New Book Archives
New Book Archives
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| June 2008 |
July 2008 |
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Theological Guide to Calvin’s Institutes: Essays and Analysis, edited by David W. Hall and Peter A. Lillback (Calvin 500 Series). This volume is a contribution to the celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of Calvin’s birth, and is made up of a section-by-section analysis of John Calvin’s magnum opus by twenty leading Calvin scholars. J.I. Packer says, “for making Calvin known today as well as once he was, and in every age deserves to be, this really is a major step forward”.
Enthroned On Our Praise: An Old Testament Theology of Worship, by Timothy M. Pierce (NAC Studies in Bible and Theology). A theological survey of the whole OT, grounding worship in its bedrock theological structures, showing how worship ties God, humanity, and creation together. The author examines each canonical division of the OT: the Primeval Prologue, the Pentateuch, the Former Prophets, the Latter Prophets, and the Writings.
Lloyd-Jones: Messenger of Grace, by Iain H. Murray. Focuses on key themes of Lloyd-Jones’ ministry: the nature of true preaching, the importance of assurance of salvation, and addresses the charge that Lloyd-Jones’ view of the nature of the church was needlessly divisive.
Salvation Belongs to Our God: Celebrating the Bible’s Central Story, by Christopher J. H. Wright (Christian Doctrine in Global Perspective). Every phrase in Revelation 7:10 resonates with significant themes in the Old and New Testaments. The author views the story of God’s salvation through the lens of this verse to show the great breadth of God’s saving work: the character and purposes of God, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the redemption of all creation, the joy of Christian experience, and the responsibility of Christian mission.
The Many Gospels of Jesus: Sorting Out the Story of the Life of Jesus, by Philip W. Comfort and Jason Driesbach. Discusses the various ancient documents (35 total) that claim to describe the life of Jesus, including the Biblical Gospels. Which gospels tell the truth about the historical Jesus? Investigate the evidence for yourself.
Personal God: Can You Really Know the One Who Made the Universe?, by Tim Stafford. Considering what it means to have a personal relationship with the God who covers the earth with living things.
Who Gets to Narrate the World? Contending for the Christian Story in an Age of Rivals, by Robert E. Webber.
What Do the Patriarchs Have to Do With the Resurrection? Jesus’ Use of Covenant Language in His Debate with the Sadducees, by Peter Lincoln Smith. In this his Master’s thesis, CBCer Peter Smith examines Jesus’ quotation of Exodus 3:6 in his debate with the Sadducees concerning resurrection (Matt 22; Mark 12; Luke 20).
Heirs with Christ: The Puritans on Adoption, by Joel R. Beeke. In contrast to the bad press the Puritans have gotten for their supposed lack of teaching on the doctrine of spiritual adoption, Beeke shows that the Puritan era did more to advance the idea that every true Christian is God’s adopted child than any other age of church history.
A Place at the Table: George Eldon Ladd and the Rehabilitation of Evangelical Scholarship in America, by John A. D’Elia. Ladd (1911-1982) was a pivotal figure in the resurgence of conservative evangelical scholarship in America during the years after WWII. He was a strong critic of dispensationalism and fundamentalism, and is best known for his doctrine of the Kingdom of God. His main focus was to create a body of evangelical scholarship that the broader academic world would accept, and when he was unsuccessful in this effort during his lifetime, he descended into depression, bitterness and alcoholism. However, he played an important part in opening academic doors to later generations of evangelical scholars.
Love, the Ultimate Apologetic: The Heart of Christian Witness, by Art Lindsley. Defending the Christian faith is a multidimensional task, but central to that task must be the presentation and example of the uniqueness of Christian love. Author and apologist Lindsley explores the persuasive and illuminating power of Christlike love expressed in commitment, conscience, character, community and courage.
The Quotable Oswald Chambers, compiled and edited by David McCasland. Chambers was the author of My Utmost for His Highest, the best-selling devotional book of all time. He died in 1917 in Cairo, Egypt, where he served as chaplain for British troops.
Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry and Writings, edited by Tremper Longman III and Peter Enns. The third OT volume in IVP’s celebrated “Black Dictionary” series. Features 150 articles covering all the important aspects of Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Lamentations, Ruth and Esther.
Father, Son and Spirit: The Trinity and John’s Gospel, by Andreas J. Kostenberger and Scott R. Swain (New Studies in Biblical Theology). From the patristic period until today, John’s Gospel has served as a major source for the church’s knowledge, doctrine, and worship of the trinune God.
Christ Walks Where Evil Reigned: Responding to the Rwandan Genocide, by Emmanuel M. Kolini (Archbishop of Rwanda) and Peter R. Holmes. The 1994 Rwandan genocide, where over a million people were killed in 100 days, looms as one of the great atrocities of our generation. Further it was magnified by the apathy and inaction of the West, and the complicity of many in the Rwandan church. However, whereas evil seemed to reign during that tragedy, God has been present and active in the healing taking place in Rwanda at this time.
Sacred Chaos: Spiritual Disciplines for the Life You Have, by Tricia McCary Rhodes. Life is often chaotic, but in the midst of a time of household turmoil, Tricia learned to see God and communicate with Him in whole new way—not on a spiritual retreat, but right in the midst of the chaos of life. This book aims to help awaken you to the reality of God’s presence in your life, just as it is.
Because He Loves Me: How Christ Transforms Our Daily Life, by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick. Hope and a supply of “spiritual oxygen” to those who have lost sight of what they have and who they are in Christ.
Beyond Smells and Bells: The Wonder and Power of Christian Liturgy, by Mark Galli. A compelling case for the relevance of Christian liturgy in our postmodern, individualistic age. The author says that in a culture that values spontaneity, liturgy grounds us in something enduring. The author is senior managing editor of Christianity Today magazine.
The Search for the Twelve Apostles, by William Steuart McBirnie. Begin where the Bible story ends by exploring the legends, traditions, and real lives of Jesus’ closest followers. The author traveled to the places where the apostles lived and visited, studied Scripture and biblical history, listened to local traditions, and engaged in his own original research.
Be Last: Descending to Greatness, by Jeremy Kingsley. In a world where people are driven tirelessly by the “me first” mentality, Jesus challenges us to descend to true greatness.
Reformation Heroes: A Simple Illustrated Overview of People Who Assisted in the Great Work of the Reformation, by Diane Kleyn with Joel R. Beeke. A beautifully written and illustrated coffee-table size book, written especially for older children and teens.
The New Conspirators: Creating the Future One Mustard Seed at a Time, by Tom Sine. Living examples of Christ-like activity in the world, with a bold challenge to “those who think that the kingdom of God can be built from the starting point of compromise and comfort”.
I Once Was Lost: What Postmodern Skeptics Taught Us About Their Path to Jesus, by Don Everts and Doug Schaupp. After listening to the stories of two thousand postmodern people who have come to follow Jesus, the authors describe the factors that influence how people shift their perspectives and become open to the gospel.
Dispensationalism Tomorrow and Beyond: A Theological Collection in Honor of Charles C. Ryrie, edited by Christopher Cone. This book in honor of Dr. Ryrie was written by scholars who hold to the same basic view of Dispensationalism for which he is noted. Contains a total of 23 essays on various subjects related directly or indirectly to Dispensationalism.
ILLUSTRATED GUIDES: The Christians: An Illustrated History, by Tim Dowley (church history); How We Got the Bible: A Visual Journey, by Clinton E. Arnold; Amazing Discoveries That Unlock the Bible: A Visual Experience, by Douglas Connelly (an archaeological journey thru the OT and NT).
ADULT FICTION: Allison’s Journey, by Wanda E. Brunstetter (The Brides of Webster County #4); Miracles, by Terri Blackstock; Washington’s Lady, by Nancy Moser; Crossroads of Grace #1-3, by Allison Pittman; Little Hickman Creek Series #1-3, by Sharlene MacLaren.
YOUTH.CHILDREN’S BOOKS: Elise the Actress and four other titles in the Sisters in Time series; Rainy Day Games: Fun with the Animals of Noah’s Ark, by Andy McGuire.
Jesus Made
in
New Testament Theology: Magnifying God in Christ, by Thomas R. Schreiner. While none of the New Testament documents claims to provide a “theology” on its own, Schreiner suggests that certain recurring themes emerge from the study of the whole. In this volume, he traces key themes as they emerge throughout the canon. Written from a decidedly Reformed and evangelical point of view.
Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations, by Alex and Brett Harris. A growing movement of young people is rebelling against the low expectations of today’s culture by choosing to do “hard things” for the glory of God. Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life. The authors are the younger brothers of best-selling author Joshua Harris (author of I Kissed Dating Goodbye).
The End of
Reason: A Response to the New Atheists, by
Under the
Overpass, by Mike Yankoski. A journey
of faith on the streets of
The New Christians: Dispatches from the Emergent Frontier, by Tony Jones. An insider’s view of all things emergent.
Fear Not! Death and the Afterlife from a Christian Perspective, by Ligon Duncan with J. Nicholas Reid.
Engaging the Doctrine of God: Contemporary Protestant Perspectives, edited by Bruce McCormack. Contributors include D.A. Carson (The Wrath of God), Paul Helm (John Calvin and the Hiddenness of God), Oliver Crisp (Jonathan Edwards’ God), David F. Wright (The Lamb That Was Slain), Henri Blocher (God and the Cross), N.T. Wright, et al.
Couples Who Pray: The Most Intimate Act Between A Man and a Woman, by Squire Rushnell and Louise DuArt. Including examples of well known couples who took the 40-day prayer challenge, including Pauletta and Denzel Washington, Kathie Lee and Frank Gifford, and others.
The
Atonement Debate: Papers from the
The Promise-Plan of God: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments, by Walter Kaiser, Jr. The author proposes that there is a unifying center to the theology and message of the entire Bible that is indicated and affirmed by Scripture itself. A thoroughly revised and expanded edition of his classic Toward an Old Testament Theology.
Built Upon the Rock: Studies in the Gospel of Matthew, edited by Daniel M. Gurtner and John Nolland. Contributors include R.T. France, Donald A. Hagner, David Instone-Brewer, et al.
Things That Cannot Be Shaken: Holding Fast to Your Faith in a Relativistic World, by K. Scott Oliphint and Rod Mays.
The Story, published by Zondervan (TNIV version). Read the Bible as one seamless story from beginning to end; condensed into 31 accessible chapters, and arranged chronologically from Genesis to Revelation. Allows stories, poems, and teachings of the Bible to read like a novel.
Intelligent Design 101: Leading Experts Explain the Key Issues, edited by H. Wayne House. Contributors include Michael J. Behe, Phillip Johnson, J.P. Moreland, et al.
Tyndale Bible Dictionary, edited by Philip W. Comfort and Walter A. Elwell. A comprehensive guide to the people, places, and important words of the Bible.
When Your Family’s Lost a Loved One: Finding Hope Together, by David and Nancy Guthrie.
What God Does When Men Lead: The Power and Potential of Regular Guys, by Bill Peel. Charles Colson says that “at a time when some are questioning the “feminization of the church”, this book shows men how to be “real men” and godly leaders.
COMMENTARIES: Matthew, by David L. Turner (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the NT); Reading Matthew: A Literary and Theological Commentary, by David E. Garland (Reading the New Testament series); Jeremiah, Lamentations, by Tremper Longman III (New International Biblical Commentary); 1 and 2 Peter and Jude: Sharing Christ’s Sufferings, by David R. Helm (Preaching the Word).
ADULT FICTION: The Forbidden, by Beverly Lewis (The Courtship of Nellie Fisher #2); Dawn’s Light, by Terri Blackstock (Restoration #4); American Dreams #1-3, by Michael Phillips; A Lady of Hidden Intent, by Tracie Peterson (Ladies of Liberty #2); Ticket to Tomorrow, Fair Game, and A Bride So Fair, by Carol Cox (A Fair to Remember #1-3); Dear to Me, by Wanda E. Brunstetter (Brides of Webster County #3).
FAMILY DVDs: Bella, starring Eduardo Verastegui and Tammy Blanchard (one of the most honored films of the year; rated PG-13); Love’s Unfolding Dream, from best selling author Janette Oke.
CHILDREN’S BOOKS: The Ballad of Matthew’s Begats: An Unlikely Royal Family Tree, by Andrew Peterson (learning the unique genealogy of Jesus Christ from Matthew 1, in song and illustrations, including a sing-along CD); Let’s Make a Joyful Noise: A Celebration of Psalm 100, by Karma Wilson (ages 4-8); Meg Follows a Dream, Janie’s Freedom, Nellie the Brave, Daria Solves a Mystery (Sisters in Time).
CHILDREN’S DVDs: The Eric Liddell Story and The John Bunyan Story (The Torchlighters: Heroes of the Faith).
Young,
Restless, Reformed: A Journalist’s Journey with the New Calvinists,
by Collin Hansen. A voyage of discovery about how our restless youth,
weary of churches that seek to entertain rather then teach, are
discovering anew the doctrines of grace. The author visits
The Delusion of Disbelief: Why the New Atheism is a Threat to Your Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness, by David Aikman. Denunciations of faith are not new, but what is notable about the recent bestsellers by the New Atheists is their contention that belief in God is not only deluded, but dangerous to society.
In My Place Condemned He Stood: Celebrating the Glory of the Atonement, by J.I. Packer and Mark Dever. Philip Ryken says: “Writing with the precision of learned theologians and the passion of forgiven sinners, (the authors) explain the meaning of atonement, substitution, and propitiation, not just as words, but as saving benefits we can only receive from a crucified savior”.
Christ and
Culture Revisited, by D.A. Carson. Interacting first with the
classic work on the subject by H. Richard Niebuhr,
The Courage to be Protestant: Truth-Lovers, Marketers, and Emergents in the Postmodern World, by David F. Wells. New from the author of No Place for Truth, or Whatever Happened to Evangelical Theology?. A critique of “new” versions of evangelicalism—marketers and emergents—and a summons to return to the historic faith defined by the Reformation solas (grace, faith and Scripture alone) and a high regard for doctrine.
The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions, by Marcus J. Borg and N.T. Wright. A debate on the historical Jesus between leading liberal and conservative Jesus scholars.
What’s So Great About the Doctrines of Grace, by Richard D. Phillips. The author explains the doctrines of grace, or the five points of Calvinism, in such a way that believers feel the power of these magnificent truths and the thrill of knowing a sovereign God.
Facing Messy Stuff in the Church: Case Studies for
Pastors and
Congregations, by Kenneth L. Swetland. Preparing church leaders to deal head on with the messy stuff, not merely dealing with damage control after the problems have erupted.
The Baylor Project: Taking Christian Higher Education to the Next Level, edited by Barry G. Hankins and Donald D. Schmeltekopf. Can a Protestant university be a first-class research institution and preserve its soul? This is the story of Project 2012, begun under former President Robert Sloan in 2001, with a bold vision to make Baylor a Tier-One research university while strengthening its Christian identity. The unfolding controversy became a national media story, and the program, while deeply contested, is still underway. Richard John Neuhaus said “this is the story of visions and conflicts engaged by one university’s bold aspiration to be more fully a university be being more fully Christian.”
Perspectives on the Doctrine of God: Four Views, edited by Bruce Ware. The four views presented on the nature of God and how He relates to the world He has made, are those of the classical Calvinist (Paul Helm), the modified Calvinist (Bruce Ware), the classical Arminian (Roger E. Olson), and the Open Theist (John Sanders).
Twelve Challenges Churches Face, by Mark Dever. In this exposition of 1 Corinthians, Dever gives pastoral guidance for the difficult problems addressed in a difficult book of the Bible, confronting not only the controversial issues that always face the church, but the spiritual dangers that always lurk behind them.
The Case for Civility: And Why Our Future Depends on It, by Os Guinness. A challenge to both the Left and Right to respect our differences, discuss them robustly, and in the process treat each other with dignity and honor.
A Friendly Dialogue Between an Atheist and a
Christian, by Luis Palau and Zhao Qizheng. A composite of recorded
dialogues held in
The Voice of Hebrews: The Mystery of Melchizedek,
by Greg Garrett and
To the Jew First: The Case for Jewish Evangelism in Scripture and History, edited by Darrell L. Bock and Mitch Glaser. Organized around the biblical mandate in Romans 1:16, this is a comprehensive look at the biblical, theological, historical and practical basis for Jewish evangelism.
