn day, Pippa is surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. The great trees, robins, and icy winds—depicted in charming lyrical prose—all witness to God’s majesty. Moved by the beauty around her, Pippa lifts her voice, adding her own song to the chorus. Combining beauty and rhythm with artwork by P.J. Lynch, this story makes a great gift or church resource.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Sonia and the Biggest Block Tower Ever by Kathryn Butler. “Sonia dreams of being just as talented as the other kids in her class. Hoping to impress her teacher, she constructs a tower using blocks. As she imagines it growing taller and taller, she eventually incorporates books, a fire truck, boxes of crayons, and even a golden hamster! When she snaps back to reality, she is disappointed to find that her tower is not nearly as impressive as she had imagined. We all long to feel special. We seek recognition for our efforts and validation for who we are. This easy-to-understand story, with winsome language and colorful pictures, helps kids ages 3–7 understand that their value doesn’t come from the approval of others or the success of their actions but from the unconditional love of God in Christ.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Jesus Moments: Esther: Finding Jesus in the Story of Esther by Alison Mitchell. “This fun, interactive resource will give children skills to read the Bible as they connect the stories and learn that the whole Bible is about Jesus. Moments in Esther’s story when something in the story is a little bit like Jesus are signposted with symbols that children need to spot, helping them to understand the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. Written by Alison Mitchell, the award-winning author of Jesus and the Lions’ Den and The One O’Clock Miracle, and beautifully illustrated. This book makes a great gift for children 4-7 years old. Can also be used for children’s ministry in church.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Empty!: Celebrating the Risen Savior by Joshua Cooley. “Some things in life are terrible when empty, such as piggy banks, cookie jars, and giftwrapped Christmas boxes. But empty can be amazingly good, like Saturday chore lists and that beehive you just bumped into. Two thousand years ago, outside Jerusalem, a group of people found a miraculously empty tomb—and the world has never been the same. Join New York Times bestselling author Joshua Cooley in a funny, meaningful journey into Jesus’ empty tomb—the greatest empty in the history of emptiness!—and what it means for us today.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Good News of Easter: Celebrating the Glory of the Resurrection Story by Rousseaux Brasseur. “This beautifully illustrated, poetic retelling of Christ’s death and resurrection offers families a new and special way to celebrate Easter. Now open your eyes, your heart, and your mind to the world’s most wonderful story… Of the Light from above, the Son of God’s Love—the King of grace and glory! From the author of The Good News of Christmas comes this charming and colorful lyrical adaptation of the events surrounding the death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ as told in the gospels. From Palm Sunday to Jesus’s ascension, Rousseaux Brasseur makes the Easter story come alive for all ages.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Coop Learns He Can (The Wheelies) by Sarah Reju. “Coop dreams of doing big, important things like his older siblings do. He is excited to go off-roading with Joy, a Jeep, but as a MINI-Cooper, he can’t keep up. Coop becomes sad that he isn’t built to climb rocks and fling mud like his sister and wonders if the Bible verse they had been memorizing about being fearfully and wonderfully made applies to him. When Joy gets stuck and needs her brother’s speed and agility to rescue her, Coop realizes that God did give him special talents of his own. The third book in The Wheelies series, written by Sarah Reju and illustrated by Tania Rex, Coop Learns He Can will show children ages 3-8 that God made each person unique and special with their own purpose.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
A Wonderful Surprise: An Easter Bible Verse to Remember by Sally Michael. “When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds shouted, “Hosanna!” and ‘Blessed is the King!’ Just a few days after they had yelled, ‘Hosanna!’ the people shouted, ‘Crucify him!’ On the third day after Jesus died, everyone received a big surprise–Jesus was alive!In A Wonderful Surprise, Sally Michael helps parents to instruct the mind and engage the heart of their children as they learn Scripture. Each page shows pictures and asks questions to engage preschoolers in understanding the verse. Repetition of the verse throughout the book, helps children memorize the Bible verse after just a few readings. Also included are pointers for helping children memorize and suggestions for activities that will reinforce ‘Living by the Word.’” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Lily, the Lemur, and the Lamb King: The Me Tree and Other Adventures by Bob Hartman. “The whimsical and imaginative short stories in this adventurous book will transport children to a different world, giving them a fresh way to engage with truths about Jesus and what it’s like to follow him. They’ll join Lily and her friend the Lemur on a series of adventures in the Lamb King’s mysterious and exciting playground. They’ll explore a me-tree, play Scrabble with a slow loris, and save an entire family of squirrels from the cold! Along the way, children will find themselves exploring key truths about Jesus’ kingdom—such as how to be welcoming, what gives people value, and why a self-sacrificing king is the best king of all.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Your Magnificent Mouth: A Training Young Hearts Rhyming Book by Abbey Wedgeworth. “Empower kids ages 3+ to connect the gospel to their own actions and attitudes! From creation and fall to redemption and sanctification, this colorful rhyming storybook captures the beauty of the gospel message through simple, practical, rhyming language and illustrations that children will love to engage with. Focusing on the way we use our mouths, Abbey Wedgeworth helps children to see that God gave their words real power, and that this power can be used to heal or to harm. But we’re not left on our own to do the right thing–we can look to Jesus as our example, ask God for forgiveness when we mess up, and receive the help of the Holy Spirit as we use our mouths for God’s glory!” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Go Tell Everyone: 9 Missionaries Who Shared the Good News by Meredith Cook. “Jesus told Christians to go tell everyone the good news that He saved the world! [This book] shows kids how missionaries have obeyed Jesus’s command to tell everyone throughout history. Beginning with the great commission, Christians have always followed the command to ‘Go tell everyone!’ Kids will learn about how missionaries used their talents to connect with people all over the world and share the gospel with them. This interactive book introduces each missionary on the right side of the spread, asks where the child thinks that person went, and then reveals the country where they served is on the left side. Kids will meet missionaries Lottie Moon, George Liele, Marie Buhlmaier, Adoniram Judson, Lilias Trotter, William Carey, Betty Greene, Lough Ah Fook, and Betsy Stockton.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Bryce and the Lost Pearl (Lightglider Origins) by Derek Holser & Zach Fay. “Life is full of responsibilities for fifteen-year-old Bryce Holland. Between working at his uncle’s horse stables, playing his newly earned spot on the varsity basketball team, and leading a Bible study, the juggling act of his life is on the verge of a crash. The stress of a season-ending ankle sprain and seeing the girl he likes with the rival player who caused the injury, pushes Bryce over the edge and into making bad decisions. When his uncle’s Clydesdale, which he rides without permission, gets away from him, the search to find the horse sends Bryce wandering deep into the woods and into the alternate realm of Glideon. There he meets other teens, who have been tasked with rescuing the Gliddles from Machines that threaten the land.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
10 Questions about Salvation: 30 Devotions for Kids, Teens, and Families by Champ Thornton. “Everyone has questions about religion, but when you’re young, finding the answers can be difficult. Some books are too complex and others don’t dive deeply enough into the faith topics that matter most to kids and teens. So where can young readers go to grow in their understanding of God and his word? The 10 Questions series invites children ages 8–14 to investigate spiritual questions and provides reliable theological and practical answers on their level. The first book, 10 Questions about Salvation, helps readers find joy, security, and hope in God’s gracious love. Each 10 Questions book presents one main topic, poses 10 vital questions on the topic, and answers each question through 3 short devotions. Written to be read alone or aloud with family, 10 Questions about Salvation is the perfect way to start or end each day reflecting on the things of God.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Worth It: Following Jesus When Life Feels Complicated by Chris Morphew. “Being a teenager has always been complicated. And these days, it’s even more so; mental-health struggles, social upheaval, climate issues, the rise of AI, wars and political polarization all add to the sense of uncertainty. In the midst of all that, can Jesus really make a positive difference in your life? What about when being a Christian puts you at odds with the values of your friends and with society in general? Is following Jesus worth it? Chris Morphew wants to show you why it absolutely is. However good you think the good news of Jesus is, it’s better. Discover how to follow Jesus in a way that genuinely impacts every area of your life for the better–and the lives of the people you know and love.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Life with Jesus: Youth Edition: A Discipleship Course for Teens by Tim Chester & Katy Morgan. “What is it actually like to live with Jesus at the center of your life? This 12-session youth discipleship course covers all the basics of what it means to be a Christian. It also explores what living your life with Jesus in charge actually looks like and why it’s ‘life to the full.’ These easy-to-lead sessions are designed to promote lively discussion and get into the practicalities of following Jesus in every area of life. Appropriate for teenagers who are still looking into becoming followers of Jesus as well as those who have already made a personal commitment.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
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As you know, I like to do my best to sort through the new Christian books that are released each month to see what stands out as being not only new but also particularly notable. I received quite a number of new books in March and narrowed the list down to the ones below. I have included the editorial description for each. I hope there’s something here that catches your eye!]]>
As you know, I like to do my best to sort through the new Christian books that are released each month to see what stands out as being not only new but also particularly notable. I received quite a number of new books in March and narrowed the list down to the ones below. I have included the editorial description for each. I hope there’s something here that catches your eye!
Wiser with Jesus: Overcoming the Temptations That Hinder Your Relationships, Steal Your Time, Mar Your Decision-Making and Thwart Your Purpose by Zack Eswine. “The biblical book of Proverbs exemplifies how to live life on this earth in the best way possible. However, rather than giving us step–by–step instructions on how to live a more efficient, productive, and successful life, the ancient book of Proverbs encourages us to meditate on the person, posture and pace of wisdom. In our pursuit of wisdom as Christians, we find that ultimate wisdom is embodied in Christ. We must pursue wisdom as we would a person, relationally and with love. The posture of wisdom is one of humility and teachability, and the pace of wisdom encourages meditation rather than immediate action. In this valuable book, Zack Eswine shows us how these things play out in our everyday lives. He emphasizes the importance of relating wisely to people, including to ourselves, before considering how to grow wiser in life skills. But to grow wiser of heart, whether with people or with life skills, wisdom invites us to prayer and community. Biblical wisdom invites us to seek wiser hearts in communal rather than lonely ways.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Paul: Apostle of Grace by Frank Thielman. “In this fresh and engaging survey, Frank Thielman introduces readers to the life and world of the apostle Paul. Drawing on the Acts of the Apostles and Paul’s canonical letters as well as noncanonical sources and archaeological records, Thielman constructs a vivid picture of the complex historical period and fascinating cultures in which Paul worked. At the same time, Thielman guides readers toward a deeper understanding of who Paul was, what he believed, and how he carried out his ministry. Solidly grounded in Paul’s own writings as well as scholarly research, the book explores a wide range of compelling questions. … Addressing these questions through careful and conservative research, Paul, Apostle of Grace is a worthy successor to F.F. Bruce’s classic study and an essential resource for scholars and students of the Bible today.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Body God Gives: A Biblical Response to Transgender Theory by Robert S. Smith. “Understand society’s shifts in thinking and talking about sex and gender; Discover how biological sex guides gender; Recognize how the Bible speaks to gender and transgender; Respond to affirming interpretations of Scripture; Answer gender confusion with clarity and compassion. In The Body God Gives: A Biblical Response to Transgender Theory, Robert S. Smith argues that God intends a person’s gender to be grounded in the reality of his or her biological sex―the body God has given. In making his case, Smith critiques the central claim of transgender theory: that the sexed body does not determine the gendered self. He also evaluates contemporary changes in thought and speech about sex and gender, responding to modern confusion with biblical conviction and compassion. God speaks clearly, both in his word and in his world.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Disrupted Journey: Walking with Your Loved One Through Chronic Pain and Illness by Nate Brooks. “When your loved one’s life is wracked by illness, your life changes too. This honest, deeply personal book helps readers to biblically process their own upended lives, relationships, and spiritual walk. Whether you’re a parent, spouse, child, or friend, when your loved one’s life is wracked by illness and pain, your life changes too. This honest, deeply personal book helps caregivers and companions of hurting people to process their own upended lives, relationships, and spiritual walk—while keeping their gaze on the comfort and hope offered by Scripture.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Good News at Rock Bottom: Finding God When the Pain Goes Deep and Hope Seems Lost by Ray Ortlund. “We all long for a life worth living. So when we receive news of a frightening diagnosis, suffer heartbreaking loss in our family life, or get trapped in a cycle of our own sin, we might wonder about God. Where is he when we need him most? With wisdom from Isaiah 57:15, Good News at Rock Bottom helps readers discover that Jesus is hard to find in the comfortable lives we prefer. Instead, he meets us at rock bottom―where he is waiting for us with open arms. With grace and empathy, author Ray Ortlund opens a door for readers to go deeper with God and get closer to faithful friends when life is hard to bear. You will discover that, at rock bottom, Jesus is more satisfying than any comfortable life without him.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Romans: The Glory of the Gospel by Lydia Brownback. This is the newest volume in Brownback’s excellent Flourish series which many of the ladies in our church are using. “Why is Romans considered the greatest letter ever written? In this New Testament epistle, the apostle Paul provides the clearest explanation of the gospel and the eternal hope for a humanity marred by sin and death. Through King Jesus, God reveals his righteousness, redeems his people from their sins, and unlocks the floodgates of his mercy. In this 10-week Bible study for women, Lydia Brownback examines Romans verse by verse to explore how God works through his Son and in the hearts of his people. Written for individuals or groups, each lesson helps women understand important doctrines of the faith, such as justification, propitiation, and redemption, on a practical and accessible level.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Fake Christianity: 10 Traps of an Inauthentic Faith (and How to Avoid Them) by Jed Coppenger. “Fake Christianity is deceptive and deadly. And, unfortunately, it’s very much alive today. We can easily recognize problems and hypocrisy around us. But it takes humility and courage to face the error and deception within us. With a pastoral heart, Jed Coppenger shows us how unnoticed hypocrisy, like prayerlessness, neglect of the Bible, gossip, bitterness, and every form of ungodliness, compromise our heart and weaken our Christian witness. In Fake Christianity, Coppenger looks to the teachings of Jesus that address a culture remarkably like our own. He exposes ten traps of inauthentic faith and provides a gospel-centric response. The best way to tell a fake thing is to look at the real thing. That’s true when looking at gems. It’s also true of the Christian life. If we want to understand what’s true and good, we must look to Jesus. And we must listen to Him.” (Buy it at Amazon)
War of Words: Getting to the Heart of Your Communication Struggles (Second Edition) by Paul David Tripp. “Underneath the normality of daily speech lies a great struggle—a war of words with high stakes and life-changing consequences. With characteristic vulnerability and Christ-centeredness, Paul Tripp shows that the gospel can utterly transform the way we communicate. The Word made flesh offers us hope for our words—giving us the power to speak words that restore, words that heal, words that bring life. In our war, the Lord Jesus is the one who gives us the victory. With the aid of personal assessments and discussion questions, use this incisive book to renew your reliance on your heavenly Father’s abundant grace and better pursue speech that honors Christ and benefits others.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Pastoral Theology: The Pastor in the Various Duties of His Office by Thomas Murphy. “Whether newly ordained or nearly retired, every pastor will benefit from the wise counsel of this book. Based in part on his experience as a pastor for over twenty-five years, and in part from his notes from Archibald Alexander’s Princeton Seminary class on pastoral ministry, Thomas Murphy sets forth the duties of the pastor in expansive and practical detail. Though written twelve years after the end of the US Civil War, this work remains relevant. The chapters on the pastor in his closet and the pastor in his study are alone worth the price of the book.” (Buy it at Westminster Books)
Walking in God’s Will: Demystify God’s Plan for Your Life and Make Decisions with Confidence by Costi W. Hinn. “Do you feel paralyzed by major life decisions because you’re afraid of missing God’s plan for your life? Do you wonder how God’s will works in tandem with your choices, experiences, and desires? In this timeless guidebook, pastor and Bible teacher Costi Hinn offers readers an expansive map of what Scripture says about God’s will. As you read, you’ll learn to overcome common decision-making cripplers, distinguish God’s voice from your own, and experience peace, joy, and confidence with each life choice, big or small. Whether you’re praying through a specific decision or simply curious about how God’s providence works, Walking in God’s Will is the book for you.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Colossians, Volume 44A: Second Edition (44) (Word Biblical Commentary) by Clinton E. Arnold. “The Word Biblical Commentary series delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.” This new second edition comes with a wide range of endorsements: Thomas Schreiner, Constantine Campbell, Eckhard Schnabel, and so on. (Buy it at Amazon)
Drive Through the Bible: A 30-Day Journey by Colin Smith. “The Old Testament. The New Testament. Proverbs and Psalms. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. When traveling, we rely heavily on maps and navigation systems to take us through the countryside and to our destination. Drive Through the Bible is a 30-session guided tour that explores the beautiful and treacherous landscape of the entire Bible story. With the pastoral guidance of Colin Smith, this book brings you into the valleys of the Old Testament, the peaks of the glory of Jesus, and the ups and downs of the Christian life. This journey spans thousands of years, but its simple, guided approach makes it feel like a quick drive up the road.” (Buy it at Amazon)
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As you know, I like to do my best to sort through the new Christian books that are released each month to see what stands out as being not only new, but also particularly notable. I received quite a number of books in January and narrowed the list down to the ones below. I have included the editorial description for each. I hope there’s something here that catches your eye!]]>
As you know, I like to do my best to sort through the new Christian books that are released each month to see what stands out as being not only new, but also particularly notable. I received quite a number of books in January and narrowed the list down to the ones below. I have included the editorial description for each. I hope there’s something here that catches your eye!
Mothering Against Futility: Balancing Meaning and Mundanity in the Fear of the Lord by Simona Gorton. “Simona Gorton calls women to embrace the God–glorifying tension between the seemingly meaningless work and the weighty responsibility of motherhood. We know the gospel impacts the repetitive, mundane work so inherent in homemaking and mothering, but how does that knowledge work itself out in the fabric of late nights and spilled oatmeal? As mothers, we live in the tension between the seemingly meaningless ‘everyday’ of our callings and the magnificent realities of the gospel and what God promises to do through us as mothers as we raise up the next generation to His glory. This book was written to showcase how God uniquely uses the ‘vanity’ inherent in the work of motherhood to display the beauties of the gospel in and through us as we fix our eyes on its truth.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Joyful Outsiders: Six Ways to Live Like Jesus in a Disorienting Culture by Patrick Miller & Keith Simon. “You probably feel more like an outsider in our culture today than you did ten years ago. If that’s the case, you’re not alone. The question is, what kind of outsider will you become? Will you become a combative outsider and rage against your enemies? Will you become a conformist outsider and mirror the world around you? Will you become a conflict-averse outsider and avoid confrontation at all costs? Jesus has so much for you. He’s called you to be a joyful outsider like him. He was crucified as an outcast outside the city. Now he welcomes you to join him; to die to yourself and discover that sacrificial love has the power to change the world. In Joyful Outsiders, pastors Patrick Miller and Keith Simon will train you how to be a joyful outsider by laying out six ways to navigate a confusing culture at home, at work, and beyond. They draw on the examples of biblical characters to introduce six types of joyful outsiders: the artist, the protestor, the builder, the advisor, the ambassador, and the trainer.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Meet Me in the Bible series by Colleen Searcy. “Meet Me in the Bible” is a series of 8-week Bible studies by Colleen Searcy. The series is launching with 2 volumes now and 2 more becoming available in May. The initial volumes cover Colossians & Philemon and The Story of Abraham. Every volume in the series offers: a simple 5-step framework for studying any book of the Bible, individually or in a group; a bookmark, ample space for note-taking, discussion questions, and helpful appendixes for further study; an inductive approach to studying Scripture; a unique combination of Scripture Journal and Bible Reading Guide; and spiral-bound pages that lie flat to make reading and writing more comfortable. (Buy them at Amazon)
How to Teach Kids Theology: Deep Truths for Growing Faith by Sam Luce & Hunter Williams. “What comes to mind when you think about teaching theological truths to children? Glazed eyes? Over-their-head discussions? Theology doesn’t have to be ‘too deep for kids.’ For kids to stand firm in a culture that suppresses the truth of Christianity, we need to give them a grand view of God that overwhelms their hearts and fills them with wonder. A child’s faith is only as strong as the God they believe in. For their faith to be great, they need to learn about their great God. In each chapter, the authors diagnose problems that hinder leaders from teaching kids theology, explain principles to combat these problems, and suggest practices for applying these principles to your ministry.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Every Believer Confident: Apologetics for the Ordinary Christian by Mark Farnham. “Do you want to defend your faith but aren’t sure where to begin? Mark Farnham’s accessible guidebook simplifies apologetics and empowers Christians to effectively present the gospel in all its glory and rationality. This new edition includes practice case studies, chapter review questions, and a new chapter on engaging in gospel conversations over the long term.” Fred Zaspel says of it: “Marvelously clear, practical, and emboldening. Excellent guidance for anyone who seeks to be more faithful and effective in gospel advance.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Unvarnished Jesus: The Beauty of Christ and His Ugly Rivals by Samuel G. Parkison. “Samuel G. Parkison makes a startling claim: Jesus is the most beautiful man to ever exist. His defence is theoretical and experiential: he knows him to be ultimate beauty and he has experienced him to be so. Deconstructing cultural notions that beauty is subjective or sentimental, Parkison constructs an impressive picture of God’s breathtaking beauty. On this firm foundation, the only building to rise is one that testifies to Jesus, the God–man, as the most beautiful man that ever lived.” (Buy it at Amazon)
The Psalms: Rejoice, the Lord Is King, Volume 2, Psalms 42 to 106 by James A. Johnston (Preaching the Word Commentary). This is now the second volume of a 3-volume set covering all 150 psalms. “The Psalms is one of the most widely loved books of the Bible. A source of instruction for our prayers, inspiration for our songs, and consolation for our tears, these biblical poems resound with the whole spectrum of human emotion and teach us to hope in God each and every day. In the second volume of a 3-part commentary on the Psalms, pastor James Johnston walks readers through chapters 42–106, offering exegetical and pastoral insights along the way. Edited by R. Kent Hughes, the Preaching the Word expository series is an essential resource for anyone interested in studying, teaching, or preaching the Bible.” (Buy it at Amazon)
The Complete Gathered Gold: A Treasury of Quotations for Christians by John Blanchard. “Throughout his more than sixty years of ministry, John Blanchard, author of Ultimate Questions and Does God Believe in Atheists?, learned from hundreds of Christian men and women. The Complete Gathered Gold collects more than fifteen thousand of his favorite quotations on over six hundred subjects. Christians can find nuggets of wisdom on every topic, from ‘adoption’ to ‘zeal.’ The Complete Gathered Gold is sure to be a treasure trove for preachers, teachers, and everyday believers whenever they want to read a gem of truth.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Happy Lies: How a Movement You (Probably) Never Heard Of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World by Melissa Dougherty. “Have you ever wondered how we ended up in a world where personal feelings could become the authority for reality? Or why so many of us are on a relentless pursuit for happiness yet somehow feel more exhausted and sadder than ever? You’re not alone. Melissa deftly traces the roots of today’s social chaos back to a little-known (but very influential) 1800s philosophy known as New Thought. A former follower of its teachings, Melissa provides clarity and compassion mixed with a dash of loving snark as she exposes New Thought’s deceptions and its many concerning tendrils within the church and our ‘self-help’ culture. You’ll be shocked, grieved, and encouraged as you learn: How you can experience true freedom, hope, and peace instead of the world’s counterfeits; How an anti-God ideology so easily hijacked Christian-sounding ideas; Why thinking positively is entirely different from the unbiblical and burdensome ‘positive thought’ movement; How understanding the New Thought mindset can help us share our faith more effectively; and much more.” (Buy it at Amazon)
The Appearing of God Our Savior: A Theology of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus by Claire Smith. “The letters of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus were written by Paul to trusted coworkers toward the end of his apostolic ministry. As Paul’s delegates, they were to teach and defend the truth, model godly living, and ensure that godly church leadership was in place. But these letters are more than just a how-to guide for ministry. In this volume of the New Testament Theology series, Claire Smith explores the central themes and theology of each letter, which consistently focus on God’s eternal plan in Christ to save a people for himself. Emphasizing that we live between the two appearings of Christ Jesus in history, Smith encourages readers to live in this present time as God’s household (1 Timothy), how to endure suffering as believers (2 Timothy), and how to live in an unbelieving world (Titus).” (Buy it at Amazon)
The Quiet Time Kickstart: Six Weeks to a Healthy Bible Habit by Rachel Jones. “Kickstart your quiet time and discover the joy of spending time with God in his word. Beginning with short, simple 5-minute devotions that are easy to make time for, this little guide will kickstart a daily Bible-reading routine. It’s ideal for anyone new to reading the Bible or anyone struggling to spend regular time in God’s word. The devotions gradually increase in length over the course of six weeks and offer focused guidance on understanding the Bible. So by the time you finish, you’ll have the skills and confidence you need to read and enjoy Scripture for yourself—and make your quiet time a habit for life.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Our Daily Food: Or Portions for the Lord’s Household by James Smith. “James Smith was a prolific writer, and his daily readings and devotionals in particular were highly esteemed and hugely popular. ‘My object,’ said our author, ‘is to lead the mind from self–to Jesus; from sin—to salvation; from the troubles of life—to the comforts of the gospel. My aim is to humble the sinner—and exalt the Saviour; to strip the creature—and place the crown on the head of God’s free grace! I cannot ascribe too much to Jesus—or too little to man!’ Some daily devotionals are longer, and demand a fair amount of time. Some are briefer, and take a few moments to read over. These golden nuggets of truth will take only a moment to consider, but will give you matter for a day’s consideration and comfort.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Our Great Redeemer: 365 Days with J. C. Ryle by Bryan Schrank (editor). This one actually released at the end of 2024 but I missed it until now. You couldn’t go wrong spending a year with Ryle! “J. C. Ryle knew that there was only one way to prepare for Christ’s return: to know Him as Our Great Redeemer. This compilation of 365 powerful readings from Ryle’s preaching and writing is rich with the grace, truth, and conviction that defined Jesus’s ministry. Spend this year meditating on the glory of Christ with one of the great evangelical leaders of the nineteenth century in this new devotional.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
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Every generation of parents faces challenges as they raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. While some challenges are the same from age to age, others are unique to a particular time and context. Perhaps the greatest challenge of our day relates to new notions of gender, sexuality, and identity. Today’s parents need to equip themselves to understand these issues and train their children in them. Thankfully, we have many excellent resources available to us. Though I haven't read them all, I have read quite a few. Here are some of the ones I most often recommend.]]>
Every generation of parents faces challenges as they raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. While some challenges are the same from age to age, others are unique to a particular time and context. Perhaps the greatest challenge of our day relates to new notions of gender, sexuality, and identity. Today’s parents need to equip themselves to understand these issues and train their children in them. Thankfully, we have many excellent resources available to us. Though I haven’t read them all, I have read quite a few. Here are some of the ones I most often recommend.
Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids Build Their Identity in Christ by Jonathan Holmes. This book focuses specifically on matters of identity. Holmes teaches parents the challenges children are facing today and how to counter them by helping their children establish an identity in Christ rather than gender, performance, accomplishments, or anything else. It covers a lot of different issues and provides practical, actionable instruction. (You can read my review or check it out at Amazon)
More to the Story: Deep Answers to Real Questions on Attraction, Identity, and Relationships by Jennifer Kvamme. Kvamme has worked with students for many years and is accustomed to helping them work through some of the big questions related to sexuality, identity, intimacy, orientation, and so on. This book is written primarily for teens and young adults, though parents will benefit from it as well. The heart of the book is answers to ten big questions such as: Why does God care what I do with my body (if I’m not hurting anyone)? What am I supposed to do with such strong feelings of sexual desire? Why does it matter what pronouns I use? Why is sex “good” in marriage but “bad” before it? Along the way, she covers identity, gender, singleness, pornography, dating, abuse, and more. (You can read my review or check it out at Amazon)
Parenting without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming World: Discipling Our Kids with Jesus’ Truth and Love by Rachel Gilson. Christ parents are responsible for equipping their children to live and thrive in a culture in which LGBT identities are not only affirmed but celebrated. Gilson wants parents to proactively teach their children about God’s design for their bodies, gender, and sexuality and to do so from a young age. This book is meant for parents of young children and instructs them in discipling their children with Jesus’ truth and love. (You can check it out at Amazon)
What Do I Say When…?: A Parents’ Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for Children and Teens by Andrew & Christian Walker. Today’s parents are raising their children in a time of rapid cultural change when the specific forms of rebellion and the questions they raise are different from previous generations—sometimes subtly different and sometimes utterly and completely different. Parents can easily feel overwhelmed and may respond by attempting to shelter their children nearly completely and indefinitely. This book is meant to serve as a guide for parents who want to help their children and teens navigate the cultural chaos. Through ten chapters it takes on ten big questions and helps parents speak to their children in ways that are appropriate to different ages. (You can read my review or check it out at Amazon)
The Gender Revolution: A Biblical, Biological and Compassionate Response by Patricia Weerakoon with Robert Smith and Kamal Weerakoon. This is a book that, as the subtitle suggests, provides a biblical, biological, and compassionate response to the modern-day gender ideology. It is not written for parents per se, but will still serve them well. One of the book’s strengths is in its combination of authors: One is a doctor, counselor, and sex therapist, another is a missions director, and the third is a theological lecturer. This brings unique diversity and strength. Together they provide strong teaching about what is true and strong rebuttals of what is false. (You can read my review or check it out at Amazon)
The Holy Sexuality Project by Christoper Yuan. This is not a book but a video-based curriculum that is meant for families or groups to watch together. The series is comprised of 12 lessons, each of which is in the neighborhood of 20 minutes long. Yuan begins by telling his story and then progresses to matters of identity, attraction, and action and from there into many of the issues that are most pertinent today—same-sex attraction, homosexuality, transgenderism, and so on. (You can read my review or check it out at holysexuality.com)
A Field Guide on Gender and Sexuality by Ligonier Ministries is a concise but still weighty guide on matters of gender and sexuality. (You can read my review or check it out on Amazon)
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I probably don’t need to tell you how much I love books in general, and Christian books in particular. One of my favorite times to be a reader is in mid-December when people begin to share their picks for the top books of the year. I usually collect a good number of these lists and scour them to see if there is any consensus. I have done that over the past few weeks and am ready to share the results. A few years ago it always seemed simple to find a few consensus picks. Recently, though, it has become far more difficult. So while I scour as many lists as ever, it is rare for a single book to appear on more than a handful of them. With that in mind, here are the ones that appeared repeatedly and, in a more subjective sense, seemed to generate the most positive buzz throughout the year. The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host by David Gibson. I read many positive reviews of this one throughout 2024 and also spotted it on several of the year-end roundups. What’s interesting to me is that it was also one of the ones that made last year’s list. My guess is that this is related to the fact that it released near the end of 2023 which meant that many people did not actually read it until 2024. Either way, it stood out to a number of people. (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books) What it…]]>
I probably don’t need to tell you how much I love books in general, and Christian books in particular. One of my favorite times to be a reader is in mid-December when people begin to share their picks for the top books of the year. I usually collect a good number of these lists and scour them to see if there is any consensus. I have done that over the past few weeks and am ready to share the results.
A few years ago it always seemed simple to find a few consensus picks. Recently, though, it has become far more difficult. So while I scour as many lists as ever, it is rare for a single book to appear on more than a handful of them. With that in mind, here are the ones that appeared repeatedly and, in a more subjective sense, seemed to generate the most positive buzz throughout the year.
The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host by David Gibson. I read many positive reviews of this one throughout 2024 and also spotted it on several of the year-end roundups. What’s interesting to me is that it was also one of the ones that made last year’s list. My guess is that this is related to the fact that it released near the end of 2023 which meant that many people did not actually read it until 2024. Either way, it stood out to a number of people. (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
What it Means to be Protestant: The Case for the Always-Reforming Church by Gavin Ortland. We are seeing a trend today in which people are abandoning Protestantism in favor of Catholicism or Orthodoxy and doing so because they appreciate liturgy, sacramentalism, and other elements like them. In this book, Ortlund defends Protestantism against these other traditions. The publisher says “this hunger for historical rootedness is welcome—but unfortunately, many assume that this need can only be met outside of Protestant contexts.” Ortlund proves this is not the case. (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology by Kevin DeYoung. This book is not ground-breaking in its content, but neither is it meant to be. Rather, it is original in its format—in making systematic theology more accessible by dividing it into bite-sized pieces that can be read and digested over the course of a year. If you have wanted to learn systematic theology or refresh your knowledge of it, this book is an ideal resource. (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Ancient Wisdom for the Care of Souls: Learning the Art of Pastoral Ministry from the Church Fathers by Coleman Ford & Shawn Wilhite. This book looks to the Church Fathers to help pastors rediscover and embrace a classical understanding of their office and its responsibilities. The publisher says “Each chapter examines an important pastoral topic―such as humility, the sacraments, and contemplative theology―and brings it to life through a constructive model and profiles of early church fathers.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
On Classical Trinitarianism: Retrieving the Nicene Doctrine of the Triune God by Matthew Barrett. This is the largest and most ambitious book on the list and it seeks to right the course on the church’s doctrine of the Trinity. “Classical commitments like divine simplicity have been jettisoned, the three persons have been redefined as three centers of consciousness and will, and modern agendas in politics, gender, and ecclesiology determine the terms of the discussion. Contemporary trinitarian theology has followed the spirit of this trajectory, rejecting doctrines like eternal generation which were once a hallmark of Nicene orthodoxy and reintroducing subordinationism into the Trinity.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson. This is a general market book, but one that showed up on more lists than any Christian book! I read it and enjoyed it as well and gladly recommend it along with the others. (Buy it at Amazon)
Here is an incomplete list of the various awards and roundups I consulted:
- Christianity Today
- The Gospel Coalition
- 9Marks
- Growing in Grace
- Kristen Wetherwell
- Daniel Seabaugh
- Trevin Wax
- Bob Kellemen
- Erik Raymond
- Darryl Dash
- Bible Study Nerd
- Aaron Armstrong
- Credo Magazine
- Kevin DeYoung
- For the Church
- The Gospel Coalition Editorial Staff
- The Good Book Company
- Andrew Wilson
- Simon van Bruchem
- John Coombs
- Christa Threlfall
- Kevin Halloran
- Cole Newton
- World Magazine
Let me add a word about methodology. The only lists I include are the ones that are published by people I follow anyway. I follow perhaps 250 to 300 blogs and sites, so that provides a significant group to draw from. That said, I tend to follow people with whom I have broad doctrinal alignment, so I suppose there’s a pretty significant bias involved.
Finally, I feel compelled to note that both Christianity Today and The Gospel Coalition base their awards on paid submissions—publishers submit their books and pay a fee for them to be considered which makes their process and criteria a little bit different.
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I have wide-ranging tastes in music and will gladly listen to all kinds of different genres. I recently spent some time considering some of the new songs I enjoyed in 2024 and, focusing on songs by Christian artists, eventually narrowed my favorites down to this list of 10—my 10 favorite new songs of 2024. I’ve included YouTube videos and a Spotify playlist if you’d like to give them a listen yourself. They are in no particular order.]]>
I have wide-ranging tastes in music and will gladly listen to all kinds of different genres. I recently spent some time considering some of the new songs I enjoyed in 2024 and, focusing on songs by Christian artists, eventually narrowed my favorites down to this list of 10—my 10 favorite new songs of 2024. I’ve included YouTube videos and a Spotify playlist if you’d like to give them a listen yourself. They are in no particular order.
“Faith More Precious Than Gold” by Mission House
This song from Mission House (aka Jess Ray and Taylor Leonhardt) is a powerful and encouraging proclamation of faith amid deep trials.
There is a secret we can only know
Walking through places we don’t want to go
Cause in the dark we learn the song of hope
Our faith more precious than gold
…Tears on the altar from all we’ve lost
Following you no matter what it cost
May be a whisper, may be a roar
This is the sound of those who love you Lord
“His Glory and My Good” by CityAlight
It is a safe bet that there will always be a CityAlight song on my list and that’s the case again this year. “His Glory and My Good” is a song of trust in God’s sovereignty that is based on the promise of Romans 8:28. I think it is one of CityAlight’s best songs yet.
There is hope in every trial
For I can trust the Lord
He will turn my heart towards Him
And help me bear the thorn
So in faith I follow Jesus
On the road not understood
For I know that He is working
For His glory and my good
“All Things” by Sovereign Grace Music
Sovereign Grace also released a song based on Romans 8:28 and, while it is very different, it is equally good.
I know You are working
You are working all things
All things for Your glory and my good
Lord You will accomplish
Everything You promised
All things for Your glory and my good
“Rise My Soul the Lord is Risen” by Getty Music
I love a good collab and that’s the case with “Rise My Soul the Lord Is Risen” which (a little confusingly) was written by Matt Papa & Matt Boswell along with Jonny Robinson & Rich Thompson of CityAlight and then performed and released by the Gettys. There is also a CityAlight version. It is an ideal Easter song.
Rise my soul, the Lord is risen
Come behold the empty grave
See the place where darkness laid Him
Sing for only hope remains
Hallelujah, praise forever
Death defeated and life restored
By that great immortal power
Christ is risen, arise my soul
“Run and Run” (Christ Is All My Righteousness) by Matt Boswell & Matt Papa.
This song is based on a short poem that has been attributed to various people over the years, though most commonly John Bunyan. The poem, and hence the song, compares the hopelessness of the law with the freedom of the gospel.
Run and run the law demands
But gives me neither feet nor hands
Better news, the gospel brings
It bids me fly, it gives me wings
Bearing shame and all my sin
There in my place He stood condemned
Here I stand now justified
My guilt is His, His grace is mine
“Christ Our Wisdom” by Sovereign Grace Music
The theme of God’s love for us in our times of difficulty is prominent this year. This song by Sovereign Grace Music returns to that theme and professes confidence in God no matter what his providence directs. This is a good song to add to a church’s repertoire.
Christ our wisdom, we are humbled
When You hide Your ways from us
You have purposes unnumbered
Each one good and glorious
Help us trust when we grow weary
Free us from our anxious thoughts
Give us grace to see more clearly
You are God and we are not
“O Freedom” by Anchor Hymns
This song from Anchor Hymns is an expression of praise to God for his mercy and grace. It is probably not ideal for congregational singing, but a good one to just enoy and sing along to.
Lift me up and set my feet on the rock
Lift me up and set my feet on the rock
When I stray, When I roam
Call my name, Call me home
Lift me up and set my feet on the rock
“Hold Him High” by Citizens
Citizens packs a lot of great doctrine into this song of praise to Jesus Christ.
Holiest Son of man
Worthy and lifted lamb
Heaven’s exalted King
He is our righteousness
Light of the world in us
There is no brighter love
Hold Him high, glorious Jesus Christ
“Bring Praises” by Matt Boswell & Matt Papa
Here is another song by Matt Boswell & Matt Papa. It marvels at God’s goodness to us, admits the inadequacy of any human response, but then calls on us to praise God nevertheless.
If we could now repay the Lord of heaven
What is that gift that we would bring?
All that is ours is that which once was given
Oh, let our grateful hearts now sing
With joy we give this offering
“The Richest Man in the World” by Ben Rector
I really enjoy Ben Rector’s music and was especially touched by this song (part of a 3-song EP that is all about his love for his family). In it he expresses how much more his family means to him than any awards or accolades. I suppose the doctrine may not be 100% perfect, but I appreciate it nonetheless!
When it’s my turn I think I’ll smile
Say I was
The richest man in the world
Father to a baby girl
And two boys that I know loved me
Was famous to a few good friends
And beside me til the end
Was my wife who is so lovely
And I don’t know who could ask for any more
I’m the richest man in the world
A new year offers a new opportunity—an opportunity to rethink and refresh the way you read your Bible. While some have found a pattern or habit they love and will never deviate from, others like to look for new ways to read, digest, and apply the Word. For those who may be interested in trying something new, here are a few ideas that may be worth considering.]]>
A new year offers a new opportunity—an opportunity to rethink and refresh the way you read your Bible. While some have found a pattern or habit they love and will never deviate from, others like to look for new ways to read, digest, and apply the Word. For those who may be interested in trying something new, here are a few ideas that may be worth considering.
Create An Heirloom
Paul Carter describes a great way to turn a retired Bible (or a brand new Bible, for that) into a precious family heirloom. This is a project that will probably take a couple of years but will result in something precious and meaningful. You can learn more about Paul’s method here.
Read It In a Year
I have long been an advocate of the 5-Day Plan that takes you through the entire Bible in a year. It does so chronologically with five readings per week drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. This plan has led me to read the Bible repeatedly and I have benefited a lot from doing so. You can learn more about the program here.
Write It Out
Rebekah is an advocate of writing out the Bible—taking the time and putting in the discipline to write it out by hand. She describes her method and tools here. This method helps you slow down and think while also potentially engaging your artistic side. You can see some photos here.
Use the “God’s Word for You” Series
The “God’s Word for You” series from The Good Book Company is an excellent collection of resources that will take you deep into many of the books of the Bible. The volumes are written by well-known Bible teachers like Tim Keller, Tim Chester, David Helm, Al Mohler, and so on. There are enough of them now (35 volumes, I believe!) that you could make this a multi-year project. You can find the set here. If you’d like to make this a family or group project, you can get the Good Book Guides which nicely supplement them. (Note: The Philippians volume was written by Steve Lawson, so you may want to take a pass on that one.)
Use a Reader’s Bible
A reader’s Bible is the same text as any other Bible, but without the chapter and verse markings (which, as I’m sure you know, are not actually part of the inspired text). This allows you to read the Bible more as it was meant to be read, without having the flow interrupted by divisions that are sometimes helpful and sometimes not. You’ll find lots of options in the ESV and other translations.
Follow Tabletalk Magazine
Ligonier Ministry’s Tabletalk magazine has long offered daily Bible studies that combine with a Bible-reading plan and other thematic articles. I know many people who have used this for years as a mainstay of their personal devotions. You can learn more and sign up for a free three-month, no obligation, no credit card trial of the magazine at tabletalkmagazine.com.
Use an ESV Reading Plan
You may enjoy exploring the various reading plans that come with an ESV subscription (which is priced very reasonably for what you get). Some will take you through the Bible in a year while others will focus on various themes. Still others will depend on books Crossway has published such as Dane Ortlund’s In the Lord I Take Refuge. You’ll also gain access to lots of study Bibles, commentaries, and other great resources. You can learn more at ESV.org.
Try Professor Horner’s System
Professor Horner’s system is an intense one! His program involves reading ten chapters per day from ten different books of the Bible, all year long. The idea is that the different readings begin to overlap in different ways, increasing your knowledge not only of Scripture but also of its cohesion. I haven’t been able to find an official page for the plan, but this article from my archives has what you need to know.
Read It in 90 Days
Every year Knowable Word advocates beginning the year by reading the whole Bible as quickly as you feasibly can while still gaining benefit from it—in 90 days or less. They are even having a challenge this year that includes a giveaway for those who participate and complete the Bible before March 31. You can learn more here.
Eat the Bible
Nate Pickowicz advocates a plan that I believe was first popularized by John MacArthur. The idea is to read individual books of the Bible repeatedly until you have grasped both their big picture and their fine details. You can find more about plans like this online or buy Nate’s book How To Eat Your Bible which includes a 7-year plan to use this method until you have completed the entire Bible.
Journal Your Way Through
In the last few years we have seen the rise and popularization of the journaling Bible—a Bible that has blank lines in the margin where you can write your own notes. I tend to read the ESV and it has lots of options such as paperback (currently deeply discounted), illuminated and the new Spiral-Bound Journaling Bible. Plus, of course, there are lots of one-volume editions.
Generate Your Own Plan
The Bible Reading Plan Generator will let you custom-craft a Bible-reading plan that helps you achieve whatever kind of plan you would like to follow this year.
Lots of great books and other resources came our way in 2024. Among them were some that were particularly "mega"—that represented an extraordinarily long, big, expansive, or audacious idea, and I wanted to give credit where credit is due. With apologies to any I missed, here is my list of some of the most mega projects of 2024.]]>
Lots of great books and other resources came our way in 2024. Among them were some that were particularly “mega”—that represented an extraordinarily long, big, expansive, or audacious idea, and I wanted to give credit where credit is due. With apologies to any I missed, here is my list of some of the most mega projects of 2024.
