Complete New Book List
November 2019
Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals, by Gavin Ortlund. Evangelicalism is not commonly known for mining the rich theological heritage handed down from previous generations. Instead, it tends to follow what can sometimes look like a “me and my Bible” approach to theology. But lately there has been a restlessness among evangelicals—an aching for theological rootedness that has led some to abandon Protestantism altogether. This book aims to set forth a vision for how engaging historical theology can enrich and strengthen the church today—and highlight how it can be done without abandoning a Protestant identity. By focusing on particular doctrines and neglected theologians, this book shows how evangelicals can draw from the past to meet the challenges of the present.
The Lord’s Prayer: A Guide to Praying to Our Father, by Wesley Hill (Christian Essentials series). We pray the Lord’s Prayer, but do we really understand it? The Lord’s Prayer has become so familiar to us that we often don’t think about what we are praying. It is a portrait into Jesus’s heart. And in it, Christians from different times, places and traditions have been united. And when Jesus taught his followers how to pray, he showed them how uncomplicated it can be.
Don’t Lose Heart: Gospel Hope for the Discouraged Soul, by Jason Meyer. A fallen world is full of reasons to lose heart, and it can be difficult to avoid discouragement, even for a believer. And yet, Scripture calls us to a life of hope. Thomas Schreiner says this book “addresses the problem and administers the biblical cure”.
HISTORICAL NON-FICTION: Hymns of the Republic: The Story of the Final Year of the American Civil War, by S.C. Gwynne. From the award-winning author of Empire of the Summer Moon and Rebel Yell comes “the spell-binding epic account of the dramatic conclusion of the Civil War”. The fourth and final year of the Civil War offers one of that era’s most compelling narratives, defining the nation and one of history’s great turning points. Now, Hymns of the Republic addresses the time Ulysses S. Grant arrives to take command of all Union armies in March 1864 to the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox a year later.
Giving Is the Good Life: The Unexpected Path to Purpose and Joy, by Randy Alcorn. In this book, Alcorn addresses the life-changing biblical principles of generosity and tells stories of people who have put those radical principles into practice. The result is a grander view of God and generosity that teaches us what the good life is all about.
And Yet, Undaunted: Embraced by the Goodness of God in the Chaos of Life, by Paula Rinehart and Connally Gilliam. The backdrop of the big gospel story—creation (how life ought to be), the fall (how life is), redemption (how life can be), and restoration (how life will be one day)—gives context to our lives and hope for moving forward. The grand story of the gospel of Jesus Christ frames our every step.
Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments, by Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler. Jen Wilkin says “parenting is often the crucible in which we learn what we can and cannot control. Lauren and Emily remind us that while we cannot control people or circumstances, we can control our perspective. They offer us a framework for motherhood that that transcends time and culture”. Melissa Kruger says this book “connects the storyline of Scripture to the daily realities of motherhood”.
ADULT FICTION: When We Were Young, by Karen Kingsbury (Baxter Family Collection); Fatal Strike, by Diann Mills.