Though the year is coming to its end, it’s not over yet! That means publishers still have some books to release—books we would not wish to overlook before 2025 gives way to 2026. Here are some of the ones I consider especially noteworthy. In each case, I’ve included the editorial description to give you a bit of information about it. I hope there’s something here that interests you.
What Is Wrong with the World?: The Surprising, Hopeful Answer to the Question We Cannot Avoid by Timothy Keller. “Everywhere we look, we see brokenness—wars, cruelty, and heartache. We feel it in the world around us and in our own lives. How did it get to be this way? During his tenure as founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, Timothy Keller explained on a weekly basis how the Bible provides the most comprehensive and sophisticated response to the fundamental questions of life. In What Is Wrong with the World?, based on a series of teachings given at Redeemer, Keller answers the title’s pressing question by revealing that the only thing that can account for the world’s pain and chaos is what the Bible calls sin. This clear-eyed and ultimately hopeful book reveals how sin is not simply a ‘bad’ thing we do but something much more subtle and complex, affecting our relationships, our thinking, and every aspect of our existence. And only when we recognize sin for what it is can we find the profound, life-transforming answer our souls long for. What Is Wrong with the World? is for anyone who: Feels overwhelmed at the state of the world; Battles with repeated mistakes and poor choices; Desires more than pat answers to difficult questions; Wonders how to know joy while still acknowledging pain; Wants to understand how God’s love gives hope even in the hardest of places.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology by Joel R. Beeke & Paul M. Smalley. “Theology is not just an academic subject. It’s a spiritual practice for every believer, even those who feel too busy for rigorous study or aren’t advanced readers. To make theology accessible to a wider audience, Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley have combined content from Reformed Systematic Theology into one abridged book. Richly biblical, faithfully doctrinal, warmly experiential, and consistently practical, Essentials of Reformed Systematic Theology ministers to the whole person―head, heart, and hands. Featuring shorter chapters, less technical language, and chapter summaries, this guide includes material from all 4 volumes of Reformed Systematic Theology: Revelation and God (volume 1); Man and Christ (volume 2); Spirit and Salvation (volume 3); and Church and Last Things (volume 4). Drawing on the historical theology of the Reformed tradition, Essentials of Reformed Theology helps readers of various ages and educational levels grow in their understanding and application of the truth presented in God’s word.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Christians Reading Classics: An Introduction to Greco-Roman Classics from Homer to Boethius by Nadya Williams. “Can Christians today read the great classics of Greco-Roman pagan literature for spiritual formation and growth in the virtues? Classical scholar Nadya Williams responds with an unequivocal ‘Yes!’ Even in the Late Roman Empire Christian readers, like Augustine and Boethius, did just this. But reading the classics this way requires reading differently than, perhaps, most people today are used to doing. This is a book about reading the Greco-Roman classics as Christians–the why, the how, and to a lesser extent, the when. This exercise, equal parts intellectual and spiritual, is timely. Just as our bodies are what we eat, so are our minds what we consume. The past few years have seen the appearance of books on the value of literature in nourishing our minds and souls–developing the practice of reading not just the Bible but all that we read for spiritual formation. Most such books have focused largely on medieval and modern literature, involving antiquity only occasionally. Almost two thousand years ago, as Christianity was first beginning to spread in the Ancient Mediterranean world, the gospel came to believers who had grown up hearing and reading the great works of pagan literature and seeing the pagan gods everywhere around in their world, saturated as it was with pagan gods in literature, public and private art, coins, and more. The joy in encountering Jesus and learning of his love for all sinful humanity, stood out particularly starkly against the cruelty of the pagan worldview that comes through so clearly in the myths. And yet, they too could see hints of truth and spiritual longings for salvation in those myths.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Spirit-Filled Singing: Bearing Fruit as We Worship Together by Ryanne J. Molinari. “Music can be a source of tension in many churches. Whether driven by preferences for specific styles, popular trends, or traditional practices, corporate worship can feel more divisive than unifying. How can we cultivate worship that honors God and strengthens his church in the midst of these challenges? Spirit-Filled Singing offers a biblical framework to help believers engage in musical worship with greater intentionality and gospel-centered purpose. Drawing insight from Galatians 5 and Ephesians 5, author Ryanne J. Molinari explores how singing and the fruit of the Spirit share a common purpose—to glorify God and edify his church. Through concise, thoughtful chapters that explore each fruit of the Spirit, this book invites readers to examine their worship practices, assess the condition of their hearts, and grow in Christlikeness through song.