September is fading into October, but before the month becomes a distant memory, I’d like to tell you about some of the new books that it brought our way. Here are 16 new and notable titles that I hope will be of interest to you. In each case, I’ve included the publisher’s description.
Someone to Believe in: Embracing the Savior Who Stays the Same When Everything Else Changes by Courtney Reissig. “Where do you go when all that once stabilized your spiritual life suddenly shifts underneath you? When your faith is shaken and your leaders fail you? When you’re languishing in ministry burnout? When you’re grieving a friend who walked away from God? When the doubts, disappointments, and sufferings of this broken world tempt you to walk away from him too? Author and Bible teacher Courtney Reissig has wrestled with these questions. And when painful circumstances pulled down the trappings of easy Christianity and pushed her back against the wall of her faith, she had to decide. Will I walk away, or will I stay? And if I stay and wade through the rubble, what is left there to believe in? It is here in the hardest point of her story–in the season where trust was eroded and spiritual stability seemed elusive–where God met her. By opening her eyes to crucial and comforting moments in the Gospel of John, God made it clear: even in the most unstable and changing of times, there is One who stays the same. His name is Jesus Christ, and he’s someone to believe in. If you feel disoriented, doubting, grieving, exhausted, or shaken in your faith, open these pages, and encounter the steadying power of the unchangeable Christ.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Wisdom for Fighting Sin: A Five-Week Devotional Study by Amy Dimarcangelo. “The war within still rages—but we’re not left to fight alone. Designed for personal use or group study, Wisdom for Fighting Sin prepares believers for daily battle. Applying theological principles to everyday struggles and temptations, Amy DiMarcangelo equips women to practice biblical wisdom and grow in joyful, Spirit-empowered obedience. This study’s theological principles, devotional readings, and discussion questions will encourage you and strengthen you for battle. Designed as five-week studies for personal use or group study, books in the Rooted in Wisdom series help women to understand and navigate common experiences and stages of life. Each book equips the reader to practice true wisdom by biblically assessing her own unique circumstances before acting in the light of practical theological principles.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Made to Tremble: How Anxiety Became the Best Thing to Ever Happen to My Faith by Blair Linne. “Blair Linne can tell you exactly when the ground under her feet fell through. Starting in 2015, she experienced crippling anxiety and panic attacks that spiraled her down a staircase into a basement of dark discouragement and shame. Sometimes, the journey downward was so intense it landed her in the emergency room. Like many Christians, Blair knew she ‘should’ cast her frustrations onto God and process with him, but instead found herself crying out: ‘I. Don’t. Know. How!’ In the harrowing season that followed–through the episodes of terror, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, trembling, dizziness, chills, intrusive thoughts, and even the fear of dying–Blair learned just how quickly she would have to give up the typical quick fixes, simple answers, and theological band-aids she had previously relied on. … On this side of the valley, Blair has come to appreciate even the worst moments of her story, for it has given her a deeper understanding of what it means to be human, what it actually means to lean into the Lord, and what it looks like to walk with a limp and a love for fellow strugglers. With profound lessons learned on the other side, Blair now rejoices in her affliction, for it has taught her to tremble in a new way: in awe of God. With biblical reflection woven together with gripping narrative, journey with Blair in Made to Tremble and experience not only the God of Peace–but the peace of God.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Enjoying Jesus’s Bible: The Old Testament for Christians by Jason R. DeRouchie. “Three-fourths of our Christian Bible is Old Testament, and this was Jesus’s only Scripture. God led the prophets of old to write it ‘for our instruction’ and to serve us. This little book seeks to equip Christian laypeople to delight in the reality that the Old Testament is Christian Scripture. It attempts to be immensely practical by addressing: a) reading the Old Testament the way God intends (chapter 1); b) seeing Jesus where Scripture discloses him (chapter 2); c) hoping in all God’s promises for us (chapter 3); and d) living faithfully in relation to God’s law (chapter 4). In this accessible guide, you will discover how to make connections to Christ and practical application to the Christian life from every page of the Old Testament. Studying these texts within their close, continuing, and complete biblical contexts, you will see the books of the Old Testament the way God intends—as relevant parts of your Bible that God uses to make much of Christ and to help you live for him.” (Buy it at Amazon or Cruciform Press)