The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary (4-Volume Set) by Christopher Ash. Few people are bold enough to write a commentary on the entire book of psalms. Fewer still are bold enough to write a four-volume commentary. Yet Ash came through with a tremendous set that is suitable for general readers and scholars alike. Here is what the publisher says about it: “In this comprehensive, 4-volume commentary, Christopher Ash provides a thorough treatment of all 150 Psalms, examining each psalm’s significance to David and the other psalmists, to Jesus during his earthly ministry, and to the church of Christ in every age. The first volume in the set is a detailed handbook that explains how to interpret the Psalms with Christ at the center. The remaining 3 volumes cover each psalm in depth, with introductory quotations, a deep analysis of the text’s structure and vocabulary, and a closing reflection and response. Ash also includes selected quotations from older readings of the Psalms, including patristic, medieval, Reformation, and post-Reformation scholars. Perfect for pastors, Bible teachers, and students, this commentary set helps readers sing and pray the Psalms with Christ in view.” (Best price at Amazon and Christianbook.com; also available at Westminster Books and Logos)
Missionary: Obeying the Great Commission. Missionary is an original 6-part documentary series created by the missions organization Radius International. Through six episodes it introduces viewers to six Christians who obeyed the Great Commission: William Tyndale, Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, William Carey, David Livingstone, and John Paton. The project was filmed on-location which means the filmmakers traveled to every continent except South America. It features John Piper, Kevin DeYoung, Rosaria Butterfield, Conrad Mbewe, Ian Hamilton, and others. It is currently sold in a box set that includes all six episodes on DVD or Bluray, digital access to stream the films, Leader’s Guide, Handbook, movie poster, and exclusive postcards from the film. It’s ideal for families, small groups, homeschool, and so on. (Currently available exclusively from Missionary.com)
Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life’s Most Important Questions by Tony Reinke. In 2013, Tony Reinke proposed an idea for a new podcast: He would ask questions and John Piper would answer them. Though the podcast was expected to last for only 400 episodes, it has now stretched to thousands. In this book, Reinke collects, categorizes, and adapts the best of 10 years and 2,000 episodes. Though not every book can survive the transition from one medium to another, this one does it well. Here is what the publisher says about it: “In this unique book, Ask Pastor John host Tony Reinke summarizes and organizes ten years of their most insightful and popular episodes into accessible, thematic sections. Readers will be able to quickly and systematically access Piper’s insights on hundreds of topics including Bible reading, dating, social media, mental health, and more. We discover afresh how asking good questions strengthens faith and grows our understanding of God’s word.” (Best price at Amazon and Christianbook.com; also available at Westminster Books)
On Classical Trinitarianism: Retrieving the Nicene Doctrine of the Triune God, edited by Matthew Barrett. This massive volume was published in part to celebrate the 1,700 anniversary of the Council of Nicea and received a nod from The Gospel Coalition as their Theological Studies book of the year. The publisher says this of it: “Motivated by the longstanding need to retrieve the classical doctrine of the Trinity, theologian Matthew Barrett brings together Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox scholars to intervene in the conversation. With over forty contributions, this ecumenical volume resurrects the enduring legacy of Nicene orthodoxy, providing a theological introduction that listens with humility to the Great Tradition.” Those who have considered the controversy related to the eternal subordination of the Son will find definitive answers in its pages. Contributors include Fred Sanders Scott Swain, Carl Trueman, and many others. (Best price at Christianbook.com; also available at Amazon, Westminster Books; discounted for pre-order at Logos)
Reformed Systematic Theology by Joel Beeke & Paul Smalley. This four-volume systematic theology, which was completed this year, is nothing short of a magnum opus that spans 5,200 pages. The publisher says, “Theology is not just an academic subject—it is also a spiritual practice. In the 4-volume Reformed Systematic Theology set, authors Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley explore central Scripture themes from biblical, doctrinal, experiential, and practical perspectives. The result is a comprehensive yet accessible systematic theology of the Reformed Christian faith that ministers to the whole person―head, heart, and hands. This series includes 4 volumes: Revelation and God (volume 1); Man and Christ (volume 2); Spirit and Salvation (volume 3); and Church and Last Things (volume 4). Drawing on the historical theology of the Reformed tradition, these books help readers grow in their understanding and application of the truth presented in God’s word.” (Similarly-priced at Amazon, Westminster Books, and Christianbook.com; also currently on sale at Logos)
Systematic Theology, Volume One: From Canon to Concept by Stephen J. Wellum. Though this is only the first volume in a multi-volume set, it is still a substantial accomplishment and one that was decades in the making. The publisher says this about it: “Trinitarian, reformational, and baptistic, Stephen Wellum’s Systematic Theology models a serious evangelical engagement with the Scriptures while being grounded in church history and keenly aware of contemporary issues. Building on decades of research, Wellum formulates doctrine exegetically, covenantally, and canonically for a new generation of students, pastors, church leaders, and seasoned theologians.” If you are interested in the framework of progressive covenantalism it should be of particular interest. (Best price Amazon and Christianbook.com; also available at Westminster Books and Logos)
Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction by Harrison Perkins. Some who don’t love Wellum’s progressive covenantalism may prefer Perkins’ covenant theology. “Covenant shapes our life with God. In Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction, Harrison Perkins shows how Christ and his work are the heart of that covenant relationship. Since God lives in covenant with his redeemed people, covenant theology provides a framework for Christians to grow in their life with God, to read the Bible, and to love the church.” The book promises to help you “see Christ and his work more clearly; learn the biblical basis for the Reformed confessions; and understand the role of grace and works in your salvation.” (Best price Amazon and Christianbook.com; also available at Westminster Books and Logos)
Ruined Sinners to Reclaim: Sin and Depravity in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective, edited by David & Jonathan Gibson. This is the second volume in a 5-part series covering the doctrines of grace. Not only is the series mega, but so is each volume. This one comes in at just over 1,000 pages. The publisher describes it in this way: “Ruined Sinners to Reclaim persuasively reaffirms the doctrine of total depravity from biblical, historical, theological, and pastoral perspectives, drawing on the debates of theologians throughout church history. Edited by David and Jonathan Gibson, this book features contributions from respected theologians―including Michael A. G. Haykin, Gray Sutanto, Garry Williams, Mark Jones, Daniel Strange, and R. Albert Mohler Jr.―to help readers understand the reality of our sinful nature, its debilitating effects, and the Holy Spirit’s role in salvation. This is the second book in the Doctrines of Grace series, which explores the central points of the Canons of Dort, providing a framework for understanding each doctrine in all its historical, biblical, theological, and pastoral richness.” (Best price: Amazon and Christianbook.com; also available at Westminster Books and Logos)
Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology by Kevin DeYoung. This is a fresh idea: dividing systematic theology into daily readings so it can be learned and digested over the course of a year. “Designed to make systematic theology clear and accessible for the everyday Christian, this devotional walks through the most important theology topics over the course of a year. Each month is categorized into broad themes, starting with the study of God and concluding with the end times. Written by bestselling author and associate professor of systematic theology Kevin DeYoung, each concise daily reading contains verses for meditation and application, building upon each other and easing readers into the study of systematic theology.” (Best price: Amazon and Christianbook.com; also available at Westminster Books and Logos)
Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life by Paul David Tripp. Everyday Gospel is a daily devotional that leads readers through the Bible in a year. In it, “Paul David Tripp provides a roadmap for readers who want to spend a full year in God’s word. Tripp, author of the bestselling New Morning Mercies, has now written a second daily devotional, offering 365 fresh, engaging entries that follow an annual Bible reading plan from Genesis through Revelation. Brief and practical, these reflections connect the transforming power of Scripture to all you will experience in your everyday Christian life.” (Best price: Christianbook.com; also available at Westminster Books and Amazon)
Finally, here are a couple of bonuses:
Motyer by the Day: A Psalms and Isaiah Devotional Collection by Alec Motyer. This may not be the most mega project of the year, but it’s a good one nonetheless. “Alec Motyer was a man whose love for God and His Word inspired others to enjoy studying the Bible, and especially the Old Testament. Isaiah by the Day and Psalms by the Day exemplify this passion. Motyer’s scholarly brilliance and devotional warmth have cemented these books as firm favorites in the hearts of many readers. This beautiful cloth-bound box set contains both volumes from this esteemed Bible teacher. Moyter is a master at attending to the details and finding their precise place in the grand sweep of scripture’s redemptive narrative. Rich and full, yet concisely put.” (Best price: Westminster Books; also available from Amazon)
A New Era of Logos Bible Software. This year saw the release of the new edition of Logos Bible Software and its inevitable change from a purchase model to a subscription model. Beyond that change there were many other upgrades to the software. And, of course, Logos continued to extend its library. In my perspective, the software is now better than ever. (Learn more or enjoy a free trial at Logos.com)
Black Friday is upon us and with it the opportunity to save a bit of money as we shop for the holidays or build out our libraries. I have listed hundreds of deals below and will be adding to it throughout the course of the weekend.]]>
Cyber Monday is upon us and with it the opportunity to save a bit of money as we shop for the holidays or build out our libraries. I have listed hundreds of deals below and will be adding to it throughout the course of the weekend. Note that some of these deals are the same as Black Friday, but others are different.
- My Top 10 Cyber Monday Deals
- Amazon
- Westminster Books
- 10ofThose
- Christianbook.com
- Audible
- Logos
- The Good Book Company
- Cruciform Press
- New Growth Press
- P&R
- Reformation Heritage Books
- Missional Wear
- Fortis Institute (Todd Friel/Wretched)
- Banner of Truth
- 21Five (Canada)
My Top 10 Cyber Monday Deals
- The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung (Amazon)
- The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary (4-Volume Set) by Christopher Ash (Westminster Books)
- Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney (Christianbook.com)
- Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem (Amazon)
- Christian Ethics by Wayne Grudem (Christianbook.com)
- Ask Pastor John by Tony Reinke & John Piper (Amazon)
- ESV Church History Study Bible (Westminster Books)
- Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith by David Powlison (Westminster Books)
- Puritan Ultimate Collection (Logos)
- In the Lord I Take Refuge by Dane Ortlund (Westminster Books)
Amazon
To find Kindle deals, visit the Kindle deals page. What follows through the rest of this page is print books and other physical products. Note: Kindle devices are on sale: Kindle (or bundle); Kindle Paperwhite (or bundle); Kindle Paperwhite Signature (or bundle); Kindle Scribe bundle.
As you’d expect, Amazon has a bazillion products on sale that cross every category. You can begin at this link to find their listings of top deals. Below I’ve shared my picks of books and games.
Print books for kids and teens:
Sale
God Hears Me (For the Bible Tells Me So)
Wetherell, Kristen (Author); English (Publication Language); 22 Pages - 09/26/2023 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
God Came Near to Me (For the Bible Tells Me So)
Wetherell, Kristen (Author); English (Publication Language); 22 Pages - 03/19/2024 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
God Rescues Me (For the Bible Tells Me So)
Wetherell, Kristen (Author); English (Publication Language); 22 Pages - 03/19/2024 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
God, You Are: 20 Promises from the Psalms for Kids
Hardcover Book; Osborne, William R. (Author); English (Publication Language); 48 Pages - 06/20/2023 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
The Biggest Story Bible Storybook (TruTone)
DeYoung, Kevin (Author); English (Publication Language); 528 Pages - 03/12/2024 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
The Biggest Story Bible Storybook
Hardcover Book; DeYoung, Kevin (Author); English (Publication Language); 528 Pages - 03/25/2022 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
The Biggest Story ABC
DeYoung, Kevin (Author); English (Publication Language); 32 Pages - 08/31/2017 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
You Are Special (Max Lucado's Wemmicks) (Max Lucado's Wemmicks, 1) (Volume 1)
Hardcover Book; Lucado, Max (Author); English (Publication Language); 32 Pages - 06/30/1997 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
The Dragon and the Stone (The Dream Keeper Saga Book 1)
Butler, Kathryn (Author); English (Publication Language); 304 Pages - 05/10/2022 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
This Changes Everything: How the Gospel Transforms the Teen Years
Hardcover Book; Jaquelle Crowe (Author); English (Publication Language); 160 Pages - 03/31/2017 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
Faith Builder Catechism: Devotions to Level Up Your Family Discipleship
Hardcover Book; Kevin Hippolyte (Author); English (Publication Language); 136 Pages - 09/25/2023 (Publication Date) - New Growth Press (Publisher)
Sale
Wingfeather Saga Boxed Set: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness; North! Or Be Eaten; The Monster in the Hollows; The Warden and the Wolf King (The Wingfeather Saga)
Hardcover Book; Peterson, Andrew (Author); English (Publication Language); 1520 Pages - 11/23/2021 (Publication Date) - WaterBrook (Publisher)
Sale
Who Is Jesus?: Forty Pictures to Share with Your Family
Hardcover Book; Kate Hox (Author); English (Publication Language); 96 Pages - 01/31/2022 (Publication Date) - New Growth Press (Publisher)
Sale
10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity
McLaughlin, Rebecca (Author); English (Publication Language); 208 Pages - 03/16/2021 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Print books for adults: (Note that some of the books are available in limited quantities and may sell out quickly)
Sale
Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God
Hardcover Book; Challies, Tim (Author); English (Publication Language); 224 Pages - 09/13/2022 (Publication Date) - Zondervan (Publisher)
Sale
Systematic Theology, Second Edition: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine
Completely revised, stronger chapter on the clarity of Scripture; Completely updated bibliographies
Sale
The Opt-Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can't
Loechner, Erin (Author); English (Publication Language); 320 Pages - 06/11/2024 (Publication Date) - Zondervan (Publisher)
Sale
The Truth in True Crime: What Investigating Death Teaches Us About the Meaning of Life
Wallace, J. Warner (Author); English (Publication Language); 288 Pages - 05/07/2024 (Publication Date) - Zondervan (Publisher)
Sale
One Perfect Life: The Complete Story of the Lord Jesus
MacArthur, John F. (Author); English (Publication Language); 528 Pages - 03/12/2024 (Publication Date) - Thomas Nelson (Publisher)
Sale
Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important Questions
Hardcover Book; Reinke, Tony (Author); English (Publication Language); 536 Pages - 03/05/2024 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
In the Lord I Take Refuge: 150 Daily Devotions through the Psalms
Hardcover Book; Ortlund, Dane (Author); English (Publication Language); 416 Pages - 07/27/2021 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West
Hardcover Book; Wilson, Andrew (Author); English (Publication Language); 384 Pages - 09/05/2023 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
Disciplines of a Godly Man (Updated Edition)
Hughes, R. Kent (Author); English (Publication Language); 336 Pages - 07/30/2019 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity
Hardcover Book; Trueman, Carl R. (Author); English (Publication Language); 216 Pages - 02/06/2024 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional
Great product!; Hardcover Book; Tripp, Paul David (Author); English (Publication Language)
Sale
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution
Hardcover Book; Trueman, Carl R. (Author); English (Publication Language); 432 Pages - 11/10/2020 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution
Trueman, Carl R. (Author); English (Publication Language); 208 Pages - 03/22/2022 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship (Liturgies for Daily Worship)
Hardcover Book; Gibson, Jonathan (Author); English (Publication Language); 352 Pages - 12/07/2021 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners (Union)
Hardcover Book; Ortlund, Dane (Author); English (Publication Language); 192 Pages - 09/14/2021 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional (Gift Edition)
Hardcover Book; Tripp, Paul David (Author); English (Publication Language); 400 Pages - 10/31/2016 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary (Volume 2, Psalms 1–50) (Volume 1)
Hardcover Book; Ash, Christopher (Author); English (Publication Language); 736 Pages - 07/09/2024 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
Wonders of His Love: Finding Jesus in Isaiah, Family Advent Devotional
Hardcover Book; Champ Thornton (Author); English (Publication Language); 80 Pages - 10/18/2021 (Publication Date) - New Growth Press (Publisher)
Sale
Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith
Hardcover Book; David Powlison (Author); English (Publication Language); 416 Pages - 09/19/2022 (Publication Date) - New Growth Press (Publisher)
Sale
You Are Welcomed: Devotions for When Life Is a Lot (Gospel Truth for Women)
Trish Donohue (Author); English (Publication Language); 256 Pages - 10/23/2023 (Publication Date) - New Growth Press (Publisher)
Sale
Cold-Case Christianity (Updated & Expanded Edition): A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the Gospels
Wallace, J. Warner (Author); English (Publication Language); 336 Pages - 09/05/2023 (Publication Date) - David C Cook (Publisher)
Sale
Person of Interest: Why Jesus Still Matters in a World that Rejects the Bible
Wallace, J. Warner (Author); English (Publication Language); 336 Pages - 09/21/2021 (Publication Date) - Zondervan (Publisher)
Sale
Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age
Hardcover Book; Butterfield, Rosaria (Author); English (Publication Language); 368 Pages - 09/12/2023 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation
Hardcover Book; Hansen, Collin (Author); English (Publication Language); 320 Pages - 02/07/2023 (Publication Date) - Zondervan (Publisher)
Sale
God of All Things: Rediscovering the Sacred in an Everyday World
Wilson, Andrew (Author); English (Publication Language); 224 Pages - 03/02/2021 (Publication Date) - Zondervan (Publisher)
Sale
The Gospel Comes with a House Key: Practicing Radically Ordinary Hospitality in Our Post-Christian World
Hardcover Book; Butterfield, Rosaria (Author); English (Publication Language); 240 Pages - 03/30/2018 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology
Hardcover Book; DeYoung, Kevin (Author); English (Publication Language); 432 Pages - 10/22/2024 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
By Life or by Death: The Life and Legacy of John and Betty Stam
Montonera, Andrew (Author); English (Publication Language); 192 Pages - 10/01/2024 (Publication Date) - Moody Publishers (Publisher)
Sale
The C. S. Lewis Signature Classics: An Anthology of 8 C. S. Lewis Titles: Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, Miracles, The Great Divorce, The ... The Abolition of Man, and The Four Loves
Lewis, C. S. (Author); English (Publication Language); 864 Pages - 02/14/2017 (Publication Date) - HarperOne (Publisher)
Sale
Typology-Understanding the Bible's Promise-Shaped Patterns: How Old Testament Expectations are Fulfilled in Christ
Hardcover Book; Hamilton Jr., James M. (Author); English (Publication Language); 432 Pages - 02/22/2022 (Publication Date) - Zondervan Academic (Publisher)
Sale
Strong's Concise Concordance And Vine's Concise Dictionary Of The Bible Two Bible Reference Classics In One Handy Volume
Hardcover Book; Strong, James (Author); English (Publication Language); 1200 Pages - 07/15/1999 (Publication Date) - Thomas Nelson (Publisher)
Sale
Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary: New and Enhanced Edition
Hardcover Book; Youngblood, Ronald F. (Author); English (Publication Language); 1280 Pages - 11/04/2014 (Publication Date) - Thomas Nelson (Publisher)
Sale
Pilgrim Prayers: Devotional Poems That Awaken Your Heart to the Goodness, Greatness, and Glory of God
Hardcover Book; Challies, Tim (Author); English (Publication Language); 224 Pages - 09/10/2024 (Publication Date) - Zondervan (Publisher)
Sale
Zondervan Compact Bible Dictionary: A-to-Z Pocket Dictionary with Over 5,000 Entries (Classic Compact Series)
Bryant, T. Alton (Author); English (Publication Language); 621 Pages - 06/01/2001 (Publication Date) - Zondervan (Publisher)
Sale
Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make
Hardcover Book; Tripp, Paul David (Author); English (Publication Language); 384 Pages - 04/20/2021 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
The Gospel According to Jesus: What Is Authentic Faith?
Hardcover Book; John MacArthur (Author); English (Publication Language); 304 Pages - 05/01/2008 (Publication Date) - Zondervan (Publisher)
Sale
Practicing Thankfulness: Cultivating a Grateful Heart in All Circumstances
Crabtree, Sam (Author); English (Publication Language); 144 Pages - 02/09/2021 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
One with My Lord: The Life-Changing Reality of Being in Christ
Allberry, Sam (Author); English (Publication Language); 184 Pages - 09/17/2024 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar: Third Edition (Zondervan Language Basics Series)
Hardcover Book; Pratico, Gary D. (Author); English (Publication Language); 528 Pages - 02/05/2019 (Publication Date) - Zondervan Academic (Publisher)
Sale
Bible Doctrine, Second Edition: Essential Teachings of the Christian Faith
Hardcover Book; Grudem, Wayne A. (Author); English (Publication Language); 672 Pages - 04/05/2022 (Publication Date) - Zondervan Academic (Publisher)
Sale
The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back?
