Complete New Book List
February 2020
Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans, edited by Robert Elmer. A collection of carefully selected prayers by leading Puritans. For the Puritans, prayer was neither casual nor dull, but rather their prayers were passionate affairs, from earnestly pleading for mercy to joyful praise. Includes some selections by other devotional writers who were not technically Puritans but were Puritan-like in their writings and prayers.
The Gospel According to Satan: Eight Lies About God That Sound Like the Truth, by Jared C. Wilson. Not every lie sounds untrue. Some lies are repeated so often they sound like common sense. Wilson examines eight lies the Enemy and our culture want us to believe and provides eight lines of counterattack against them.
Spiritual Warfare in the Storyline of Scripture: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach, by William F. Cook III and Chuck Lawless. The theme of spiritual warfare pervades Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. Beginning with the OT, the authors take us through the Bible to develop this crucial theme and present a biblical theology of spiritual warfare, and outline practical steps for believers to engage in the fight against Satan’s forces in multiple areas of life and ministry.
Living for God: A Short Introduction to the Christian Faith, by Mark Jones. What difference should doctrine make on our day-to-day Christian life? This book summarizes Christianity in 5 core truths―the Trinity, the Son of God, the Spirit, the church, and heaven and hell―to show how theology is intended to bring people closer to God. Drawing from writers throughout church history―particularly St. Augustine, Richard Baxter, and C. S. Lewis―this book summarizes the building blocks of “pure Christianity” and how they shape minds, hearts, and actions, so readers can know simply and concisely what it means to live for God.
God’s Glory Revealed in Christ: Essays in Honor of Tom Schreiner, edited by Denny Burk, James Hamilton, Jr., and Brian Vickers. Over his decades in Christian academia, Thomas R. Schreiner has created a diverse body of work in New Testament studies, biblical theology, and pastoral ministry. In honor of Schreiner’s ongoing work and commitment to faithful, winsome conversations about the central issues of our faith, the editors compiled nineteen essays addressing different aspects of biblical theology. Contributors include D.A. Carson, John Piper, Patrick Schreiner, and others.
Created to Draw Near: Our Life as God’s Royal Priests, by Edward T. Welch. Shows us the purpose for which we were created: to be brought near to God as a kingdom of priests. He traces the priestly identity throughout the entire Bible, showing how holiness leads to closeness to God. As a result of the finished work of our Great High Priest, every believer has full access as priests to boldly approach the throne.
Be True to Yourself (Why It Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Does, and How That Can Make You Happy), by Matt Fuller. Our culture tells us that the way to be happy is to “be true to yourself.” It’s posted on social media, promoted in advertisements, taught in schools and even expressed in churches. But what does that mean, and does it actually work? Matt Fuller explores how true happiness, wholeness and freedom can be found in embracing who God has created us to be; allowing ourselves to be shaped by who the Bible says we are, rather than our own fluctuating feelings or the voices around us. In the process, this book draws on a broad range of fascinating research and examples to give us a fresh biblical take on some of today’s biggest hot-button issues.
HISTORICAL NON-FICTION: Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers: The Texas Victory That Changed American History, by Brian Kilmeade. In 1836, the Mexican army under General Santa Anna massacred over 200 Texans at the Alamo in San Antonio. The defeat galvanized the remaining Texan army under the leadership of Sam Houston. Having learned from the bloody battles that characterized his past that aggressive retaliation was a poor strategy, Houston and his underdog army held off until six weeks after the massacre, and then defeated Santa Anna’s army in just 18 minutes at the Battle of San Jacinto, thereby winning independence for Texas and paving the way for America’s growth.
ADULT FICTION: Dark Ambitions, by Irene Hannon (Code of Honor #3); Collateral Damage, by Lynette Eason (Danger Never Sleeps #1).