While the month of May has already almost fully waned, it has proved to be a good month for Christian book releases. I sorted through the stacks that landed on my desk and arrived at this list of new and notables. In each case, I’ve provided the editorial description to give you a sense of what it’s all about. I hope there’s something here that catches your eye!
Stand in Awe: How Reverence Transforms Our Worship and Our Lives by Laura Story. “We were made for God, not the other way around. Living for God’s glory—revering him above all else—gives us purpose and lasting joy but we often get distracted and become too self-focused, believing that we are the center of our lives. From singing at church on Sundays to our work and leisure throughout the week, we are in daily need of refocusing our attention on God. Laura Story seeks to lead Christians in scriptural, reverential worship all 7 days of the week. Sharing her 20 years of experience as a worship leader and award-winning recording artist, she clarifies what worship is, what it isn’t, and what’s at stake without it. She then explains 4 everyday ways our reverence is often diverted away from God. Finally, Story demonstrates how to apply biblical principles, seeking God in humility and reverence through singing and daily life. With a heart for music ministry, this accessible book also speaks to everyday Christians who long to engage in proper devotion, leading readers in rich worship that reflects who God is rather than who we are.” (Buy it at Amazon.)
The Letter to the Ephesians: An Exegetical and Theological Commentary by Thomas R. Schreiner. “Paul’s letter to the Ephesians has been beloved throughout church history and is full of theological significance and practical instruction. Its themes revolve around identity in Christ, both for individuals and for the church. Paul’s goal is to help believers see the beauty and glory of Christ and grow up into maturity. Thomas Schreiner is a leading New Testament scholar who illuminates the text of Ephesians in this important, stand-alone commentary. Writing from an evangelical and Reformed perspective, Schreiner’s focus is on exegesis of the text and on drawing out theological significance. For each section of text, Schreiner examines the flow of thought and then provides a verse-by-verse interpretation. His introduction to the letter deals briefly with topics such as authorship, historical setting, and epistolary structure. Schreiner’s focus on exegesis and robust theological interpretation makes this an ideal resource for pastors, students, Bible teachers, and educated lay readers.” (Buy it at Amazon.)
A Church That Cares: A Biblical Guide to Loving One Another Well by Helen Thorne-Allenson. “You believe in the love of Christ, but does love for one another shape your church’s current culture—or the culture your church hopes to build? Coming alongside you as a fellow church member and a biblical counselor, Helen Thorne-Allenson offers practical, realistic insight into contributing to a church culture of care. You’ll consider stories of care and of care needs that you recognize or relate to, why care matters, what it looks like and why it’s difficult, how to encourage others to get involved and share the load, and 11 building blocks for you and your church. Reflection questions at the end of each chapter will help you practice the principles shared. However far along your church is in cultivating a caring community, you’ll find clarifying questions, fresh ideas and biblical wisdom in A Church That Cares.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
Strong in the Lord: A 30-Day Devotional on the Armor of God, edited by Winfree Brisley. “Whether we’re struggling to keep up with daily demands or walking through a difficult season, life has a way of exposing our human weakness. Culture tells us to look within ourselves for empowerment, but Scripture reminds us that the strength we truly need can’t be mustered up. In fact, the more we rely on our own strength, the more aware of our weaknesses we become. Rooted in the apostle Paul’s teaching from Ephesians 6:10–18, this 30-day devotional invites readers to discover lasting strength by putting on the armor of God. Each day features a key Bible verse, devotional reflection, guided response questions, and closing prayer. As readers explore each piece of the armor, they’ll be equipped to stand firm in faith and draw near to the Lord, no matter their current circumstance.” (Buy it at Amazon.)
Cradled: Christ’s Care for Postpartum Moms by Annie VanderHeiden. “Sleep schedules, bottles, dirty diapers, colicky nights. If you’ve felt like you’re drowning in the midst of it all—wondering what to do and who you even are anymore—you’re not alone. You’re more than these spit-up stains and baggy eyes, Mama. More than an around-the-clock milk machine or expert baby shusher. You’re a whole person, changing and growing alongside your child right now, and you are precious to Jesus. The postpartum season can feel deeply disorienting, especially your first time through, but you aren’t as unseen or overlooked as you might feel. In his humanity, Christ came to walk where you walk and suffer as you do, and he understands the loneliness and exhaustion you feel. And in his deity, Christ meets you there with the comfort and care of a perfect Parent.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
Psalms 1–72 (The Pillar Old Testament Commentary) by Duane A. Garrett. “In this distinctive commentary, Duane A. Garrett frames the Psalter as an anthology of hymns, prayers, and lessons meant to guide believers in their pilgrimage of faith. He provides thoughtful explanations of themes and motifs that many modern readers find perplexing: the book’s preoccupation with enemies, reliance on repetition, possible messianic references, and more. He illuminates important connections between the Psalms and Christian theology. Most importantly, he helps readers understand how the Psalms can inform and enrich their own spiritual life. The commentary features Garrett’s own translation of the Hebrew text. In places where his version differs from standard translations, he provides informative notes explaining the reasons for and significance of his choices. The volume includes a comprehensive overview of the entire Psalter as well as individual commentaries on Psalms 1–72.” (Buy it at Amazon.)