Founding Faith:
Lost in Transmission? What We Can Know About the
Words of Jesus, by Nicholas Perrin. A
The Genius of Luther’s Theology: A Wittenberg Way of Thinking for the Contemporary Church, by Robert Kolb and Charles P. Arand. A focus on Luther’s concept of two kinds of righteousness, the active and the passive, and on God’s powerful Word.
A Tale of Two Sons: The Inside Story of a Father, His Sons, and a Shocking Murder, by John MacArthur. The parable of the prodigal sons stands out as a crucial lesson about rebellion, repentance and unfathomable grace. But MacArthur says there is a part of this story that often goes untold, and which we need to hear. He invites us to hear the parable as it was originally intended.
The Hope of Glory: 100 Daily Meditations on Colossians, by Sam Storms. Thomas Schreiner says that “while many devotional books lack biblical and theological depth, Sam Storms’s work is a striking exception”.
How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind: Rediscovering the African Seedbed of Western Christianity, by Thomas C. Oden. The author states that Africa played a decisive role in the formation of Christian culture from its infancy, and that some of the most decisive intellectual achievements of Christianity were explored and understood in Africa before they were in Europe. And he suggests that the pattern of development was not from North to South, and from Europe to Africa, but the other way around.
Guard Us, Guide Us: Divine Leading in Life’s Decisions, by J.I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom. A rich study on divine guidance, beginning with an exploration of Psalm 23, showing that in His covenant role as our Good Shepherd, God both guides and guards us, His sheep. The authors take seriously the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding God’s people, neither downplaying the supernatural element nor elevating it to the level of the superstitious.
Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church, by N.T. Wright. A magisterial defense of the literal resurrection of Jesus and how this became the cornerstone for the Christian community’s hope in the bodily resurrection of the dead at the end of the age. Wright then explores what happens to the dead until then, and what will happen with the second coming of Jesus.
Is Your Lord Large Enough? How C.S. Lewis Expands Our View of God, by Peter J. Schakel. As Aslan said to Prince Caspian: “Every year you grow, you will find me bigger”. This new book explores Lewis’s role as a spiritual mentor, drawing principles from Lewis’s nonfiction as well as Chronicles of Narnia.
God and Gold: Britain, America, and the Making of the Modern World, by Walter Russell Mead. A blend of history, theology, economics and politics to tell the story of the rise of the English-speaking peoples and the world that they made. The author says it was the individualistic ideology of the prevailing Anglo-American religious faith that was the key to the predominance of the two countries over the last 300 years in the creation of a liberal, democratic capitalist system whose economic and social influence continues to grow, and he sees the current conflicts in the Middle East as the latest challenge to that system.
Why We’re Not Emergent: By Two Guys Who Should Be, by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck. D.A. Carson says: “The emerging church movement, which taught an entire generation to rebel, is now old enough to find growing numbers of people learning to rebel against the rebellion”.
Buried Hope or Risen Savior? The Search for the Jesus Tomb, edited by Charles L. Quarles. Asserts the credibility of Jesus’ resurrection, engaging the issue in relation to media reports that suggest that archaeologists recently “discovered” the bones of Jesus in an ossuary near Jerusalem. Includes articles by experts in various fields, such as Craig Evans, Richard Bauckham, William Dembski, Darrell Bock, Gary Habermas, and others.
Stories With Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus, by Klyne R. Snodgrass. Darrell Bock says this is the “culmination of Klyne Snodgrass’s lifetime of reflection on the parables…(which) shows a wealth of discernment in the clarity of its presentation, the soundness of its reasoning, the choice of citation and parallels, and the care of its argument.” Graham Stanton says that it will be “the book on the parables for the next decade and beyond.”
Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of our Church Practices, by Frank Viola and George Barna. The authors’ thesis is that most of what present-day Christians do in church each Sunday is rooted, not in the New Testament, but in pagan culture and rituals developed long after the death of the apostles.
His Brain, Her Brain: How Divinely Designed Differences Can Strengthen Your Marriage, by Walt Larimore and Barb Larimore. How the unique design of each sex, particularly the unique brain and hormones of each, results in different habits, tendencies, and nuances of thought and action.
Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson, by D.A. Carson. One of evangelicalism’s greatest scholars reflects on the life and legacy of his father, who served as a Baptist pastor in French Quebec. One reviewer says that Carson reminds us “that, as servants, we were meant to live ordinarily under the gospel of grace”.
A Reader’s Guide to Caspian: A Journey Into C.S. Lewis’s Narnia, by Leland Ryken and Marjorie Lamp Mead. Helps the reader to interpret their journey through an explanation of the literary art of Lewis, along with thoughtful explanation and commentary.
The Great Awakening: The Roots of Evangelical Christianity in Colonial America, by Thomas S. Kidd. A fresh understanding of the 18th century Great Awakening in America and the evangelical movement which it spawned.
How to Be Evangelical Without Being Conservative, by Roger E. Olson. Today’s culture commonly equates evangelical Christianity with conservatism in religion, politics, theology and social attitudes. But this author seeks to disentangle the idea of “evangelical” from its common association with the label “conservative”, and he analyzes a dozen issues in which there might be a third way to be evangelical without being either liberal or conservative.
Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions, by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears. The subject is the deepest theological truths about Jesus Christ, and Wayne Grudem says that the authors “combine a profound understanding of modern culture with weighty Christian doctrine that is faithful to the Bible”, yet written in such an interesting style that he couldn’t put it down. J.I. Packer says it is “highly powerful, colorful and down-to-earth”, while Bruce Ware says it will “open the eyes of many who have yet to see the radical nature of Jesus’ life and teaching”. Charles Colson says it is the “old, old story told in a contemporary, exciting, and in-your-face manner” that will connect with postmoderns and young seekers, yet is both “bold and uncompromising”.
Between Two Worlds: The Spiritual Journey of an Evangelical Catholic, by Mike Timmis, Chairman of Prison Fellowship. How could an evangelical-based ministry choose a Catholic as its chairman? Timmis shows how Catholics and evangelicals can go into an alienated world together as ministers of reconciliation and witnesses to God’s salvation and love.
Exposing Darwinism’s Weakest Link: Why Evolution Can’t Explain Human Existence, by Kenneth Poppe. All aspects of humanity that make us unique among life-forms were designed and implemented by a supernatural being. This is where scientific evidence points, and the author analyzes some of the latest discoveries from science to illustrate this.
The Last Addiction: Own Your Desire, Live Beyond Recovery, Find Lasting Freedom, by Sharon A. Hersh. Everybody loves something too much. The author explores why we are prone to addiction, to make one thing in our lives more central than it should be, and how to break free of our compulsions. Not a book of “self-help” answers, but about realizing we need more than ourselves to be saved.
The Great Commission: Evangelicals and the History of World Missions, edited by Martin I. Klauber and Scott M. Manetsch. Contributors include D.A. Carson, Timothy George, Thomas Nettles, et al.
Choosing Your Faith: In a World of Spiritual Options, by Mark Mittelberg. The importance of knowing why you believe what you do.
The Crescent Through the Eyes of the Cross: Insights from an Arab Christian, by Dr. Nabeel T. Jabbour. Going beyond mere tolerance to a passion for Muslims.
The Soul of Prince Caspian: Exploring Spiritual Truth in the Land of Narnia, by Gene Veith. Prince Caspian lived in a world that had forgotten its faith. Sound familiar?
The Gospel of John and Christian Theology, edited by Richard Bauckham and Carl Mosser. The Gospel of John considered from various angles, with contributors including Richard Bauckham, Martin Hengel, Andrew Lincoln, Miroslav Volf, and others.
What’s the Big Deal About Other Religions, by John Ankerberg and Dillon Burroughs. Answering the questions about their beliefs and practices.
You Mean That Isn’t In the Bible? By David A. Rich. Examines 10 popular beliefs that simply aren’t true.
Between Two Truths: Living with Biblical Tensions, by Klyne Snodgrass. Addresses the tensions that all Christians face, such as grace versus law, faith versus works, freedom versus responsibility, in the world but not of it, etc.
Fundamentalism and American Culture, Second Edition, by George M. Marsden. A new (2006) edition of a classic book taking us through the full history of the origin and direction of one of America’s most influential religious movements. A major new chapter compares fundamentalism since the 1970s to that of the 1920s.
COMMENTARIES: Exodus, by James K. Bruckner (New International Biblical Commentary); The Letters to Philemon, the Colossians, and the Ephesians: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Captivity Epistles, by Ben Witherington III; Daniel, by Iain M. Duguid (Reformed Expository Commentary).
