As one month fades into another, I want to make sure you’re up-to-date on some of the noteworthy new Christian books that were released in July. In each case, I have provided the editorial description so you can learn a little bit about it. There are some great books to look through!
Mere Complementarianism: Male and Female in the Image of God by Denny Burk. “Mere Complementarianism by Denny Burk is a clear, compelling, and timely guide to understanding God’s good design for men and women. Drawing from Scripture, natural law, and the historic Christian tradition, Burk cuts through confusion to present a faithful, accessible vision of biblical complementarianism–one that is rooted in creation, clarified in Scripture, and essential for a flourishing church and home. With cultural debates intensifying and misconceptions on every side, this book offers clarity where many feel only tension. Burk distills decades of theological reflection into a “mere” complementarianism anchored in the Danvers Statement, providing a stable foundation for Christians navigating questions of gender, identity, marriage, and church leadership. A rich blend of theological insight and practical clarity, Mere Complementarianism is perfect for pastors, small groups, students, and anyone seeking a faithful, hopeful guide to God’s design for men and women in a confused age.” (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books.)
Understanding John Wesley: Reassessing His Faith, Theology, and Legacy by Roger William Fay. “Understanding John Wesley offers a compelling, accessible exploration of one of Christianity’s most influential leaders. Drawing from rigorous historical research and the author’s original theological study, this book reintroduces readers to the real Wesley – scholar, preacher, organiser, and spiritual pioneer – whose defining message of justification by faith ignited the eighteenth-century Evangelical Revival and continues to shape global Christianity today. Designed for pastors, students, and thoughtful readers, this volume cuts through centuries of debate to reveal a clear, balanced portrait of Wesley’s convictions. From his early formation in the deeply devout Epworth Rectory, through his transformative Aldersgate experience, to his lifelong mission of spreading the “religion of love,” Roger William Fay traces how Wesley’s theology developed, where it diverged from competing traditions, and why it still matters.” (Buy it from Amazon.)
A Christian’s Pocket Guide to the Presence of God by Daniel R. Hyde. “In A Christian’s Pocket Guide to the Presence of God, Daniel R. Hyde invites readers into one of Scripture’s most breathtaking themes: the God who is not distant, abstract, or hidden, but wonderfully with His people. Tracing the story of God’s presence from Eden to the New Creation, Hyde offers a clear, devotional, and deeply biblical exploration of how the Triune God makes Himself known, dwells with His people, and transforms their lives through His nearness. This concise guide helps Christians understand that God’s presence is not merely a feeling or mystical experience – it is the personal, covenantal nearness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Whether revealing Himself in the Garden, the tabernacle, the temple, the incarnation of Christ, the indwelling Spirit, or the eternal glory to come, God consistently moves toward His people in grace. Richly theological yet warmly pastoral, A Christian’s Pocket Guide to the Presence of God is perfect for personal devotion, small groups, or anyone longing to experience the comfort, courage, and joy of God’s nearness. This book will deepen your understanding – and your awe – of the God who delights to dwell with His people.” (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books.)
1 Kings For You: Experience the Power of God’s Word by Tim Chester. “On the surface, we might feel that the church is being marginalised and our faith is being ridiculed. But God’s word is powerful and certain. Just as God’s word shaped the history of 1 Kings, it is alive and at work in the world today. In 1 Kings For You, pastor and theologian Tim Chester helps readers follow the kingship of Israel. He covers David’s death, Solomon’s wise reign and the building of the temple, and the struggle between King Ahab and the prophet Elijah. You will see how, despite the inconsistency of Israel’s kings, God is faithful. His word has the power to display his lordship, impart wisdom and change hearts. Ultimately, 1 Kings is the story of the true and better King, Jesus Christ, who came to earth to fulfil God’s word and reign for ever. God’s Word For You resources are accessible commentaries. They are designed for devotional reading or teaching prep, or to help you dig deeper into the Bible. Each commentary offers expository reflections on a book of the Bible and includes straightforward insights into history, culture and more.” (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books.)