Old Testament Introduction: Back to Basics by Michael Barrett. “Interpret with clarity and preach with conviction. Dr. Michael Barrett blends scholarly rigor with practical applications, calling his approach “a new book from an old-school perspective.” His Old Testament Introduction will become an essential tool for students, pastors, and Bible teachers who seek exegetical precision and impactful insights. Forged by a seasoned evangelical scholar with decades in the classroom and the pulpit, Dr. Barrett’s work stands on this bedrock conviction: Scripture is God’s inspired Word. From that foundation, readers are equipped to tackle critical theories while understanding the timeless relevance of the Old Testament for Christians today.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Turn Your Eyes: A Bible Study on the Psalms by Winfree Brisley & Sharonda Cooper. “The Bible calls us to turn our eyes to Christ, allowing his presence to transform our lives. But amid our busy routines, constant distractions, and the pull of worldly temptations, it can be easy to lose sight of him. The Psalms offer a powerful and practical means of connecting with God. These ancient prayers and songs give voice to our emotions, allowing us to praise God for his grace and faithfulness, no matter our current circumstances. Turn Your Eyes offers a structured, step-by-step approach to help readers observe, interpret, and apply a wide variety of psalms. Over the course of 8 weeks, readers will explore 15 psalms, each week focused on a different key theme, such as wisdom, thanksgiving, lament, kingship, trust, praise, and more. By delving into the Psalms, readers will come to know and love the Lord and his word in new and deeper ways.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Sharing the Gospel with a Catholic Friend by Richard Baxter. “When someone says ‘I’m Catholic’, they aren’t necessarily telling you much about what they believe. With nearly 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, they are as diverse as the rest of us. Perhaps your Catholic friend is a Confused Connor who thinks good works will save him or a Born-Again Bobby who is truly trusting in Jesus. Perhaps she’s an Indifferent Ingrid who merely ticks ‘Catholic’ on the census form, or else a Doctrinal Danny who really knows his theology. How can you engage with each friend as an individual? Packed with useful things to consider and ideas for opening up conversations that focus on Jesus rather than debates, Sharing the Gospel with a Catholic Friend will equip you do just that.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Philippians (EP Study Commentary) by Peter Barnes. “‘For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain’ is surely one of the most startling, challenging, and comforting sentences ever uttered. Paul’s epistle to the Philippians plumbs the depths of what it means to live and die in Christ. Here we meet Paul in prison, yet joyful in all circumstances and grateful that God is at work, achieving his purposes. This is a warm, practical, and gospel-rich commentary designed to help everyday Christians engage deeply with Scripture. Written by Bible teacher Peter Barnes, this paperback edition brings Paul’s letter to life with clarity, insight, and relevance.Barnes skillfully draws out themes of joy, humility, unity, and perseverance—making this an encouraging and edifying read for anyone wanting to grow in Christ. Whether you’re studying on your own or leading a group, this commentary is a valuable tool for deepening your understanding of God’s Word and strengthening your walk with Him. The EP Study Commentary series is designed for ministers, theologians and serious students of the Bible. With John D. Currid as the series editor, EPSCs balance biblical scholarism with straightforward application, making them the ideal companion for pastors and Bible teachers.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
A Word Fitly Spoken: A Theology of Communication by Aaron Garriott. “Among all creatures on earth, human beings have the unique ability to communicate with words. Yet we were not the first to speak. God, whose voice formed the universe, created us in His image that we might share in His goodness. Therefore, our own words are anything but neutral—they’re a gift to be stewarded for the good of our neighbor and the glory of the Lord. In A Word Fitly Spoken, Rev. Aaron Garriott introduces the art of communication within its theological framework. It’s not until we understand that our God is a communicating God that we can approach conversation, public speaking, conflict management, digital media, and more with a biblical perspective. Beyond a how-to manual or a list of principles, this book underscores the purpose of our communication as Christians: communion with God and His people.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Look, Listen, Live: Cultivating Attention in a Distracted Culture by Aimee Joseph. “In an age of endless notifications and fractured focus, Aimee Joseph offers a profound exploration of how to cultivate meaningful attention in a world designed for distraction. Look, Listen, Live presents three transformative pathways – presence, beauty, and even pain – that can help us develop deeper attention to God and others. Drawing from Scripture, neuroscience, and personal experience, Joseph shows how our capacity for attention directly shapes our relationship with God and our ability to love others well. She demonstrates that attention is not just about focus and productivity, but about worship and relationship. Through practical guidance and theological insight, readers will learn how to: Move from scattered distraction to focused devotion; Use beauty as a pathway to deeper spiritual attention; Find meaning and growth through suffering; Develop habits that nurture sustained attention; and practice presence in an age of constant interruption.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist, Revised Edition by John Piper. “‘God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.’ This simple but powerful statement has been a cornerstone of John Piper’s ministry for nearly 40 years. Laying out the principles behind this ‘Christian Hedonism’ Desiring God has proved to be a source of rich theological insight for countless readers through the years, guiding them to the fullness of joy found in Christ. In this foundational work, John Piper addresses profound questions about the purpose of life and the human pursuit of pleasure. Drawing wisdom from Scripture and insights from church history, Piper challenges the belief that believers must sacrifice joy in order to please God. Instead, finding delight in God does not diminish his glory; rather, it magnifies it and fulfills the deepest desires of our souls.