And the Bride Wore White: Seven Truths to Live in Sexual Integrity . . . No Matter Your Past by Dannah Gresh. “With over 300,000 copies sold, readers continue to applaud And the Bride Wore White. This book is one woman’s freedom story. Jesus is the Author—the One who redeems, restores, and rewrites broken stories. In this updated edition of her bestselling book, Dannah Gresh tells the story of her young love life, revisiting her own teenage journals. She vulnerably shares her struggles and successes, her moments of pain followed by healing, and the eventual triumph of living in sexual integrity. The words in this book will help you cultivate a deep, satisfying love relationship with Jesus that shapes every other desire; discover your God-given worth and walk in dignity—in how you dress, date, and define yourself; invite trusted leaders into decisions about your relationships—and learn why that’s not weakness, but wisdom; practice having bold, real-life conversations about boundaries and safety; find a mentor, build Christian community, and pursue spiritual growth that lasts a lifetime; and trade shame for grace and begin a lifelong journey of sexual integrity—no matter your past.” (Buy it at Amazon.)
Running to Win: 365 Days of Timeless Wisdom and Biblical Insight for Growing Christians by Erwin Lutzer & D. L. Moody. “Running to Win unites the timeless wisdom of the great evangelist D.L. Moody with the insightful scriptural reflections of longtime pastor Erwin Lutzer. Experience a year of devotions designed to draw you closer to Christ and guide you toward lasting purpose. Discover God’s promises for comfort and strength, Christ’s sacrifice as your firm foundation, and the gospel’s power to transform your life from the inside out. With daily Scripture and reflections, Running to Win offers the hope of eternal life—now and forever. Bridging a century, Moody and Lutzer speak with unwavering clarity so you can fix your eyes on Jesus. Let God’s Word inspire you daily to run all the way to the finish line!” (Buy it at Amazon.)
Battling Unbelief: Defeating Sin with Superior Pleasure by John Piper. “No one sins out of duty. We sin because it offers some promise of happiness. That promise enslaves us—until we believe that God is more desirable than life itself (Psalm 63:3). Only the power of God’s superior promises in the gospel can emancipate our hearts from servitude to the shallow promises and fleeting pleasures of sin. Pastor John Piper shows how to sever the clinging roots of 8 common sins that ensnare us: anxiety, pride, shame, impatience, covetousness, bitterness, despondency, and lust. Delighting in the bounty of God’s glorious gospel promises will free us for a less sin-encumbered life, to the glory of Christ. Rooted in solid biblical reflection, this book aims to help guide you through the battles to the joys of victory by the power of the gospel and its superior pleasure.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
What’s Missing from the Evangelical Gospel?: Introducing Imputationists by Peter Sammons. “The gospel in its fullness is the hope of the world. The doctrines of imputation—imputed guilt, imputed sin, and imputed righteousness—have historically been a rallying point for evangelical Christian faith, yet they have faded into obscurity in many evangelical circles. In What’s Missing from the Evangelical Gospel?, Peter Sammons offers a robust exploration of this threefold doctrine. Weaving together systematic theology, in-depth exegesis, and a defense against distortions and rejections, Sammons presents a sweeping vision for imputation’s pivotal place in gospel-centered theology. Sammons elevates the necessary teaching on ‘the active obedience of Christ’ in securing believers’ salvation and right standing with God.” (Buy it at Amazon.)
Strong to the End: The Simple Service and Sudden Sacrifice of the Martyrs in Haiti by David Lloyd & Alicia Lloyd. “The world reeled. And wept. Our hearts tried to absorb the shockwaves. To make sense of the madness. The peace of a Haitian children’s home and school shattered with cries and fire. And blood. Three beautiful servant hearts murdered . . . brutally. Judes, Davy, and Natalie joined the ranks of that grand company of martyrs in May 2024. When David and Alicia Lloyd opened a children’s home in Haiti, they had no idea how their hearts would soar, humbled by the way God was expanding and blessing the ministry. And they had no idea how much it would cost—their son, his young wife, and their dear friend. Strong to the End tells the story of Davy, Natalie, and Judes—their lives, dreams, love, faith, and deaths. It tells the story of Haiti, a beautiful land besieged by natural disasters, poverty, and gang violence. And it asks the hard questions of the Christian life: What does it mean to count the cost before you know the price? What are moral, ethical, and spiritual dynamics in modern missions? When should you protect yourself and your family? How do you love those bent on persecuting you? Is Jesus really worth living—and dying—for?” (Buy it at Amazon.)
A Preview of June
Here is just a bit of what’s scheduled to come our way in June:
- New Testament Theology: A Canonical, Thematic, and Ethical Approach by Andreas J. Köstenberger. This one should be epic, though you will need to wait until the last day of the month to get your hands on it.
- All of Me: Pursuing a Life Wholly Devoted to God by Cheryl Marshall. Here’s a whole book on Romans 12:1-2. If there is a pair of verses in the entire Bible that is worthy of a book, this is probably it.
- John Calvin’s Illustrated Institutes: The Word of God, Book 1: Chapters 6–9 by Paul Cox (Illustrator), Martin Williams, and Joy Williams. This is the second volume of John Calvin’s Institutes illustrated for young readers.
- Praying in Pain: How to Know You’re Heard When You Haven’t Been Healed by Glenna Marshall. Glenna Marshall has a comforting book for those who suffer from chronic conditions.