Romans: Saved by Grace by Jen Oshman. “Choosing a Bible commentary can be a daunting prospect. With complex terms and dense exposition, many are tailored to scholarly theologians rather than everyday believers. And for those selecting resources in order to lead a small-group Bible study, speak at a women’s gathering, or simply grow in their knowledge of God’s Word, it can be hard to know where to start. With warmth and clarity, Jen Oshman makes in-depth Bible study accessible without diminishing the richness of God’s Word. Verse by verse, Oshman guides readers through the full ESV text of Romans to aid their personal study, group discussion, teaching, and outreach. In this well-loved epistle, Paul presents the gospel with deep theological insight and practical application across a wide array of topics, including salvation by faith, works righteousness, Jesus throughout Scripture, God’s heart for all nations, and more. Each volume in the Conversational Commentary series includes an engaging introduction, historical and cultural background, key themes, and suggestions for deeper study.” (Buy it from Amazon.)
Dust to Dust: Aging Wisely in an Anti-Aging World by Jen Wilkin. “The world tells us at every turn that aging is a steep descent into irrelevance, one to be avoided at all cost. This false story diminishes not only us but our elders and the time God gives us. But Scripture reveals a markedly different pattern of life, one of increasing value, that calls us to embrace our age and number our days rightly. In this extended exploration of aging, Jen Wilkin draws poetic parallels between the first half of life and the second. Exploring the changing realities of caregiving, abilities, and potentiality, she helps us to trace God’s give-and-take design at every stage. Wilkin offers practical insights on body image, honoring the elderly, the essential value of family, and more. She urges us to trade an anti-aging mindset for the pursuit of biblical wisdom, encouraging believers to lean into–not fight–their place in the true story of the arc of life.” (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books.)
The Path to Being a Missionary: A Guide for the Aspiring by Ryan Robertson & Matt Bennett. “Should I become a missionary? Many who ask this question have a genuine love for Christ and a desire to live out the Great Commission. Yet even good intentions can sometimes cloud the judgment of our abilities, and personal ambition can make it difficult to keep our eyes fixed on what is necessary for the glory of Christ and the building of his kingdom. The decision to pursue missions should not be shaped by impulse or idealism but by discernment, prayer, godly counsel, and immersion in the local church. In The Path to Being a Missionary, Ryan Robertson and Matt Bennett lay out practical advice and questions for readers as they consider if missionary work is the right fit for them. Through each concise chapter, readers will consider preparation for a life of service while honestly evaluating their character, convictions, and competencies. Rather than asking, Am I called? Robertson and Bennett urge men and women to ask the more important question: Am I qualified?” (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books.)
God with You: A 52-Week Devotional Through the Whole Bible for Teenagers by Rooted Ministry. “Today’s teenagers are all too familiar with fear, anxiety, polarization, and performance pressure. The demands of an increasingly virtual world coupled with the instability of a culture of outrage and angst has left our teens anxious and vulnerable. Crafted with this reality in mind, God With You is a 52-week chronological exploration of God’s story in Scripture. Teenagers will experience Jesus as the lifter of their burdens and the source of their rest and hope. Each of the fifty-five contributors is a youth minister, teacher, or parent skilled in communicating the gospel to teenagers. Daily entries are filled with warmth and reassurance—as if the writer is talking with a teenager about the Bible over coffee or pizza.” (Buy it from Amazon.)
Eastern Orthodoxy: Through the Lens of Sola Scriptura by Samuel S. Farag. “The rising trend of evangelicals converting to Eastern Orthodoxy calls for careful, biblical examination. What are we to make of the Eastern Orthodox Church? Are they our brothers and sisters in Christ? Has their faith truly been unchanged since the time of the apostles? In Eastern Orthodoxy: Through the Lens of Sola Scriptura, Pastor Samuel Farag, raised in the Coptic tradition yet graciously brought to the light of the gospel, examines these questions through the only sufficient, certain, and infallible standard of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience: the Word of God. If you or someone you know is intrigued by the appeal of Eastern Orthodoxy, this is an essential, biblically saturated guide.” (Buy it from Westminster Books.)
