June tends to be one of the low points in the year for Christian book releases. Yet this year was an exception, as we saw plenty of interesting books make their way to the stores. Here are some of the highlights of the books that crossed my desk. In each case, I included the editorial description from the publisher. (And yes, I know this is technically a day late, but it’s summer, so go easy on me.)
God’s Purposes in Our Pain: 10 Ways God Uses Suffering for Our Good by Kenneth Berding & Keith R. Krell. “Why does God allow his children to suffer? While we may not always learn the cause of a specific trial we face, Scripture does address the question ‘Why?’ with two compelling words: so that. God’s Word promises that God’s purposes will prevail in and through our suffering. God’s Purposes in Our Pain examines 10 powerful statements from 2 Corinthians that highlight how God transforms our suffering. Written for Christians struggling to understand why they experience grief, this book explains how suffering prepares us to strengthen others, rely on God’s provision, display the life of Christ, glorify God for his grace, and more. Each chapter is dedicated to an individual purpose and features illustrative stories and examples from Scripture, as well as reflection questions. Accessible and pastoral, this book helps us gain an eternal perspective as we endure pain and deepen our trust in the God who raises the dead.” (Buy it at 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 at Amazon.)
The Restoration of All Things: How the Promise of Christ’s Return Brings Us Comfort Today by Benjamin Vrbicek. “After decades of our sensationalizing the events described in Revelation through popular book series and movies, in many Christian circles today discussions about the end times are rare. Yet the writers of the New Testament frequently wrote and taught about the return of Christ—not so much as a frightening time of turmoil and judgment but as the ultimate happily ever after. Leaving behind fear and politicization, this pastoral exploration of the end times shows us why Christ’s second coming is a source of comfort, hope, and clarity, especially for those who are suffering. Rather than fixating on tribulation and the antichrist, this exploration of Christ’s return reveals how, in the end, there will be justice for the wronged, renewal for the broken, abundance for the famished, and rest for the weary. Most importantly, our faith will become sight. For anyone who is looking for hope and reassurance about the second coming and the end times (or just hasn’t seen how they’re relevant to life today) this book offers biblical answers and encouragement that will have you praying, ‘Come, Lord Jesus.’” (Buy it at Amazon.)
Hardwired for Forever: How an Eternal Perspective Empowers You to Live Your Fullest Life Today by Paul David Tripp. “You believe the right things. You’ve kept going, even when faith has felt more like a burden than a lifeline. But when life disappoints, you spiral. When the hard thing hits, you can’t find solid ground. And if you’re honest, most of your mood is shaped by how your week is going–not by what you say you believe about forever. That’s not a character flaw. It has a name: eternity amnesia. According to pastor and bestselling author Paul David Tripp, the problem isn’t that you’ve failed at faith. It’s that you’ve been asking right now to do what only forever can. When this life becomes the destination, every disappointment feels like a verdict. Every unmet expectation whispers that something is wrong–with you or with God. Hardwired for Forever names that struggle–and shows you a way through it.” (Buy it at Amazon.)
The Good News Family Devotional: 52 Weeks Through the Gospel of Mark by Michael J. Kruger & Melissa B. Kruger. “If you are like most parents, you may struggle to find the time to read the Bible for yourself, much less the time to instruct and train your children. That’s exactly why Michael and Melissa Kruger wrote The Good News Family Devotional. For each chapter in this 52-week journey through Jesus’s life, you’ll read a devotion written specifically for moms and dads, preparing you for your family discussion while encouraging your own study of Scripture. Then, you’ll find a clear, customizable guide for walking your children through this passage, along with specific questions for both younger and older children to engage the whole family, a one-sentence Big Idea for the Week that will aid your children’s memory and retention of key themes, and a family application question and closing prayer to help bring Christ’s teachings into your daily life together. Written for ordinary families with full schedules, this flexible, Christ-centered guide will help you engage your children with consistency and purpose. Let your hearts be refreshed each day as you meditate on the life and ministry of Jesus together.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
The Heart of Preaching: The Functional Centrality of the Gospel in the Life and Work of the Preacher by Mike Bullmore. “Preachers are gospel experts. They have dedicated countless hours to studying the good news during seminary courses and while preparing for sermons. They share its message with accuracy and confidence with the congregation every Sunday. It’s clear they have a strong biblical and theological understanding of the gospel, but what about a functional one? In The Heart of Preaching, author Mike Bullmore explores the functional centrality of the gospel to help pastors convey its power in a more tangible way. Bullmore draws on decades of pastoral experience to navigate common heart challenges, clarify nuanced definitions, and provide practical advice for sermon preparation, delivery, and planning. This book is a valuable resource for those who want to see the gospel animate not only their preaching but their pastoral ministry and the entirety of their Christian life.” (Buy it at Amazon.)
