I am in the unique and enjoyable position of receiving copies of most of the latest and greatest Christian books and I like to provide regular roundups of some of the best and brightest of the bunch. Here are some of the notable books that I’ve received:
The Kingdom of God edited by Morgan and Peterson. The fourth release in the Theology in Community series: “The kingdom of God is a very large biblical category indeed. Accordingly, a comprehensive understanding of the kingdom would illuminate many aspects of theology. With this in mind, Robert Peterson, Christopher Morgan, Bruce Waltke, Robert Yarbrough, Gerald Bray, Clinton Arnold, Gregg Allison, Stephen Nichols, and Anthony Bradley have collaborated to articulate a full view of the kingdom of God across multiple disciplines. One of the most important books on the kingdom since G. E. Ladd, this volume offers a robust theology and is corroborated by the very series in which it stands. Fourth in the noted Theology in Community series, The Kingdom of God establishes the significance of the kingdom across the Old and New Testaments, in eschatological literature, in church history, and in culture today.” (Learn more or buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
The White Umbrella by Mary Frances Bowley. “Sex trafficking. We hear about it on the nightly news and in special interest stories from around the world, but it occurs daily in communities all around us. Every year, thousands of young women are forced into sexual exploitation. Most are under the age of 18. The damage this causes to their emotions and souls is immeasurable, but they are not without hope. The White Umbrella tells stories of survivors as well as those who came alongside to help them to recovery. It describes the pain and the strength of these young women and those who held the ‘white umbrella’ of protection and purity over them on the road to restoration. This book offers principles and guidance to anyone with a heart for these hurting young women and a desire to help. It is an ideal resource for individuals or organizations seeking to learn what they can do to assist these victims in becoming whole again.” (Learn more or buy it at Amazon.)
Brothers, We Are Not Professionals by John Piper. “In this revised and expanded edition of Brothers, We Are Not Professionals that includes a new introduction and select all-new chapters, best-selling author John Piper pleads through a series of thoughtful essays with fellow pastors to abandon the professionalization of the pastorate and pursue the prophetic call of the Bible for radical ministry.” This is a classic that should be in the library of every pastor! (Learn more or buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
Mapping the Origins Debate by Gerald Rau. “What are the main positions in the debate over creation and evolution? Why do they disagree? Can the debates about origins and evolution ever be resolved? Gerald Rau offers a fair-minded overview of the six predominant models used to explain the origins of the universe, of life, of species and of humans. He aims to show the contours of current debates both among Christians and between Christians and non-theists. He also enables us to evaluate and think more clearly about the various arguments for each position. He accomplishes this by not only describing the options on origins, but by exploring the philosophical assumptions behind each and how evidence is counted corresponding with each model. While surveying the various models, Rau does not avoid in depth consideration of the complexities involved in what makes up a given model and how they differ. … Rau cogently identifies the role those assumptions play in determining what counts as significant evidence in the current debates. He presents in detail how the scientific evidence is interpreted by each model to substantiate its conclusions. He also notes the limits of a scientifically gained knowledge. In the end, he shows not just what the differences are among the options but why they disagree and why we shouldnt expect any resolution as long as the philosophical assumptions remain fixed. Any reader will not only become better informed about the current debates on origins but will become better thinkers about the issues at stake.” (Learn more or buy it at Amazon.)
God Redeeming His Bride by Robert K. Cheong. “Church discipline is a term that is fraught with problems for the church today. However from the Biblical witness it is clear that it is an essential component of a healthy, God-honoring church – a church where Christians grow and mature in grace and develop solid foundations with which they can, with the help of the Spirit, withstand the storms of life. With many years of pastoral experience, Robert K. Cheong has faced this issue many times. Additionally he interviewed over 30 pastors from different countries and a wide variety of church settings.” It comes endorsed by Tom Schreiner, Greg Gilbert, Russell Moore and others. (Learn more or buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