Hardcover Book; Davis, Jim (Author); English (Publication Language); 272 Pages - 08/22/2023 (Publication Date) - Zondervan (Publisher)
Sale
Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels (The Gospel Coalition)
McLaughlin, Rebecca (Author); English (Publication Language); 208 Pages - 09/20/2022 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
Jesus and the Gospels, Third Edition: An Introduction and Survey
Hardcover Book; Blomberg, Craig L. (Author); English (Publication Language); 720 Pages - 11/15/2022 (Publication Date) - B&H Academic (Publisher)
Sale
Parenting with Hope: Raising Teens for Christ in a Secular Age
Hardcover Book; Kruger, Melissa B. (Author); English (Publication Language); 240 Pages - 04/02/2024 (Publication Date) - Harvest House Publishers (Publisher)
Sale
Reformation Worship: Liturgies from the Past for the Present
Hardcover Book; Jonathan Gibson (Author); English (Publication Language); 736 Pages - 04/23/2018 (Publication Date) - New Growth Press (Publisher)
Sale
Counterfeit Kingdom: The Dangers of New Revelation, New Prophets, and New Age Practices in the Church
Pivec, Holly (Author); English (Publication Language); 272 Pages - 11/15/2022 (Publication Date) - B&H Books (Publisher)
Sale
Sing!: How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church
Hardcover Book; Getty, Keith (Author); English (Publication Language); 176 Pages - 09/01/2017 (Publication Date) - B&H Books (Publisher)
![The Gulag Archipelago [Volume 1]: An Experiment in Literary Investigation](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41MQggAwO8L.jpg)
Sale
The Gulag Archipelago [Volume 1]: An Experiment in Literary Investigation
Solzhenitsyn, Aleksandr I. (Author); English (Publication Language); 704 Pages - 08/07/2007 (Publication Date) - Harper Perennial Modern Classics (Publisher)
Sale
Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will
DeYoung, Kevin (Author); English (Publication Language); 144 Pages - 04/01/2014 (Publication Date) - Moody Publishers (Publisher)
Sale
Crazy Busy: A (Mercifully) Short Book about a (Really) Big Problem
DeYoung, Kevin (Author); English (Publication Language); 128 Pages - 09/23/2013 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War: How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-1918
Loconte, Joseph (Author); English (Publication Language); 256 Pages - 02/07/2017 (Publication Date) - Thomas Nelson (Publisher)
Sale
Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion (The Gospel Coalition)
Hardcover Book; McLaughlin, Rebecca (Author); English (Publication Language); 240 Pages - 04/07/2019 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
Mere Christianity
Great product!; C. S. Lewis (Author); English (Publication Language); 227 Pages - 02/06/2001 (Publication Date) - Harper San Francisco (Publisher)
Sale
A Grief Observed
C. S. Lewis (Author); English (Publication Language); 76 Pages - 04/21/2015 (Publication Date) - HarperOne (Publisher)
Sale
Waiting Isn't a Waste: The Surprising Comfort of Trusting God in the Uncertainties of Life
Vroegop, Mark (Author); English (Publication Language); 152 Pages - 06/25/2024 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul
Anderson, Hannah (Author); English (Publication Language); 208 Pages - 10/04/2016 (Publication Date) - Moody Publishers (Publisher)
Sale
Hebrews 9-13, Volume 47B (47) (Word Biblical Commentary)
Hardcover Book; Lane, William L. (Author); English (Publication Language); 452 Pages - 12/08/2015 (Publication Date) - Zondervan Academic (Publisher)
Sale
Crime and Punishment (Signet Classics)
Dostoyevsky, Fyodor (Author); English (Publication Language); 560 Pages - 03/07/2006 (Publication Date) - Signet (Publisher)
Sale
Rethink Your Self: The Power of Looking Up Before Looking In
Wax, Trevin (Author); English (Publication Language); 224 Pages - 10/20/2020 (Publication Date) - B&H Books (Publisher)
Jesus Driven Ministry
Fernando, Ajith (Author); English (Publication Language); 256 Pages - 01/04/2007 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God's Grand Story
Yuan, Christopher (Author); English (Publication Language); 256 Pages - 11/20/2018 (Publication Date) - Multnomah (Publisher)
Sale
Grace from Heaven: Prayers of the Reformation (Prayers of the Church)
Hardcover Book; English (Publication Language); 350 Pages - 08/14/2024 (Publication Date) - Lexham Press (Publisher)
Bibles:
Sale
ESV Teen Study Bible (TruTone, Burnt Sienna): Holy Bible, English Standard Version
ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 2208 Pages - 05/04/2023 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Large Print Value Thinline Bible (TruTone, Lavender, Filigree Design)
ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 1328 Pages - 01/30/2020 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Journaling Study Bible (TruTone, Brown/Chestnut, Timeless Design): Holy Bible, English Standard Version
ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 1856 Pages - 05/11/2023 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Large Print Value Thinline Bible (TruTone, Raspberry, Floral Design): Holy Bible, English Standard Version
ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 1328 Pages - 09/29/2022 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Men's Study Bible (TruTone, Brown): Holy Bible, English Standard Version
ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 2336 Pages - 05/12/2022 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Single Column Journaling Bible, Large Print (Summer Garden)
Hardcover Book; ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 1568 Pages - 07/29/2016 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Systematic Theology Study Bible: Theology Rooted in the Word of God (Cloth over Board, Ochre)
Hardcover Book; ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 1904 Pages - 03/14/2024 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Study Bible, Personal Size (TruTone, Turquoise, Emblem Design)
ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 2720 Pages - 04/30/2018 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Journaling Bible (Cloth over Board, Flowers)
Hardcover Book; ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 1088 Pages - 09/30/2015 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Thinline Bible, Red Letter (Genuine Leather, Black): Holy Bible, English Standard Version
Used Book in Good Condition; ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 1120 Pages - 03/25/2003 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Women's Study Bible (TruTone, Deep Brown): Holy Bible, English Standard Version
ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 2336 Pages - 08/27/2020 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal: Psalms
ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 512 Pages - 09/30/2019 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
Pour Out Your Heart Prayer Journal: A Planner for a Life of Prayer (Cloth over Board)
Hardcover Book; ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 224 Pages - 11/17/2022 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Women's Study Bible (Hardcover): Holy Bible, English Standard Version
Hardcover Book; ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 2336 Pages - 08/27/2020 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Student Study Bible (TruTone, Chestnut)
ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 1856 Pages - 02/28/2017 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Teen Study Bible (TruTone, Seaside Blue): Holy Bible, English Standard Version
ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 2208 Pages - 04/25/2024 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Archaeology Study Bible
Hardcover Book; ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 2048 Pages - 04/24/2018 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Psalms, Photography Edition (Hardcover)
Hardcover Book; ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 350 Pages - 03/29/2022 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Large Print Personal Size Bible (TruTone, Chestnut)
ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 1952 Pages - 02/28/2014 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Women's Study Bible, Artist Series (Cloth over Board, Lulie Wallace, Emma): Holy Bible, English Standard Version (Crossway's Artist)
Hardcover Book; ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 2336 Pages - 03/07/2024 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
ESV, MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition, Leathersoft, Black, Thumb Indexed: Unleashing God's Truth One Verse at a Time
Thomas Nelson (Author); English (Publication Language); 2048 Pages - 05/25/2021 (Publication Date) - Thomas Nelson (Publisher)
Sale
ESV Spiral-Bound Journaling Bible, Five-Volume Set (Hardcover): Holy Bible, English Standard Version
ESV Bibles (Author); English (Publication Language); 2068 Pages - 05/09/2024 (Publication Date) - Crossway (Publisher)
Sale
NIV Study Bible, Fully Revised Edition (Study Deeply. Believe Wholeheartedly.), Leathersoft, Navy/Tan, Red Letter, Comfort Print
Zondervan (Author); English (Publication Language); 2512 Pages - 09/15/2020 (Publication Date) - Zondervan (Publisher)
Sale
NKJV, Journal the Word Bible, Large Print, Bonded Leather, Brown, Red Letter Edition: Reflect, Journal, or Create Art Next to Your Favorite Verses
Thomas Nelson (Author); English (Publication Language); 2016 Pages - 11/15/2016 (Publication Date) - Thomas Nelson (Publisher)
Sale
NKJV, Journal the Word Bible, Cloth over Board, Gray Floral, Red Letter, Comfort Print: Reflect, Journal, or Create Art Next to Your Favorite Verses
Hardcover Book; Thomas Nelson (Author); English (Publication Language); 1440 Pages - 06/05/2018 (Publication Date) - Thomas Nelson (Publisher)
Sale
KJV Journal the Word Bible, Reflect, Journal or Create Art Next to Your Favorite Verses (Pink Floral Cloth over Board, Red Letter, Comfort Print: King James Version Holy Bible)
Hardcover Book; Thomas Nelson (Author); English (Publication Language); 1408 Pages - 06/05/2018 (Publication Date) - Thomas Nelson (Publisher)
Sale
Spurgeon and the Psalms: The Book of Psalms with Devotions from Charles Spurgeon (NKJV, Maclaren Series, Brown Leathersoft, Comfort Print)
Spurgeon, Charles H. (Author); English (Publication Language); 384 Pages - 05/10/2022 (Publication Date) - Thomas Nelson (Publisher)
Sale
NASB, MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition, Hardcover, Gray, Comfort Print: Unleashing God's Truth One Verse at a Time
Hardcover Book; Thomas Nelson (Author); English (Publication Language); 2000 Pages - 06/02/2020 (Publication Date) - Thomas Nelson (Publisher)
Sale
NASB, Thinline Bible, Leathersoft, Teal, Red Letter, 2020 Text, Thumb Indexed, Comfort Print
The full text of the New American Standard Bible, 2020 Edition; Sophisticated, durable covers
Sale
NIV Study Bible, Fully Revised Edition (Study Deeply. Believe Wholeheartedly.), Leathersoft, Navy/Tan, Red Letter, Comfort Print
Zondervan (Author); English (Publication Language); 2512 Pages - 09/15/2020 (Publication Date) - Zondervan (Publisher)
Sale
RVR60, Santa Biblia, Letra grande, Edición portátil, Leathersoft, Negro, Palabras de Jesús en Rojo, con cierre (Spanish Edition)
RVR 1960- Reina Valera 1960 (Author); Spanish (Publication Language); 1584 Pages - 07/24/2018 (Publication Date) - Vida (Publisher)
Sale
LSB MacArthur Study Bible 2nd Edition: Unleashing God's Truth One Verse at a Time (Black Genuine Leather, Comfort Print, Thumb Indexed)
MacArthur, John F. (Author); English (Publication Language); 1952 Pages - 11/12/2024 (Publication Date) - Thomas Nelson (Publisher)
General market books:
Sale
The Complete Calvin and Hobbes
Hardcover Book; Bill Watterson (Author); English (Publication Language); 1440 Pages - 09/06/2005 (Publication Date) - Andrews McMeel Publishing (Publisher)
Sale
The Wingmen: The Unlikely, Unusual, Unbreakable Friendship Between John Glenn and Ted Williams
Hardcover Book; Lazarus, Adam (Author); English (Publication Language); 304 Pages - 08/22/2023 (Publication Date) - Citadel (Publisher)
Sale
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
12 Years Old; Bottled by Distillery Bottling; Hillenbrand, Laura (Author); English (Publication Language)
Sale
The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea
Junger, Sebastian (Author); English (Publication Language); 248 Pages - 06/29/2009 (Publication Date) - W. W. Norton & Company (Publisher)
Sale
The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War
Hardcover Book; Larson, Erik (Author); English (Publication Language); 592 Pages - 04/30/2024 (Publication Date) - Crown (Publisher)
Sale
The Hobbit Illustrated by the Author: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Illustrated Editions)
Hardcover Book; Tolkien, J. R. R. (Author); English (Publication Language); 432 Pages - 09/19/2023 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)
Sale
The Hobbit Collector's Edition
Hardcover Book; Tolkien, J. R. R. (Author); English (Publication Language); 304 Pages - 08/06/2024 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)
Sale
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
Tarahumara Indians; Copper Canyon; Running race; Long-distance running; mexico
Sale
Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt
Lewis, Michael (Author); English (Publication Language); 320 Pages - 03/23/2015 (Publication Date) - W. W. Norton & Company (Publisher)
Sale
How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen
Hardcover Book; Brooks, David (Author); English (Publication Language); 320 Pages - 10/24/2023 (Publication Date) - Random House (Publisher)
Sale
The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated by the Author: Special Edition (Tolkien Illustrated Editions)
Brand: William Morrow; The Lord of the Rings: Special Edition; Hardcover Book; Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
Sale
World War II Map by Map (DK History Map by Map)
Hardcover Book; DK (Author); English (Publication Language); 288 Pages - 09/03/2019 (Publication Date) - DK (Publisher)
Sale
Battles Map by Map (DK History Map by Map)
Hardcover Book; DK (Author); English (Publication Language); 288 Pages - 05/04/2021 (Publication Date) - DK (Publisher)
Sale
Ancient Rome: The Definitive Visual History (DK Definitive Visual Histories)
Hardcover Book; DK (Author); English (Publication Language); 400 Pages - 04/25/2023 (Publication Date) - DK (Publisher)
Sale
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Boxed Set: The Fellowship / The Two Towers / The Return of the King
Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author); English (Publication Language); 1504 Pages - 09/18/2012 (Publication Date) - William Morrow Paperbacks (Publisher)
Sale
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
Grann, David (Author); English (Publication Language); 416 Pages - 04/03/2018 (Publication Date) - Vintage (Publisher)
Sale
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America
Chicago Exposition; Nineteenth Century; True Crime; Serial Killer; Thriller
Sale
All Creatures Great and Small
Herriot, James (Author); English (Publication Language); 448 Pages - 05/06/2014 (Publication Date) - Griffin (Publisher)
Sale
Teddy and Booker T.: How Two American Icons Blazed a Path for Racial Equality
Hardcover Book; Kilmeade, Brian (Author); English (Publication Language); 368 Pages - 11/07/2023 (Publication Date) - Sentinel (Publisher)
Be Safe, Love Mom: A Military Mom's Stories of Courage, Comfort, and Surviving Life on the Home Front
Brye, Elaine Lowry (Author); English (Publication Language); 272 Pages - 04/05/2016 (Publication Date) - PublicAffairs (Publisher)
Sale
The Boys of Summer (Harperperennial Modern Classics)
Kahn, Roger (Author); English (Publication Language); 512 Pages - 05/09/2006 (Publication Date) - Harper Perennial Modern Classics (Publisher)
Sale
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win (New Edition) (Extreme Ownership Trilogy, 1)
Author: Willink, Jocko.Babin, Leif.; Publisher: St. Martin's Press; Pages: 384; Publication Date: 2017-11-21
Sale
The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor―A Holocaust Survivor's Wisdom on Gratitude and Kindness
Hardcover Book; Jaku, Eddie (Author); English (Publication Language); 208 Pages - 05/04/2021 (Publication Date) - Harper (Publisher)
Sale
Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission
Soldiers; WW II; Rescue; Mission; Phillipines
Sale
Operation Underworld: How the Mafia and U.S. Government Teamed Up to Win World War II
Hardcover Book; Black, Matthew (Author); English (Publication Language); 384 Pages - 12/27/2022 (Publication Date) - Citadel (Publisher)
Sale
Cash: The Autobiography
Cash, Johnny (Author); English (Publication Language); 320 Pages - 10/07/2003 (Publication Date) - HarperOne (Publisher)
Sale
James Herriot's Treasury for Children: Warm and Joyful Tales by the Author of All Creatures Great and Small
Hardcover Book; Herriot, James (Author); English (Publication Language); 272 Pages - 10/28/2014 (Publication Date) - St. Martin's Griffin (Publisher)
Sale
Winnie the Pooh: The Classic Edition (1)
Hardcover Book; Milne, A. A. (Author); English (Publication Language); 176 Pages - 01/04/2022 (Publication Date) - Sky Pony (Publisher)
Sale
Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties
O'Neill, Tom (Author); English (Publication Language); 528 Pages - 06/23/2020 (Publication Date) - Back Bay Books (Publisher)
Sale
Operation Paperclip: The Secret Intelligence Program that Brought Nazi Scientists to America
Jacobsen, Annie (Author); English (Publication Language); 624 Pages - 01/20/2015 (Publication Date) - Back Bay Books (Publisher)
Sale
G-Man (Pulitzer Prize Winner): J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century
Gage, Beverly (Author); English (Publication Language); 896 Pages - 11/14/2023 (Publication Date) - Penguin Books (Publisher)
Sale
Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection
Hardcover Book; Duhigg, Charles (Author); English (Publication Language); 320 Pages - 02/20/2024 (Publication Date) - Random House (Publisher)
Sale
Napoleon: A Life
Hardcover; Roberts, Andrew (Author); English (Publication Language); 976 Pages - 10/20/2015 (Publication Date) - Penguin Books (Publisher)
Sale
American Prometheus: The Inspiration for the Major Motion Picture OPPENHEIMER
Bird, Kai (Author); English (Publication Language); 721 Pages - 05/01/2006 (Publication Date) - Vintage Books (Publisher)
Sale
American Prometheus: The Inspiration for the Major Motion Picture OPPENHEIMER
Bird, Kai (Author); English (Publication Language); 721 Pages - 05/01/2006 (Publication Date) - Vintage Books (Publisher)
Sale
Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
Millard, Candice (Author); English (Publication Language); 432 Pages - 05/01/2025 (Publication Date) - Anchor Books (Publisher)
Sale
Aesop's Fables Hardcover: The Classic Edition by acclaimed illustrator, Charles Santore (Charles Santore Children's Classics)
Hardcover Book; Aesop (Author); English (Publication Language); 64 Pages - 09/25/2018 (Publication Date) - Applesauce Press (Publisher)
Sale
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
Used Book in Good Condition; Hardcover Book; Sinek, Simon (Author); English (Publication Language)
Sale
The Watchmakers: A Powerful WW2 Story of Brotherhood, Survival, and Hope Amid the Holocaust
Hardcover Book; Lenga, Harry (Author); English (Publication Language); 352 Pages - 06/28/2022 (Publication Date) - Citadel (Publisher)
Sale
75 Years of Little Golden Books: 1942-2017: A Commemorative Set of 12 Best-Loved Books
Hardcover Book; Williams, Garth (Author); English (Publication Language); 24 Pages - 07/11/2017 (Publication Date) - Golden Books (Publisher)
Sale
Peter Rabbit Naturally Better Classic Gift Set
Hardcover Book; Potter, Beatrix (Author); English (Publication Language); 70 Pages - 09/03/2009 (Publication Date) - Warne (Publisher)
Sale
The History of Middle-earth Box Set #3: The Return of the Shadow / The Treason of Isengard / The War of the Ring / Sauron Defeated (The History of Middle-earth Box Sets, 3)
Hardcover Book; Tolkien, Christopher (Author); English (Publication Language); 1264 Pages - 08/13/2024 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)
Sale
Pooh's Library: Winnie-The-Pooh, The House At Pooh Corner, When We Were Very Young, Now We Are Six (Pooh Original Edition)
Milne, A. A. (Author); English (Publication Language); 542 Pages - 10/31/1988 (Publication Date) - Dutton Children's Books (Publisher)
Toys and games: (complete list)
Hasbro Twister Party Classic Board Game for 2 or More Players,Indoor and Outdoor Game for Kids 6 and Up,Packaging May Vary
Out-twist your opponents in the game that ties you up in knots; For 2 to 4 players; Includes vinyl mat, spinner board and instructions
Sale
Hasbro Gaming Taboo Classic Game, Party Word Guessing Game for Adults and Teens, Board Game for 4+ Players Ages 13 and Up
The game of unspeakable $#!%"
Sale
CGE Czech Games Edition Codenames Boardgame
Work together to contact all of your agents before the other team; A perfect party game experience for game nights
Underdog Games Trekking The National Parks (3rd Edition) - The Award-Winning Family Board Game | Great for Kids Ages 10 and Up | Easy to Learn | Designed for National Park Lovers
WILDLY POPULAR - Over 500,000 sold! Winner of Mensa Select and the Parents’ Choice Award
Sale
Hasbro Gaming Scrabble Deluxe Edition Letter Tiles Word Game | Rotating Board and Carrying Case | Ages 8+ | 2-4 Players | Classic Family Travel Games (Amazon Exclusive)
Ditch the TV, and re-ignite family night with the get-together amusement of a Hasbro game; Hasbro Gaming imagines and produces games that are perfect for every age, taste, and event
Sale
Pandemic Board Game (Base Game) - A Cooperative Battle to Save Humanity, Strategy Game for Kids and Adults, Ages 8+, 2-4 Players, 45 Minute Playtime, Made by Z-Man Games
Updated version of the popular co-operative game; For 2 to 5 players game; Takes about an hour to play
Other Miscellanea
Sale
Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M3 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, Touch ID; Midnight
A BRILLIANT DISPLAY — The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display supports 1 billion colors.
Sale
Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024), Windows 11 Copilot+ PC, 13.8" Touchscreen Display, Snapdragon X Elite (12 core), 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD Storage, Dune
[Cocreate with Copilot+] — Generate art from text or image prompts.
Sale
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver, Power Tool Combo Kit with 2 Batteries and Charger (DCK240C2)
DCD771 in cordless drill combo kit features two speed transmission (0-450 / 0-1500 RPM); DCD771 1/2-inch single sleeve ratcheting chuck provides tight bit gripping strength
Sale
eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo, 8,000 Pa Suction, Dual Mops with 12 mm Auto-Lift and Carpet Detection, AI Obstacle Avoidance, Auto Mop Washing, Auto Drying, Self-Emptying, Self-Refilling
Note: Only support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. 5GHz Wi-Fi is not supported.
Ring Battery Doorbell, Head-to-Toe Video, Live View with Two-Way Talk, and Motion Detection & Alerts (2024 release), Satin Nickel
Connect to who’s there — See and respond to activity with Live View & Two-Way Talk.; Stay in the know — Receive real-time alerts on your phone when motion is detected.
Moccamaster 53948 KBGV Select 10-Cup Coffee Maker, Matte Black, 40 ounce, 1.25l
Brew-Volume Selector switch for brewing half or full carafes
Sale
Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop | Intel Core i5-13420H Processor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU | 15.6" FHD IPS 144Hz Display | 8GB DDR5 | 512GB Gen 4 SSD | WiFi 6 | Backlit KB | ANV15-51-51H9
The Right Fit: 14.26" W x 9.44" D x 0.93/1.06" H; 4.66 lbs.
Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 Laptop/Tablet (2024), Windows 11 Copilot+ PC, 13" Touchscreen OLED Display, Snapdragon X Elite (12 Core), 16GB RAM, 256GB Storage, Black, Amazon Exclusive
[Cocreate with Copilot+] — Generate art from text or image prompts.
Westminster Books
Westminster Books has an amazing collection of discounts on books. They also have all of their ESV Bibles at 50% off. Add a Gospel of John to your cart and it will be free with any order. Also, anyone who places an order will be entered in a draw to win a $500 gift card.