The Sinning Saint: Holiness, Sin, and Christ’s Transforming Gospel by Richard Chin & Jeanette Chin. “Sometimes the Christian life is a sweet embrace of God’s holiness. At other times, we seem so thoroughly poisoned by sin that we’re tempted to despair. Our sin can make us question if we’re really Christian, and the wrestle to put it to death can be so difficult that we wonder whether there is any hope of change. Richard and Jeanette Chin have spent years encouraging young Christians to find answers to these questions in the Scriptures. In The Sinning Saint, they share the awesome wonders of who God is, the sobering reality of who we are, and how Christ’s holiness defines us and empowers our daily battle with evil. Come with them to find hope for your worst days, rest for the weary soul, and practical ways to fight temptation. Discover how the gospel of Jesus can transform not just your thoughts and feelings but your whole life, both now and into eternity.” (Buy it at Amazon.)
Mediator: A Biblical Theology by Vern S. Poythress. “How can immoral people approach a holy and just God? Humanity’s only hope of overcoming the barrier of sin is through Jesus, the ‘one mediator between God and men’ (1 Timothy 2:5). This theme of mediation is at the core of the Old Testament. From animal sacrifices and altars to prophets, kings, and priests, each symbol conveys the authority, power, and presence of God. They are all, however, mere shadows of Christ, the one who will ultimately restore full access to the presence of God for everyone who believes in him. In this rich, accessible study, Bible scholar Vern Poythress studies mediatorial figures throughout Scripture and explains how the recurring theme of mediation fits into the plan of redemption. He walks through several examples—including people, angels, and objects such as the ark of the covenant—showing how they all culminate in Christ, the final prophet, king, and priest. This concise study will give readers a better understanding of the Old Testament, the greatness of Jesus, and their own callings to channel the word and power of God.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God by Cheryl Marshall. “You love Jesus. You want to live a life worthy of him. But in a world where we’re constantly pulled in different directions, what does it look like to live wholeheartedly for God? How can we worship him with every part of our lives? With all that we are? Long-time Bible teacher Cheryl Marshall carefully and realistically unpacks the glorious truths of Romans 12:1-2, exploring what it means to be a living sacrifice by the mercies of God. As you dwell deeply on God’s word and draw inspiration from women who worshiped throughout history, you’ll discover God’s transforming power to increasingly become the woman he created you to be: one who lives wholly and joyfully devoted to him. All of Me is a meaningful book to read on your own or with a friend, mentor or group as you spur each other on to live wholeheartedly for God. Go deep together with the study guide included at the back of the book.” (Buy it at Amazon.)
Jesus Will Meet You There: Finding Strength and Comfort in the Savior Who Understands by Kristen Wetherell & Sarah Walton. “Pain changes everything. It changes how people pray, how they hope, and how they relate to God. Many of us are walking through something hard: chronic illness, deep loss, lingering doubt, or a season that just won’t let up. Authors Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton know what that’s like. They’ve lived it too. This book journeys through the Gospels to meet Jesus in the ordinary and the hard places of life, inviting readers to experience his nearness in a new way. At the center of the Christian story is this astonishing truth: God does not stay distant from human suffering. Jesus took on flesh and stepped into the world—its limits, its grief, and its pain. Strength is not required to come to him. He has already come near. And even here, in the hard place, he is with us.” (Buy it at Amazon.)
Praying in Pain: How to Know You’re Heard When You Haven’t Been Healed by Glenna Marshall. “Praying in Pain is inspired by the words of the psalmists, fellow friends and saints of old, who understand loss, pain, and heartache. Taking the beautiful, honest words of the Psalms—words like, how long, hear me, heal me, help me, I trust you, I love you—Glenna composed The Sufferer’s Lament; this prayer gives words in those moments when it feels as if there are none. As Glenna takes the reader through this rich prayer, she shares guidance on who God is, how He works in suffering, and how to pray while we wait for Him. Readers will gain understanding of why God doesn’t always heal this side of heaven, how to pray as they wait in pain, and what good purposes the Lord might bring from their ongoing suffering. This prayer serves as a springboard for learning to pray Scripture. Praying in Pain is a light in the darkness and a balm to every hurting heart.” (Buy it at Amazon.)
Transforming Work by Simon Flinders and Paul Grimmond. “In Christian circles, there can be a lot of confusion about whether our work matters, and how our work relates to God’s work. The Bible paints a very rich picture showing us the unique significance of the Lord’s work, while also showing us all the valuable ways in which we exert ourselves in obedience to God—whether at home, for our employers, in study, in church, and in doing good. In Transforming Work, Simon Flinders and Paul Grimmond invite you to rethink the how and why of work by exploring what God tells us in his word, making sense of the Bible both praising work and lamenting it. They delve with warmth and insight into questions around relationships and responsibilities, and why ‘just get on with it’ and ‘work–life balance’ aren’t satisfying solutions to work difficulties. Ultimately, you’ll marvel with them at the day in history that transformed the meaning of your work forever. Whatever form of work God has set before you, Transforming Work will re-orient you so that your heart steers your hands in worship of God even in the most everyday of tasks.” (Buy it at Amazon.)
Honoring Dependent Parents: Biblical Decision-Making for Adult Children by Bill Davis. “How do we honor parents who depend on us in ways they never have before? Medical crises, complicated relationships, limited finances, differing values, and competing obligations create situations without easy answers. Guided by 12 biblical principles, elder and ethicist Bill Davis answers raw real-life questions and uses extensive case studies, based on dozens of interviews, to address a broad range of dilemmas. No matter your situation, here you will find scriptural wisdom and practical advice to guide your decision-making.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
