New Books–February 2016

New Books–February 2016

                                                          Complete New Book List

                                                                 February, 2016           

The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance—Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters, by Sinclair B. Ferguson, Foreword by Tim Keller. Derek Thomas says: “This is one of the most important and definitive books I have read in over four decades”. How a book written in the 17th century provoked the Marrow Controversy in the 18th century, and how that debate relates to gospel preaching today, and the perennial issue of the relation of grace and works. Highly recommended by Justin Taylor, Kevin DeYoung, Tim Keller, David Wells, Michael Horton, Joel Beeke, and others.

The Miracles of Jesus: How the Savior’s Mighty Acts Serve as Signs of Redemption, by Vern S. Poythress.

Women on Life: A Call to Love the Unborn, Unloved, and Neglected, edited by Trillia Newbell. Contributors include Kristie Anyabwile, Catherine Parks, and others.

Heirs of Promise: The Church as the New Israel in Romans, by P. Chase Sears (Snapshots series). Takes a biblical-theological approach to the book of Romans to argue that Paul views the Church as the New Israel—not a replacement of Israel, but rather the continuation of Israel reconstituted in Christ. As the Son of God, Christ is the true Israel, through whom all of God’s purposes for Israel and creation are realized, and through faith in Christ, the Church becomes God’s new covenant people and heirs of all his saving promises.

NEW TITLES BY A.W. TOZER (1897-1963): Delighting in God (the never-before-published book which was intended to be the sequel to the classic, Knowledge of the Holy), and God’s Pursuit of Man (prequel to The Pursuit of God).

HISTORICAL NON-FICTION: Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS, by Joby Warrick. This account by a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter traces how the strain of militant Islam behind ISIS first arose in a remote Jordanian prison, then spread with the unwitting aid of two American presidents; this is riveting and fast-paced book that reads like a novel; Alexander Hamilton, by Ron Chernow. This is a magnificent biography, by the author of a biography of George Washington which won the Pulitzer Prize. Hamilton was born out of wedlock in the Caribbean, and was largely self-educated, yet he rose to become the chief aide to George Washington during the Revolution, author of the Federalist Papers which lay behind the Constitution, and the first Treasury Secretary under Washington. He is considered the father of the American governmental system, yet his life ended tragically in a duel with Aaron Burr (grandson of Jonathan Edwards and VP under President Jefferson). It was this biography which was re-worked into a Broadway musical which has been the hit of the season.

The Institutes of Christian Religion (Abridged), by John Calvin, edited by Tony Lane and Hilary Osborne. The condensed version of the 1559 edition of one of the most important theological works ever written. Retains the heart of Calvin’s teaching on all his major themes in only 271 pages, making the material accessible to non-specialists.

CLASSICS BY GEORGE ELDON LADD (from a post-trib perspective): The Blessed Hope: A Biblical Study of the Second Advent and the Rapture; The Last Things: An Eschatology for Laymen.

For a Continuing Church: The Roots of the Presbyterian Church in America, by Sean Michael Lucas. The PCA is the largest conservative, evangelical Presbyterian denomination in America. Matthew Hall of Southern Baptist Seminary says: “Take it from a Baptist. I don’t care if you are not a conservative Presbyterian; you still need to read this book.” A story of conviction and integrity, and of remaining true to the Scriptures and the Reformed faith.

Christian Reconstructionism: R.J. Rushdoony and American Religious Conservatism, by Michael Joseph McVicar. This is the first critical history of Christian Reconstructionism, or Dominion Theology, and its founder and champion, theologian and activist, R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001). Examines the considerable impact the movement had on the radical Christian right. Traces the movement’s growth from a grassroots populist movement in the 1960s to the height of its popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, and its role in the development of survivalism, libertarianism, educational reform and homeschooling. Even as the movement declined, the impact on some of these issues remains today.

The Grace of Law: A Study in Puritan Theology, by Ernest F. Kevan. Draws from several dozen Puritan writers on God’s law to weave a tapestry of the theology of grace. Although the Puritans saw law and grace as opposing principles regarding justification, they also taught how God uses the law in the life of the believer for his gracious purposes.

A Treatise on Law and the Gospel, by John Colquhoun (1748-1827). A classic book by a Scot pastor which reflects the views of the Marrow brethren and the secession church in Scotland. Shows how the law as a rule of life combats both legalism and antinomianism.

Father Brown: The Essential Tales, by G.K. Chesterton. A collection of 15 of the Father Brown mysteries, chosen by the American Chesterton Society.

American Exceptionalism and Civil Religion: Reassessing the History of an Idea, by John D. Wilsey. American exceptionalism involves the idea of America having a special (or “elect”) place in history. It can lead to abuses and idolatry, or to constructive civil engagement and human flourishing. This book considers, historically and theologically, what makes the difference.

COMMENTARIES: 1 Corinthians: The Word of the Cross, by Stephen T. Um (Preaching the Word); A Commentary on Exodus, by Duane A. Garrett (Kregel Exegetical Library); A Commentary on 1 & 2 Chronicles, by Eugene H. Merrill (Kregel Exegetical Library); Book of Zechariah, by Mark J. Boda (NICOT).

DVDs: War Room, by Tristar Pictures. A faith drama that became the #1 movie in US theaters and received rave reviews from audiences of all ages.

OTHER ADULT FICTION: Buried Secrets and Thin Ice, by Irene Hannon (Men of Valor #1-2); The First Hostage, by Joel C. Rosenberg (J.B. Collins #2).

Topical Bible for Kids ESV, by Michelle Brock. Scriptures arranged by topic, chosen to delight and encourage children.