ADULT FICTION: Bachelor’s Puzzle and Sister’s Choice, by Judith Pella (Patchwork Circle #1-2); My Heart Remembers, by Kim Vogel Sawyer; Dead Heat, by Joel C. Rosenberg; Web of Destiny, by Al and Joanna Lacy; God’s Gift, by Dee Henderson.
Assist Me to Proclaim: The Life and Hymns of Charles Wesley, by John R. Tyson. Charles Wesley (1707-1788), along with older brother John, co-founded Methodism. It was Charles, the “lyrical theologian”, who wrote 9,000 hymns and sacred poems. This biography connects his journey of faith to the two communities that shaped his life and faith—his family and the Methodist societies. The author’s judicious use of material from journals, letters, and sermons add color to the portrait.
Inside Prince Caspian: A Guide to Exploring the Return to Narnia, by Devin Brown. As we await the debut of new Prince Caspian movie, Brown traces through Prince Caspian chapter by chapter, exploring fascinating symbols, hidden meanings, and easily missed details.
A Walk with Jane Austen: A Journey into Adventure, Love and Faith, by Lori Smith. At the age of 33, dealing with a difficult job and a creeping depression, Lori Smith embarked on a life-changing journey following the life and lore of English novelist Jane Austen (died 1817) through England. The Austen she finds is a woman of family and of quiet but sustaining faith. Along the way, she explored the small things, both meanness and goodness in relationships, to discover that Austen herself knew: the worth of an ordinary life.
Solomon Among the Postmoderns, by Peter J. Leithart.The author shows how Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes resonated with the themes of today’s postmodernism. Neither lionizing nor demonizing postmodernism, Leithart engages in conversation rather caricature, confident of the power of the biblical narrative to pull down all of our towers of Babel.
Breakfast with Fred, by Fred Smith, Jr., edited by Brenda Smith. Fred’s speaking engagements and books inspired excellence in countless people, but even more influential were his famous breakfast meetings. Now you can hear the wisdom that he imparted to countless Christian leaders that he personally mentored. Each selection of Fred’s musings is followed by a response from one of Fred’s friends—such as Philip Yancey, Zig Ziglar, or Bob Deffinbaugh.
One Month to Live: Thirty Days to a No-Regrets Life, by Kerry and Chris Shook. What if you found out that you only had one month to live? How would you make each day really matter? What would you start, or stop, doing?
The Faith: What Christians Believe, Why They Believe It, and Why It Matters, by Charles Colson and Harold Fickett. A clear, concise, and compelling summary of the apostolic faith which was “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3)
Beyond Opinion: Living the Faith We Defend, by Ravi Zacharias, author and general editor. A new vision for apologetics in this century, whose aim is an apologetic governed by human relationship and committed to winning people rather than arguments.
Catch the Vision: Roots of the Reformed Discovery, by John J. Murray. A fascinating read about D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, J.I. Packer, Iain Murray, and other notable leaders who were used by God to revive Reformed, Puritan, experiential truth in the mid-20th century United Kingdom.
The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism, by Timothy Keller. The author is founding pastor of New York’s booming Redeemer Presbyterian Church, and in this book mines material from literary classics, philosophy, anthropology, and a multitude of other disciplines to make an intellectually compelling case for God.
The Promise: How God Works All Things for Good, by Robert J. Morgan. Reveals the remarkable power of a single Bible verse: Romans 8:28.
My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail and John Adams, edited by Margaret A. Hogan and C. James Taylor. Adams was a leader of the American Revolution and the second president of the United States, and his marriage to Abigail was one of the most moving love stories in American history. These letters reveal how a husband and wife can sustain their love over a lifetime of struggle and tragedy, and they become an epic tale about the making of American history and a great love story all rolled into one.
The Civil War as a Theological Crisis, by Mark A. Noll. Noll shows that the American Civil War was a crisis not only for theology, but also of theology. Even theologians who disagreed profoundly over slavery concurred that the fate of Christianity rested on the fate of the nation, and Noll says that this consensus not only paralyzed Reformed theology during the sectional crisis, but it crippled its development after the war.
The Words of Jesus: A Gospel of the Sayings of our Lord with Reflections, by Phyllis Tickle. The author has compiled and arranged the sayings of Jesus from the four Gospels and the first chapter of Acts in a way that creates a new kind of encounter with the texts.
Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, by Kenneth E. Bailey. The author spent 40 years living and teaching NT in Egypt, Lebanon, Jerusalem and Cyprus. In this book, he leads readers on a kaleidoscopic study of Jesus throughout the four Gospels, employing his trademark expertise as a master of Middle Eastern culture to lift away the obscuring layers of modern Western interpretation to reveal Jesus in the light of his actual historical and cultural context.
The Cross and the Prodigal: Luke 15 Through the Eyes of Middle Eastern Peasants, by Kenneth E. Bailey. Where is the cross in the parable of the prodigal son? For centuries, Muslims have used the father’s forgiveness to question the need for a mediator between humanity and God. Bailey presents this parable from a Middle Eastern perspective, powerfully showing how the compassion of the cross is present already in the teaching ministry of Jesus.
The Prophets Speak of Him: Encountering Jesus in the Minor Prophets, by Anthony Selvaggio. The particular focus of this book is what the Minor Prophets had to say about Jesus Christ.
Faith in Reading: Religious Publishing and the Birth of Mass Media in America, by David Paul Nord. The story of the unlikely origins of our modern media culture. The beginnings were early in the nineteenth century when a few visionary entrepreneurs, whose publishing enterprises were not commercial businesses but nonprofit religious organizations, determined to combat ignorance and apathy with the new technology and the written word, and ended up giving birth to the American mass media. The author made substantial use of the library and archives of the American Tract Society in Garland.
Lies Young Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Dannah Gresh. Addressed to teenage girls and young women, and exposes 25 of the lies most commonly believed by their generation (DeMoss was the author of Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free).
The New Eve, by Robert Lewis and Jeremy Howard. Defines Christian womanhood in the context of the modern world, and urges women to choose God’s best for their life.
The New Atheist Crusaders and Their Holy Grail: The Misguided Quest to Destroy Your Faith, by Becky Garrison. Restless from sitting on the sideline while the latest crop of New Atheists attempts to pulverize Christianity into oblivion, a professional religious satirist has decided to throw down the gauntlet, pick up her pen, and meet the challenge of the anti-God gurus head on.
Before You Live Together, by David Gudgel. Will living together bring you closer or drive you apart? The author uses true stories to illustrate different living-together situations and their outcomes, and presents biblical values in a loving way, without lecturing.
Praying in Color: Drawing a New Path to God, by Sybil MacBeth. To improve her prayer life, the author devised a new prayer form using art by drawing the objects of her petitions or favorite Bible passages, providing visual memories or actual images to carry with her as she prays throughout the day.
BOOKS BY CORRIE TEN BOOM: Amazing Love: True Stories of the Power of Forgiveness (amazing encounters with people in camps and jails, with students and actresses, with the sophisticated and the illiterate); Each New Day (365 simple reflections); A Prisoner and Yet…(a belief in Christ that carried an innocent woman through some of the worst agonies man can devise); Not Good If Detached (the necessity of abiding in Him if our lives are to bear fruit and have meaning).
COMMENTARIES: A Study Commentary on Job, by Hywel R. Jones (series: An Evangelical Press Study Commentary); Minor Prophets: Hosea-Malachi, by Richard D. Patterson and Andrew E. Hill (Cornerstone Biblical Commentary).
ADULT FICTION: Someday, by Karen Kingsbury (Sunrise #3); Sons of Glory, by Craig and Janet Parshall (Thistle and the Cross #3); The Whole Truth, by James Scott Bell; A Hope Beyond and A Promise for Tomorrow, by Judith Pella and Tracie Peterson (Ribbons of Steel #2-3).
Polishing God’s Monuments: Pillars of Hope for Punishing Times, by Jim Andrews. God’s people are buffeted in two ways: sometimes we suffer for the faith, and sometimes we suffer with faith. This book is the true story of a young woman and her devoted husband who face it all (and then some) as a baffling, mind-boggling disease hijacks their youth and shatters their dreams. It blends straightforward theology with the account of this young couple’s afflictions.