Books for adults:
- The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary (4-Volume Set) by Christopher Ash (save 50%)
- Expository Thoughts on the Gospels Box Set by J.C. Ryle (save 52%)
- In the Lord I Take Refuge by Dane Ortlund (67% off)
- A Praying Church by Paul Miller (save 58%)
- Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith by David Powlison (save 74%)
- The Biggest Story Family Devotional by Douglas Sean O’Donnell (save 40%-50%)
- Motyer by the Day by Alec Motyer (save 50%)
- The Lord of Psalm 23 by David Gibson (save 50%)
- Identity Theft by Melissa Kruger (save 67%)
- Ruined Sinners to Reclaim by David & Jonathan Gibson (save 50%)
- Critical Dilemma by Neil Shenvi & Pat Sawyer (save 59%)
- Reformed Dogmatics, 4-Volume Set (Deluxe Edition) by Herman Bavinck (save 50%)
- Expository Thoughts on the Gospels (Box Set) by J.C. Ryle (save 50%)
- Systematic Theology, Volume 1: From Canon to Concept by Stephen Wellum (save 42%)
- Before You Open Your Bible by Matt Smethurst (save 77%)
- ESV Expository Commentary (11-Volume Set) (save 40%)
Books for kids (see the Gift Guide for Kids):
- ESV Teen Study Bible (save 67%)
- The New City Catechism: 52 Questions and Answers for Our Hearts and Minds (save 70%)
- Who Is Jesus?: 40 Pictures to Share with Your Family by Kate Hox (save 58%)
- The Acrostic of Scripture by Timothy Brindle and Jonathan Gibson (save 82%)
- Big Questions Complete Collection: 6-Book Boxed Set by Chris Morphew (save 50%)
- Risen Hope Box Set: The Church Throughout History by Luke H. Davis (save 48%)
- The Dream Keeper Saga (4-Volume Set) by Kathryn Butler (save 33%)
- Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen L. Taylor (save 49%)
- My First ABC Book of Bible Verses (Big Truths for Little Minds) by Jonathan Gibson (save 47%)
All ESV Bibles 50% off (see all Bibles here)
10ofThose
10ofThose has a wide variety of books discounted at the moment. You can find the complete list here. Highlights include:
- Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith by David Powlison
- Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer
- Sighing on Sunday by Megan Hill
- Critical Dilemma: The Rise of Critical Theories and Social Justice Ideology: Implications for the Church and Society by Neil Shenvi & Pat Sawyer
- Surviving Religion 101: Letters to a Christian Student on Keeping the Faith in College by Michael J Kruger
- The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary (4-Volume Set) by Christopher Ash
- Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry
- You’ll also find a lot of kids’ books, Bibles, and so on.
These books for children are generally around 50% off:
- A Child Should Know Series, 4 Volumes
- Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up by Betsy Child Howards
- The Wingfeather Saga Set by Andrew Peterson
- Picture Books Bundle
- Middle Grade Fiction Bundle
Bibles are also discounted around 50%:
- ESV Preaching Bible, Black Goatskin
- ESV Large Print Personal Size Bible
- ESV Large Print Personal Size Bible TruTone
And a whole lot else besides.
Christianbook.com
Christianbook.com has a big sale on a variety of resources. You can find the complete list of Cyber Monday deals here. Here are some highlights:
- Toxic Empathy by Allie Beth Stuckey—brand new (save 30%)
- The Loveliest Place by Dustin Benge (save 85%)
- The Great Love of God by Heath Lambert (save 70%)
- Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund (save 57%)
- Daily Doctrine by Kevin DeYoung (save 43%)
- Reactivity by Paul David Tripp (save 93%)
- ESV Study Bible Black Leather (save 61%)
- ESV Student Study Bible Hardcover (save 57%)
- Knowing God by J.I. Packer (save 43%)
- Suffering by Paul David Tripp (save 65%)
- Everyday Gospel by Paul David Tripp (save 43%)
- C.S. Lewis Space Trilogy (save 84%)
- Christian Ethics by Wayne Grudem (save 75%)
- Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem (save 50%) and Workbook (save 54%)
- Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney (save 67%)
- New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp (save 54%)
- New Morning Mercies for Teens by Paul David Tripp (save 57%)
- Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis (save 80%)
- Hidden Christmas by Timothy Keller (save 73%)
- Fundamentals of the Faith by John MacArthur (save 59%)
- Heaven by Randy Alcorn (save 48%)
- The Hiding Place, 35th Anniversary Edition by Corrie Ten Boom (Save 57%)
- In His Image by Jen Wilkin (save 57%)
- The Deconstruction of Christianity by Tim Barnett & Alisa Childers (save 39%)
- Becoming Elisabeth Elliot by Ellen Vaughn (save 48%)
- Elisabeth Elliot: A Life by Lucy S.R. Austen (save 43%)
- Preaching the Word New Testament Commentary, 19 Volumes (save 49%)
They also have a sale on kids’ books. You’ll find the complete list at this link, but here are some of the highlights.
- The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung (60% off)
- The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones (60% off)
- The Illustrated Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen Taylor (40% off)
- ESV Bible for Kids (56% off)
- ESV Following Jesus Bible (38% off)
- CSB Kids Bible (43% off)
- Wingfeather Saga Boxed Set, Volumes 1-4 by Andrew Peterson (41% off)
- Light Keepers: Ten Boys Who… 5-Volume Set (40% off)
- Light Keepers: Ten Girls Who… 5-Volume Set (43% off)
- Anne of Green Gables Series 8-Volume Boxed Set by L.M. Montgomery (save 43%)
- Little House on the Prairie, 9 Volumes by Laura Ingalls Wilder (save 43%)
Audible
Audible (audiobooks by Amazon) is offering 3 months of their service plus a $20 credit for just $0.99 per month. You are free to cancel after that three-month period and keep the books you’ve downloaded along the way.
Logos
Logos has a large number of items on sale for Cyber Monday. Additionally, they are offering specials on some of the best books of 2024 so if, for example, you want to catch up on the excellent ZECOT commentary series, you should see sale pricing. Be sure to also grab your free book and your free e-book.
- Mobile Ed Preaching and Discipling Foundations Bundle (81% off)
- Select Classic Commentaries on the Old and New Testament (80% off)
- Calvin’s Commentaries (67% off)
- The Lost Sermons of C.H. Spurgeon (60% off)
- The Bible Speaks Today commentary series — 55 volumes (an excellent series with volumes by John Stott, Dick Lucas, Alec Motyer, and so on) (57% off)
- A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith by Robert L. Reymond (90% off)
- Zondervan Illustrated Bible Background Commentary (save 60%)
- The Puritan Ultimate Collection (save 85%)
- All the volumes of the Counterpoints series are on sale at 60% off. Each volume offers multiple perspectives on a theological topic
The Good Book Company
The Good Book Company is offering a straight 30% off all of their products.
Cruciform Press
Cruciform Press has many of their books, including some of mine (i.e. Devoted, Do More Better), at $5.99 or less through the weekend. Add items to your cart to see the price change.
New Growth Press
New Growth Press is offering 50% off everything they’ve got.
P&R
P&R is offering 35% off the list price for all P&R titles they sell on their site. Discounts go as deep as 50% off for select titles. Use the coupon code NOV24 to take advantage of that reduced pricing.
Reformation Heritage Books
Reformation Heritage Books is having their annual Thanksgiving Sale and has a wide selection of books and book sets on sale.
Missional Wear
Missional Wear has select products at up to 50% off, plus you can save 15% site-wide using discount code CHALLIES15.
Fortis Institute
Fortis Institute, aka Todd Friel and others (formerly known as “Wretched”), has up to 75% off on books, booklets, DVDs, merch, and so on.
Banner of Truth
Banner of Truth is hosting their annual Christmas Sale. The easiest way to browse the deals is to click on this PDF catalog and then to look up the items on their website.
21Five
21Five, the bookstore of Redeemer University, has a wide selection of books discounted for the week. Highlights include:
- Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity by Carl Trueman
- Pilgrim Prayers by Tim Challies
- ESV Fruit of the Spirit Journals
- Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners by Dane Ortlund
Before the month comes to an end and before my American friends disappear for their Thanksgiving holiday, I want to make sure you’re all aware of some new and notable books that came our way in November. We were treated to some excellent new titles this month so be sure to give them a look!]]>
Before the month comes to an end and before my American friends disappear for their Thanksgiving holiday, I want to make sure you’re all aware of some new and notable books that came our way in November. We were treated to some excellent new titles this month so be sure to give them a look!
The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon (2nd Edition) by Douglas Moo. “A knowledgeable and evangelical guide to Paul’s letters to the Colossians and to Philemon. With brilliant exegesis and sound practical insight, noted commentator Douglas J. Moo explicates the Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon, with an eye toward their application for readers today. Moo bases his commentary on the Greek text of the letters, while accessibly explaining the English text to his contemporary audience. Freshly revised and updated, this second edition remains methodologically sound, authentically evangelical, and pastoral in approach. This invaluable volume of the Pillar New Testament Commentary series offers biblical insights to a wide range of readers, from teachers and students, to pastors and parishioners, to scholars and laypersons.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Hebrews (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) by Douglas Moo. “Designed for the pastor and Bible teacher, the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament features today’s top New Testament scholars and brings together commentary features rarely gathered together in one volume. With careful analysis and interpretation of the Greek text, the authors trace the flow of argument in each New Testament book, giving readers the tools they need to properly understand and communicate the meaning of the text. Commentary on each passage follows a clear structure to help readers grasp the flow and meaning of the text. The Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series is the go-to resource for pastors and Bible teachers looking for deep but accessible study that equips them to connect the needs of Christians today with the biblical text.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Motyer by the Day: A Psalms and Isaiah Devotional Collection by Alec Motyer. “Alec Motyer was a man whose love for God and His Word inspired others to enjoy studying the Bible, and especially the Old Testament. Isaiah by the Day and Psalms by the Day exemplify this passion. Motyer’s scholarly brilliance and devotional warmth have cemented these books as firm favorites in the hearts of many readers. This beautiful cloth-bound box set contains both volumes from this esteemed Bible teacher. Moyter is a master at attending to the details and finding their precise place in the grand sweep of scripture’s redemptive narrative. Rich and full, yet concisely put. Each of the 144 daily readings consists of a Scripture passage, a wealth of accompanying notes, and a devotional reflection. The text is set in its context, with clear references to other relevant passages. Motyer’s long experience as a linguist enabled him to translate Isaiah and the Psalms from Hebrew into English, bringing us as close to the original text as possible, and helping us perceive familiar passages anew. His rich analysis alongside these translations, aids the reader to delve deeper into the treasures on offer. For a richer understanding of the Psalms and Isaiah, Motyer’s guide is an indispensable resource.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Final Word: A Biblical Response to the Case for Tongues and Prophecy Today (2nd edition) by O. Palmer Robertson. “A call for freshness, spontaneity and life in worship has been resounding through the churches of the English-speaking world, together with a desire to hear God speaking here and now to his people. Many have called for a return to the pattern of worship found in 1 Corinthians 14, merging the biblical emphasis of the Reformation with the vitality of the modern Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. Dr O. Palmer Robertson was previously Director and Vice-Chancellor of African Bible College in Kampala, Uganda. Before going to Africa he pastored churches and taught in seminaries in the USA. Now residing once again in the USA, he continues to write and speak. Dr Robertson is the author of numerous book and commentaries.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Go Forward in Love: A Year of Daily Readings from Timothy Keller by Timothy Keller. “From the works of pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller comes this yearlong compilation with daily readings from his best-loved books. The perfect 365-daily reader for both new and longtime admirers of Timothy Keller’s writing, Go Forward in Love features deep insights, profound truths, and biblical wisdom on topics such as prayer, forgiveness, loving our neighbors, the importance of work, and the hope of the resurrection. Each day’s reading is short, but will lead you into deep reflection, give you a fresh sense of awe and wonder before God, and help you go forward in love as willing servants of God and everyone around you.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Biggest Story Family Devotional by Douglas Sean O’Donnell. “The Bible is a BIG book about the BIGGEST story. Each page tells about the God who created the world, acted in history, and continues to act in the present. These kid-friendly devotions, based on Bible stories as retold by Kevin DeYoung, give parents and children hundreds of easy, memorable opportunities to experience God’s story together. The Biggest Story Family Devotional features 104 Bible stories. Each story includes a brief Big Picture introduction and a Gospel Connection summary to help children understand and apply Scripture. A QR code on each story page links to an animated video retelling that parents and children can watch together. The 104 stories each include 5 individual Bible readings (520 in all) that families can complete whenever they choose―during dinner, before bed, one per day, or several at a time. Each reading has family discussion questions, a prayer, and space for notes.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Our God Reigns: An Amillennial Commentary on Revelation by Sam Storms. “Revelation was written in such a way that it should be not only intelligible to any Christian who reads or hears its words, but also a blessing to the person who obeys and believes what it says. Simply put, contrary to popular opinion, and notwithstanding the often bizarre and mysterious images it conveys, God intends for Revelation to be understandable, edifying, and enjoyable! Scholarly but conversational in style, Storms has written for those who do not have a working knowledge of Greek but does not shy away from the numerous important technical and exegetical details that appear all through Revelation. He provides insight into both the nuances of the Greek text and the deep doctrinal issues in Revelation in such a way that the average Christian adult can grasp. Revelation is profoundly relevant to the issues we face in our society today and Storms keeps the welfare of the church in view, as he includes numerous applications for daily living and growth in your personal relationship with God. An excellent read for those looking to better grasp the blessings to be found in understanding this book.” (Buy it at Amazon)
The Sacred Flame: A Biography of Hannah More by Kevin Belmonte. “There has never been anyone quite like Hannah More. Her books were kept in the homes of presidents, and peers of the realm. They were a best-selling phenomenon, and she ‘the most successful British author of the romantic period,’—more successful, financially, than Sir Walter Scott, and more than Jane Austen. A gifted poet and playwright Hannah More was, by her early 30s, the toast of literary London. Samuel Johnson collaborated with her in writing verse, and David Garrick, one of the greatest Shakespearian actors in theatre history, was her mentor and devoted patron. Hannah, as a member of the Bluestocking circle of the late 1700s, was a pioneering artist and celebrity. Throughout the English-speaking world, she became a household name. In later years, after her passing in 1833, her legacy lived on.” (Buy it at Amazon)
By Life or by Death: The Life and Legacy of John and Betty Stam by Andrew Montonera. “As a young boy Andrew Montonera stumbled upon a cabinet of books in his grandparents’ house. He was captivated by what he discovered—the library of his distant relatives, John and Betty. By Life or by Death shares the story of these two remarkable people—inspirations of contagious joy and kingdom-focused lives. John Cornelius Stam and Elisabeth Alden ‘Betty’ Scott met at Moody Bible Institute in fall 1929. A few years later, their paths crossed again—this time in China. The two were united in marriage and in their love for the Chinese people. Using family scrapbooks and unpublished sources, Montonera takes a fresh look at a famous story—how two missionaries and their baby were kidnapped by Chinese soldiers and ransomed. Montonera recounts the courage and martyrdom of the Stams, as well as the succeeding miraculous tale that captured the world’s attention. The Stams’ lives were cut short, but their faithfulness continues to impact Christianity in China today. By Life or by Death looks at the legacy of the Stams, including new testimonies of those shaped by their commitment to the gospel.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Toward a Reformed Apologetics: A Critique of the Thought of Cornelius Van Til by Keith Mathison. “For almost a century, Reformed theologians, especially in North America, have debated this topic. The debate has often been acrimonious, with serious charges and counter-charges coming from both sides. This book seeks to take the debate in a more constructive direction by clearing away as much misunderstanding as possible in order that we might add to discussions of apologetic methods the actual practice of apologetics. In Part One, Cornelius Van Til’s own system of thought is set forth in a clear way in order that readers may know exactly what it entailed. His doctrine of God, creation, the fall, common grace, redemption, and the antithesis are explained in order that readers might understand the apologetic implications of these doctrines. Part Two is devoted to explaining why many Reformed Christians have not embraced Van Til’s apologetics in spite of its popularity and influence. These chapters outline biblical, philosophical, theological, historical, and practical concerns with Van Til’s system of thought. This book argues that Van Til’s apologetic system of thought is consistent with neither Scripture nor Reformed theology.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Proverbs: A Discourse Analysis of the Hebrew Bible by Christopher Ansberry. “Designed for the pastor and Bible teacher, the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament features today’s top Old Testament scholars and brings together commentary features rarely gathered together in one volume. With careful discourse analysis and interpretation of the Hebrew text, the authors trace the flow of argument in each Old Testament book, showing that how a biblical author says something is just as important as what they say. Commentary on each passage follows a clear structure to help readers grasp the flow and meaning of the text. The Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament series is the go-to resource for pastors and Bible teachers looking for deep but accessible study that equips them to connect the needs of Christians today with the biblical text.” (Buy it at Amazon)
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It’s probably a bit too early to begin preparing for Christmas. But it’s not too early to begin preparing to prepare for Christmas. For example, if you want to use a guide or devotional in the lead-up to December 25, this is the time to start looking into your options and buying the one you deem suitable. To that end, I would like to offer a few suggestions, each of which is relatively new.]]>
It’s probably a bit too early to begin preparing for Christmas. But it’s not too early to begin preparing to prepare for Christmas. For example, if you want to use a guide or devotional in the lead-up to December 25, this is the time to start looking into your options and buying the one you deem suitable. To that end, I would like to offer a few suggestions, each of which is relatively new.
Recapturing the Glory of Christmas by Al Mohler. This book has only just been released and is a 25-day devotional that is meant to be read at a chapter per day beginning on December 1. Mohler offers theological reflections on Christmas that are designed to provoke awe and worship at the sheer wonder of God becoming man. (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Let Earth Receive Her King: Daily Readings for Advent by Alistair Begg. This volume is also brand new and offers a series of 24 readings that span the whole of Scripture to celebrate Christ’s advent and Christ’s return. Alongside each daily reading and devotional, Begg offers a question for reflection and an appropriate hymn or carol. (Amazon, Westminster Books)
The Advent of Glory: 24 Devotions for Christmas by R.C. Sproul was released last year and offers 24 daily readings drawn from the works of R.C. Sproul. These readings are meant to help restore the wonder of a holiday that we can easily begin to take for granted through its commercialization and familiarity. Each day also offers a related prayer that was written by another author such as Joni Eareckson Tada, Sinclair Ferguson, or even yours truly. (Amazon , Westminster Books)
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Experiencing the Peace and Promise of Christmas by Nancy Guthrie. Guthrie took a slightly different approach from some of the other authors by recruiting help from both contemporary and historic authors: Whitefield, Calvin, and Spurgeon from times past and people like John Piper, Tim Keller, and Joni Eareckson in more recent times. This book offers 22 devotional readings that will lead you into the season. (Amazon, Westminster Books)
The Joy of Jesus: 25 Devotional Readings for Christmas by Josh Moody. Moody’s purpose is to cultivate a sense of joyful wonder through the Christmas season and to celebrate the real meaning of the holiday. He offers daily devotional readings that are based on passages from the gospels of Matthew and Luke. Each is followed by a carol. (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Love Came Down at Christmas: Daily Readings for Advent by Sinclair Ferguson. Ferguson takes a slightly different approach by focusing daily readings on 1 Corinthians 13, the great “love chapter” of the Bible, to show that Christ is love. Using stories from the gospels, he shows what love looked like in Christ’s life. Each chapter finishes with an appropriate hymn or carol. (Amazon, Westminster Books)
The Dawn of Redeeming Grace: Daily Devotions for Advent by Sinclair Ferguson. Here’s a second option by Ferguson which offers 24 readings meant to take you from December 1 until Christmas Eve. The devotionals are based on the first two chapters of Matthew’s gospel. And, again, each is accompanied by an appropriate poem or carol. (Amazon, Westminster Books)
A Wondrous Mystery: Daily Advent Devotions by Charles Spurgeon & Geoffrey Chang. New this year is this devotional in which Geoffrey Chang (appropriately, curator of the Spurgeon Library at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) has compiled some of Charles Spurgeon’s best writing on Christmas. There are 30 devotionals to keep your heart focused on the wonder of the incarnation for a full month. (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Journey to Bethlehem: A Treasury of Classic Christmas Devotionals by Leland Ryken. Ryken offers 30 readings that are drawn from the rich history of Christian devotional writing—authors such as Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and Spurgeon. Each of the the 30 readings offers an excerpt from a classic work, some literary analysis, a takeaway summary, and a related Bible passage. (Amazon, Westminster Books)
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As October draws to its close, I wanted to ensure you know about at least some of the most notable books it brought our way. I did not see quite the quantity of new books I have seen in some previous months, but there were still some special ones. For each, I've provided the publisher's description to give you a sense of what it's all about. Hopefully there is something here that's of interest to you!]]>
As October draws to its close, I wanted to ensure you know about at least some of the most notable books it brought our way. I did not see quite the quantity of new books I have seen in some previous months, but there were still some special ones. For each, I’ve provided the publisher’s description to give you a sense of what it’s all about. I hope there is something here that’s of interest to you!
Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology by Kevin DeYoung. “All thoughtful Christians want to better understand the Bible, its author, and its influence on their beliefs. In short—whether they recognize it or not—they want to understand theology. But many find the subject matter too academic, dense, or difficult to understand, and they lack proper study resources to help expand their knowledge of God and his written word. Designed to make systematic theology clear and accessible for the everyday Christian, this devotional walks through the most important theology topics over the course of a year. Each month is categorized into broad themes, starting with the study of God and concluding with the end times. Written by bestselling author and associate professor of systematic theology Kevin DeYoung, each concise daily reading contains verses for meditation and application, building upon each other and easing readers into the study of systematic theology.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Let Earth Receive Her King: Daily Readings for Advent by Alistair Begg. “Follow the story of God’s Messiah from Genesis to Revelation. See how God prepared the world for Christ’s first coming and how that wondrous gift was given; and look forward to Christ’s future coming and how all things will be made new. Alongside Alistair Begg’s insightful Bible devotion, each day features a question to aid personal reflection and a carol or hymn to enjoy meditating upon. These readings will make December a month of celebrating the wonder of Christmas and the hope of Christ’s return. A free preaching guide is available to make it easy for a sermon series to sync up with church members’ daily advent reading.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
To Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to Marcuse by Carl Trueman. “Critical theory has many faces; its complexities and nuances present a challenge to those seeking to engage with its thought. In order to understand critical theory today, we must first understand its origins, its development, and its consequences. To Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to Marcuse by Carl R. Trueman is an accessible introduction to the history and development of critical theory. From Hegel and Marx, to Korsch and Lukács, to the Frankfurt School, to Wilhelm Reich and Herbert Marcuse—Trueman focuses on the key figures of critical theory, positioning them within their historical context and tracing the development of critical theory through its various movements, evolutions, nuances, and consequences.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Daily Liturgy Devotional: 40 Days of Worship and Prayer by Douglas Sean O’Donnell. “Regular quiet time with the Lord is essential for the spiritual growth and faith of believers. But forming this habit can be difficult without the proper resources or discipline. The Daily Liturgy Devotional offers 40 readings filled with content for prayer, worship, and Scripture reading, helping believers consistently and meditatively meet with God. Unique to this devotional, the Daily Liturgy Devotional is organized thematically, covering 8 topics of the Christian faith, including love, hope, wisdom, holiness, perseverance, and more. Each daily reading includes a set of prayers, a Scripture reading, concise comments, prayer prompts, a memory verse, and an applicable hymn. Space for note-taking allows readers to further interact with the reflective tone of liturgy and the richness of Scripture.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Consider the Lilies: Finding Perfect Peace in the Character of God by Jonny Ardavanis. “Find freedom from anxiety as you lift your gaze from the problems and pressures of this world to the changeless and powerful character of your heavenly Father. Is my cancer back? Is my job secure? Will I ever get married? Are my children safe? Our lives are often a chronicle of trouble, pain, and uncertainty–and God’s children yearn for peace. Many who wrestle with anxiety and despair know that the Bible calls them to “trust God,” but what does that even mean? In Consider the Lilies, pastor, podcaster, and speaker Jonny Ardavanis shows us God’s consistent response to those who are worn down by worry and badgered by melancholy: He proclaims His own character. Drawing on that perspective-shifting model, Jonny offers biblical insight on how to ground our thoughts and fix our gaze on who God is. Consider the Lilies is for those who long for liberation from their anxiety and fear–and desire to deeply know the God they are called and enabled to trust. If you are starved for hope and gasping for peace, consider the character of your heavenly Father, who welcomes all who are anxious, fearful, and melancholy to trust in Him.” (Buy it at Amazon)
You Will Be My Witnesses: Theology for God’s Church Serving in God’s Mission by Brian A. DeVries. “Mission is God’s work. God spoke the first promise of gospel hope, sent his Son into this fallen world, and commissioned his Spirit to empower his church for witness. Until the day Christ returns, God has called his people to participate in his mission through evangelism, apologetics, church planting, cultural engagement, gospel suffering, and many other activities that faithfully communicate gospel hope in Christ. This practical introduction provides a biblical framework for understanding the church’s role in God’s mission. It reviews the biblical story of God’s mission, draws insights from the church’s witness since Pentecost, and studies aspects of contemporary Christian witness. Each chapter ends with study questions to encourage further reflection and discussion by church members and ministry leaders. Readers will gain refreshing insights into how they can participate in faithfully bearing witness to Christ through the church’s work in the world today.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
One with My Lord: The Life-Changing Reality of Being in Christ by Sam Allberry. “Followers of Jesus refer to themselves primarily as “Christians,” but the New Testament frequently used a more meaningful term: “in Christ.” Disconnected from this deeper understanding of the gospel, believers today can miss out on the significance of unity with the Lord and its power to enrich every area of their lives. In One with My Lord, Sam Allberry examines the doctrine of union with Christ through a rich study of New Testament scriptures. Each chapter is short enough to be read as a devotional, giving believers a fresh lens to view the gospel daily as they pursue holiness, resist sin, build community, and worship God. In a time when people are searching for a place to belong, One with My Lord reminds believers that they have a perfect home in Christ.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
You Are Welcomed: Devotions for When Life Is a Lot by Trish Donohue. “You Are Welcomed by a loving God is the gospel truth we need to hear when life is an unruly combination of responsibilities, relationships, interruptions, dreams, and drama. In this ten-week devotional, author and women’s ministry leader Trish Donohue helps women who are weary turn to the Lord, put down their burdens, rest in his welcome, and then welcome others to walk with Jesus too. Trish shares stories of biblical men and women who brought their burdens to the Lord. Each story exemplifies a different sort of pressure, including busyness, disillusionment, crisis, isolation, envy, doubt, fear, and failure. You are not alone in what you’re facing, and God wants to meet you in the same ways he has shown himself to his people from the beginning.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
You Are Secure: Devotions for When Life is Uncertain by Aimee Joseph. “We live in a world filled with anxiety, turmoil, and constant change. But anchoring our hope in Christ brings us the security we so desperately need. We may be tempted to think that feelings of instability and insecurity are mostly modern problems, but they have plagued the human heart from the beginning. They were challenges of the church in Colossae. Paul wrote his letter to address the specific ways that the Colossians’ stability was being jeopardized by clever lies and the infiltration of false beliefs. He prayed and longed for them to hold firm to the hope of the gospel as he reminded them that they had all they needed in Jesus. Through You Are Secure, an eight-week devotional centered on the book of Colossians, Aimee Joseph helps us see that it is our union with Christ that fills our hearts with peace. Amidst a largely insecure world, our security is anchored into the unchanging person of Jesus.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Reclaiming the Dark Ages: How the Gospel Light Shone from 500 to 1500 by Iain Wright & Yannick Imbert. “See how the thread of orthodoxy runs throughout the history of the church – even in the thousand years known as the ‘Dark Ages’. If you study church history closely, you will see that there is a continuous thread of faithful, glorifying theology that gives God due honour, that takes Scripture as the principal authority over life and faith, and that nourishes our wonder and worship. Despite its somewhat derogatory name, we can see that the light of the gospel was by no means extinguished in the millennium between 500 and 1500. Iain Wright and Yannick Imbert outline the story of this time through the lives of ten key figures of the Medieval Church.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
A Treasury of Nature: Illustrated Poetry, Prose, and Praise by Leland Ryken. For whatever reason there is only a brief description for this book. Yet I’m sure it is in the same vein as Ryken’s similar books A Treasury of Thanksgiving and Poetry of Redemption both of which provided thematic poems and devotions. “Calvin, Spurgeon, and Luther appear alongside Wordsworth, Twain, and Emerson in a vibrant celebration of God’s creation. Ryken joins great works of poetry, hymnody, prose, and art with accessible literary analysis.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
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Every month I put together a roundup of new and notable books for grownup readers. But I also receive a lot of books for kids and teens, so like to put together the occasional roundup of these books as well. So today I bring you a whole big batch of new books for kids of all ages (up to and including teens).]]>
Every month I put together a roundup of new and notable books for grownup readers. But I also receive a lot of books for kids and teens, so like to put together the occasional roundup of these books as well. So today I bring you a whole big batch of new books for kids of all ages (up to and including teens.
Seek and Find: More Old Testament Bible Stories: With over 450 Things to Find and Count! by Sarah Parker. Seek-and-find book exploring eight more Old Testament stories, the characters within them and the character of our amazing God. Seek & Find: More Old Testament Bible Stories contains eight more stories from the Old Testament with over 450 hidden things for young children to find, count, and sort as they interact with the Bible stories. Both the retellings and illustrations are biblically faithful and children will learn all about eight well-known Old Testament characters, including Joseph, Elijah and Esther.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
God’s Big Promises Bible Story Prayers: 101 Prayers for Children by Carl Lafterton. “Pray with your children in response to Bible truths using this beautifully illustrated book of prayers. Each page begins with a Bible-story summary and a verse from the Bible, followed by a responsive prayer. Children will learn to say wow, thank you, sorry and please as they get to know God better. There are even actions to go with each response! Features: 92 prayers that relate to the 92 stories featured in God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook, so you can use this prayer book alongside the Bible Storybook; 9 additional prayers specifically for bedtime that are based on Bible verses. They will help kids to give thanks and know that God is with them as they go to sleep; An index of prayers at the back linking to prayers for particular circumstances or feelings, such as prayers when feeling anxious, prayers when feeling tired, and prayers when feeling scared.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
It Is Well with My Soul (Hymns for Little Ones). “It Is Well with My Soul introduces little ones to the one of the most timeless, enduring anthems of the Christian faith in a fun and colorful way. Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2023, It Is Well with My Soul has given strength and solace to generations of believers. This beloved hymn is a powerful reminder of God’s promise of peace amid life’s most daunting trials. Now little ones can experience the comfort and reassurance of this Christian classic for the first time. The lyrics are paired with whimsical watercolor art that celebrates the joy and wonder of God’s world. In the back of the book, you’ll find the sheet music and lyrics. Hymns for Little Ones is a series of creative and colorful board books that introduce young children to the most inspiring and influential Christian anthems of all time. Little ones will learn truths about God in the lyrics of these impactful hymns.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
C Is for Christian: An A-Z Treasury of Who We Are in Christ by Alistair Begg. “Excite kids about how great it is to be a Christian with this beautifully illustrated treasury of theological truths. Going from A to Z, kids will learn about the amazing things that are true of us if we know Christ. For example: A is for Adoption – we are children of God, part of his beloved family; B is for Branch – we are connected to Jesus, the vine, and he gives us life and all we need; C is for Citizen – we have a place in heaven, which is where we are heading. Each letter teaches children about an aspect of our identity in Christ using Bible verses and clear engaging teaching by Alistair Begg. Reflection questions and prayers are included, making it possible to use this resource devotionally. It can also be used as a kind of catechism, summarizing some of the Bible’s truths about being a Christian. The alphabet format makes these theological truths easy to remember. Can be read to kids 4+ or read by kids 7+.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Arlo and the Keep-Out Club by Betsy Childs Howard. “Arlo has been longing to play with the big boys on the playground. But when he’s given the opportunity to join their club, he is faced with a tough decision. Will he gain the acceptance of his new friends by doing what he knows is wrong, or will he do the right thing even though it may lead to rejection? Going against the social grain can often leave us feeling lonely, but in his grace, Jesus enables us to do what is right and stays by our side when we feel left out. Written for kids ages 3–7, this engaging picture book teaches children that following Jesus may come at a cost, but the Lord offers a greater reward as our ultimate friend and comforter. A section for parents at the end of the book provides tips for raising children who can resist negative peer pressure.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Who Are You?: A Little Book about Your Big Identity by Christina Fox. “Kids have an innate curiosity to explore and discover new things about themselves—they learn their strengths and talents, their preferences and quirks, all while celebrating little victories along the way. While these milestones are undoubtedly important for developing children, our culture mistakenly views them as the foundation of who they are. Deeply biblical and visually engaging, this picture book uses lyrical rhymes to help children ages 3–5 understand that their true identity is not found in their preferences, past actions, or current emotions. Instead, it is rooted in their relationship with their Creator and Savior. The one who fashioned them in his likeness and calls them to live a life for his glory. A note to parents section at the end of the book offers practical tips and additional Bible verses for instilling these truths in children as they navigate the world and build the foundation of their lives.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Jesus Moments: Moses: Finding Jesus in the Story of Moses by Alison Mitchell. “Help 4-7s learn how Moses points to Jesus with this beautifully illustrated Old Testament storybook from Alison Mitchell, the award-winning author of Jesus and the Lions’ Den and The One O’Clock Miracle. Moments in Moses’ story when something in the story is a little bit like Jesus are signposted with symbols that children need to spot, helping them to understand the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. This fun, interactive resource will give children skills to read the Bible as they connect the stories and learn that the whole Bible is about Jesus. Great for parents or grandparents to give children aged 4-7. Can also be used for children’s ministry in church.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Something Scary Happened: Helping Children with Trauma by Darby Strickland. “Miles is a happy little lamb until something bad happens. All of a sudden, Miles feels like he is alone in a deep dark valley, but it is there in the valley that he meets his good Shepherd who promises to always be with him, no matter what. Counselor and trauma expert Darby A. Strickland uses the story of Miles to help parents and caregivers share the comfort of taking their fears to the good Shepherd by applying Psalm 23 to difficult experiences. Through a special section at the end of the book, Strickland helps parents recognize the feelings and behaviors children might have in response to their trauma and guides them in how to help children talk about what scared them.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Big Big Big Christmas (That Was Also Very Small) by Mei Shan Dibble. “The wonder of the incarnation told in a fresh, funny and child-friendly way This hilarious series of zany comparisons that get bigger and bigger will help children discover just how big God is and how completely mind-blowingly amazing it is that he became a tiny baby at Christmas.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Joni Eareckson Tada: The Girl Who Learned to Follow God in a Wheelchair by Kristyn Getty. “In this beautifully illustrated hardback, Kristyn Getty recounts Joni Eareckson Tada’s lively childhood, life-changing accident and challenging adjustment to a very different way of life, and shares how God has used her in amazing ways to bless others. Children will hear how, when a terrible diving accident left her severely disabled, Joni was left with a lot of questions about God. It was easy to trust him when she was healthy and happy, but did she want to follow him now that life was so hard? As young ones discover how God cared for Joni and how Joni held on to her faith and used her circumstances to love others, they’ll be inspired about the great things they can do for God. And they’ll be encouraged to be a friend to those with disabilities or in hard situations.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Long Road Home: A Tale of Two Sons and a Father’s Never-Ending Love by Sarah Walton (coming on October 29). “In this creative retelling of the parable of the Prodigal Son, the youngest son, Wander, was willing to give up everything for his independence―including a relationship with his father and brother Goodness. With his father’s cash in hand, he left for the alluring towns of Perfection, Prosperity, and Popularity. Each new town brought a brief sense of happiness, but eventually, as the excitement wore off, he was overcome by a deepening sense of emptiness. It was then that Wander remembered his father’s words, ‘Wherever you go, my son, I want you to remember that I love you with a never-ending love.’ The Long Road Home retells this powerful parable in a creative and understandable way for children ages 6–8. As kids hear about Wander’s difficult experiences and discuss them with their parents, they will learn joy is not found within themselves or in the world. Instead, children will rediscover the never-ending love of their heavenly Father, who gives them worth, hope, and identity when they put their trust in him.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Little Christmas Carol: The Illustrated Edition by Joe Sutphin. “Enjoy Charles Dickens’ beloved masterpiece, freshly imagined within an enchanting woodland realm. In 1843, Charles Dickens penned a story–a classic Christmas tale full of ghosts and the endearing humbug Ebenezer Scrooge. That story—which has captivated readers for over 150 years—is now accompanied by the delightful illustrations of Joe Sutphin. With charming woodland characters and settings that families will adore, readers will be transformed by A Little Christmas Carol. A tale of greed, regret, loneliness, reflection, compassion, hope, and a joyfully changed life, this beautifully illustrated edition will enliven the timeless classic for readers young and old. For the perfect family read-aloud, make A Little Christmas Carol a part of your family’s Christmas tradition. This new edition makes a wonderful gift.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Promises Made Promises Kept: A Family Devotional for Christmas by Marty Machowski. “Marty Machowski’s Promises Made Promises Kept shows families how the birth and life of Jesus fulfilled God’s Old Testament promises of a Savior. Start a new family tradition for the Christmas season by reading this ‘upside-down’ book that includes fourteen Bible stories. Begin the week before Christmas with the first side, Promises Made which has seven stories that explore the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah. On Christmas Day, flip the book over and continue by reading Promises Kept with seven more stories that vividly illustrate how Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection and the beginning of the church fulfill God’s promises. Machowski weaves the promises and fulfillments together into one harmonized story that will deepen the family’s faith in God’s power and control over all of history and their lives too. Each story also includes questions for the family to discuss together.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Abigail and the Career Day Catastrophe: It’s Time to Be a Hero… Right? By Bethany McIlrath. “It’s nearly Career Day, and 9-year-old Abigail is trying to decide what she wants to be when she grows up. She wants to do something that will please God and her family, so she decides she will be a missionary police officer–a job that she thinks means behaving perfectly and making sure everyone else does too! But all her efforts seem to backfire. After some helpful Bible teaching from her loved ones about the story of Paul’s conversion, Abigail rethinks what it means to please God and to ‘be good’! This fun, relatable story will help kids to realize that it’s only through Jesus that we can please God. And with the Holy Spirit’s help, they can become more like Jesus and do good works with him. This is the second book in the Abigail series, a fictional series for readers aged 7 and up that follows the adventures of 9-year-old Abigail as she figures out what faith means for her everyday life. Young readers will be inspired to read the Bible, talk to God and apply what they believe to their own lives.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Anne Bradstreet by Simonetta Carr. “Did you know that the first published poet in America was a woman? As an American colonist, Anne Bradstreet’s poems give us a unique window into early colonial life. In this Christian Biography for Young Readers, Simonetta Carr shows us how Bradstreet overcame opposition from those who thought only men should write to produce beautiful poetry that encourages the church today. Complete with excerpts from her writings and engaging illustrations, Bradstreet’s story will remind you of the beauty of God’s creation, His faithfulness, and His unfailing promises.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
John and Charles Wesley: Two Brothers, One Faith by David Luckman. “Discover the inspiring story of John and Charles Wesley, two brothers who left an indelible mark on Christian history. Step into the 18th century and meet John and Charles Wesley, brothers whose unwavering faith sparked a spiritual revolution. Witness their transformative journey from the humble English countryside to the heart of a movement that changed the course of Christianity. Marvel at the thrilling tales of faith, courage, and resilience as the Wesley brothers navigate challenges, triumphs, and divine encounters. From the vibrant Oxford University to the bustling streets of London, this biography paints a vibrant tapestry of their lives, making history come alive for young readers.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Track: Politics: A Student’s Guide to Politics by Joshua Wester. “Joshua Wester encourages young adults to view politics through the lens of their Christian faith, and to test their beliefs against the Bible. People say that religion and politics shouldn’t mix, but God has a lot to say about how we live together. Politics touches many things in our lives, and so, as Christians, we should examine our political beliefs in the light of what God says. Joshua Wester tackles crucial topics that young adults should be thinking about as they think about how they engage with the political process and get involved in conversations about politics. The Bible calls us to be good citizens who love God and love our neighbour—how does that affect how we vote? An invaluable guide for those seeking to engage with the political process.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Gospel 101 for Teens: Learning, Living, and Sharing the Gospel by Jeff Dodge. “The gospel is the most powerful message in the world—it’s God’s dynamite to change hearts, lives, and communities. In Gospel 101 for Teens, Jeff Dodge communicates the good news of Jesus in a clear, understanding, and compelling way, inviting students to grow in gospel fluency, community, and action. Gospel 101 for Teens serves as an introductory-level course on the ‘big picture’ message of redemption. It equips teens with the language of the gospel to confidently move past the fear of sharing their faith with friends and classmates. By learning to share the gospel in their own words and explain why it matters, teens will be ready to communicate this message in a life-giving, clear, and personal way.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling by William Boekestein. “How can I pick the right job? Actually, you don’t need to choose a job that’s ‘perfect for you.’ But you do need to be faithful and productive in ways that honor God in your work life. Here’s a better question: As a believer, how can I determine what I am supposed to do, and then do it well? The doctrine of calling, or vocation, leads us to the answer. Because for those who are ‘called according to his purpose’ (Rom. 8:28), God provides a place, a time, and the gifts necessary to work for him in this world. God placed us in his world to work for his glory. You might not know exactly what he has planned for you, but you must—and can—be faithful where he calls you to be.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
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We live at a great time to be readers! Christian publishers labor diligently to provide us with good books on every conceivable topic. Once a month I like to sort through all the new releases and put together a list of some of the new and notables. Here are my picks for August, 2024.]]>
We live at a great time to be readers! Christian publishers labor diligently to provide us with good books on every conceivable topic. Once a month I like to sort through all the new releases and put together a list of some of the new and notables. Here are my picks for August 2024.
