As you know, I like to do my best to sort through the new Christian books that are released each month to see what stands out as being not only new but also particularly notable. I received many new books in March and narrowed the list down to the ones below. I have included the editorial description for each. I have also appended a brief list of books that will be coming our way in April.
| Help! I’m Ruining My Kids “Are you worried that, despite your best efforts, you’re messing up your kids? Help! I’m Ruining My Kids is your invitation to trade defeat and fear for hope and joy as you follow the biblical road map to becoming the mom you’re meant to be. We all desperately want to be good mothers who produce good humans, but our flaws and habits get in the way. We’re reactive when we want to be intentional. We check out when we need to be engaged. And at the end of a long day, our minds are often flooded with thoughts of self-condemnation. Author and mother Abbey Wedgeworth has been there too. But she has an important message to share with fellow moms: Nothing is beyond redemption–not you, not your experience of motherhood, and not your kids’ experience of your imperfections. In Help! I’m Ruining My Kids, Abbey invites you to journey with her toward a place where God’s grace frees you from a guilty conscience, his compassion ministers to your past and present hardships, and his Spirit transforms you to look more like Jesus.” |
| The Way of Repentance: Embracing God’s Gift for a Transformed Life “People don’t usually associate the word ‘repentance’ with happiness, but Scripture says it’s cause for celebration. Angels rejoice over sinners who repent. A once heartbroken father threw a party for his prodigal son. True repentance is ‘coming home’ to find joy in God. Why do so many people today view it as a burden? Pastor Chris Brauns explains that deep, abiding gladness comes when we grieve sin and turn toward Jesus. This thorough study of repentance examines the Old and New Testaments as well as the Westminster Shorter Catechism. It is made practical with reflection questions, prayers, and advice for daily sanctification. As readers apply biblical principles, they will experience life-giving joy in their spiritual lives and restoration in their relationships.” |
| Considering Sparrows: What Birds Teach Us About Who We Are, Where We’re Going, and the Joy of Following Jesus “Birds don’t just sing—they preach. Pastor and birder Kevin Burrell takes readers on a one-of-a-kind journey of theology, nature, and wonder that reveals God’s truth through the lives of birds. The world is loud, life is fast, and wonder is slipping through the cracks. But Jesus gave a simple command—consider the birds. Pastor and birder Kevin Burrell takes that call literally, weaving together the beauty of creation, the depth of Scripture, and stunning illustrations from artist Aedan Peterson in a way that is insightful and delightfully unexpected.” |
| Unfolding Redemption: The Heart of the Gospel in the Story of Old Testament History “Do you find the Old Testament historical books challenging or confusing? Have you ever struggled to get through these sections of God’s Word or wondered why they matter for us today? Many of us view the Old Testament as something we read simply because we’ve been told it’s good for us. But when we uncover the unfolding story of redemption within these books, we see a theological vision that points us to Jesus. Unfolding Redemption helps readers trace God’s story of redemption through the historical books of the Old Testament and discover its fulfillment in Christ. As readers dive deeper, they’ll gain a richer understanding of the gospel and see its vibrant connections throughout Scripture. This book makes the theology of the Old Testament accessible and approachable, showing how these books fit together to tell a larger story that culminates in Christ.” |
| Crying Out to God: Experiencing Grace Through Psalms of Lament “What do we do with our pain? So much in our world is simply not right: Disease. Death. Destruction. But we don’t have to look to the news to know that things aren’t okay. Our neighborhoods, our churches, and even our families ache with the everyday troubles of this life. Whether our response is rage or tears or numbness, the Bible offers an avenue for our pain: lament. In Crying Out to God, Wendy Alsup uses psalms of lament to give words to our often-wordless cries. During this eight-week study, we learn that God not only allows our complaints about all that is not right, but he also welcomes our protests and tears. And we discover that God meets us in our lament, giving us his remarkable grace and provision in our time of need.” |
| What Is Critical Theory?: A Concise Christian Analysis “Critical theory was born over a century ago. Created to foster social transformation, this emerging theory would soon influence universities, politics, and pop culture across the globe and spark tense debates between groups across the sociopolitical spectrum. But what exactly lies at the heart of critical theory, and how should Christians engage with this controversial perspective? To answer these questions, we must examine the history, philosophy, and ideas of the thinkers who shaped its development. This book offers a balanced and thoughtful analysis of the core principles and implications of critical theory, as well as the published works of its key philosophers and their views concerning biblical themes, including creation and reality; sin and the human dilemma; and redemption, history, and eschatology. Through his concise Christian perspective, Bradley G. Green helps readers articulate what critical theory is—a view of human nature in opposition to the gospel narrative.” |
| Together for Good: A Couple’s Guide to Thriving in Christian Ministry “Christian ministry can be wearying to the soul—and challenging to a marriage. But it’s never too late to build up resilience and make repairs. This book invites honest dialogue and self‑assessment through seven paced sessions for ministry couples to work through together. Guided by pastor and counselor Justin Smith, you’ll confront your unique ministry and marital challenges, identify ways to make both more sustainable, and cultivate a deeper, stronger relationship with your spouse.” |
