Complete New Book List
April, 2018
Paul, A Biography, by N.T. Wright. Ben Witherington says: “Written with the usual Wright combination of erudition, intuition, and mature wit and wisdom”.
Theophany: A Biblical Theology of God’s Appearing, by Vern S. Poythress. Each time God appears to his people throughout the Bible—in the form of a thunderstorm, a man, a warrior, a chariot, etc.—he comes to a specific person for a specific purpose. And each of these temporary appearances (called theophanies) helps us to better understand who he is, anticipating his climactic, permanent self-revelation in the incarnation of Christ. Poythress describes these various theophanies from Genesis to Revelation.
The Moment of Truth, by Steven J. Lawson. In a collection of sermons, Lawson speaks to our cultural moment, and the need to proclaim and defend the truth of the gospel to a world that desperately needs to hear it.
HISTORICAL NON-FICTION: Thunderstruck, by Erik Larson. Fascinating account of the interwoven stories of two men—Hawley Crippen, a very unlikely murderer, and Guglielmo Marconi, the obsessive creator of the wireless telegraph—whose lives intersect during one of the greatest criminal chases of all time in the early 20th century; Lincoln and Churchill: Statesmen at War, by Lewis E, Lehrman. Vivid comparison of the war-time leadership of two remarkable men who profoundly shaped modern history. Each of them led their nations to victory in wars of national survival.
The Cost: What It Takes to Follow Jesus, by Steven J. Lawson. Unpacks Luke 14:25-35 to share the costs, demands, gains and losses of following Jesus. John MacArthur says that Christ’s own summons to discipleship is “impossible to harmonize with the laid-back, seeker-sensitive, superficial religion practiced by so many today”.
Watchfulness: Recovering a Lost Spiritual Discipline, by Brian G. Hedges. Drawing on the riches of Scripture, and writers such as M’Cheyne, Owen and the Puritan divines, Hedges shines a much needed light on the often neglected spiritual discipline of watchfulness. One reviewer said: “If you love your Bible, if you love the Puritans, and if you love your own soul, this book is for you”. Todd Friel says: “In a world of antinomian easy-believism, this book is an alarm bell calling us to work out our salvation with fear, trembling, and effort”.
The Affectionate Theology of Richard Sibbes, by Mark Dever (A Long Line of Godly Men Profiles). The life and theology of “the quintessential Puritan”, known for his emphasis on the security of God’s covenant, the call for assurance of salvation, and the place of the heart in the Christian life.
High King of Heaven: Theological and Practical Perspectives on the Person and Work of Christ, edited by John MacArthur, with contributions from Mark Jones, Al Mohler, Mark Dever, Steven Lawson, et al.
Echoes of Exodus: Tracing Themes of Redemption Through Scripture, by Alastair Roberts and Andrew Wilson. If you listen carefully, you can hear echoes of the exodus story of redemption throughout God’s Word. Using the metaphor of music, the authors point us to the recurring exodus theme throughout the symphony of Scripture.
The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross, by Patrick Schreiner (Short Studies in Biblical Theology). When Jesus began his ministry, he announced that the kingdom of God was at hand. But many modern day Christians don’t understand what the kingdom is or how it relates to the message of the gospel. Schreiner defines kingdom as the King’s power over the King’s people in the King’s place. Here he looks at the key events, prophecies, and passages of Scripture that highlight this important theme across the storyline of the Bible, and how the mission of Jesus and the coming of the kingdom fit together.
Sex in a Broken World: How Christ Redeems What Sin Distorts, by Paul David Tripp.
Who God Says You Are: A Christian Understanding of Identity, by Klyne R. Snodgrass. Examines 9 factors that shape human identity, and draws out what the Bible tells us about who God says we are.
God’s Grace in Your Suffering, by David Powlinson. Weaves Scripture and personal stories with the words to the classic hymn, How Firm a Foundation. Highly recommended by Joni Eareckson Tada.
50 Core Truths of the Christian Faith: A Guide to Understanding and Teaching Theology, by Gregg R. Allison. Sam Storms says “his presentation of the evidence and arguments for differing views is evenhanded” and displays both charity and clarity. Allison also presents the major errors found in connection with each doctrine in Christian history and current teaching.
The Attributes of God: Volumes 1 and 2, by A.W. Tozer. Each volume includes a study guide for an in-depth look at each attribute.
Death and the Afterlife: Biblical Perspectives on Ultimate Questions, by Paul R. Williamson (New Studies in Biblical Theology). Highlights the biblical perspective (OT and NT), and the issues over which evangelicals have become increasingly polarized.
Even in Our Darkness: A Story of Beauty in a Broken Life, by Jack Deere. The former DTS professor recounts the tragedies he experienced in his father’s suicide during his growing-up years, then his son’s suicide and his wife’s alcoholism, as well as his own struggles with addiction. And yet he found beauty and friendship amidst the darkness and finally experienced healing.
When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Movement, by Ryan T. Anderson. Although this is not a Christian book, Denny Burk said it should be read by all Christians. It is a comprehensive source for all the scientific, philosophical, and medical information one needs in order to evaluate transgender claims.
Good News: The Gospel of Jesus Christ, by John MacArthur. The right understanding of Jesus Christ is essential to understanding many other vital truths, particularly the gospel and salvation. There is no good news apart from Christ.
COMMENTARIES: Song of Songs, by Iain M. Duguid (Reformed Expository Commentary); Jeremiah, by Derek Kidner (Kidner Classic Commentaries); Micah, by Stephen G. Dempster (The Two Horizons OT Commentary).
ADULT FICTION: The Kremlin Conspiracy, by Joel C. Rosenberg.