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 quite a number of books in January and narrowed the list down to the ones below. I have included the editorial description for each. I hope there’s something here that catches your eye!
The Goodness of God in the Gift of Scripture: 20 Meditations by Uche Anizor. “Do you view the Bible as a gift to open or a burden to carry? God―the source of every good and perfect gift―offers abundant promises in Scripture. But sometimes, studying his word feels more burdensome than rewarding. In order to delight in the Bible, believers should anticipate all of the blessings it contains, from the reassuring to the unexpected. Each of these 20 brief readings, based primarily on Psalm 119, focuses on an individual gift that God communicates through his word, such as warnings and wisdom that bring repentance. Readers will explore themes including righteousness, hope, freedom from shame, strength in affliction, and more. Author Uche Anizor pours years of ministry experience and in-depth biblical insight into a series of accessible meditations that help believers see the Bible as an extension of God’s mercy and love.” (Buy it at Amazon)
How to Build a Godly Marriage: 12 Principles for Flourishing and Lasting by Joel & Mary Beeke. “Is your marriage drifting into routine? Has joy given way to quiet distance? Is spiritual vitality absent? Rediscover the beauty and purpose of a Christ-centered union. Drawing on decades of pastoral and counseling experience, Joel and Mary Beeke offer twelve clear, biblical principles that strengthen love, deepen communication, and restore hope. Whether your marriage feels solid or strained, this short guide will help you pursue God’s glory together and increase your joy in the covenant you share.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Life After Life: Exploring the Bible’s Wonderful Promises About Heaven and Eternity by Philip De Courcy. “Today’s cultural imagination of heaven often involves little more than chubby cherubs in tunics, pearly gates, ethereal clouds, glowing halos, and ceaseless singing. But if that’s all heaven is, what hope and relevance could it possibly offer for our lives today? Fortunately, a biblical view of eternity offers us more. Way more. Life After Life is an informative and uplifting guide to God’s incredible promises about heaven and the wonders you will experience there. Through engaging stories, theological insights, and a deep knowledge of Scripture, Philip De Courcy reveals the powerful impact a heavenly mindset can make on your everyday life. Heaven can’t wait―it’s for right now. Discover how a clear understanding of the inheritance awaiting you in heaven can encourage you to toward greater spiritual growth and more abundant worship. As you learn to live with the eternal in mind, you’ll be empowered to face every life circumstance with more purpose, confidence, and joy.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Genesis: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary by T Desmond Alexander. “T. Desmond Alexander consolidates over four decades of research to present a fresh approach to the Bible’s first book. Genesis traces the promised seed that leads to the divinely promised king who will mediate God’s blessing to the world by reversing the curse. Alexander’s commentary offers a holistic reading of Genesis that takes seriously its literary structure and central themes while challenging popular misreadings. The Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) series locates each biblical book within redemptive history and illuminates its unique theological contributions. All EBTC volumes feature informed exegetical treatment of the biblical book and thorough discussion of its most important theological themes in relation to the canon―all in a style that is useful and accessible to students of Scripture.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Persecution in Missions: A Practical Theology by Matt Rhodes. “For more than a decade, Matt Rhodes has been a church planter in unreached Muslim countries. In that time, he’s risked illness, difficult living conditions, and physical danger. He’s also stood with new believers who were attacked for their faith in Jesus. Scripture tells Christians to expect trials in life. For missionaries, knowing God’s good purpose for pain is essential for enduring harsh conditions on the field. Persecution in Missions: A Practical Theology presents a scriptural view of suffering, including its role in the Christian life and in the missionary task. Rhodes tackles challenging topics, such as when to flee or face risk, how to minister to those suffering for Christ, and the dangers of downplaying or romanticizing persecution. Reassuring readers with God’s promises of redemption, this compelling study equips missionaries to face suffering and endure with joy.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Disentangled: Taming Your Thoughts and Feelings to Live Freely for Jesus by Jo Johnson. “Jesus calls Christians to live for him, but it’s hard! A tangle of distracting thoughts and painful emotions can trip us up and stop us from being the people we long to be. Christian neuropsychologist Jo Johnson pairs biblical insight with the tools of psychology to offer a freeing way forward. Through her positive, practical, down-to-earth perspective, you will better understand your inner life; learn to manage your thoughts, memories, desires and emotions; combat overthinking and gain emotional resilience; take charge of your behaviour by applying psychological tools and techniques; be encouraged to look to Jesus and rely on the help of the Spirit every day. Driven by the desire to become more like Christ, this book takes your inner struggles seriously while offering the hope of the gospel. You will be encouraged to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, fixing your eyes on Jesus as you run the race (Hebrews 12:1)! Each chapter concludes with action steps and prompts to worship.