| The Hope of the Resurrection: How Jesus’s Defeat of Death Changes Everything “Jesus’s resurrection happened centuries ago, but evidence shows it is at the center of everything that is true, good, and beautiful today. These 3 attributes—or transcendentals—provide a simple framework for understanding reality, including Christ’s victory over death and why it matters for your life. In this approachable study, New Testament scholar Patrick Schreiner explains the history, apologetics, theology, and ethics of the resurrection. First, he examines moral arguments and the death-to-life cycles in nature that point to Christ’s resurrection. Next, Schreiner explores the theology of the empty tomb, including the new life in heaven that awaits believers. Finally, he reflects on the beautiful ways Jesus’s death validates, personalizes, and ultimately ends your suffering. You will be inspired to pursue resurrection in your own life, dying to sin to experience abundant renewal in Christ. This short, engaging book is perfect for outreach and discipleship. Churches are encouraged to share it with groups during Easter services and year-round as a small-group resource.” |
| The Sight of Christ: 90 Days with the Puritans “The Sight of Christ offers ninety brief daily readings designed to help Christians pause, reflect, and turn their hearts toward Christ. Each meditation is short enough to read in minutes, yet rich enough to shape prayer, thought, and affection throughout the day. Every reading follows a simple, dependable pattern: a carefully chosen line from historic Christian writing, pastoral reflection, and relevant Scripture. The result is devotional reading that is thoughtful without being heavy, and spiritually nourishing without being demanding. Written with clarity and warmth, these meditations are especially well suited for busy Christians who want more than inspirational sentiment but less than extended theological study. Over time, they aim to cultivate reverence, steadiness, and a deeper love for Christ in the midst of ordinary life.” |
| TransFormed: The Power of God’s Word and God’s People in One Woman’s Journey through Gender Confusion, Reassignment Surgery, and Detransitioning “If you’re wondering if God is still working in this world through his Word, his Son, and his Church to transform lives, heal wounds, clarify confusion, and change futures, look no further than Kyla Gillespie. Kyla is a Canadian-born biological female who realized at a young age that she was drastically different from other girls. The teen years proved particularly difficult as she navigated a broken family, a passion for hockey, taking her first drink, and a struggle with gender dysphoria and same-sex attraction―all while wondering what it might mean to follow Christ. Ultimately, her confusion through gender and sexuality led her to surgically transition from female to male by the age of 31. In this gripping memoir, Kyla shares her own lived experience of encountering the Scriptures and the Church in ways that made all the difference as she wrestled with these questions. By the power of Jesus working though his Word and His people who sacrificially walked beside her through the twists and turns of the journey, Kyla now testifies that she’s been TransFormed―not only in her transition from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light, but also in the transition back into her God-given gender.” |
| Joy of Heaven: Prayers of the Church “Covering a span from the early 1700s to the early 1900s, Joy of Heaven captures prayers from dedicated believers who lived out their faith in a rapidly changing world. In the midst of upheaval there also came a spirit of revival, particularly during the times we call the First and Second Great Awakenings. The early evangelicals prioritized holy living, seeking God in his word, and sharing their faith. Their prayers are arranged by topic and time―whether praise or petition, morning or evening―so that your prayer life can be interwoven with the rich tapestry of prayers of faithful Christians from the past. By praying along with Amy Carmichael, Charles and Susannah Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, John and Charles Wesley, and many others, we learn from those who came before us and build a stronger connection with our heritage–as well as to the Lord who spans the centuries.” |
| NIV Spiritual Habits Bible “Christians are called to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. The NIV Spiritual Habits Bible helps develop a gospel-centered life that is both attainable and sustainable. With book introductions and enough daily readings for an entire year, this Bible gives readers practical and achievable techniques to build godly habits that will enhance their walk with God. The NIV Spiritual Habits Bible includes 365 biblically based articles. Each article focuses on one of 30 habits based on that day’s Scripture reading, such as prayer, obedience, sanctification, character formation, faithfulness, gratitude, stewardship, rest and others. Every daily article also includes a simple and practical takeaway to reinforce godly habits as part of everyday life.” (Note: This is a reprint/refresh of the NIV Lifehacks Bible.) |
It is worth noting as well that this month also saw the release of two new volumes in the excellent Preaching the Word Commentary series: The Minor Prophets: Seek the Lord and Live by Paul R. House & Stephen M. Coleman and 2 Kings: The Truth about Our Troubled World by John Woodhouse.
Coming in April
Meanwhile, here are a few books I am looking forward to in April:
- The Desecration of Man: How the Rejection of God Degrades Our Humanity by Carl Trueman
- Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: A Gospel Call to Bold Enjoyment by Ray Ortlund
- The Lord Saves Me: 40 Christ-Centered Family Devotions from the Psalms by Iain Duguid
- Using Authority Well: A Concise Guide for Men by Jonathan Leeman
- This Was Never the Plan: Walking with God Through the Heartache of Divorce by Vaneetha Rendall Risner
- The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places by Cara Ray
- Who Am I and What Am I Doing with My Life?: Finding Stability and Purpose in Jesus by Justin Poythress
- If You Will Diligently Listen: Hearing God’s Voice in Scripture by Michael Sciarra