The God Conversation: Using Stories and Illustrations to Explain Your Faith, by J.P. Moreland and Tim Muehlhoff. Today’s culture is increasingly a story-based culture, and this book teaches us how to reach our unbelieving friends and relatives with illustrations that will linger after the conversation ends.
A World of Difference: Putting Christian Truth-Claims to the Worldview Test, by Kenneth Richard Samples. At a time when Christian belief is constantly challenged, understanding different worldviews can help Christians think and live faithfully. The author addresses the historic Christian worldview and evaluates four modern-day competitors—Islam, naturalism, postmodernism, and pantheistic monism.
Election and Free Will: God’s Gracious Choice and Our Responsibility, by Robert A. Peterson (Explorations in Biblical Theology). The first in a new series of volumes important Christian doctrines which is designed to teach Reformed theology in a manner which opens the door for God’s people, who sometimes disagree about important truths, to talk, yet without compromising the truth.
Culture Shift: Engaging Current Issues with Timeless Truth, by R. Albert Mohler, Jr. Addresses how we are to remain faithful followers of Christ as we live in this ever-shifting culture.
The Essential Jesus: 100 Readings Through the Bible’s Greatest Story, by Whitney T. Kuniholm. Readings from both the OT and the NT to show why God sent Jesus, what He taught, why He performed miracles, the meaning of His death and the significance of His resurrection.
Christians at the Cross: Finding Hope in the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus, by N.T. Wright. Brief sermons on Scripture texts for meditation during Holy Week. “Blends the story of Jesus, the Old Testament background, the sufferings of real people, and conditions in today’s world into a four-part harmony and brings forth a song of hope for dispirited people.”
Sex, Sushi & Salvation: Thoughts on Intimacy, Community and Eternity, by Christian George. J.I. Packer says “this exotic potpourri of life-slices vividly projects the truth that our Redeemer God alone can fulfill our desires for intimacy, community, and eternity that He has implanted within us”, while Charles Colson says it is a “marvelous, very well written book that provides powerful insights into the Christian life”.
The Bible in 90 Days: Cover to Cover in 12 Pages a Day, edited by Ted Cooper, Jr. A special edition of the NIV thinline, large print Bible, with the text marked off to read the entire Bible in daily readings of 12 pages each.
365 Days with Spurgeon, Volume 1, selected and arranged by Terence Peter Crosby. A unique collection of daily readings from sermons preached by Charles Haddon Spurgeon from his New Park Street Pulpit.
The Weaving: A Journey to Corrie ten Book Live, by Evelyn Hinds. The story behind the remarkable performance by actress Hinds in recreating Corrie’s incredible life (audio CD of the performance is also available).
Loving Wisdom: Christian Philosophy of Religion, by Paul Copan. Shows what it means to be Christian philosopher—a lover of wisdom who uses God’s gift of wisdom to understand God, the world, and humankind better. The author presents readable and well-researched arguments against Christianity, and successful responses to those arguments.
Old Testament Survey, Second Edition, by Paul R. House and Eric Mitchell. Revision of the original content with expanded attention to historical and geographical topics, which are combined with the first edition’s focus on literature and narrative.
Exegetical Fallacies, Second Edition, by D.A. Carson. Correcting common errors in exegesis of the Scriptures from the original languages. Avoiding fallacies, whether obvious or subtle, are essential in “handling accurately the word of truth”.
Soul Passion, Soul Mission, and Soul Vision, by Ramesh Richard (The Intentional Life Trilogy #1-3). A spiritual life renovation adventure for finding passion and purpose in God’s vision for our lives.
Running Scared: Fear, Worry and the God of Rest, by Edward T. Welch. Help to those struggling with fear and anxiety. But beyond just dealing with fear, it is invitation to a transformed view of God.
A Quest for More: Living for Something Bigger Than You, Paul David Tripp. The kingdom of self, or the kingdom of God: which will we pursue on a daily basis? A book about the kingdom and your part in it.
ADULT FICTION: Chambers of Justice #1-5, by Craig Parshall; The Gresham Chronicles #1-3 by Lawana Blackwel; A Sister’s Test, by Wanda E. Brunstetter (Sisters of Holmes County #2); A Daughter’s Inheritance, by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller (Broadmoor Legacy #1); Seventh Day, by Bodie and Brock Thoene (A.D. Chronicles #7); Crown of Fire and Captives and Kings, by Craig and Janet Parshall (Thistle and the Cross #1-2).
ADULT/FAMILY DVDs: The Last Sin Eater, starring Henry Thomas and Louise Fletcher (movie from the novel by Francine Rivers); The Ultimate Gift, starring Drew Fuller, Abigail Breslin, James Garner, et al (a movie from the novel by Jim Stovall);
Though None Go With Me, starring Cheryl Ladd (a movie from the novel by Jerry B. Jenkins); I Am David, starring Ben Tibber and Jim Caviezel (story of an 11-year old boy’s escape from a Bulgarian labor camp during the Stalin era and his journey across Europe).
CHILDREN/YOUTH DVDs: Milo, the Mantis Who Wouldn’t Pray and To Share or Nut to Share (Max Lucado’s Hermie & Friends); Swamp Robber, The Great Canoe Fish, Teacher Trouble, Secret Hideout, and Revival Villains (The Sugar Creek Gang Movies #1-5); The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: Sing-Along Songs and More (Veggie Tales).
Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, edited by G.K. Beale and D.A. Carson. An exploration of OT quotations, allusions and echoes occurring in each book of the NT from Matthew through Revelation, providing a profound witness to the unity of the Testaments in the mystery of Christ. Covers the entirety of the NT in a single volume, arranged in verse order, beginning with Matthew 1. In addition to the editors, other contributors include Craig Blomberg, Andreas Kostenberger, I. Howard Marshall, Moises Silva, et al.
The Five Dilemmas of Calvinism, by Craig R. Brown. The doctrines that comprise Calvinism have always sparked questions. However, Brown appeals to Scripture and carefully analyzes the true tenets of Calvinism to show that these so-called problems are actually simple misunderstandings, and concludes that the Reformed system is actually more scriptural and consistent than Arminianism.
Water from a Deep Well: Christian Spirituality from Early Martyrs to Modern Missionaries, by Gerald L. Sittser. A rich history of spirituality, showing the many ways that Christians have expressed their faith throughout the history of the church.
Jesus the Evangelist: Learning to Share the Gospel from the Book of John, by Richard D. Phillips. To be called as a Christian is also to be called as an evangelist, but many believers are plagued by questions such as how to begin and what to say. This book provides answers to these and more questions straight from the pages of the Gospel of John.
Faith, Film, and Philosophy: Big Ideas on the Big Screen, by R. Douglas Geivett and James S. Spiegel. Reflections on classic and contemporary films following several philosophical themes, all within the context of the Christian faith. The themes are the human condition, the human mind and the nature of knowing, the moral life, and faith and religion, and the films examined include: The Matrix, The Silence of the Lambs, Legends of the Fall, Pretty Woman, The Truman Show, and others.
In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel Centered Life, by Sinclair B. Ferguson. The secret of being a Christian is having a clear understanding of who Jesus is, what He is like, and what ministry He exercises, and then becoming more like Him on a daily basis. This is a collection of articles focused on the person and work of Jesus Christ, which serve the end of knowing and serving Him better
The Truth of the Cross, by R.C. Sproul. Using Scripture to unfold the meaning of the cross, its significance, and its purpose..
Renewing Minds: Serving Church and Society Through Christian Higher Education, by David S. Dockery. A robust and thoughtful defense of the necessity and ideals of Christian higher education, which J.I. Packer calls “in every way a landmark book”.
C.S. Lewis: A Guide to his Theology, by David G. Clark. A guide to Lewis’s theology and use of the scriptural tradition, exploring such themes as redemption, resurrection, humanity, and spiritual growth. The author is a professor of NT and Greek, and has taught courses and led workshops on Lewis for more than 30 years.
Out of the Depths: A Survivor’s Story of the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis, as told by Edgar Harrell, USMC, written by David Harrell. A firsthand account of the sinking of a US heavy cruiser during WWII and the Navy cover-up that led to the bizarre court-martial and eventual exoneration of its captain. Marine survivor Edgar Harrell vividly describes the horrors of being plagued by sharks, hypothermia, dehydration, and salt-water hallucinations. A story of survival, political intrigue, and faith in the providence of God.
