This has been a busy few months for book releases, and nearly every day brings at least one new book to my mailbox. I continue to sort through them and separate out the ones that appear to be especially notable. This is my roundup of the new and notable Christian books for March 2021. For each book I have provided the editorial description.
Providence by John Piper. “From Genesis to Revelation, the providence of God directs the entire course of redemptive history. Providence is “God’s purposeful sovereignty.” Its extent reaches down to the flight of electrons, up to the movements of galaxies, and into the heart of man. Its nature is wise and just and good. And its goal is the Christ-exalting glorification of God through the gladness of a redeemed people in a new world. Drawing on a lifetime of theological reflection, biblical study, and practical ministry, pastor and author John Piper leads us on a stunning tour of the sightings of God’s providence―from Genesis to Revelation―to discover the all-encompassing reality of God’s purposeful sovereignty over all of creation and all of history. Piper invites us to experience the profound effects of knowing the God of all-pervasive providence: the intensifying of true worship, the solidifying of wavering conviction, the strengthening of embattled faith, the toughening of joyful courage, and the advance of God’s mission in this world.” (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books)
Ten Words to Live By: Delighting in and Doing What God Commands by Jen Wilkin. “Christianity isn’t about following rules, it’s about a relationship. The rise in popularity of this phrase coincides with a growing disinterest and misunderstanding regarding the role of God’s life-giving, perfect law in the Christian life. Rather than the source of joy it was intended to be, the law is viewed as an angry god’s restrictions for a rebellious people. In Ten Words to Live By, Jen Wilkin presents a fresh biblical look at the Ten Commandments, showing how they come to bear on our lives today as we seek to love God and others, to live in joyful freedom, and to long for that future day when God will be rightly worshiped for eternity. Learn to see the law of God as a feast for your famished soul, open to anyone who calls on the name of the Lord.” (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books)
Gospel-Driven Ministry: An Introduction to the Calling and Work of a Pastor by Jared Wilson. “From the beginning of his ministry, Jesus called and equipped individuals who would serve his community of followers. These ‘shepherds’ are called to preach, pray, and care for the needs of God’s people. But what does it mean to be a pastor? And what is the nature of this ministry, according to the Bible? In Gospel-Driven Ministry, Jared Wilson begins by looking at the qualifications for the pastorate, addressing the notion of a call to ministry and how an individual—and a church community—can best identify the marks of maturity and affirm a call. In each chapter, Wilson looks at one of the core practices of pastoral ministry. In addition, Wilson provides practical resources including theological insights on baptism and the Lord’s Supper, guidance for wedding and funeral sermons, outlines for leading elder and deacon meetings, tips for interviewing new pastors, questions to ask at ordination, and advice on knowing when and how to leave a pastor role. This is a comprehensive, practical guide to pastoral ministry that prepares new pastors and equips those currently serving for long-term, healthy ministry.” (Buy it from Amazon)
With A Mighty Triumph!: Christ’s Resurrection and Ours by Rhett Dodson. “The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the bedrock of the Christian faith. Without it, the truth claims of Christianity crumble. But not only is the resurrection of Jesus true and historically verifiable, it is also the foundation of the believer’s hope for the future. Those in Christ will be raised from the dead in the new creation. The apostle Paul’s argument in 1 Corinthians 15 for the historical resurrection of Christ and the future resurrection of Christians is one of the most momentous theological treatises in the New Testament. This series of studies, With A Mighty Triumph!, carefully leads readers through Paul’s discussion and examines its inner logic, theological content, and practical application. While not shying away from the difficult subjects of baptism for the dead and the nature of the resurrection body, its main focus is on the hope Christ’s resurrection offers to all who believe.” (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books)
