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. Of all the books I have received recently, here are the ones that appear most noteworthy.
Rhythms of Grace by Mike Cosper. “Confusion abounds over how to define the term “worship.” Is it singing? A service? Something that encompasses all of life? Helping Christians think more theologically about the nature of true worship Rhythms of Grace shows how the gospel is all about worship and worship is all about the gospel. Mike Cosper ultimately answers the question, What is worship? Bringing biblical truth to bear on this critical issue, Cosper, an experienced worship leader, argues that all true worship has one object (God), two contexts (the gathered church and the scattered church) and three audiences (God, the church, and the world). Writing from the conviction that the gospel is the heartbeat of true worship, Cosper explores four key areas (liturgy, song, style, and creativity), showing that worship is fundamental to spiritual formation. This eminently readable book, designed for church leaders and laypersons alike, offers a vibrant theology of worship that is biblical yet contextual, and systematic yet practical.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
Kingdom Come by Sam Storms. “The second coming of Christ is a matter of significant disagreement amongst Christians. Many hold to premillennialism: that Christ’s return will be followed by 1,000 years before the final judgement, a belief popularised in the popular Left Behind novels. However, premillennialism is not the only option for Christians. Sam Storms provides a biblical rationale for amillennialism, the belief that 1,000 years mentioned in the book of Revelation is symbolic with the emphasis being the King and his Kingdom.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon.)
Sex and Money by Paul David Tripp. “Pleasure. We live in a world obsessed with finding it, passionate about enjoying it, and desperate about maintaining it. Chief among such objects of affection are sex and money–two pleasures unequaled in their power to captivate our attention and demand our worship. In what is sure to become an instant classic, popular author Paul David Tripp pulls back the curtain on the lies of our flesh and the ways we distort God’s good gifts, examining the insanity of our culture and exposing our tendency to fall prey to the hollow promises of this world. In exploring how God’s grace frees us from futile pursuits, Tripp directs readers to the wisdom of God in Scripture and the liberating power of the gospel, offering practical guidance on finding true joy and enduring satisfaction.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
1 & 2 Peter and Jude by Paul Gardner. “1 Peter addresses Christians who have known suffering and persecution to a degree that we will never know. In 2 Peter, Peter was very concerned that those who deny Christ’s return should be withstood and that the church could be confident that Christ has not abandoned them. The theme of Jude is similar and also points Christians towards the evidence of believers who heard Jesus speak, to enable them ‘to fight on for the faith which once and for all God has given to his people’.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon.)
Matthew by R.C. Sproul. The latest volume in the St. Andrew’s Expository Commentary series. “Over the course of three years, Dr. R. C. Sproul gave 128 sermons on the Gospel of Matthew, which have now been edited into this collection of memorable messages. Here is a substantial and practical commentary on the first book of the New Testament canon, one that will serve the church well and will be of great use in small-group settings, sermon preparation, or personal Bible study.” (Learn more and shop at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
Messages That Move by Tim Hawkins. “A practical guide to the art of preparing and delivering Bible talks. Seasoned preacher Tim Hawkins urges us to give ‘Messages That Move’ which take people on a journey to a worthwhile destination. Learn how to plan and prepare a talk and lead to genuine transformation through the gospel. ‘Messages that Move’ gives you tools to deliver memorable, engaging Bible talks that lead to gospel transformation. It will give you practical help to prevent sermons being ‘boring’ and a wealth of tips and tools for better preparation, illustration, story telling and delivery.” (Learn more and shop at The Good Book Company.)