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Why We’re Feeling Lonely (and What We Can Do About It) by Shelby Abbott. “According to Forbes, 73% of young adults feel alone sometimes or always. But Christians have the opportunity to find genuine community and friendships. When you live life for Jesus, you have the ultimate comfort that he’s always alongside you. So why are you still feeling lonely? In this short, punchy book, you’ll explore specific reasons you and many others in Gen Z are fighting loneliness even as Christians. After each compelling diagnosis of what fuels detachment, you’ll unpack a solution rooted in God’s design for relationships and community. You’ll see how a better grasp of the gospel gives you an authentic sense of self in a world of filtered digital identities; How gospel friendships are an antidote to porn and a casual attitude to sex; How gospel empathy strengthens relationships in a culture of polarization and anger. How gospel involvement can help heal feelings of depression and anxiety. Why We’re Feeling Lonely (and What We Can Do About It) is written by Shelby Abbot, who has served in ministries for young adults for over 2 decades.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Invisible Grief: An Honest Conversation on the Pain and Loss of Unrealized Hopes, Dreams, and Good Desires by Drew Hensley. “In Invisible Grief, Drew Hensley opens an honest conversation about the pain and loss that comes from unrealized hopes, dreams, and desires. With raw vulnerability, biblical insight, and stories from real people, Drew shines a light on a form of grief that is often overlooked yet deeply felt. Whether it’s infertility, singleness, chronic illness, or any number of unmet longings, Invisible Grief guides you to identify and dismantle the lies that can entangle your heart; Find your true identity and worth in Christ, not your circumstances; See God’s purpose and promise, even in prolonged pain; Move forward with both joy and grief held in holy tension; Discover hope and healing in the context of gospel-centered community. If you’ve ever struggled with grief that feels unseen and invalidated by the world around you, this book is your invitation to feel seen, acknowledged and understood. Drew’s pastoral wisdom and personal story will assure you that you are not alone, and that in Christ, your grief is never wasted. Discover renewed hope for your weary heart in the pages of Invisible Grief.” (Buy it at Amazon)
The Way Home: Following Jesus from Now to Eternity by Graham Shearer. “Are you feeling spiritually lost or stagnant in your walk with God? In The Way Home, author Graham Shearer provides an inspiring guide for the Christian journey from start to finish. With biblical insight and practical wisdom, Shearer explores how we begin anew in Christ through faith, and how God transforms us into new creations as we persevere through challenges, temptations, suffering and doubts. He reminds us that God’s unfailing love and grace sustain us at every point between our new birth and our ultimate renewal. Engaging and deeply personal, The Way Home is an essential guide for any Christian traveller. Shearer’s words will reignite your devotion to Jesus and restore the wonder of walking with Him. If you long for spiritual renewal and a clearer sense of your identity and destiny in Christ, this book was written for you. Make your journey count by discovering the roadmap in The Way Home.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Thirty Second Theology: Questions and Answers to Build Your Faithby Sinclair Ferguson. “Are you ready to dive deep into your faith? 30 Second Theology is the guidebook you’ve been waiting for. This game-changing book breaks down the essentials of Christianity into bite-sized insights that will challenge your thinking and inspire your soul. World-renowned theologian Sinclair Ferguson tackles the big questions with wisdom and clarity. With short, engaging chapters that pack a punch, 30 Second Theology makes building a strong foundation in your faith both accessible and exciting. Ferguson’s down-to-earth approach will resonate with you, no matter where you’re at in your walk with God. Whether you’re just starting to explore Christianity or you’re ready to take your faith to the next level, this book is your ultimate guide. Get ready to uncover the timeless truths that will fuel your relationship with God and transform your life, one quick read at a time.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Humility Project for Men: The Way to Strength, Honor, and Contentment by Edward T Welch. “Humility might seem like the way of doormats and punching bags, but in reality, it is the path of a resilient, bold, sturdy, strong, even-tempered, and confident Christian. In these devotions, men will explore how to build lives that no longer need to teeter on fragile egos, but on something much firmer–the God who came to earth as the humble servant Jesus–our model and the source of humility. The Humility Project for Men begins with examining humility before God, teaching readers to aspire to and enjoy this calling from God to us. It then transitions to humility before others, offering practical guidance on listening, forgiving, showing compassion, and building unity. With concise daily readings and relatable examples, the devotional is ideal for individuals or groups seeking a structured yet flexible devotional experience.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
The Ministry of Small Things: Wisdom for Those Who Serve the Church by Reuben Bredenhof. “Christ can do a lot with a little—and he loves to bless his church through a pastor’s small acts of care. In thirty chapters, Reuben Bredenhof explores seemingly minor ministry activities and attitudes that can make a great impact on a flock. Celebrate God’s power at work through quiet, predictable faithfulness.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