The Beauty of Prayer by Jeffrey D. Johnson. “Prayer is beautiful. It is one of the most precious privileges we have been given. Prayer is not our gift to God but His gift to us. Free access to the Father through the name of Christ by the power of the Spirit is a gift to be treasured above all other treasures. God works by, in, and through prayer. By prayer, we enter and enjoy fellowship with God. By prayer, we worship God. By prayer, our needs are set before God. By prayer, we participate in the work of God on earth. By prayer, we enter into God’s blessings. Without prayer, we shouldn’t expect to receive anything from God; with prayer, we should expect great things from God. To help us see the beauty of prayer, Jeffrey Johnson has provided us with a practical guide on praying with faith in accordance with God’s will in the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Buy it from Westminster Books.)
Let the Word Dwell Richly: The Vital Power of the One-Another Word by Tony Payne. “Since its publication, The Trellis and Vine—co-authored by Tony Payne and Colin Marshall—has been widely commended for its articulation of a clear ministry vision: every Christian committing themselves to the task of making and growing disciples. However, The Trellis and Vine proposed something more than just the conventional mantra of ‘every-member ministry’. It proposed ‘every-member word ministry’. Naturally, readers had questions. So Tony Payne set out to do more thinking and provide some answers. Nearly ten years and a PhD later, he has discovered two very surprising realities: firstly, how little theological reflection and writing there has been on this topic; yet, secondly, how extensively the Bible talks about it. In Let the Word Dwell Richly, Tony Payne brings a new rigour and depth to the ministry mind-shift that will revolutionize the effectiveness of the ministry we pursue in our churches.” (Buy it from Amazon.)
Warriors of the Word: Striving to Learn Christ in a Hostile World by Colin Marshall. “When was the last time you did some truly deep learning—not just memorizing some facts and figures to pass an exam, or discovering more about a hobby or personal interest, but the kind of profound learning that transforms the mind, penetrates the heart, and produces a renewed life? Being a disciple of Christ—a deep learner of Christ—has always been at the heart of the Christian life. But in a culture that pushes us to choose the path of least resistance, the idea of learning Christ is becoming a lost art. For those who fight against this trend and dedicate themselves to learning Christ, the rewards are abundant—and eternal. In Warriors of the Word, experienced pastor and author Colin Marshall provides a much-needed field manual to guide you in your lifelong pursuit of learning Christ. With his trademark inspiring yet accessible approach, Marshall reveals what the Lord Jesus calls us to learn as his disciples, why it’s worth the effort, and how this kind of deep learning can become part of your daily life.” (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books.)
Youth Ministry and the Vine: Disciple-Making for Student Ministry by Kyle Hoffsmith. “Do you want to build a youth ministry that lasts? Better yet, do you want to build young disciples of Jesus Christ who last—disciples who love the Lord, know the Bible, long to reach their friends, and are equipped to serve? In Youth Ministry and the Vine, experienced pastor Kyle Hoffsmith helps you evaluate your ministry in light of the eternal truths of the gospel. Building on the internationally recognized ministry framework of The Trellis and the Vine, Hoffsmith shows how and why to stay focused on young people without losing sight of the programs and structures required. Hoffsmith’s insights will help refresh your vision for what youth ministry can achieve and renew your passion for this most important work.” (Buy it from Amazon.)
George Washington’s Sacred Fire (Abridged Edition) by Peter A. Lillback. “George Washington—commander of the Continental Army and first president of the United States—shaped America’s history. What values and beliefs formed Washington’s godly character so that he has become one of the most revered figures in world history? Dr. Peter Lillback’s painstaking research into Washington’s journals, letters, manuscripts, and correspondence—and those of his closest family and confidants—reveal the deep role that faith, Scripture, and Christianity played in Washington’s private and public lives.” (Buy it from Amazon or Westminster Books.)
