New Books–September 2011

Complete New Book List

September 2011

Born of God: Sermons from John, Chapter One, by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. These 32 sermons are part of MLJ’s last great Sunday morning series at Westminster Chapel.

The Great Books Reader: Excerpts and Essays on the Most Influential Books in Western Civilization, edited by John Mark Reynolds. The breadth of a “great books” program, all in one volume.

Inside Scientology: The True Story of America’s Most Secretive Religion, by Janet Reitman. The story of how L. Ron Hubbard transformed a self-help group into a world-wide spiritual corporation whose adherents include well-known celebrities such as Tom Cruise, yet is known for its secretiveness, and the creation of a climate of fear and intimidation (Caution: contains some crude and vulgar language).

Surprised by Oxford: A Memoir, by Carolyn Weber. When Carolyn arrived at Oxford for graduate studies in Romantic literature, she felt no need for God. She relied on intellect and reason for survival, and had no idea that she was about to embark on a life-changing journey of coming to faith. Her story is told with rich illustrations and literary and poetic references.

Bringing the Gospel Home: Witnessing to Family Members, Close Friends, and Others Who Know You Well, by Randy Newman. Why does sharing the good news with a stranger often feel less frightening than telling those you love most? The author is a messianic Jew who has led several family members to Christ.

Jesus Christ and the Life of the Mind, by Mark Noll. More than just a sequel to his Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, Noll’s new book offers the beginnings of a constructive christocentric theology for evangelical intellectual life.

True to His Word: The Story of Bible Study Fellowship, by Gregg and Deborah Shaw Lewis. Story of the worldwide ministry that began when a single, middle-aged British woman missionary named Wetherell Johnson left China. At the request of five California women, she began a Bible study ministry that exploded into a movement that now ministers to hundreds of thousands of students every week.

Seven Days That Divide the World: The Beginning According to Genesis and Science, by John C. Lennox. The author, who is a Professor of Math at Oxford, urges a spirit of humility rather than controversy, as he presents old-earth options for interpreting the early chapters of Genesis. Ravi Zacharias says he “enthusiastically endorses this unique and thoughtful book” in which Lennox “addresses a passionate controversy with charity, humor, and humility”.

Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith, by Douglas Groothuis. A systematic and full-scale case for the Christian faith, allowing several lines of argumentation and evidence to converge.

The Beginning and End of Wisdom: Preaching Christ from the First and Last Chapters of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job, by Douglas Sean O’Donnell. The author has linked the messages of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job to Jesus in the NT, revealing the often overlooked shadow of the cross in that biblical genre.

A Year with George Herbert: A Guide to Fifty-Two of His Best Loved Poems, by Jim Scott Orrick. Charles Spurgeon said “I love George Herbert from my very soul”, and he once recommended that we “have a page or two of good George Herbert” on our Sunday evenings. In this guide, Orrick makes the poetry of Herbert (1593-1633) accessible even to those who have no experience reading poetry.

Our Triune God: Living in the Love of the Three-In-One, by Philip Graham Ryken and Michael LeFebvre.

Welcome to the Story: Reading, Loving, and Living God’s Word, by Stephen J. Nichols. In our study of the Bible, sometimes we miss the forest for the trees. Nichols urges us to remain focused on the big picture, as the Bible is a fascinating story about God—his work, his character, his plan, and his fame.

Words Made Fresh: Essays on Literature and Culture, by Larry Woiwode. Philip Yancey calls Woiwode an “American original”, whose words serve up an “intellectual feast”, while Charles Johnson typifies his work as “intellectual engagement grounded in spirituality”.

Fire Breathing Christians, by Scott Alan Buss. The author says the church has been redefined and led down a path to man-made, man-centered spirituality and a pick and choose brand of religion. He takes aim at Joel Osteen and Benny Hinn, as well as emergents like Brian McLaren and Rob Bell. Marvin Olasky says Buss is “often over-the-top, but he writes vigorously” and makes good points.

God Wins: Heaven, Hell, and Why the Good News is Better Than Love Wins, by Mark Galli. An evangelical response to Rob Bell and his questioning of the concept of eternal punishment.

Is Hell for Real or Does Everyone Go to Heaven? Edited by Christopher W. Morgan and Robert A. Peterson. Contributors include Timothy Keller, R. Albert Mohler, Jr., J.I. Packer, and Robert W. Yarbrough.

Hell is Real (but I Hate to Admit It), by Brian Jones.

BOOKS BY CBC RESIDENT AUTHOR GORDON GRAHAM: Midnight Rendezvous-A Match Made in Heaven: The Story of Ruth and Boaz as It Could Have Happened, by Gordon Graham; Countdown to the Kingdom: An Updated Look at the End Times, by Gordon Graham.

FAMILY DVDs: Soul Surfer, from Sony Pictures. The incredible true story of the life and faith of Bethany Hamilton who refused to let the loss of an arm in a shark attack at the age of 13 prevent her realizing her dream of being a professional surfer; starring AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid.

YOUNG ADULT BIOGRAPHIES: Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board, by Bethany Hamilton with Sheryl Berk and Rick Bundschuh. The Bethany Hamilton story for younger readers.

ADULT FICTION: Wolfsbane, by Roni Kendig (Discarded Heroes #3).