Great to Good: How Following Jesus Reshapes Our Ambitions by Jae Hoon Lee. “People tend to measure success by worldly standards. We assume that greatness comes from charisma, influence, and followers. But God cares more about our character than about what people around us think of our reputations. Pastor Jae Hoon Lee challenges us not to pursue greatness but to grow in goodness. Jesus called his followers to cultivate character of goodness, not to aspire to positions of power. The faithful Christian life is one that seeks to become good. These reflections and meditations on the good Christian life unpack what it means for the church to live in obedience and faith, to strip away ambitious self-glorification, and to instead live humble lives of goodness and love.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Deep Roots, Good Fruit: Seeing the Fruit of the Spirit through Story & Scripture by Kristin Elizabeth Couch. “What does the fruit of the Spirit look like in everyday life, and how can we become the people the Holy Spirit calls us to be? Author Kristin Elizabeth Couch invites you to explore the fruit of the Spirit through captivating stories of people she’s known: there’s a father who goes missing in a snowstorm; a boss who shouts like a drill sergeant; a neighbor with a refrigerator full of eggs; and Grandpa, who smells of Old Spice! By combining memorable stories with rich meditations on Scripture, Kristin encourages us to see that God is at work even in life’s mundane moments, and that although our growth may seem slow, in the Spirit’s power we really can become more like Jesus. As you reflect on the fruit of the Spirit, you will long for it more deeply, pray for it more fervently, and see afresh how the Spirit is at work in your own life and the lives of others. Put deep roots into God’s word and enjoy bearing more and more of his good fruit.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Finding My Vocation: A Guide for Young People Seeking a Calling by William Boekestein. “How can I pick the right job? Actually, you don’t need to choose a job that’s ‘perfect for you.’ But you do need to be faithful and productive in ways that honor God in your work life. Here’s a better question: As a believer, how can I determine what I am supposed to do, and then do it well? The doctrine of calling, or vocation, leads us to the answer. Because for those who are “called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28), God provides a place, a time, and the gifts necessary to work for him in this world. God placed us in his world to work for his glory. You might not know exactly what he has planned for you, but you must—and can—be faithful where he calls you to be.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
What Do I Say When…?: A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for Children and Teens by Andrew T. Walker & Christian Walker. “Navigating the world for the first time can be challenging, especially when popular cultural beliefs contradict the teachings of Scripture. So when inevitable questions arise, parents must be equipped with sound biblical answers to guide their children through the complexities of modern life—because if we fail to catechize our children, the world will surely step in to do it for us. Written by husband and wife duo Andrew and Christian Walker, this accessible and trusted guide helps busy parents quickly and effectively respond to their children’s questions on a wide range of topics, including abortion, sexuality, transgenderism, technology, political engagement, and more. Each chapter contains age-appropriate prompts for parents of children at different stages of development and maturity. Parents can refer to each chapter as specific questions arise, study hot-button topics for future reference, or access a range of conversation starters to proactively cultivate biblical truth within their child’s heart.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
My Only Comfort: The Heidelberg Catechism for Devotional Reading. This is a slight reimagining of the Heidelberg Catechism. “The Heidelberg Catechism is poetic, pastoral, and comforting, but the Q&A format can undercut devotional reading. Bound in linen with silver foil, My Only Comfort includes a Scripture passage for each of the 52 readings.” I wrote the foreword and said, “Rather than reading as a long series of questions and answers, the Catechism now reads as a kind of poetic devotional. And it works well! I trust and I pray that this will spark a new wave of interest and help a new generation to both read and benefit from it.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Wait and Hope: Puritan Wisdom for Joyful Suffering by Tanner Jacob. “Since the fall, suffering has been a universal part of human experience. While the specific trials we face change, we all long for hope in the face of many burdens. No group of writers in church history grasped this better than the Puritans. In Wait and Hope, Jacob Tanner reminds us how the Puritans endured immense suffering in various aspects of the Christian life– from facing persecution and death to pursuing assurance through trials. By looking at the lessons they learned, suffering pilgrims today are invited to join the tradition of waiting in hope.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Christ Crucified: A Theology of Galatians by Thomas R. Schreiner. “In a time marked by confusion and change, the pathway to salvation for the Galatians seemed unclear. While the false teachers contended for circumcision and obedience to the law as necessary for justification before God, Paul presented the truth of the gospel and redrew the lines of salvation around the cross of Jesus Christ. In this addition to the New Testament Theology series, scholar Thomas R. Schreiner addresses the conflict between Paul and his opponents in Galatia, examines the gospel itself, and shows what it looks like to live out the truth of the gospel in the new era. After examining the dominant biblical-theological themes of Galatians, readers will be reminded of the gift of grace Christ offers through his death on the cross—the only possible path to salvation and true unity among believers.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Soul-Winning Church: Six Keys to Fostering a Genuine Evangelistic Culture by J.A. Medders & Doug Logan. “Your church’s sermons often include a call to evangelize. You’ve held evangelism training events. You give out invites to your Christmas and Easter services. So… where are all the new Christians? Is your church actually reaching the lost with the gospel? For many of us, despite having the best intentions our churches struggle to reach out with the gospel effectively. J.A. Medders and Doug Logan Jr. have decades of experience in leading churches and mentoring pastors, and here they outline six principles for cultivating a genuine evangelistic culture throughout your church. Includes case studies from a variety of different cultures and contexts to give you practical ideas for implementing these six principles. There are also free resources available, including a podcast series, that will help church leaders to implement the principles they learn in the book.” (Buy it at Amazon)
I Have My Doubts: How God Can Use Your Uncertainty to Reawaken Your Faith by Philip Graham Ryken. “Will God do what he says he promises? Can we trust his intentions? Is he even good? Without guidance, these doubt-filled questions can hinder spiritual progress and lead to discouragement. Thankfully, the Bible offers encouraging examples of men and women who remained faithful to God even through seasons of uncertainty. Based on a series of Wheaton College chapel messages, this encouraging guide explores 10 Bible stories on the topic of faith and doubt to reassure readers that doubt is normal for Christians. These stories cover a wide range of questions and doubts that most Christians experience at some point in their faith journey—doubts about God’s power, protection, justice, healing, and more. Ultimately, readers will better understand the dynamic of faith and doubt, helping them renew their faith in God even through times of uncertainty.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Colossians & Philemon (Reformed Expository Commentaries) by Richard D. Phillips. This volumes continues and extends the Reformed Expository Commentaries series which is sermon-based and ideal for use by preachers or general readers alike. “Caught between Jewish legalism and pagan mystery religions—and evidently attracted to both—the young church in Colossae was struggling. The apostle Paul’s urgent letter to the congregation presents a singularly potent Christology as the cure for their confusion. In a companion letter to Philemon, a member of the church, Paul shows that embracing right doctrine leads to right relationships. Richard D. Phillips’s devotional, pastoral commentary on these two letters presents a compelling view of apostolic apologetics and connects the false teaching of the past to the teaching and beliefs that surround believers on all sides today.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Charles Spurgeon: A Life by Alex DiPrima. “Alex DiPrima paints a fresh portrait of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the most well-known gospel minister of the nineteenth century. By providing social, historical, and religious context, DiPrima helps us comprehend the scope of Spurgeon’s ministry in London. Combining academic expertise with popular presentation, this short biography of the famed Prince of Preachers will be the go-to introduction to Spurgeon for years to come.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
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Another month has come and gone. For readers, that means that publishers have released another batch of books. I am in the happy position of receiving most of them, so sorted through the various stacks to arrive at this list of new and notables. In each case, I’ve included the editorial description so you can get a sense of what the book is all about. While June is not the month that sees the most new releases, I still hope there’s something here that interests you.]]>
Another month has come and gone. For readers, that means that publishers have released another batch of books. I am in the happy position of receiving most of them, so sorted through the various stacks to arrive at this list of new and notables. In each case, I’ve included the editorial description so you can get a sense of what the book is all about. While June is not the month that sees the most new releases, I still hope there’s something here that interests you.
Waiting Isn’t a Waste: The Surprising Comfort of Trusting God in the Uncertainties of Life by Mark Vroegop. “Throughout our lives, we experience countless periods of waiting. Some moments are mere nuisances—others are daunting seasons filled with intense worry and doubt. We grow impatient by immovable traffic or crave an impending answer to a medical condition. Whatever our current circumstances, our innate response is to take action rather than stay still. In Waiting Isn’t a Waste, author Mark Vroegop calls believers to resist the human urge for control and lean on Christ for comfort while we wait for the uncertainties of life to unfold. Vroegop explores what it means to wait on God through 6 important characteristics—waiting is hard, common, biblical, slow, commanded, and relational. This book not only teaches readers how to wait on God but inspires them to embrace waiting—for it prompts wisdom from God and brings invaluable peace to the present.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Life of Peter: Molded in the Master’s Hands by Derek Thomas. “It isn’t hard for Christians to identify with the Apostle Peter. As he sought to follow after Jesus, his life was punctuated by bold moments and momentous blunders alike. Yet in spite of Peter’s sins, he was the Apostle who confessed the Christ, to which Jesus replied, “On this rock I will build my church” (Matt. 16:16, 18). The Lord would use this vessel of clay to bring the hope of the gospel to the world. In this book, Dr. Derek Thomas offers an encouraging portrait of Peter from the Gospels and the book of Acts, with insights from Peter’s own writings later in life. At every stroke, our eyes are drawn beyond the disciple to his gracious Master, who fashions stumbling believers into stalwarts of faith.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Made in Our Image: God, Artificial Intelligence, and You by Stephen Driscoll. “Artificial intelligence is coming. No life will be left untouched. What does Christianity have to say about this brave new world? What will living for Jesus look like in a world where humans, made in God’s image, coexist with intelligent machines made in our image? Author, pastor and self-confessed ‘tech realist’ Stephen Driscoll answers these questions with a deep dive into the intersection of faith and technology. Avoiding the extremes of both the tech worshippers and the ‘doomers’, Driscoll offers accessible and illuminating insights into the nature of AI, along with practical tips on how Christians might use this technology for good. Most of all, he shows how the deepest structures of biblical thought will equip Christians to live with AI.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Neighborhoods Reimagined: How the Beatitudes Inspire our Call to be Good Neighbors by Chris & Elizabeth McKinney. “Somewhere along the way we drifted apart from our next-door neighbors, and now we’re not sure we can get back together again. We lack a clear vision for showing and sharing Jesus’ love with them and how his countercultural values might transform our neighborhoods, including us. But just imagine. Imagine a neighborhood where people are connected rather than isolated, where wrongs are righted, where mercy brings fences down, and where we become agents in seeing God’s kingdom come. Believing the beatitudes are Jesus’ invitation into neighborhood flourishing, Neighborhoods Reimagined envisions how these upside-down values can turn our corners right-side-up.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
What Is Covenant Theology?: Tracing God’s Promises through the Son, the Seed, and the Sacraments by Ryan M. McGraw. “From animal sacrifice in the Old Testament to baptism and Communion in the New Testament, the Bible can seem like it contains vastly different instructions for how God’s people are to worship him through visible means. But Scripture is a complete story of redemption, one that is breathtaking in its unity. By observing how all biblical events connect through God’s covenants with his people, believers can better grasp the beauty of the triune God and the breathtaking unity of Scripture, knowing the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit. In this practical introduction, professor Ryan McGraw gives readers a framework for understanding the structure of the Bible. Explaining the blessing of covenant theology, he reveals how the sacraments illustrate God’s relationship with his people throughout the ages and help unify all parts of Scripture, from God’s promises in Genesis to their fulfillment in Revelation. Exploring the covenants of redemption, works, and grace, this book will give readers clarity about the gospel, and teach them how to live in fellowship with the triune God and others.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Elder-Led Church: How an Eldership Team Shepherds a Healthy Flock by Murray Capill. “Church leadership is a shared responsibility, not a solo venture. This book equips pastors and elders to lead the church together as a team, focusing not so much on what they are to be but on what they as a body are to do. Written by a former pastor, now a seminary lecturer and longtime volunteer elder, this book is a groundbreaking resource for local churches of all shapes and sizes.” Iain Duguid says of it, “Capill’s book on eldership is clear, biblical, practical, and engaging. I encourage elders to read it for themselves and pastors to purchase it for all their elders. And if your church doesn’t have elders, this book makes a compelling case for why it should.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Loneliness: Don’t Hate It or Waste It. Redeem It. by Steve DeWitt. “For years, Steve DeWitt was the only never married megachurch pastor in the United States. This put him in proximity to thousands of people, yet he lived his daily life alone. Over some 8,000 days as an adult single, and now eleven years of marriage, Pastor Steve has a unique perspective on solitude and aloneness. Loneliness addresses this pervasive ache from his personal experience and pastoral viewpoint. In a time when loneliness is at an all-time high, this book–rich with biblical truth and practical help–speaks to all hearts. DeWitt explores the invitation of Jesus when our hearts feel alone and isolated. Writing on topics that affect us and the ones we love–such as loneliness and the gospel, loneliness and singleness, loneliness and marriage, and loneliness and leadership–he shows us the way out of our pain and into relational flourishing with God and others.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
To Walk and to Please God: A Theology of 1 and 2 Thessalonians by Andrew S. Malone. “Like Paul’s other early churches, Thessalonica experienced great societal pressure to conform to the surrounding culture. But amid persecution, the Thessalonians remained faithful to their call to holiness as they patiently awaited Jesus’s return. These epistles provide a positive and practical example of what Christians should believe and how they should behave today. In this volume of the New Testament Theology series, author Andrew Malone explores 1 and 2 Thessalonians to highlight the life cycle of Christian discipleship–turning away from idols, trusting in the gospel message, having hope that the Lord will return, and continually pleasing the one true God until that return. Through clear and engaging theological examinations, Malone expounds on predominant themes–enhancing gospel reputation, persistence in the face of opposition, Christian life within an unbelieving society, and more–explaining how they are relevant for the church today.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Preaching: A Sermon Collection by Charles Spurgeon (Introduction by Jason K. Allen). “What set Charles Haddon Spurgeon apart more than any of his other accomplishments was his ability behind the pulpit. Crowds gathered weekly, with visitors coming from around the world to hear the Holy Spirit pour out through his sermons. No matter the topic, modern readers would be wise to see what Spurgeon had to say. In this volume Jason K. Allen has compiled some of Spurgeon’s most poignant sermons on the topic of preaching; and who better than the ‘Prince of Preachers’ to speak to teachers today about the ins and outs of preaching the Word of God.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Subjects and Citizens: The Politics of the Gospel by Michael P. Jensen. “Michael writes to help Christian rediscover ‘a truly Christ-centred vision for human politics’. The heart of that vision is based around a careful study of Romans 12-15, calling Christians to be who they are as the church: ‘subjects of the Lord Jesus and citizens of the kingdom of heaven’. The aim is that this perspective will help Christians to navigate the alienation and anxiety that dominate contemporary debates, providing a fresh way to think about contemporary politics. Michael distinguishes ‘Politics 1.0’, the politics of this world (where temporary, earthly kingdoms exist within the present age), from ‘Politics 2.0’, ‘where Jesus Christ reigns in the Kingdom of God’ (which exists here and now within the church, but will continue into the world to come when Christ returns). The book argues that ‘Politics 1.0’ has its place, but also its limitations.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Grace From Heaven: Prayers of the Reformation by Robert Elmer (editor). “The Reformation was an extraordinary time of profound spiritual fervor. Grace from Heaven collects prayers from influential Protestant voices of the Reformation that express deep longings, theological richness, and a burning desire for God’s grace. The prayers are arranged by topic and time—from praise to petition, morning to evening—so that your prayer life can be interwoven with the rich tapestry of prayers of faithful Christians from the past. By praying along with Martin Luther, John Calvin, Marguerite de Navarre, William Tyndale, and many others, we join the chorus of Reformation believers in prayer and contemplation.” (Buy it at Amazon)
The Giver of Life: The Biblical Doctrine of the Holy Spirit and Salvation by J.V. Fesko. “God’s Spirit unites believers to Christ, conforms them to his image, and equips them for witness and ministry. In The Giver of Life, J. V. Fesko reflects on the person and work of the Holy Spirit in the application of Christ’s work for the salvation of sinners. Through a combination of biblical, historical, and theological study, Fesko illuminates the blessing of God’s presence with his people. Written from a confessionally Reformed perspective in dialogue with the great creeds of the church, The Giver of Life provides a thorough and trustworthy guide to the Holy Spirit’s role in salvation.” (Buy it at Amazon)
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Every month I put together a roundup of new and notable books for grownup readers. But I also receive a lot of books for kids and like to put together the occasional roundup of these books as well. So today I bring you a whole big batch of new books for kids]]>
Every month I put together a roundup of new and notable books for grownup readers. But I also receive a lot of books for kids and like to put together the occasional roundup of these books as well. So today I bring you a whole big batch of new books for kids.
Little Me, Big God: Stories about Jesus: Eight True Stories from the Bible by Steph Williams. “How many people did Jesus feed with one boy’s lunch? Why did a dad run down a road? What happened when Jesus’s disciples stopped some children who wanted to talk to him? And why did Jesus die on a cross? Enjoy reading eight Gospel stories, retold in a faithful and fun way for 2-4-year-olds. Toddlers and preschoolers will love the colorful, exciting illustrations, and older ones can get to grips with the “extra bits” that go deeper into each story. This hardback collection of eight stories from the ‘Little Me, Big God’ series is a great addition to any young child’s bookshelf or children’s ministry range and makes an ideal gift. Can also be used in children’s ministry.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
It’s Good to Be a Girl: A Celebration of All That God Made You to Be by Jen & Zoe Oshman. “This beautifully illustrated book celebrates that God made girls in his image and explores all the wonderful things he designed them to be and to do. Girls aged 3-7 will learn that they are good and necessary, how God calls different women to do different things, and how trusting in Jesus is the key to help us love and serve others wherever we are. Follow along as a little girl learns from her mother all about real women from the Bible and later history. Together they imagine lots of different ways in which we can reflect God’s character and help those around us today, whether that’s through being a mom or a missionary, a truck driver or a teacher!” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Your Amazing Hands: A Training Young Hearts Rhyming Book by Abbey Wedgeworth. “This charming rhyming book celebrates God’s good design for our hands, motivating children aged 3+ to use their hands to glorify God. Children will be inspired by all the creative and interesting things their hands can do―they can even use them to bring comfort and joy to others! They’ll discover that Jesus had hands just like ours and that he always used his hands in the most amazing ways, including to save us. Not only that: the way that Jesus used his hands means that we can be forgiven when we use our hands in the wrong way. Children are invited to pray for forgiveness when they make mistakes, and for help to use their hands in the ways God intends. The book’s fun rhyming style and colorful illustrations make it easy to engage with this life-altering message of repentance, forgiveness, and grace-fueled obedience.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
The Man in the Tree and the Brand New Start: A True Story about Zacchaeus and the Difference Knowing Jesus Makes by Carl Laferton. “Teach children that genuine faith in Jesus leads to a transformed life. Zacchaeus was very short, very rich, and not very happy, but his encounter with Jesus changed everything. In response to the grace Jesus showed him, Zacchaeus was transformed from the inside out. He repented, treasured Jesus above everything else, and showed kindness and generosity to others like never before. Use this story to teach children that only following Jesus will make them truly happy and fulfilled, and that genuine repentance and faith is demonstrated by loving others.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Jesus, Strong and Kind by Sinclair Ferguson. “Respected pastor and author, Sinclair Ferguson, uses the words of the popular children’s song to help kids understand that they can always run to Jesus in this beautifully illustrated book. Using the words from the popular children’s song by CityAlight and Colin Buchanan, and stories from the Bible, Sinclair Ferguson shows children how they can turn to Jesus when they feel afraid, lost, thirsty or weak. He shows that God is powerful and merciful, good and faithful. The beautiful colour illustrations by Angelo Ruta bring this hardback to life. An essential addition to any family’s library.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Abigail and the Big Start Over by Bethany McIlrath. “Like many kids, adventurous and creative 9-year-old Abigail experiences lots of ups and downs when it comes to school life, making friends, and getting along with parents and siblings. Through both the humorous and serious challenges that arise, Abigail finds herself in one new mess after another. But as she learns all about how Jesus forgave Peter when he messed up again and again, she sees how Jesus can forgive her too. Readers will explore the Bible alongside Abigail and learn that God’s love for us and his grace to us never run out. So we can start over again and again! This fun, exciting novel for kids aged 7+ features short chapters with illustrations that really bring the story to life. It explains grace in a kid-friendly way that is relevant to their lives, and it provides a great way for kids to engage with the Bible.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Jesus’ Stories: A Family Parable Devotional by Carine MacKenzie. “Beloved children’s author Carine Mackenzie unfolds the parables of Jesus for families to enjoy together. Carine Mackenzie, whose children’s books have sold millions of copies worldwide, takes the stories that Jesus used to teach his listeners about God’s way, and unpacks them in a way that the whole family can enjoy together. The short stories teach about things like prayer, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God, and Carine’s knowledge of how to help children understand the meaning behind the story shines through. With beautiful colour illustrations, this book will be a great addition to your family’s library.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Any Time, Any Place, Any Prayer Family Bible Devotional by Katy Morgan. “This devotional is a chance to take your family on a journey through the story of prayer in the Bible. It is based on the popular storybook by Laura Wifler, co-founder of Risen Motherhood, which explores prayer: from the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve talked with God face to face, through Old Testament examples and the teaching of Jesus, all the way to the promise of the new creation, where we’ll dwell with God forever. These 10-minute devotions are designed to be easy to lead and fun to do. They will help your family to learn to pray with confidence, anytime, anyplace. They are ideal for kids aged 5-11.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Cassie & Caleb Discover God’s Wonderful Design by Susan & Richie Hunt. “Boys and girls, from 5 to 8 years of age, will love the fun world of Cassie and Caleb, two energetic and inquisitive children discovering the beauty of God’s wonderful design. Through twenty beautifully illustrated short stories, followed by an interactive time between parent and child, your children will learn: The creational principle that ‘God created man in his own image . . . male and female he created them’ is extraordinary; That Jesus is in all of Scripture; that God’s Word is our authority and His Glory is our purpose; That when we belong to Jesus we belong to His covenant family, the Church; A Biblical framework for living and thinking. (Amazon, Westminster Books)
God’s Go-Togethers: A Celebration of God’s Design for People by Sam Allberry. “What special pairs are part of God’s good plan? Join siblings Lila and Ethan at the beach as they discover that God not only made the sand and sea to go together, but He made men and women to go together too. In fact, they’re the pinnacle of His good creation! In this colorful picture book–a follow-up to the book God’s Signpost–author Sam Allberry offers a thoughtful look at the biblical design for people. God’s Go-Togethers is a helpful foundation for explaining why God made men and women as a special pair to complement each other in marriage and beyond.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Dinner with the King: How King David’s Invitation Shows Us God’s Love by Paul Tautges. “A scary invitation turns out to be very good news in this playfully illustrated, deeply biblical book for kids ages 5-9. Discover how David’s grace to Mephibosheth points to our gospel hope.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
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While the month of May has already almost fully waned, it has proved to be a good month for Christian book releases. I sorted through the stacks that landed on my desk and arrived at this list of new and notables. In each case, I’ve provided the editorial description to give you a sense of what it’s all about. I hope there’s something here that catches your eye!]]>
While the month of May has already almost fully waned, it has proved to be a good month for Christian book releases. I sorted through the stacks that landed on my desk and arrived at this list of new and notables. In each case, I’ve provided the editorial description to give you a sense of what it’s all about. I hope there’s something here that catches your eye!