Piercing the Night: A Life on Edge in Post-Amin Uganda, by H. Eberhard Roell. Uganda in the days after dictator Idi Amin was still a brutal place for most. But Eb Roell and his wife, Debbie, tried to shine a little bit of light into the darkness. This is an account of culture, politics, the white elephants of misguided western aid, and the drama of staying alive while trying to make a difference.
The Design of Life: Discovering Signs of Intelligence in Biological Systems, by William A. Dembski and Jonathan Wells. A compelling scientific case for the intelligent design of biological systems, written for the general reader. It is lavishly illustrated, and written in the form of a biology textbook.
John Owen: Reformed Catholic, Renaissance Man, by Carl R. Trueman. Owen, 1616-1683, the great Puritan theologian, is considered one of the sharpest theological minds of the 17th century. This book sets forth the key elements in his writings and his theology, as well as the reasons for his continuing significance today.
The Testimony of the Beloved Disciple: Narrative, History, and Theology in the Gospel of John, by Richard Bauckham. One of today’s top NT scholars takes issue with the dominant approach among contemporary scholars which emphasizes the “Johannine community” as formative in the origin and character of the Gospel of John, and he aims to set it straight by paying close attention to the Gospel’s own data and claims, and by canvassing and assessing the considerable body of evidence bearing on this Gospel among patristic sources.
Letters and Homilies for Jewish Christians: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on Hebrews, James, and Jude, by Ben Witherington III. The second of three volumes extending Witherington’s innovative socio-rhetorical analysis of NT books to the latter-Pauline and non-Pauline corpus. A third volume will extend the focus on letters and homilies for Hellenized Christians begun in the first volume. By dividing the volumes according to the socioreligious contexts in which they were written, Witherington sheds fresh light on the documents, their provenance, character and importance.
ADULT/FAMILY DVDs: Love’s Unending Legacy, from Michael Landon, Jr. (5th film in the Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke).
ADULT FICTION: My Soul to Keep, by Davis Bunn; The Mermaid in the Basement, by Gilbert Morris (A Lady Trent Mystery #1); The Narrow Door at Colditz and The Bitter Road to Dachau, by Robert L. Wise (#1 and #2 of a trilogy); Midnight Clear, by Jerry B. Jenkins and Dallas Jenkins (now a motion picture); Sabrina, by Lori Wick (Big Sky Dreams #2); The Pawn, by Steven James (Bowers Files #1); A Line in the Sand, by Al and Joanna Lacy (Kane Legacy #1); Covenant Child, by Terri Blackstock; The Great Divide and Winner Takes All, by T. Davis Bunn (Marcus Glenwood Series #1 & # 3).
Making a Meal of It: Rethinking the Theology of the Lord’s Supper, by Ben Witherington III. Explores the background, historical and scriptural origins, and the implications of the Lord’s Supper. After excavating the diverse ways in which Scripture and early Christian tradition speak about the Lord’s Supper, Witherington advocates that it is much more than either magic or mere symbolism, but primarily about who the people of God are and how they should live together
Dethroning Jesus: Exposing Popular Culture’s Quest to Unseat the Biblical Christ, by Darrell L. Bock and Daniel B. Wallace. Christians call him the Messiah, Christ, Son of the Living God—as they have for two millennia. But there is another gospel circulating in the halls of academia, and which has penetrated into the popular culture, as scholars such as Bart Ehrman and Elaine Pagels are attempting to dethrone Jesus once and for all. But in this book renowned NT scholars Bock and Wallace help readers sift through the hype and separate fact from fiction.
Communion with the Triune God, by John Owen (1616-1683), edited by Kelly M. Kapic and Justin Taylor. A modern reader’s edition of a classic Puritan work by a classic Puritan author; originally titled Of Communion with God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, each Person Distinctly in Love, Grace, and Consolation. John Piper says that “no one else has laid open the paths of personal fellowship with the three persons of the Trinity the way Owen does”.
The Literary Study Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), edited by Leland Ryken and Philip Graham Ryken. A unique study Bible containing the full text of the ESV, with insightful study notes on the literary aspects, themes, imagery, and story lines of the text. The editors are a father and son team, with Leland having authored over 25 books on literary aspects of the Bible, and Philip who succeeded James Montgomery Boice in the pulpit, and has written and edited over 20 books himself.
Cambridge and the Evangelical Succession, by Sir Marcus Loane. The stories of four key ministers of the 18th and 19th centuries, each of whom was associated with the University of Cambridge, and who changed the whole spirit of the Church of England. Their influence is still felt today: William Grimshaw (1708-1763), John Berridge (1716-1793), Henry Venn (1725-1797), and Charles Simeon (1759-1836).
Oxford and the Evangelical Succession, by Sir Marcus Loane. The stories of four key ministers of the 18th and 19th centuries, each of whom was associated with the University of Oxford, and who changed the whole spirit of the Church of England. Their influence is still felt today: George Whitefield (1717-1770), John Newton (1725-1807), Thomas Scott (1747-1821), Richard Cecil (1748-1810), and Daniel Wilson (1778-1858).
Interpreting the Psalms: An Exegetical Handbook, by Mark D. Futato (Handbooks for OT Exegesis, David M. Howard, Jr., series editor). Bruce Waltke says that Futato “takes his student by the hand through the complexities of Hebrew poetry, soars high to get a bird’s eye of the book and its themes, returns to earth and deftly guides through the thorny patch of textual criticism, and gives many ‘Aha’ moments in explaining how the Psalter’s categories refer to Christ”.
Knowing God the Father
Through the
Old Testament, by Christopher J.H. Wright. The worshiping
community of the OT used fatherly images for understanding
For Us and For Our Salvation: The Doctrine of Christ in the Early Church, by Stephen J. Nichols. The intriguing development of the doctrine of Christ over the early centuries of the church. John MacArthur says that “in a world where the biblical depiction of Christ is often distorted or denied, this book serves as a tremendous defense of orthodox Christian belief”.
Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate, by Jerry Bridges. Have Christians become so preoccupied with the major sins of our society that we have lost sight of our need to deal with our own more subtle sins?
The Great Exchange: My Sin for His Righteousness, by Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington (patterned after the classic work by George Smeaton, The Apostle’s Doctrine of the Atonement). This “great exchange” is not only the heart of biblical theology, but also the pivotal event of human history.
Praying the Psalms of Jesus, by James W. Sire. Seeing Christ in the Psalms, and seeing the Psalms in the life of Christ, as we look at the Psalms that Jesus referred to and fulfilled, and the Psalms that He would have meditated on during his time on earth.
The Case for the Real Jesus: A Journalist Investigates Current Attacks on the Identity of Christ, by Lee Strobel. Today the traditional picture of Jesus is under intellectual onslaught from critical scholars, popular historians, TV documentaries, Hollywood movies, bestselling authors, Internet bloggers, and atheist think tanks. They are capturing the public’s imagination with a radical new portrait of Jesus that bears scant resemblance to the picture historically embraced by the church. In this book, Strobel investigates the issues and provides the evidence for you to evaluate yourself.
The 7 Hardest Things God Asks a Woman to Do, by Kathie Reimer and Lisa Whittle. The authors are a mother-daughter team.
Christianity’s Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution—A History from the Sixteenth Century to the Twenty-First, by Alister McGrath. The radical idea that individuals could interpret the Bible for themselves sparked a revolution that is still being played out. McGrath presents a history of Protestantism and its variant forms from the Reformation through today.
Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ, by Robert M. Bowman, Jr. and J. Ed Komoszewski. Today many who embrace the authority of Scripture are quick to argue that the deity of Jesus is found nowhere in its pages. This book demonstrates that the NT from beginning to end reveals Jesus’ divine identity, and that belief in Jesus as God was the conviction of His original Jewish followers and reflected in what Jesus himself said and did.
Soul Depths and Soul Heights: An Exposition of Psalm 130, by Octavius Winslow. Psalm 130 is perhaps the best known of all the Penitential Psalms, and Winslow (1808-1878) was a descendant of one of the Puritan fathers. Of these sermons on Psalm 130, Spurgeon said these “very sweet sermons upon the various verses of the psalm…will be read to edification by many believers”.
The Sermon on the Mount Through the Centuries, edited by Jeffrey P. Greenman, Timothy Larsen, and Stephen R. Spencer. How various interpreters have handled the Sermon on the Mount, from John Chrysostom and Augustine in the early church, to Charles Spurgeon, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and John Stott in more modern times. .
