Complete New Book List
June, 2017
Benjamin Franklin: The Religious Life of a Founding Father, by Thomas S. Kidd. Mark Noll calls this a “convincing portrait of Franklin’s religious life as ambiguous, elusive, enigmatic and whimsical…(and) as a forerunner of many later Americans who believe in God, trust in providence, but cannot embrace any particular Christian creed”.
The Imperfect Disciple: Grace for People Who Can’t Get Their Act Together, by Jared Wilson, author of The Prodigal Church. Too many discipleship books are written for perfect people who know all the right Sunday School answers. This book is for the rest of us—people who screw up, people who are weary, people who are wondering if it’s safe to say what they are really thinking.
Jews Don’t Need Jesus & Other Misconceptions: Reflections of a Jewish Believer, by Avi Snyder, with Foreword by John Piper. The author has been ministering to Jews for over 40 years, and here he answers the most common objections he hears for why they don’t need Jesus.
Introducing Tyndale, from Banner of Truth, with Introduction by John Piper and Epilogue by Robert Sheehan, and including “An Extract from Tyndale’s Answer to Sir Thomas More’s Dialogue”. This short (103 pgs) book brings to life Tyndale the man, his writings and legacy. Tyndale was martyred in 1536 for the crime of translating the Bible into English. The extract includes a Tyndale’s defense of the gospel to his harsh critic, Sir Thomas More.
How Does Sanctification Work? by David Powlinson. The process of sanctification is personal and organic—not a one-size-fits-all formula. And the dynamics are portrayed in Scripture in a rich variety of ways.
Controversy of the Ages: Why Christians Should Not Divide Over the Age of the Earth, by Theodore J. Cabal and Peter J. Rasor II. C. John Collins says this book shows that among the various groups debating the issue–young earth creationists, old earth creationists, and evolutionary creationists—none can be exempted from critique, and none deserves the place of exclusive privilege. Justin Taylor says it is one of the two books he wishes every Christian parent, pastor, and professor would read on the subject.
Learning to Love the Psalms, by W. Robert Godfrey. The author takes us on a journey into greater understanding and love for these sacred poems, with their timeless beauty, depth of expression, and testimony to the greatness of God and work of Christ. Godfrey is president of Westminster Seminary, CA.
Rediscovering the Holy Spirit: God’s Perfecting Presence in Creation, Redemption, and Everyday Life, by Michael Horton. Gain a fresh dependence on the Holy Spirit in every area of your life. Fred Sanders says this book is anchored in the Trinity, spans redemptive history, and is directly connected to the ordinary ministry of the church.
The Korean Pentecost and the Sufferings Which Followed, by William N. Blair and Bruce F. Hunt. The remarkable account of the Korean revival of 1907, and the first 60 years of the Korean church (mainly North Korea), as the revival was followed by a baptism of suffering under the Japanese and the Communists.
Seven Leaders: Preachers and Pastors, by Iain H. Murray. Biographical sketches of John Elias, Andrew Bonar, Archie Brown, Kenneth MacRae, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, W.J. Grier, and John MacArthur.
Encounter with Spurgeon, by Helmut Thielicke. Thielicke, the German Lutheran theologian (d. 1986), who is also considered one of the best preachers of the 20th century, tells us of his surprise and delight at his discovery of the great self-educated Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon, leading Thielicke to say, “Sell all that you have…and buy Spurgeon”.
The Armies of the Lamb: The Spirituality of Andrew Fuller, edited by Michael A.G. Haykin. Fuller (1754-1815) had an enduring impact on world missions. He was a Calvinistic Baptist, who argued against the errors of hyper-Calvinism, zealously promoted world missions, and influenced countless missionaries such as William Carey. This book offers a first-hand look thru selections from his letters.
Protestants: The Faith That Made the Modern World, by Alec Ryrie. “Charts the history of one of the greatest forces in the making of the modern age: the rise of the Protestant faith and ethos. As Jon Meacham says: “Without it, one is hard-pressed to envision the spread of capitalism and democracy”. James Carroll says: “Protestantism is the God-driven current running below the surface of the West and, now, of the world”.
The Heartbeat of OT Theology: Three Creedal Expressions, by Mark J. Boda. Explores key theological trajectories that reveal the person and acts of God across the canon, in particular what he labels the narrative, character, and relational creeds of Israel, and then connects them to the redemptive purposes for all creation.
Wounded Tiger, by T. Martin Bennett. A novel based on the true story of the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor, and whose life was transformed by an American prisoner whom he never met, and a missionary’s daughter.
Christ Alone: The Uniqueness of Jesus as Savior, by Stephen Wellum (The 5 Solas Series).
Grace Alone: Salvation as a Gift of God, by Carl R. Trueman (The 5 Solas Series).
The Found the Secret: 20 Transformed Lives That Reveal a Touch of Eternity, by V. Raymond Edman. Biographical sketches. Recommended by CBCer Dan Williams.
Evolution and the Fall, by William T. Cavanaugh and James K.A. Smith. Caution: to be read with discernment.
COMMENTARIES: 1-2 Timothy and Titus, by Andreas J. Kostenberger (Biblical Theology for Christian Proclamation); 1 Peter, by Dennis R. Edwards (Story of God Bible Commentary).
ADULT FICTION: The Testament, by John Grisham. Known for his legal thrillers, seven of which have been made into movies, this is a novel of spiritual discovery and dramatic conversion of the seemingly hopeless, against the backdrop of a devoted missionary in the jungles of Brazil.
MORE ADULT FICTION: Haven of Swans, by Colleen Coble (Rock Harbor); Threads of Suspicion, by Dee Henderson (An Evie Blackwell Cold Case)..