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Addiction and the Local Church by Andy Constable & Mez McConnell. “In this groundbreaking book, Andy Constable and Mez McConnell draw on decades of frontline ministry experience to offer a biblical framework for understanding addiction and caring for those trapped in its grip. Challenging simplistic views of addiction as merely a choice, disease, or emotional response, the authors present a holistic biblical perspective that addresses addiction as a sinful habit that enslaves and destroys. With unflinching honesty and deep compassion, they explore how addiction intersects with our relationship with God, others, and creation. Addiction and the Local Church provides practical wisdom for churches seeking to: Reach those battling substance abuse; Disciple new believers with addiction backgrounds; Train former addicts for kingdom service; Persevere through inevitable setbacks. The authors share powerful real-life stories of transformation alongside biblical insights, making a compelling case that the local church—equipped with the gospel, healthy community, and biblical discipleship—is uniquely positioned to offer what addicts truly need: not just recovery, but spiritual transformation.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Living Faith: A Theology of James by Robert L. Plummer. “Genuine Christian faith shows itself in the spiritual fruit of a transformed life. No New Testament book makes this reality more clear than the epistle of James. Known for its practical wisdom, the book of James offers a concise reflection of Jesus’s teachings, challenges our everyday actions, and provides clear guidance for building a life upon his words. In this volume of the New Testament Theology series, Robert L. Plummer explores the central themes and theology of James, offering insightful connections between this epistle and the broader narrative of Scripture. Through thoughtful and engaging analysis, Plummer examines 6 key themes—Jesus Christ, faith and works, trials and temptations, poverty and riches, speech and anger, and prayer and perseverance. Living Faith will ultimately help readers gain a deeper understanding of this beloved letter and its important relevance to Christian life.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Job (Reformed Expository Commentary) by Douglas Sean O’Donnell. “The book of Job is a masterwork of poetic literature. Where else do we find an epic tale of human tragedy and divine comedy that includes a courtroom scene and a surprise ending? But the book of Job is much more than a literary masterpiece. It is a story of a just and sovereign God—and a righteous suffering servant who foreshadows the Suffering Servant of perfect holiness. In this lively commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell demystifies a sometimes intimidating task as he demonstrates how to explain, illustrate, and apply biblical poetry. Most crucially, he shows how attentive readers can move from Job to Jesus as they receive and apply the truths of Scripture. As are all Reformed Expository Commentaries, this book is accessible to both pastors and lay readers. Each volume in the series gives careful attention to the biblical text, is doctrinally Reformed, focuses on Christ through the lens of redemptive history, and applies the Bible to our contemporary setting.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Suffering of a Child: A Family’s Journey through Childhood Terminal Cancer by Heather So. “This is a raw, profound journal chronicling the author’s experience during her 5-year-old daughter Emily’s battle with terminal brain cancer. It’s written with unflinching honesty from within the storm of crisis, an intimate account exploring one of the cruellest experiences a parent can face—witnessing their child’s suffering and death. Through carefully arranged thematic reflections, So examines how Emily’s illness affected every relationship in their orbit: mother and child, husband and wife, sisters, healthcare providers, and community. The journal captures both the crushing weight of grief and the unexpected moments of grace that emerged from their darkest days. The book grapples with difficult existential questions about faith, meaning, and purpose when confronted with seemingly senseless suffering. It offers no easy answers but instead documents the author’s authentic spiritual journey through doubt, anger, and eventual acceptance.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Creation: An Introduction by Tyler R. Wittman. “Why did God create the world ‘out of nothing’? What does this reveal about his majesty? How, as created beings, should humanity respond? In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, professor Tyler R. Wittman carefully examines the doctrine of creation, explaining the relationship between God and creatures, the nature and end of creatures, and how God fulfills his creation in the worship Christ leads in his church. Wittman presents the creation account as a hymn, examining its literary structure and poetic imagery. He then explores creation as like a great ‘song’ of its Creator. With helpful visuals and key definitions, this accessible study invites readers to delight in God’s beauty and respond liturgically in worship as they await the ‘new song’ of redemption.” (Buy it at Amazon)
1 Corinthians by David I. Starling (Second Edition). “Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians is one of the most important epistles in the New Testament. David Starling’s thoughtful commentary engages contemporary scholarship while providing a readable study that will be accessible to students and pastors as well as scholars. As with all volumes in the award-winning BECNT series, this informative, balanced commentary features: detailed interaction with the Greek text, extensive research, chapter-by-chapter exegesis, a blend of scholarly depth and readability, and an acclaimed, user-friendly design. After considering the context of the letter and the social and cultural setting of Corinth, Starling turns to his exegetical work. An introduction to each major unit of thought is followed by the author’s own translation of the Greek text. In the course of his commentary, Starling incorporates references to other ancient writings that help explain particular aspects of Paul’s meaning or provide information on the social and cultural context.” (Buy it at Amazon)