David: Man of Prayer, Man of War, by Walter J. Chantry. Perfectionists will not be comfortable with David. But those who stumble often, but who always turn to God with melted hearts for pardon and help, will find in him a brother for all situations. David shows us how to pray from every point of life’s compass.
Slandering Jesus: Six Lies People Tell About the Man Who Said He Was God, by Dr. Erwin Lutzer.
The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States, by Benjamin F. Morris. First published in 1864, this book has been out of print for over 100 years. Newly typeset with a readable font and added subheadings, it contains over 1,000 pages based on original source material to make the author’s case that America was founded as a Christian nation.
Caring for Mother: A Daughter’s Long Goodbye, by Virginia Stem Owens. A clear and realistic account of the many challenges of caring for an elderly loved one. Owens, a well-known author, describes the spiritual crises she encountered during the seven years spent with her mother’s dementia, including fear of her own suffering and death.
Understand My Muslim People, by Dr. Abraham Sarker. The author was born and raised a devout Muslim. While he was being trained as a Muslim leader, God miraculously opened his heart with the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this book, he shares his story, and provides a clear description of the history, beliefs, and practices of Islam. Dr. Sarker currently serves as an adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University.
The Preacher and the Presidents: Billy Graham in the White House, by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy. For half a century, American presidents have turned to Billy Graham at key moments in their lives, from Eisenhower to George W. Bush. Reviewers have noted that Graham’s characteristic integrity and humility “shine through, even in the midst of his mistakes” while also pointing out the dangers when representatives of the kingdom “not of this world” become too close to representatives of an earthly kingdom.
3:16: The Numbers of Hope, by Max Lucado. If 9/11 are the numbers of terror and despair, then 3:16 are the numbers of hope. Lucado leads readers through a word by word study of John 3:16, the passage which has been called the “hope diamond” of scripture.
A Western Jesus: The Wayward Americanization of Christ and the Church, by Mike Minter. Is the Jesus of modern western civilization the same Jesus found in the Bible? Is what we understand him to be in the United States and Europe the same as what’s perceived in Africa or the underground church of China? This new book speaks to the western world’s tendency to read God’s Word through the rose-colored glasses of a society that knows little persecution, risk or sacrifice.
The Jesus Legend: A Case for the Historical Reliability of the Synoptic Tradition, by Paul Rhodes Eddy and Gregory A. Boyd. A clearly written, carefully researched, and powerfully argued defense of the historical reliability of the Synoptic Gospels and the portraits of Jesus they contain. Craig A. Evans says it is “the best book in its class”.
Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective, by Fred Sanders and Klaus Issler. The doctrine of the Trinity, as expressed in the classic creeds of the early church, was the necessary expresson of two nonnegotiable biblical affirmations—the OT declaration that “God is One” and the NT confession that “Jesus is Lord”.
Let Christ Be Magnified: Calvin’s Teaching for Today, by J.H. Merle d’Aubigne. According to the author, Calvin’s teaching centered on Christ—His Word, Person, Grace, and Life. Calvin once said that time exists to show Christ’s glory. Quoting the Reformer’s own words, d’Aubigne insists: “Let us give honor to persons who excel in the fear of God, but on condition that God remains above all—and that Christ triumphs”.
The Apocalypse of Ahmadinejad, by Mark Hitchcock. He stands only five foot four and smiles incessantly, but the Iranian president is considered by this author to be the world’s most dangerous man, as he plans to hasten the return of the Islamic messiah by ushering in his vision of the apocalypse.
When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box, by John Ortberg. When the game of life comes to end, what happens to all the pieces we have collected, such as houses, successful careers, 401K’s, or secure retirements? They all go back in the box. But this book is all about winning in the only game that really counts.
A Life Well Lived, by Charles R. Swindoll. A message from Micah showing the rewards of an obedient heart.
Sense and Nonsense About Heaven and Hell, and Sense and Nonsense About Angles and Demons, by Kenneth D. Boa and Robert M. Bowman, Jr. Cutting through the clutter to see what the Bible really says about these important topics.
Do I Know God? Finding Certainty in Life’s Most Important Relationship, by Tullian Tchividjian. Is it possible to actually have a relationship with the Creator of the universe, and to be certain of it? This book aims to make it clear that we can have such certainty and how that certainty is possible. Recommended by Ravi Zacharias, J.I. Packer, Os Guinness, Billy Graham, and others.
Always Reforming: Explorations in Systematic Theology, edited by A.T.B. McGowan. Between the extremes of abandoning received orthodoxy and progressing toward a rigid confessionalism is the ongoing need of the church to be continually subjecting its beliefs and practices to the renewed scrutiny of Holy Scripture. This book is a collection of essays with contributions by Henri Blocher, Cornelius Venema, Gerald Bray, and others.
Why 27?, by Brian H. Edwards. How can we be sure that we have the right books in the New Testament? Following the release of The DaVinci Code book and film, the age-old debate surrounding the authenticity of the books of the New Testament is raging yet again. So why are there just 27 books, and how were they chosen? Brian Edwards’ book sets forth a realistic affirmation of our present New Testament canon at a scholarly yet popular level that can serve as an evangelistic tool to give unbelievers.
The Truth Behind the New Atheism, by David Marshall. Responding to the emerging challenges to God and Christianity.
He Who Gives Life: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, by Graham A. Cole (Foundations of Evangelical Theology). Issues of doctrine, understanding, and experience are drawn together as the author guides his readers in appropriate worship of the Triune God: Father, Son, and Spirit.
Raising Children God’s Way, by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. The contents of this book were originally published in 1973 in Life in the Spirit, volume 6 of the Ephesians series, but were determined to be valuable enough to be published separately.
COMMENTARIES: Acts, by Darrell L. Bock (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament).
ADULT FICTION: Gold Rush Prodigal, by Brock and Bodie Thoene (#3 of Saga of the Sierras); Just Beyond the Clouds, by Karen Kingsbury (sequal to A Thousand Tomorrows); Twilight and #1-3 in the Diamond of the Rockies series by Kristen Heitzmann.
CHILDREN’S BOOKS: Classic Bible Stories, by Rhona Davies and Tommaso d’Incalci; What Happens When I Talk to God? The Power of Prayer for Boys and Girls, by Stormie Omartian.
The Grand Weaver: How God Shapes Us Through the Events of Our Lives, by Ravi Zacharias. How differently would we live if we believed that every event of our lives—from the happy to the tragic to the mundane—was part of a purposeful design in which all the elements intertwined with breathtaking precision.
The Messiah and the Psalms: Preaching Christ from all the Psalms, by Richard P. Belcher, Jr. Some psalms have a direct relationship to Christ, but with others the link is not always as evident. However, Belcher’s view is that all the psalms relate in some way to Christ’s person or his work.
Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life, by Tony Dungy with Nathan Whitaker. When Dungy led the Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl victory in February, 2007, he became not only the first African-American coach to achieve that honor, but also one of only three individuals to win the Super Bowl as both a player and a coach. But the bigger story is how through adversity and achievement, Dungy has consistently practiced a proactive faith.
The Divine Mentor: Growing Your Faith as You Sit at the Feet of the Savior, by Wayne Cordeiro. The author describes a method of devotions and journaling that will provide a systematic, disciplined method of hearing from God’s Word daily.
Pierced for Our Transgressions: Rediscovering the Glory of Penal Substitution, by Steve Jeffery, Mike Ovey, and Andrew Sach. The doctrine of penal substitution states that God gave himself in the person of his Son to suffer instead of us the death, punishment, and curse due to fallen humanity as the penalty for sin. However, an increasing number of theologians and church leaders are questioning this doctrine, claiming that it divides the Trinity or misreads such crucial texts as Isaiah 53 or Mark 10:45. The doctrine has even been provocatively described as “divine child abuse”. In response, these authors offer a fresh articulation and affirmation of penal substitution and engage with 20 specific objections. In the Foreword, John Piper prays that “the Lord will give this book success in the defence and honour of God, and that Jesus Christ will be treasured all the more fully as he is seen more clearly to be Pierced for Our Transgressions”.
Pray Big: The Power of Pinpoint Prayers, by Will Davis, Jr. Encouragement to pray BHAP’s (big, hairy, audacious prayers).
