June tends to be one of the low points in the year for Christian book releases. That said, even though there may have been fewer books released this month, there were still plenty of good ones. Here are some of the highlights of the books that crossed my desk. In each case, I included the editorial description from the publisher.
John Calvin’s Illustrated Institutes, Knowing God and Knowing Ourselves by Martin Patrick Williams & Joy Williams. “Few works of theology have been as influential as John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. Now readers of all ages can enjoy its rich doctrine in a brand-new, lively, and welcoming format that remains faithful to the original text. Join Theo and Geneva as Calvin takes them on a life-changing, exuberantly illustrated journey through time and space. They’ll learn: why it’s so important to know God; why we must see ourselves in the light of God’s majesty; why all humans are inherently religious; why corrupted religion grows dangerous fruits; why we can know God through creation and providence; Includes chapter summaries and questions for discussion and meditation!” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Baptised With Heavenly Power: The Holy Spirit in the Teaching and Experience of D.Martyn Lloyd-Jones by Philip H. Eveson. “This groundbreaking study examines D. Martyn Lloyd–Jones’s theology of the Holy Spirit, particularly focusing on his controversial teaching about the baptism of the Spirit, revival, and the relationship between Word and Spirit in preaching. Drawing extensively on Lloyd–Jones’s sermons, lectures, and previously unpublished materials, Philip Eveson demonstrates that Lloyd–Jones stood firmly within the Reformed tradition while emphasising the experiential aspect of Christianity that characterised early Calvinistic Methodism. The book provides fresh insights into Lloyd–Jones’s thinking by exploring his medical background, his Welsh Methodist roots, and his profound engagement with Puritan writers. It carefully analyses his understanding of Spirit baptism, assurance, and revival, showing how his position differed from both Pentecostalism and cessationism.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Restless Devotion: An Urgent Call to Godward Discontentment by Nick Thompson. “Burdened over your lack of devotion? Unaware of God’s resources to overcome spiritual complacency? In Restless Devotion, Nick Thompson contends that God uses the book of Psalms to counter the satanic lullabies that lull us to sleep by forming and reforming the desires of our heart. Thompson considers seven choice psalms to show how these inspired songs are intended to awaken within us a restless hunger for God, His word, His salvation, His house, His restoration, His mission, and His vindication. Read and pray through these psalms with Pastor Thompson to learn the language, content, tone, and emotion of one who longs to delight in God.” (Buy it at Amazon)
The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones by Clare Morell. “It’s no secret that addictive digital technologies like smartphones and social media apps are harming a generation of kids socially, mentally, and even physically. But a workable solution seems elusive. After all, don’t kids need phones, and won’t they be vulnerable or socially isolated without tech? Clare Morell, fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and director of its Technology and Human Flourishing Project, argues that the answer is no. She exposes the lies parents have been sold about managing the dangers of tech through parental controls and screen-time limits, and demonstrates that another way is possible—even if your children are already using smartphones or social media. The Tech Exit maps a doable pathway to freedom from digital technology for families, local communities, and society. Drawing on dozens of interviews with experts and with families who have gone tech-free, as well as Morell’s own work as a policy expert, The Tech Exit shows how digital technology is anything but necessary for children to live happy, healthy, and socially full lives.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Sharing Christ in Joy and Sorrow: A Theology of Philippians by Chris Bruno. “‘To live is Christ, and to die is gain’ (Philippians 1:21). This bold and countercultural statement captures the central message of Philippians. In this New Testament letter, Paul offers practical advice for godly living and encourages believers to stay connected to the gospel amid hardship. Because the church shares in the sufferings of Christ, believers can experience joy even in suffering as they wait for the Lord to make all things new. In this volume of the New Testament Theology series, author Chris Bruno explores the theology and themes of Philippians and highlights how this letter fits into broader biblical theology. Through clear and engaging examinations, Bruno expounds on predominant themes—the church’s union with Christ, the church as ambassadors of the kingdom, the gospel proclaimed and opposed, the hope of life with Christ, and suffering with joy.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Whitefield on the Christian Life: New Birth to Enjoy God by Tom Schwanda & Ian Maddock. “George Whitefield’s bold ‘born-again’ theology and passionate sermons established him as a key figure during the 18th century. Many Christians are familiar with evangelists of this time including Jonathan Edwards and John Wesley, but Whitefield, arguably the most significant member of the trio, often goes unnoticed in the church today. After experiencing a profound encounter with Jesus during his time at Oxford, Whitefield dedicated his life to teaching the Scriptures to others and calling people to experience the joy of knowing and loving God. This biography aims to restore Whitefield as a prominent figure in the early evangelical revival while addressing the complexities of the time in an honest, historical, and balanced way. Authors Tom Schwanda and Ian Maddock invite readers to explore the life of George Whitefield and his commitment to guiding souls toward Jesus.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
ESV Expository Commentary: Genesis–Numbers. The first volume in this series is also the final volume to the produced. Now that it is out, the series is complete! “Designed to strengthen the global church with a widely accessible, theologically sound, and pastorally wise resource for understanding and applying the overarching storyline of the Bible, this commentary series features the full text of the ESV Bible passage by passage, with crisp and theologically rich exposition and application. Editors Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., and Jay Sklar have gathered a team of experienced pastor-theologians to provide a new generation of pastors and other teachers of the Bible around the world with a globally minded commentary rich in biblical theology and broadly Reformed doctrine, making the message of redemption found in all of Scripture clear and available to all.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)
Freedom from Sin’s Dominion by John Owen. This volume continues the excellent Puritan Treasures for Today series which offers lightly-edited versions of Puritan classics. “The heart will be ruled by something. And we can be certain that sin’s purpose is not to merely tempt people but to reign over their hearts. Considering this, John Owen helps us understand what it means for sin to have dominion and discern whether it has such a mastery over us. More significantly, Owen points us to the power of grace to break sin’s dominion and set up a dominion of its own. Read Owen and learn to distinguish the rebellion of sin from the dominion of sin. Originally published as A Treatise of the Dominion of Sin and Grace.” (Buy it at Amazon)
Boldly Bi-Vocational: Navigating Dual Callings in the Ministry and the Marketplace by James M. Powell. “Drawing from personal experience and biblical wisdom, Powell presents bi–vocational ministry as a strategic and fulfilling calling rather than a mere stopgap measure. This book explores the biblical foundations of bi–vocational ministry, tracing its roots to the apostle Paul’s tent–making example. Powell argues that this model can enhance a minister’s effectiveness, providing unique insights and opportunities for kingdom impact both within and outside the church.” (Buy it at Amazon)