R.C. Sproul: A Life by Stephen J. Nichols. “Introducing the First Biography of the Life and Ministry of R.C. Sproul. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was a pastor, a professor, an author, and the founder and president of Ligonier Ministries. His contributions in the areas of biblical studies, theology, worldview and culture, Christian living, and church history continue to be held in high regard. In this book, Stephen J. Nichols offers an in-depth look at Sproul’s life and ministry—his childhood; his formative seminary education; his marriage and partnership with his beloved wife, Vesta; his influence on broader American evangelicalism; and his many friendships with key figures such as James Montgomery Boice, John MacArthur, John Piper, J.I. Packer, and Chuck Colson. This biography details the profound impact Sproul had on the lives of many during his lifetime, and highlights the various ways his legacy continues to influence countless pastors and students worldwide.” (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books)
How Christianity Transformed the World by Sharon James. “Many people today would say that Christianity has done more harm than good to our world. Sharon James argues, however, in seeking to love their neighbour and reflect God’s moral character the followers of Jesus have had a largely positive impact on our society. James takes a number of areas – education, healthcare, justice, human dignity – and traces the ways in which these benefits have spread with the gospel.” The chapter headings provide a clear look at the topics the book covers: Freedom; Religious Liberty; Justice; Protecting Life; The Dignity of Women; Philanthropy; Healthcare; Education for All; The Creation Mandate and the Value of Work.” (Buy it from Amazon)
God of All Things: Rediscovering the Sacred in an Everyday World by Andrew Wilson. “Abstract theology is overrated. In the contemporary West, we’re desperately in need of rediscovering God through ordinary, physical things we see in the world around us. Jesus did it all the time. He mentioned a lily, sparrow, sheep, coin, fish, harvest, banquet, lamp, stone, seed, and vineyard to teach about the kingdom of God. In the Old Testament, too, God repeatedly describes himself and his saving work in relation to physical things such as a rock, horn, eagle, shelter, cedar, lion, shield, wave, ox, and so on. “Ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you” (Job 12:7-8). In God of All Things, pastor and author Andrew Wilson explores glimpses of the sacred in created things, finding in them illustrations of the character and gospel of God. As humans, we encounter glory through stars and awe through storms. We learn about humanity through dust and about Jesus’s death on our behalf through trees and bread and wine. Ultimately, we meet God in his creation. It is a gallery full of sketches, paintings, and portraits revealing our Maker and Savior. Wilson presents a variety of created marvels–from figs and galaxies to viruses, pigs, and honey–that reveal the gospel in everyday life and fuel worship and joy in God.” (Buy it from Amazon)
Swift and Beautiful: The Amazing Stories of Faithful Missionaries by David B. Calhoun. “In his Spiritual Unfolding of Bishop H. C. G. Moule, John Baird wrote, ‘No course of reading is more establishing than that of Christian biography—the battle story of those who in the conflict of earth have been great in the life of God.’ Swift and Beautiful tells the amazing stories of a dozen men and women who at great cost gave their lives to take the gospel of God’s grace to those who had not heard it. Some of these faithful missionaries are well-known, others almost forgotten, but all are ‘great in the life of God.’ ‘How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns.’” (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Plurality Principle: How to Build and Maintain a Thriving Church Leadership Team by Dave Harvey. “Essential to every healthy church is a biblical model of leadership. In the New Testament, church leadership is built around a team of elders working together, each bringing his own unique skills and gifts to the cause of shepherding the flock God entrusted to them. However, in many churches today the principle of plurality in leadership is often misunderstood, mistakenly applied, or completely ignored. Dave Harvey encourages church leaders to prioritize plurality for the surprising ways that it helps churches to flourish. This book not only builds a compelling case for churches to adopt and maintain biblical elder pluralities guided by solid leadership but also supplies practical tools to help elders work together for transformation.” (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books)
Money, Debt, and Finances: Critical Questions and Answers by Jim Newheiser. “In an accessible Q&A format, biblical counselor and former financial consultant Jim Newheiser presents financial wisdom that is grounded in faithful biblical exegesis and rooted in sound theology. How can you create and balance a budget? How can you get out of debt? What insurance do you need? He answers these questions and more, providing a go-to resource for laypeople and those who counsel them.” I have reviewed this book and also endorsed it so, needless to say, I personally recommend it as a useful resource. (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books)