Loving Your Adult Children: The Heartache of Parenting and the Hope of the Gospel by Gaye B. Clark. “As kids grow, so do the pains of parenthood. Patterns of miscommunication and resentment can cause damage over the years, leaving parents and adult children with a fractured relationship. Confused, hurt, and sometimes angry, moms and dads can struggle to know where to turn for help and where to look for hope. With grace and empathy, author Gaye B. Clark comes alongside readers bearing the weight of parenthood. Encouraging readers to view themselves as image bearers of God first and parents second, Clark shifts readers’ focus to their relationship with Christ while showing how the relationship between parent and child can be a catalyst for understanding the gospel. Loving Your Adult Children examines the fruit of the Spirit in relation to parenting adult children, offers study questions for reflection, and shows how walking with God is the best next step for struggling parents.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Fruitful: Cultivating a Spiritual Harvest That Won’t Leave You Empty edited by Megan Hill & Melissa B. Kruger. “As Christians, we long for a spiritually fruitful life. However, our attempts to work more and hustle harder only leave us feeling weary and worn. Thankfully, God’s word supplies the nourishment we so desperately need. As we abide in Jesus, he fills our emptiness with an abundant crop of spiritual fruit. Through the trusted voices of several female bestselling authors, editors, and Bible teachers, this 40-day devotional explores each of the 9 fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5. Every daily reading includes a related verse to ponder, a theologically rich reflection, additional Bible passages to read, and a prayer. This short format provides readers with an easy-to-use devotional resource, filled with substantial biblical counsel for harvesting God-given spiritual fruit.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
The Justice and Goodness of God: A Biblical Case for the Final Judgment by Thomas R. Schreiner. “The reality of God’s ultimate punishment is central to the gospel. Only by facing sin’s devastation can believers fully grasp the beauty of their salvation and help unbelievers confront their need for forgiveness. Unfortunately, many Christians and Bible scholars neglect God’s final judgment. In his book The Justice and Goodness of God, theologian Thomas Schreiner offers a comprehensive, biblical analysis of eternal destruction. Explaining that ‘final judgment doesn’t contradict God’s goodness but verifies and displays it,’ he examines themes of sin, death, and redemption in the New Testament and other passages of Scripture. With helpful personal and theological application, this brief guide helps readers see how God’s judgment is anchored in his holiness, justice, and righteousness. Readers will see that God’s judgment isn’t bad news but good news. Life doesn’t make sense without it, and salvation shines brighter against the backdrop of God’s judgment.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
The Unhurried Pastor: Redefining Productivity for a More Sustainable Ministry by Brian Croft & Ronnie Martin. “Being a pastor is not a regular 9-to-5 job. There is an unending list of important things to do as you seek to serve others sacrificially. The demands of ministry make it difficult to find a healthy rhythm of life and work, and can leave you running on empty. How can we develop a sustainable pattern of ministry that both honors the Lord and the people we care for and that will also protect us from burnout? Ronnie Martin and Brian Croft have each spent decades pastoring churches and supporting ministry leaders. Here they encourage fellow shepherds to embrace a more present-focused, unhurried approach to ministry. They show how this starts with accepting their humanity, pursuing humility, and remembering the hope they have in Christ. They also exhort pastors to fuel their ministry with self-awareness, prayer, and contemplation of Jesus.” (Amazon)
Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships?: Examining 10 Claims about Scripture and Sexuality by Rebecca McLaughlin. “You may have heard the claim that the Bible, when read correctly, is not against believers entering monogamous, faithful same-sex relationships. The arguments sound quite compelling. Have Christians through the ages just been getting this one wrong? In this concise book, Rebecca McLaughlin looks at ten of the most common arguments used to claim that the Bible affirms same-sex sexual relationships. She analyzes the arguments and associated Bible passages one by one to uncover what the Bible really says. For Rebecca, as someone with a lifelong history of same-sex attraction, this is not just an academic question. But rather than concluding that the Bible does affirm same-sex marriage, she points readers to the gospel purpose of male-female marriage, a different kind of gospel-centered love between believers of the same sex, and God’s life-and-love-filled vision for singleness.” (Amazon)
Beautiful Freedom: How the Bible Shapes Your View of Appearance, Food, and Fitness by Stacy Reaoch. “Every day we are exposed to messages about health, food, exercise, and looking good. It’s hard not to get swept along with it all; in fact, it’s easy to end up caring too much about these things and even to feel trapped trying to live up to the ideals that we see in the media. Author Stacy Reaoch points you to the Bible to find freedom! The Bible tells us that our physical selves do matter. But it also invites us to think about our bodies in a God-centered way—helping us to reset and find a balanced approach that is grounded in our faith. Beautiful Freedom is an invitation to love the body God gave you and to explore his priorities for the ways in which you live, eat, and exercise. This book will help you find freedom from damaging narratives about weight, fitness, appearance, and aging. Even better, it will turn your gaze toward Jesus and help you love him more and more.” (Amazon)
Redeeming Sex in Marriage: How the Gospel Rescues Sex, Transforms Marriage, and Reveals the Glory of God by Scott Mehl. “Discover the God-given nature of your sexuality and the magnitude of Christ’s power to redeem it in this honest, winsome resource for married couples. Biblical counselor and pastor Scott Mehl explores truths about God’s beautiful purposes for sex that will empower you to put godly sexuality into practice—living a life of sexual fulfillment and wholeness like never before.” It comes endorsed by Ed Welch who says, “The author is an ideal guide. He is open, warm, comfortable with the topic and a very experienced pastor. He knows that a new program will not make everything right for us. Instead, a clear picture of God’s intent for sex, direction for how to engage with our spouse on the right questions, and confidence that we are headed on a wise path―these are exactly what we need.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Sighing on Sunday: 40 Meditations for When Church Hurts by Megan Hill. “Neglect. Rejection. Sin. Conflict. Change. It’s difficult to go to church when you’ve suffered some of your deepest hurts there. Megan Hill understands that church can be hard. In forty thoughtful meditations, she lays out reliable biblical truths for your encouragement and healing. You’ll explore the source of your struggle, find ways to express your sorrow, and consider wise actions to take. Others have struggled as well—and found hope. There’s hope for you too.” Trevin Wax says of it: “Megan Hill has done us all a service by taking us back to the Scriptures and to the heart of Christ, offering words of wisdom and warning, as we seek healing in the body of Christ where we’ve experienced hurt.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
The Scuttlebutt Letters: Words to a Wild Tongue by Natalie Brand. “In the style of The Screwtape Letters, with a satire that will make you both cringe and laugh–out–loud, Natalie Brand demonstrates the havoc unleashed by careless words. Scuttlebutt (naval slang for the ship’s gossip) is the affectionate nickname given to the Tongue by the Heart, as he reprimands the Tongue for steering the whole person into catastrophe; enjoying morsels of gossip, creating smokescreens of lies. From the Bible’s teaching on speech, particularly the Proverbs, the reader will taste the bitter destruction of the Tongue. But as the Heart rebukes the Tongue it becomes increasingly clear that something isn’t right … there is another villain, a deeper poison, lurking within. What can be done if the Tongue remains untameable? Will the Heart get away with his hypocrisy? Is there redemption for either?” (Amazon)
1 & 2 Chronicles (Two Volumes) by Philip H. Eveson. “In today’s world, when Old Testament books like Chronicles are denied as being historically inaccurate, Eveson constantly shows us that the opposite is true. Throughout the commentary, he not only argues that it is free from historical error, but God–breathed, and therefore able to make us wise for salvation. Far from being irrelevant to the modern reader, Eveson brings helpful, insightful application from the Biblical narrative. Eveson’s commentary is split over two volumes: Volume one containing 1 Chronicles and Volume two containing 2 Chronicles. However, he reminds us that 1 and 2 Chronicles are one undivided book and they should be read as such. The genealogical line that the chronicler wrote of all looked to the Messiah. In reading Chronicles, so should we. The commentary is appropriate for all Christians who desire to see their Lord in all the scriptures. Eveson helpfully includes an application section with each passage that shows how it points to Jesus.” (Volume 1: Amazon, Westminster Books; Volume 2: Amazon, Westminster Books)
Growth and Change: The Danger and Necessity of a Passion for Church Growth by Andrew Heard. “For many years, evangelical church leaders have been told that the key to seeing gospel growth is to ‘just be faithful.’ In Growth and Change, Andrew Heard challenges this misconception head-on with wisdom from decades of ministry experience and deep theological reflection. Richly biblical and heartfelt, this ground-breaking book confronts sacred cows, rejects easy answers and addresses the tensions felt by every leader who wants to proactively work for change while remaining absolutely committed to the word of God. This is a must-read for every church leader committed to seeing the gospel of Jesus grow and bear fruit.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Reasoning in the Public Square: Delivering the Changeless Message Through Ever–Changing Media by Graham Nicholls. “It’s easy to think that our faith is personal, something which should be expressed behind closed doors or with other Christians. But we are called to be a light to the world, to be able to give a reason for our faith. Graham Nicholls’ practical book helps us to think through not only why we should do that, but how we can do it. The world needs to hear the gospel, and there are a whole host of ways we can publicly proclaim our faith. From identifying the key battle lines where there is friction between Christianity and modern Western society, to engaging with mainstream media; from street preaching to an evangelistic online presence, Nicholls exhorts Christians to be salt and light wherever God gives them opportunities. As a pastor, and as Director of Affinity, an organisation which helps equip Christians to effectively engage with society, Graham Nicholls brings valuable experience with traditional and new media, local church outreach, community projects and one–to–one evangelism.” (Amazon)
Truth be Told: Living Truthfully in a Post-Truth World by Lionel Windsor. “It is a truth universally acknowledged that there is an almost universal ambivalence towards truth these days. Many even reject the idea that universal truths have any valid place at all in our ‘post-truth’ society. As Christians, we cannot afford to let our society’s loose relationship with truth influence our thinking, living and speaking. In Truth be Told, Lionel Windsor goes back to the Bible to show how the gospel provides a foundation for both understanding truth and interacting truthfully with our culture. Provocative and timely, this book offers Christians practical help in the task of sharing the truth of the gospel with confidence and conviction.” (Amazon)
From Garden to Glory: How Understanding God’s Story Changes Yours by Courtney Doctor. “Many of us read the Bible without realizing that it is one story from beginning to end–a story about God’s great mission to redeem all things. From Genesis to Revelation, we see God’s heart in his redemptive plan for humanity, and how earnestly he desires for us to be a part of it! From Garden to Glory will help you read the Bible as the beautiful story it is–and experience God’s astounding love for you. In Courtney Doctor’s overview that spans from Eden to eternity, you will: grow in your appreciation for how all the parts of the Bible fit together brilliantly as a unified whole; understand your value, significance, and purpose on a more profound level; be encouraged to live in hopeful anticipation of the story’s epic finale–when heaven and earth are renewed in glory and we’re finally, fully, and forever in God’s presence. This engaging journey through God’s grand story of Scripture will deepen your gratitude and awe as you discover how the God of the Bible has stopped at nothing to bring you back to himself!” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction by Harrison Perkins. “See Christ and his work more clearly. Learn the biblical basis for the Reformed confessions. Understand the role of grace and works in your salvation. Covenant shapes our life with God and In Reformed Covenant Theology: A Systematic Introduction, Harrison Perkins shows how Christ and his work are the heart of that covenant relationship. Since God lives in covenant with his redeemed people, covenant theology provides a framework for Christians to grow in their life with God, to read the Bible, and to love the church.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
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In 2020 I teamed up with Zondervan to release Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History. This is a two-part product that takes the form of an illustrated book and a ten-part documentary video series. Epic is ideal for group studies, homeschool curriculum, and enjoying either alone or with the whole family. I am pleased to let you know that the ten-part documentary video series is now available for free on YouTube.]]>
In 2020 I teamed up with Zondervan to release Epic: An Around-the-World Journey through Christian History. This is a two-part product that takes the form of an illustrated book and a ten-part documentary video series. While the book and documentary can each be enjoyed on their own, they also complement one another well. Epic is ideal for group studies, homeschool curriculum, and enjoying either alone or with the whole family.
I am pleased to let you know that the ten-part documentary video series is now available for free on YouTube.
Of course, Epic is best when the documentary is paired with the book, so I recommend you also buy the softcover book which you can find discounted at both Amazon and Westminster Books. The two products are ideal companions for one another and together will help you both see and understand the history of the Christian faith.
To watch the videos, you can visit YouTube or challies.com/epic/.
Beginning with Jesus and the early church, I look at:
- The importance of graffiti on an ancient jail cell
- The creedal significance of a carving on a museum statue
- The enduring importance of ancient manuscripts and books
- And much more!
Along the way, you’ll discover the story you’re already a part of.
Epic features:
- An epic journey: 24 countries, 6 continents, 75 flights, 80 museums
- Beautiful full-color book design featuring the objects and Tim’s journey
- The complete experience: a 10-episode documentary is now available for free, taking you on location and providing an immersive experience for understanding the history of Christianity
As I said, it is now entirely free on YouTube or at challies.com/epic/.
It is surprisingly difficult to find a list of Christian books that have been released in any given month—especially if you want that list to be filtered by books released through particular publishers. That’s one of the reasons why I close each month by coming up with my list of New and Notable books. I comb through what I’ve received in the past month (and scour all the publishers’ websites) to come up with a list of titles that are interesting to me—and may just be interesting to you. Here are my picks for April. In each case I’ve included the publisher’s description]]>
It is surprisingly difficult to find a list of Christian books that have been released in any given month—especially if you want that list to be filtered by books released through particular publishers. That’s one of the reasons why I close each month by coming up with my list of New and Notable books. I comb through what I’ve received in the past month (and scour all the publishers’ websites) to come up with a list of titles that are interesting to me—and may just be interesting to you. Here are my picks for April. In each case I’ve included the publisher’s description.
Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change Your Life on Earth by Cameron Cole. “Though they’re destined for eternal glory, many Christians languish in earthly mindedness. Having never set their sights on things above, they lack hope in adversity and vibrancy in their faith. Where can believers find joy and inspiration for everyday life? It’s in the already-and-not-yet reality of heaven. Following the unexpected loss of his firstborn child, pastor Cameron Cole’s daily focus shifted drastically heavenward. He discovered that an intentional eternal mindset can bring meaning and joy to every Christian’s life. In this heartfelt, theologically rich book, Cole draws from his personal story of grief, the apostle Paul’s letters, and the examples of believers throughout history to demonstrate how heavenly mindedness fosters contentment, hope in suffering, motivation for missions and evangelism, commitment to morality and ethics, and no fear in death.” (Amazon)
Systematic Theology, Volume 1: From Canon to Concept by Stephen J Wellum. “Trinitarian, reformational, and baptistic, Stephen Wellum’s Systematic Theology models a serious evangelical engagement with the Scriptures while being grounded in church history and keenly aware of contemporary issues. Building on decades of research, Wellum formulates doctrine exegetically, covenantally, and canonically for a new generation of students, pastors, church leaders, and seasoned theologians.” Tom Schreiner says of it, “Steve Wellum is one of the most astute and brilliant theologians of our day and now we are treated to his magnum opus. This volume is a profound systematic theology that draws on biblical theology, historical theology, and philosophy in formulating a coherent and articulate presentation of Christian doctrine. In my mind no one has done this better today than Steve Wellum. He emphasizes that systematic theology is practical—it is theology applied to all of life. We all live, whether we know it or not, based on our systematic theology. Thus, this is a life-changing book that is a must read both for the academy and for the church.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Peace Over Perfection: Enjoying a Good God When You Feel You’re Never Good Enough by Faith Chang. “Many Christians, often without even realizing it, struggle with a type of Christian perfectionism. We strive to please God but are plagued with anxiety about making mistakes. We want to do God’s will but live with a self-berating inner voice even as we seek to serve him. We sincerely believe the gospel and love Jesus but struggle with never feeling good enough before God. How can Christians wholeheartedly pursue God without an undercurrent of guilt, fear or anxiety? How can imperfect people experience God’s peace while seeking to obey his perfect standards? Author Faith Chang addresses the struggles of her fellow ‘Christian perfectionists’ through meditations on God’s character. With nuance and care, she writes for those who seek to grow in Christ and live for God’s glory yet live in fear of failure. She explores the Bible to show that as God deals with us as in-process people, he is far more merciful, righteous and patient than we may have imagined. As we consider how he interacts bountifully with us, the weary and scrupulous Christian perfectionist will be freed to pursue God while experiencing his love and peace.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Perfect Unity: A Guide for Christian Doctrine and Life by Ralph Cunnington. “The world is tearing itself apart over identity politics. What is the answer? Recognizing that two things can be distinct yet inseparable. This concept—rooted in the writings of Augustine, John Calvin, and others—is in fact key to understanding some of the most precious truths about God, humanity, and salvation. Written to Christians of all ages and backgrounds, Ralph Cunnington’s systematic guide to Christian truth presents a challenging, orthodox message that is desperately needed today.” Sinclair Ferguson says of it, “Ralph Cunnington skillfully shows us that when it comes to the Christian faith, there is a loose thread that is worth pulling. Why? Because this thread will help us appreciate how beautifully God has woven the gospel. … Intrigued? Then read on!” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Biblical Typology: How the Old Testament Points to Christ, His Church, and the Consummation by Vern S. Poythress. “Believers read Scripture to follow Christ and deepen their relationship with him. But since a majority of the Bible was written before Jesus’s life and death on the cross, many people rely on the Old Testament for historical context and moral guidance alone. However, when studied in detail, we see how even the Old Testament reveals Christ as the center of God’s plan for redemption. Biblical Typology examines how the Old Testament foreshadows Christ, the church, and the consummation through types—or symbols—pointing toward fulfillment. Well-known for his academic yet accessible writing, Vern S. Poythress not only provides examples of types and analogies found in God’s word but also teaches readers a practical framework and diagram for effectively examining them throughout Scripture. Readers will learn how to identify and interpret biblical typology for themselves as they deepen their understanding of the Bible and the wisdom of God.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
Choose Better: Five Biblical Models for Making Ethical Decisions by T. David Gordon. “How do we know if we’re making the best choices possible? Over the centuries, Christians in different traditions have distilled scriptural guidance into five models for ethical decision-making. Memorable and biblical, profound and practical, these models give us clear questions to ask in every situation. They help us not only to improve our own choices but to better understand the choices of fellow believers—especially when they differ from ours. Honed over years of teaching and supplemented by discussion questions, the contents of this short book will equip you to think biblically and choose better.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
The (Not-So-Secret) Secret to Reaching the Next Generation by Kevin DeYoung. “Church leaders are continuously concerned they might lose the next generation of faithful believers. They’ve scoured for practical and effective ways to disciple young Christians, often resorting to adopting new and exciting programs, emotional appeals, or mere moralism. However helpful these attempts are, they all too often lack one critical element—Christ. In this concise booklet, bestselling author Kevin DeYoung presents 5 Christlike ways to effectively communicate the Christian faith and practice with the next generation. DeYoung reminds leaders that they won’t ultimately impact young hearts with cleverness, humor, or good looks but by walking with Jesus and following his ways—grab them with passion, win them with love, hold them with holiness, challenge them with truth, and amaze them with God.” (Amazon, Westminster Books)
All the Genealogies of the Bible: Visual Charts and Exegetical Commentary by Nancy Dawson. This one actually came out a few months ago, but I only just received a review copy. What a neat resource! “The Bible contains hundreds of genealogies that fulfill multiple purposes, yet the significance of these genealogies can admittedly be difficult to grasp. In All the Genealogies of the Bible, author Nancy presents every genealogy in the Bible in a simple, visual format. Esteemed biblical scholars Eugene Merrill and Andreas Kostenberger supplement Dawson’s work with brief commentary on each genealogy. Dawson works with both complete genealogies and partial lists, piecing together names in different passages to illustrate the interrelationships of various biblical characters for deeper study. Including more than 340 genealogies, All the Genealogies of the Bible is organized in biblical order and is equipped with tools you’ll need to navigate the book easily. A one-of-a-kind reference work, All the Genealogies of the Bible will be useful for pastors, Bible teachers, students, and anyone wanting to study the Bible more deeply from the unique vantage point of its many genealogies.” (Amazon)
You Are Not Forgotten: Discovering the God Who Sees the Overlooked and Disregarded by Christine Hoover. “Have you ever felt forgotten, disregarded, wounded, invisible, or invalidated by others? Do you ever experience the pain and anger of feeling unseen? Has this left you wondering if you’re truly worthy of being acknowledged, listened to, and loved? Oftentimes, when we are in this place, we turn toward God with soul-wrenching questions: Where are you, God? Have you forgotten me? Are you paying attention to what is happening to me? Can I trust that you will act on my behalf? If you’ve asked these questions, you are not alone. Author and Bible teacher Christine Hoover has asked these questions too, and she’s found that none of us are the first to feel overlooked or forgotten—and yet God has always been a ‘God Who Sees.’ In fact, it was a woman named Hagar in the Bible, alone in her desperate wilderness, who first spoke this particular name for God. Her story along with others in Scripture reveal that God not only looks upon us when others disregard us, He looks after us.” (Amazon)
Never Shaken: Finding Your Footing When the World is Sliding Away by Daniel Henderson. “Do you feel tossed about or a little disoriented? The foundations of predictable society are shifting. In this ambiguous cultural forecast, we’re wondering what’s right, what matters most, and how we should respond. How do we build a meaningful life and legacy when our lives feel fragile—when our future seems discouragingly uncertain? With a pastoral heart Daniel Henderson looks to Psalm 15 when David—late in his years—was also trying to make sense of the strangest of times. David felt the unexpected loss of family, dignity, and destiny. Some of his pain was the result of seeds he’d sown earlier in his life. Yet, as he penned Psalm 15, he was led to the solid ground of intimacy with God and integrity in his own life. He was left with the promise from God that He would always be secure – never moved. The burdens under which David was laboring are staggeringly similar to our own. In Never Shaken, Henderson shows us how to build our lives on the gospel of Jesus Christ. He reveals how true worship and the presence of God is found in Christ’s life in and through us. This book is an invaluable resource for all who desire to live with the hope and courage of Jesus Christ no matter what befalls us.” (Amazon)
A Mother Held: Essays on Anxiety and Motherhood by Lara d’Entremont. “Can we trust God to care for us and our helpless babies just as much as we do, especially when he allows the turmoil of this world? When Lara became a mother, she thought she was losing her mind—literally. As she faced paranoia, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, and obsessive compulsions, she viewed her life as the chaotic mess of a person pushed away by God and held under his stern gaze. She believed in God, but feared that he viewed her a burdensome child with too many problems. As she sought to care for her infants through various valleys of suffering, she struggled to trust God’s mighty hand that turned the tides of her life. In this collection of essays, Lara leads her reader through her battle with anxiety and the early days of motherhood—not to show the world her own perseverance or to draw their pity, but to cast their gaze to the One who carried her. In this collection of creative essays, Lara never strives to answer the “why?” to our cries, but displays the sovereignty and goodness of our Heavenly Father, both when our greatest joys and worst of fears come true. In each story, Lara leads her reader through her battle with anxiety and the early days of motherhood—not to show the world her own perseverance or to draw their pity, but to cast their gaze to the One who carried her through it all.” (Buy it at Amazon)
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