I’m in the happy position of receiving endless numbers of Christian books. Every month or so I try to sort through them to identify the new books that seem most noteworthy and, therefore, may be of most interest to readers like you. Here is the selection for January 2020, including the publishers’ descriptions. (Note: I’ve skimmed these books, but have not thoroughly read most of them.)
To Seek and to Save: Daily Reflections on the Road to the Cross by Sinclair Ferguson. “Journey with Jesus on the road to Jerusalem with these reflections for Lent by Sinclair Ferguson. As you walk through the second half of Luke’s Gospel, you’ll meet the people Jesus encountered on the way to the cross—and prepare your heart to appreciate his death and resurrection afresh. Each day you’ll be invited to: Read a passage of Luke’s Gospel and a short meditation by Sinclair Ferguson; Reflect on a thought-provoking question; Respond in prayer and praise as you journal. Pithy yet profound, these devotions will hold up a mirror to your own heart and, more importantly, give you a window into the heart of the Lord Jesus—the one who came to seek and to save the lost at Easter.” (Amazon)
Need to Know: Your Guide to the Christian Life by Gary Millar. “Whether you are a new Christian, or have been for a while and feel in need of a refresher, or have been around church for years but things have only just clicked into place for you, this inspiring and practical book will give you the essentials—what you really need to know if you’re going to follow Jesus. Gary Millar shows readers how letting the fundamental truths of the gospel take root in our hearts changes everything about the way we see God, ourselves and the world around us. He explores what this miraculous change on the inside looks like on the outside as we live our lives shaped around gospel priorities. Packed full of warmth and wisdom, this book will set anyone up for a lifetime of living for Jesus. It’s perfect for giving to new Christians and makes a great gift for baptisms or confirmations. Mentoring questions are included for each chapter, so it’s also an ideal resource to use in one-to-one discipleship with younger believers.” (Amazon | Westminster Books)
Post-Christian: A Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture by Gene Edward Veith Jr. “We live in a post-Christian world. Contemporary thought seeks to undermine biblical Christianity, but in fact contradicts culture itself by assaulting family, community, authority, and nature. Today’s Christians need to understand the underlying worldviews of the post-Christian culture in order to navigate these new challenges in their world. This insightful book charts the course of how postmodernism led to our post-Christian times; explores how Christians can combat today’s constructivism, relativism, and Gnosticism; and offers solutions to those problems as a way to recover reality, rebuild culture, and revive faith.” (Amazon)
Respect the Image: Reflecting Human Worth in How We Listen and Talk by Timothy M. Shorey. “Do you know who you’re talking to? All human beings are made in the image of God … but you wouldn’t always be able to tell by how we talk to them. And when it comes to listening, we’re even worse! The result? Hurt, misunderstandings, frustration, division, and sometimes all-out war. Scripture says that human beings aren’t worms or weasels but rather wonders who are worthy of our time and respect. From that truth, we can draw important guidelines that will transform our conversations, relationships, and lives together. Pastor Tim Shorey blends the marvelous with the mundane, laying out a COMMUNICATE lifestyle built on eleven practical decisions we need to make when we converse. Whether you’re trying to repair a relationship, interact on social media, talk to your teen, or understand someone whose beliefs differ wildly from your own, there is hope!” (Amazon | Westminster Books)
Every Day Matters: A Biblical Approach to Productivity by Brandon Crowe. “True productivity is less about getting things done; it is more concerned with stewarding priorities, time, and resources wisely and faithfully in a way that honors God. In Every Day Matters Brandon Crowe provides an accessible and biblical understanding of productivity filled with practical guidance and examples. Crowe draws insights from wisdom literature and the life and teaching of the Apostle Paul to reclaim a biblical perspective on productivity. He shows the implications for matters such as setting priorities and goals, achieving rhythms of work and rest, caring for family, maintaining spiritual disciplines, sustaining energy, and engaging wisely with social media and entertainment.” (Amazon)
Truth We Can Touch: How Baptism and Communion Shape Our Lives by Tim Chester. “Many Christians often feel confused about the sacraments of baptism and Communion. What is happening when someone is baptized? What’s the significance of eating bread and wine together as a church? This book makes a compelling case that God has given us truth we can touch for a reason: the sacraments embody the promises, grace, and presence of Christ. Chester looks throughout the Bible to explain how the sacraments are intended to shape Christians’ lives by giving us physical bread, wine, and water we can point to as an expression of our union with Christ.” (Amazon | Westminster Books)
I Still Do: Growing Closer and Stronger Through Life’s Defining Moments by Dave Harvey. “Lasting marriages are built one defining moment at a time. The moment of blame. The moment of weakness. When your spouse suffers. When dreams disappoint. When the kids leave the nest. It’s how we think and behave toward one another in moments like these that determines whether our marriage endures or falters. Ultimately, these are invitations from God to consider our direction and pursue transformation. With 37 years of marriage and 33 years of pastoring under his belt, Dave Harvey has identified those life-defining moments of a post-newlywed marriage. He wants to help couples recognize them in their own relationships so that they can take a proactive, godly approach to resolving conflicts, holding one another up as change inevitably happens, and ensuring that their marriage survives and thrives. Whether your relationship is maturing gracefully, just needs a tune-up, or you and your spouse are locked in conflict and your future seems uncertain, Dave Harvey has encouragement and practical tools to help strengthen what remains and build a rock-solid union for the days to come.” I have reviewed this book here. (Amazon | Westminster Books)
The Gospel According to Satan: Eight Lies about God that Sound Like the Truth by Jared Wilson. “Not every lie sounds untrue. Some lies are repeated so often they seem to be common sense. That’s why lies about God are so dangerous. The Gospel According to Satan examines eight lies the enemy wants us to believe and provides eight lines of counterattack against them. The lies include: God just wants you to be happy; you only live once; you need to live your truth; and just let go and let God. Jared C. Wilson reveals why these lies appeal to us, shows how they harm us, and provides ways to counteract them. We can renounce Satan’s counterfeit gospel, but first we must see it for what it is.” I have already reviewed this book here. (Amazon)
The Way Forward: A Road Map of Spiritual Growth for Men in the 21st Century by Joe Barnard. “A lot of Christian men – and small groups of men – feel stuck. They have a sincere desire to grow but feel confused about what to do next. The Way Forward is a road–map for men who want to cut through the noise and distraction of the 21st century and take definite steps toward spiritual maturity. This book follows the simple format of problem, solution, and plan. Men who read it will walk away with both a clear diagnosis for why they feel stuck and a practical action plan for moving forward.” (Amazon)
