Even late in the year, we continue to see some excellent new books come our way. And, one way or another, most of them make their way to boxes on my front doorstep. I sort through all those books and try to distill them down to some of the most notable. Here are the ones that stood out to me this time around. For each, I’ve included the editorial description.
Power with Purpose: God’s Design for Power Dynamics in Marriage by David & Krista Dunham. “God gave you power. Do you know how to use it? Too many men and women aren’t sure what to do with the power they bring to a marriage. But this power is a gift from God! Biblical counselors Dave and Krista show you how to use your strengths to serve your spouse, how to craft a shared family vision that brings clarity to disagreements, and how to navigate tough conversations and situations—all so you can build a stronger marriage.” Paul Tautges says this about it: “Power with Purpose is a theologically grounded and pastorally wise resource that exposes the misplaced trust and self-reliance that are often underneath our craving for control. With Scripture as its foundation and Christ as its aim, this book helps believers pursue true transformation through repentance, humility, and faith in the sovereign grace of God. A valuable counseling tool.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Ecclesiastes: Chasing the Wind by Alistair Begg. “This study of Ecclesiastes helps participants face the apparent futility of this life and recognize the one true hope that can give it meaning. Trapped in a dark world without a clear a view of God, the writer of Ecclesiastes sought frantically for some light on the path—but indulging in everything this world had to offer left him empty and unfulfilled. After climbing high on life’s ladder, he made the tragic discovery that it was propped against the wrong wall. Cynical about life’s achievements, he rightly began to question whether anything mattered or it was all vanity. The Verse by Verse series, based on Alistair Begg’s expository Bible teaching and preaching, captures the heart of Truth For Life’s mission, providing yet another way to teach the Bible with clarity and relevance. Study participants will more fully grasp the value of God’s Word in their lives as they grow in their ability to read and understand Scripture before applying it in their walk with the Lord.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Amazed: 30 Days of Growing in Awe of God by Carolyn Lacey. “Building our awe of God takes our eyes and minds off ourselves and our problems and fixes them in amazement on the God who is almighty, everlasting, and ever-loving. This 30-day devotional shows how dwelling on God’s unique character can transform our own outlook on life and bring a greater reassurance of faith in the one we worship, leading us to praise him. Each devotion includes: a passage about our awesome God; a reflection on the passage; a practical thing to do and to pray in response to God’s word. As readers grow in awe, they will experience a deeper sense of godly perspective and trust as well as wonder and worship.” (Buy it at Amazon)
When Children Walk Away from Jesus: Comfort and Hope for Parents of Prodigals by Paul Mallard. “You did your best to raise your child to follow Jesus, but they walked away from him. Perhaps like the younger prodigal son in the Bible story, they embrace a rebellious lifestyle. Maybe, like the older son, they try to live a moral life apart from Jesus. In either case, they seem hopelessly far from God. Drawing on over four decades of pastoral experience, Paul Mallard shares practical wisdom and biblical truths that will give you comfort, courage, and hope in the gospel. You will be helped to: persevere in prayer; nurture loving relationships with your adult child; have courage as you share and reflect the gospel; process feelings of guilt and grief; cast your hope on the Lord. Gentle, practical, and honest, When Children Walk Away from Jesus offers renewal and support as you continue to point your grown-up child to the one who is mighty to save. Each chapter is followed by reflection questions that can also be discussed with a spouse or in a support group for parents of prodigals.” (Buy it at Amazon)
The Redeemed Man by various contributors including Joel Beeke, Kevin DeYoung, Richard D. Phillips, Daniel Doriani, and more. “In an age of cowardice and compromise, the church is asking one question: ‘Where are the men?’ The Redeemed Man prepares you to answer Christ’s call to become a man in His image—the kind of man the world needs. Featuring the contributions of trusted pastors, fathers, and husbands, this book answers the questions you’re asking as you strive to glorify God in your relationships, work, and spiritual life. Each author gives a unique perspective on the urgent need for men to lead in their homes, churches, and society—all while addressing the confusion surrounding manhood in a godless culture. Real manhood is redeemed manhood. Are you ready to answer the call?” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Historical Books, Volume 1: Joshua-Ruth by Barry J Beitzel. “Following Joshua’s conquest to the time of the judges: Study the land in which the stories of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth took place; Learn how geographic and cultural factors can provide theological insights; Visualize the promised land through full-color maps and photos. Joshua led Israel to conquer a real historic land, and the judges delivered Israel from real historic enemies. When we understand geographic and cultural features of the Bible, we experience its stories with fresh eyes. Why did Joshua attack the cities he did? Why are Dan and Beersheba so regularly paired? What is the significance of Samson’s battles in the Shephelah? Written by a team of experts on biblical geography and culture, the Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Historical Books, Volume 1, is a guide to the world of Israel in the promised land. Each article addresses a particular story, event, or subject in Judges through Ruth, with full-color maps and photos providing deeper layers of context. Historical and cultural insights give readers a richer understanding of the biblical story.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Ecclesiastes: A Discourse Analysis of the Hebrew Bible by Knut Martin Heim. “Designed for the pastor and Bible teacher, the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament features today’s top Old Testament scholars and brings together commentary features rarely gathered together in one volume. With careful discourse analysis and interpretation of the Hebrew text, the authors trace the flow of argument in each Old Testament book, showing that how a biblical author says something is just as important as what they say. Commentary on each passage follows a clear structure to help readers grasp the flow and meaning of the text: Canonical and Practical Significance; The Main Idea of the Passage; Literary Context; Translation and Exegetical Outline; Structure and Literary Form; Explanation of the Text. The Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament series is the go-to resource for pastors and Bible teachers looking for deep but accessible study that equips them to connect the needs of Christians today with the biblical text.” (Buy it at Amazon)
