As one month fades into another, I want to make sure you’re up-to-date on some of the noteworthy new Christian books that released in July. In each case I have provided the editorial description so you can learn a little bit about it. There are some great books to look through!
Turning the World Upside Down: Lessons for the Church from Acts 1–8 by Iain M. Duguid. “In their eagerness to share the gospel, modern churches can focus on the wrong things, such as political influence, attendance numbers, or ministry techniques. This is nothing new. In the book of Acts, even Jesus’s disciples wondered which of these earthly methods he would use to establish God’s kingdom. But Jesus taught his followers then—and continues to teach us today—how the church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, will take the gospel to the nations. In this accessible exposition of Acts 1–8, Iain Duguid explores the continuing work of Jesus after the ascension. Drawing practical lessons from the life of the early church, as well as his own 30 years as a church planter, Duguid encourages believers today toward gospel-driven, Spirit-filled mission. In a culture that is increasingly hostile toward Christianity, Turning the World Upside Down equips ordinary Christians to witness to the eternal power of the gospel.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Redemption Song: A Primer on Singing for the People of God by Sean DeMars. “Drawing from the ancient Song of Moses, this transformative guide takes you on a journey to discover the heart of authentic Christian worship. Moving beyond the tired ‘contemporary vs. traditional’ debates, the book explores eleven powerful insights that will reshape how you think about singing in church. Whether you’re a passionate worship leader or someone who struggles to engage in corporate singing, this book meets you where you are. Through careful biblical analysis and practical wisdom, it shows how singing isn’t just a warm–up for the sermon—it’s a vital act of worship that engages our whole being: mind, heart, and imagination. Written with pastoral warmth and theological depth, this primer on congregational singing will help you move from merely mouthing words to experiencing the deep joy of praising God alongside your brothers and sisters in Christ.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families by Sandra Peoples. “An estimated one in 5 households has a child with a disability. Many of these families miss out on church due to a lack of physical or social accommodations. And while ministry leaders want to help, they often don’t know how to with limited space, budget, and trained volunteers. Churches must understand the challenges that disability families face so they can remove barriers to biblical fellowship. Sandra Peoples, a disability ministry consultant and professor, has equipped hundreds of churches, large and small, to reach children and teens who have various cognitive disabilities, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and behavioral and mental health diagnoses. Caring for disabled family members of her own, she understands what it takes to create a welcoming, inclusive space that supports children with a variety of diagnoses into adulthood. Through expert advice and practical examples, she shows ministry leaders how they can make their spaces—and the gospel—accessible to all.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Lost Gifts: Miscarriage, Grief, and the God of All Comfort by Brittney Lee Allen. “I felt life perish from within my body three times. I had children, I just never got to hold them or know them or kiss them. My life looked no different from the outside. But inside, I was heartbroken and confused. Losing a baby in the womb is common, but that doesn’t make it any less painful. The grief of losing any child feels unbearable. Lost Gifts: Miscarriage, Grief, and the God of All Comfort laments the grief of miscarriage, discovers God’s gifts in spite of loss, and remembers our Good Shepherd, who weeps with those who weep. When we suffer, we are invited into deeper communion with Jesus. In the pain of miscarriage, we learn to treasure our suffering Savior who holds us.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
1 & 2 Samuel: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary by Harry Hoffner Jr. “This two-volume commentary on 1 & 2 Samuel presents renowned scholar Harry A. Hoffner Jr.’s final work. An expert Hittitologist, Hoffner brings his understanding of ancient Near Eastern cultures to the text of 1 & 2 Samuel, providing an enduring commentary. After the period of Judges, the books of 1 & 2 Samuel continue the narrative sweep of Israel’s history, covering the life of the prophet Samuel, the rise and fall of King Saul, and the reign of God’s chosen king, David. Hoffner examines these books in their historical context and considers how they anticipate a coming perfect king, God’s true Anointed One.” (Buy it at Amazon)
1 & 2 Kings: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary by John Oswalt. “In this detailed two-volume commentary on 1 & 2 Kings, John N. Oswalt highlights the prophetic value of Old Testament narrative. Israel’s fate is tied to its kings, and particularly whether they treasure or disregard God’s revelation. A faithful king cultivates a faithful people. But when kings stray from God’s commands, God sends prophets to call them back to repentance. The kings of Israel and Judah persist in ignoring God’s word. Faithful to his word, God brings judgment on the north and the south. But despite Israel’s covenant failure, the narrative ends with a flicker of hope that God will fulfill his word to David. Oswalt explains the books of 1 & 2 Kings and reveals their prophetic voice for modern life.” (Buy it at Amazon)
In the Beginning Was the Word: Finding Meaning in the Literary Structure of the Gospel of John by James Hamilton. “You may have heard the saying that the Gospel of John is shallow enough for a child to wade in, yet deep enough for an elephant to swim–meaning that any literate Christian can adequately understand it, but there is depth of meaning below the surface that is well worth the effort to explore. In the Beginning Was the Word invites you to go deeper. Like an expert diving instructor, pastor and biblical scholar James M. Hamilton Jr. gives you the tools and training necessary to discover the theological treasures found in the literary structure undergirding John’s Gospel. Covering both the overall structure of the book, as well as key repetition of terms, phrases, concepts, and themes, Hamilton helps you understand what John wanted his readers to understand about Jesus’s claims of Old Testament fulfillment, his human and divine natures, the triune nature of God, and more.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
When You Don’t Have the Words: Praying the Psalms by Reed S. Dunn. “God wants to hear from us. So he gave us the Psalms. Sometimes we can’t find the right words to express our grief, longings, or even our joy. But in the Psalms, God gives us words to give back to him. The Psalms are deep and vast, speaking from every season of the soul. As we pray the Psalms, they form us. They teach us how to pray and what to pray. In When You Don’t Have the Words: Praying the Psalms, Reed S. Dunn shows how the Psalms enrich our prayer lives. Dunn gives a deeply practical guide, relating to the challenges we face with praying the Psalms, and highlighting how they can reshape and enliven our prayer.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul by David Mathis. “We live in an age dominated by screens. For many, life is sedentary, and it’s become increasingly difficult to prioritize physical activity. Quietly conformed to this new normal, they feel sluggish and unmotivated. Others, however, have become entangled in a fitness culture that prioritizes the self, fuels pride, and coddles idolatry. Is it possible to make exercise holy? A Little Theology of Exercise explores how stewarding our bodies can serve the soul, honor God, and bless others. Combining biblical texts with practical guidance, pastor and author David Mathis encourages readers to embrace modest exercise as a way to deepen their knowledge and enjoyment of Christ and then reflect his love in the world. By placing Christ at the center of physical training, readers will discover a greater joy in exercise and an even deeper joy in their relationship with God.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Daily Calvinism: A 30-day Devotional Connecting the Doctrines of Grace with Everyday Life by Blake Long. “Calvinism is beautiful. The doctrines that make up the acrostic TULIP are sweeter than honey. From the reality of our corruption to the preserving power of God in our sanctification, the doctrines of grace are a balm to our weary souls when life gets treacherous. This is real doctrine for real life. Calvinism is extremely practical, and it’s high time for us Christians to understand that.” (Buy it at Amazon)