Truth’s Victory Over Error: A Commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith, by David Dickson (1583-1663). A book not merely of historical interest, but also of considerable value now because many of the errors refuted in its pages have resurfaced in the 21st century under new guises.
Good to Great in God’s Eyes: Ten Practices Great Christians Have in Common, by Chip Ingram. Using scripture, personal stories, and examples from Christians who left an indelible mark on the world, Ingram offers clear steps to becoming great in the things that matter most (Librarian’s note: one of the ten recommended practices is to read great books!).
Reading the Old Testament with the Ancient Church: Exploring the Formation of Early Christian Thought, by Ronald E. Heine. An introduction to the ways the early church fathers viewed the Old Testament Scriptures, as they sought not only to understand the text, but to mold their lives by what they read.
The Expansion of Evangelicalism: The Age of Wilberforce, More, Chalmers, and Finney, by John Wolffe (A History of Evangelicalism Series #2). Second in a projected five-volume series, Wolffe provides an account of evangelicalism from the 1790s to the 1840s, balancing British and American developments, while also discussing Canada, Australia, the West Indies and other regions. Among the aspects of the movement he covers are spirituality and worship, the place of evangelicalism in the lives of women, men and the family, and its broader social and political aspects such as slavery.
The Preexistent Son: Recovering the Christologies of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, by Simon Gathercole. In NT studies, a number of scholars have held that among the canonical Gospels, only John presented a theology of Christ’s preexistence and his being sent into the world by the Father. Gathercole has thrown down the gauntlet with the thesis that the “I have come in order to” sayings in the Synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke imply a Christology of preexistence, and supports it with an array of secondary Jewish literature. As one reviewer said, this detailed study “will make it impossible for NT scholarship any longer to restrict preexistence Christology to John among the canonical Gospels”.
Ten Tortured Words: How the Founding Fathers Tried to Protect Religion in America…and What’s Happened Since, by Stephen Mansfield. In the steamy summer of 1787, as America’s founding fathers fashioned their Constitution, they told the most powerful institution in their new nation what it must not do: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion”. For the first time in human experience, the legislative power of a nation was forbidden from legislating the conscience of man. And for over 150 years, religion flourished. So what happened? Why is it that today a cross-shaped memorial or a religious symbol in a city seal is considered a violation of the Constitution?
Queen Esther’s Reflection: A Portrait of Grace, Courage, and Excellence, by Ann Platz. God fashioned, refined, and appointed the mysteriously beautiful Queen Esther for a remarkable purpose in His plan.
Strong Winds and Crashing Waves: Meeting Jesus in the Memories of Traumatic Events, by Terry Wardle. For those who suffer from acute anxiety and panic disorders.
More Than Dates and Dead People: Recovering a Christian View of History, by Stephen Mansfield. The author says that the main difference between thinking of history as boring or as fascinating is to be found in the world-view of its students. People of biblical faith believe that God has decided what the end of history will be and that He has been drawing mankind through the ages toward a final destiny that God decided before all creation, which makes history a fascinating journey that never gets out of the Maker’s control.
Alone in Marriage: Encouragement for the Times When It’s All Up to You, by Susie Larson. When you said “for better or for worse”, you never imagined “the worse” could be so hard. This is for those who are experiencing a season of intense loneliness in their marriage.
Kingdom Prologue: Genesis Foundations for a Covenantal Worldview, by Meredith G. Kline. A literary focus on the book of Genesis and its account of the formative stages in the eschatological movement of the kingdom of God from creation to consummation.
God Crucified: Monotheism and Christology in the New Testament, by Richard Bauckham. Recent discussion on the interpretation of NT Christology has been closely linked with debate about the nature of Jewish monotheism in the period. According to Bauckham, the earliest Christology was already the highest Christology, a fully divine Christology entirely compatible with the Jewish monotheistic understanding of God. He argues that NT Christology is best viewed as a Christology of “divine identity”, with both the exalted Christ and the earthly, crucified Christ belonging to the unique identity of God. Therefore, the divine identity—who God truly is—is to be seen in Jesus’ humiliation, suffering, and death, as well as his heavenly glory.
COMMENTARIES: The Gospel of Matthew, by R.T. France (New International Commentary on the Old Testament).
ADULT FICTION: Distant Echoes, Black Sands, and Dangerous Depths, by Colleen Coble (Aloha Reef #1-3); Midnight Sea, by Colleen Coble; A Perilous Proposal, by Michael Phillips (Carolina Cousins #1); Summer, by Karen Kingsbury (Sunrise Series #2).
CHILDREN’S BOOKS: The Beginner’s Bible Book of Devotions: My Time With God, illustrated by Keith Pulley.
John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace, by Jonathan Aitken. In this major new biography, Jonathan Aitken, a former member of Parliament who became a Christian while serving a prison term, readably tells the story of Newton, the slave ship captain who became a Christian, mentored William Wilberforce, and penned one of the most sung hymns of all time.
365 Days with Newton, edited by Marilyn Rouse. A unique collection of daily readings from the unpublished sermons and writings of John Newton.
Can We Trust the Gospels? Investigating the Reliability of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, by Mark D. Roberts. The author has a doctorate in NT from Harvard, and teaches at Fuller. Today there is a crisis of confidence in the Gospels, fueled by sensational claims about supposedly new Gnostic gospels and a revised view of Jesus. Roberts communicates what scholars know about the Gospels and why that should enable us to trust them and thus to trust Jesus Christ.
Preaching the Cross, by Mark Dever, J. Ligon Duncan III, R. Albert Mohler, and C.J. Mahaney. A call to expository, gospel-centered preaching as the center of pastoral ministry, with contributions from John MacArthur, John Piper, and R.C. Sproul.
7 Things You Better Have Nailed Down Before All Hell Breaks Loose, by Robert Wolgemuth. The author boils the Christian faith down to seven basics or “foundational beliefs”, and urges readers not to wait until some personal crisis hits to start building your foundation—the time to prepare is now.
Communion with God: The Divine and the Human in the Theology of John Owen, by Kelly M. Kapic. Owen was one of the giants of Puritanism. Focusing on the relation of humans to God and the communion with God established by Christ, Kapic opens up all aspects of the great Puritan’s theology.
Secret Believers: What Happens When Muslims Believe in Christ, by Brother Andrew and Al Janssen. The true story of the church in Islamic countries struggling to come to grips with hostile governments, terrorist acts, and an influx of Muslims coming to Christ.
Baghdad Believer, by Jay Nealson. Based on a true story of how a Sunni Muslim experiences Jesus in the midst of destruction and violence.
Him We Proclaim: Preaching Christ from All the Scriptures, by Dennis E. Johnson. Urges a return to apostolic preaching that is Christ-centered, redemptive-historical, missiologically communicated, and grounded in grace. The author further provides examples of how this applies to all OT and NT genres, from history and law to psalm and prophecy to doctrine and exhortation.
Cities of God: The Real Story of How Christianity Became an Urban Movement and Conquered Rome, by Rodney Stark. Stark challenges the conventional wisdom about early Christianity and demonstrates how it grew from its humble beginnings into the faith of more than one-third of the earth’s population.
God’s Continent: Christianity, Islam, and Europe’s Religious Crisis, by Philip Jenkins, author of the award-winning The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity. Jenkin’s points out that Muslims are not the only new immigrants in Europe, as Christians from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe are also pouring into Western countries bringing with them a vibrant faith. In addition, there are indications that Christian devotion has survived, even as institutions crumble. For these and other reasons, he sees encouraging signs for Europe’s religious future.
Signs of the Spirit: An Interpretation of Jonathan Edwards’ Religious Affections, by Sam Storms. Religious Affections remains one of the most discerning works of spiritual psychology published in the last several generations, and Storms’ interpretation of this profound work shows why it has continuing relevance after nearly 300 years.
How Jesus Transforms the Ten Commandments, by Edmund P. Clowney. A guide between the opposite errors of lawless license and graceless legalism, which further shows how all Scripture witnesses to Christ.
The Path of Celtic Prayer: An Ancient Way to Everyday Joy, by Calvin Miller. The author says that “long ago, when the Celts built their own rustic kingdom of God in what would later be called the British Isles, their fervor in prayer washed their world in a vital revival” and “in uncertain and dangerous days of high infant-mortality rates, leprosy and pla