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Sing! Hymnal by Keith & Kristyn Getty. “Blending music and poetry, hymns beautifully bring Christian theology to life. With each verse, rich lyrics echo the timeless truths of Scripture and proclaim the unchanging message of salvation. For centuries, Christians have used these treasured resources in private and corporate worship, and The Sing! Hymnal now presents the profound beauty of hymnody to the next generation. Thoughtfully curated by award-winning hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty, The Sing! Hymnal hosts a collection of timeless classic and contemporary hymns, created to deepen worship and foster unity among God’s people through the power of song. Featuring liturgical readings, psalms paired with popular hymns, useful indexes, and a durable, scuff-resistant cover, this hymnal is perfect for equipping attendees during Sunday morning services.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Single Ever After: A Biblical Vision for the Significance of Singleness by Danielle Treweek. “Singleness is often viewed as a ‘plan B’ by our culture and the church, and sometimes by single people who feel they’re missing out on their ‘happy ever after’. Author Dani Treweek offers a thought-provoking reframing of popular conversations around singleness. Rich, nuanced, and witty, Single Ever After is an uplifting read that debunks some of the misconceptions surrounding singleness, marriage, and meaning. By diving deeply into key Bible passages, it answers questions such as ‘Does my singleness have a purpose?’ ‘What actually is the gift of singleness?’ and ‘Is marriage the only solution to feeling lonely?’ Reorienting you to the biblical significance of singleness, Treweek shows how the abundant life Jesus promises his followers applies to all believers. … Whatever your relationship status and however you currently feel about it, this biblical perspective on singleness will encourage and empower you. Married Christians will also learn more about how to help make church a community where single brothers and sisters thrive.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Here to Love: Recapturing the Centrality of Jesus’ Greatest Command by Chris Cipollone. “All you need is love. If you think that sounds too simplistic, you’re right… but you’re also wrong. Jesus’ command to love is simple! Yet living a life of biblical love for God and others is not always straightforward. With good humor, grace, and wisdom, author Chris Cipollone clarifies the why and how of love as the driving force in the life of a Christian. You’ll begin by delving into the simplicity of Jesus’ greatest command, exploring the Bible’s definition of love and how the call to love is at the core of your purpose and calling. Building on that foundation, you’ll explore the realities and complexities of love in many different areas of life. Here to Love will refocus your heart on the first principle of Christianity, giving you a simple and liberating vision for your relationships with others, your decision-making and your day-to-day worship of God. Questions for reflection or discussion are included throughout the book to amplify your understanding and application of biblical love.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Road Back to God: Faith for Men Dissatisfied by the Modern World by Joe Barnard. “In an age of unprecedented religious interest among men, Joe Barnard provides a compelling roadmap for those curious about Christianity but unsure where to begin. This thoughtful guide meets men where they are—often trapped in materialistic thinking and spiritual numbness—and leads them step–by–step toward authentic faith. Unlike typical religious texts, The Road Back to God doesn’t just provide information; it offers transformation. Barnard masterfully addresses the unique challenges modern men face, from intellectual skepticism to moral uncertainty, while guiding readers through ten crucial milestones on the path to faith. Through clear prose and relatable examples, he helps men navigate questions of meaning, purpose, and spiritual truth. Whether you’re a skeptic intrigued by Christianity’s resurgence, a seeker looking for answers, or someone simply dissatisfied with modern materialism, this book offers a fresh perspective on ancient wisdom. Barnard doesn’t shy away from difficult topics like sin, holiness, and the cross, but presents them in ways that resonate with contemporary minds.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Equipped to Evangelize: A Biblical Foundation by Rob Ventura. “Equipped to Evangelize is a comprehensive guide that brings clarity and biblical depth to the vital task of sharing the Christian faith. Drawing from three decades of experience, Rob Ventura outlines a practical and systematic approach to evangelism that both encourages and equips believers for this essential work. Through seven carefully structured chapters, Ventura addresses the fundamental questions of evangelism: why we should do it, who we should reach, what motivates us, and how to effectively share the gospel message. He combines scholarly insight with pastoral wisdom, making complex theological concepts accessible while maintaining their depth and significance. What sets this book apart is its balanced approach – firmly grounded in Reformed theology while remaining practically oriented. Ventura doesn’t just explain the theory; he shows you how to apply these principles in real-world situations. Each chapter concludes with thoughtful discussion questions, making it ideal for both individual study and group settings.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
