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 is a selection of new and notable titles that I hope will be of interest to you. In each case, I’ve included the publisher’s description. Scroll down to get a preview of October’s releases.
Shepherding Time: A Pastor’s Guide to Time Management by Rush Witt & Joe Keller. “Time is a precious and finite commodity. Are you stewarding it well? As a pastor, your work moves fluidly between study and solitude, counseling and crisis care, administration and leadership, plus a series of daily interruptions, not to mention your family and home life. How do you manage time effectively in a role without predictable hours, where you encounter the needs of others at every turn? With biblical principles and pastoral care, Shepherding Time enables pastors to serve their congregations faithfully while maintaining their own spiritual health. It equips pastors to use time with intentionality and humility, so they can serve their people well without losing themselves, their families, or their first love for Christ. Offering a pastoral, practical, and deeply theological vision, the book reframes time as a matter of worship, discipleship, and gospel freedom while addressing common struggles such as time guilt, distractions, and overwhelming expectations. Through biblical insight and actionable guidance, it provides practical tools to help pastors plan their ideal week and steward their time with greater faithfulness and clarity.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
The Sing! Hymnal, Lyrics & Liturgies 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. Christians have sung hymns in worship for centuries, and now, award-winning hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty have curated a collection of classic and contemporary hymns in a volume that focuses on the elegance and enduring truth of their lyrics. Without musical notation, The Sing! Hymnal, Lyrics & Liturgies helps readers focus on the beauty of the lyrics, making it ideal for congregational worship, daily devotions, meditation, and memorization. This hymnal will serve as a cherished resource for those seeking to integrate the rich heritage of Christian hymnody into their spiritual life.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
Young Womanhood: Finding Joy and Purpose in the Body God Gave You by Amy DiMarcangelo. “Your body is not a problem to fix. It is a good gift from God. Being a teenage girl is hard, and having a body comes with all kinds of challenges. But God created the female body good, and in Christ he is redeeming you as a whole person. This means his Word has much to say about beauty, physical suffering, food, rest, sex, shame, and more. Grounded in the hope of the gospel, Amy DiMarcangelo shows how young women can find greater joy and purpose in their bodies—and a deeper desire to worship the God who made them, body and soul, for his glory.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
We Will Be Changed: 9 Inner Glories the Spirit Is Cultivating in You by Alistair Begg. “You want to be more like Jesus, but sometimes it feels that you’re not growing much. Despite your best efforts, spiritual progress seems frustratingly slow. Take heart! In We Will Be Changed, trusted Bible teacher Alistair Begg offers hope and reassurance that the Holy Spirit is working in and through you. He is shaping your heart, transforming your character and forming your life into a testimony. As you read, you’ll discover how the Spirit is cultivating 9 Christ-like qualities within you; why experiencing the Spirit’s transforming power brings relief, joy and peace; what it means to keep in step with the Spirit; and greater confidence that God is faithfully shaping you day by day. Begg writes, ‘God saves us just as we are, but He is not content for us to remain just as we are.’ Be strengthened by the truth that you are partnering with the Holy Spirit as you seek spiritual growth. God is at work in you, and you will be changed.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness: The Graphic Novel by Andrew Peterson. “The first book in the bestselling Wingfeather Series is now adapted as a graphic novel! Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog, Nugget. Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their disabled sister, Leeli, are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice. The Igibys hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera. Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a tale children of all ages will cherish. This graphic novel adaptation will be a coveted addition to any Wingfeather fan’s collection as well as an on-ramp to the series for new readers.” (Buy it at Amazon.)
Talking to Kids About Hard Things: Honest Conversations When Life Gets Complicated by Rebekah Hannah & Michael Keller. “From cultural pressures and political discussions to questions about identity and struggles with doubt, kids are exposed to the realities of our world from an early age. That’s why honest, courageous conversations are not optional for today’s parents—they are essential opportunities for the spiritual formation of both children and parents. Rebekah Hannah and Michael Keller offer parents a path for talking to their kids that is neither fearful nor passive but rooted in empathy, curiosity, and the steady love of Jesus. The authors invite parents to replace fear, avoidance, and control with faithful presence, truth-telling, and hope rooted in Christ. Parents will learn how to create homes where questions are welcomed, grace is abundant, and faith is lived out authentically, helping children develop a deep and enduring relationship with God.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
Persuasive Preaching by David R. Helm & Jeremy Meeks. “Should pastors attempt to captivate listeners? Isn’t it enough to let the gospel speak for itself? The goal of preaching is to humbly proclaim the glory of God. But in an unbelieving world that is fighting for your audience’s attention, it is essential to communicate the gospel passionately and effectively. This companion book to 9Marks’ Expositional Preaching shows you how to deliver sermons with persuasive power. David Helm and Jeremy Meeks offer practical, Scripture-based tips to build compelling arguments, simplify your sermons so they’re easy to follow, contextualize your message to reach more people, and cultivate a godly ethos in your ministry. Apply these public-speaking basics in your preaching, evangelism, and outreach, and let the Holy Spirit move mightily in your church.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
Why We Worship: Experiencing Heaven on Earth at Church by Adriel Sanchez. “‘Do I have to go to church?’ Whether we’ve fielded this question from others or have at times wondered ourselves, pastor Adriel Sanchez invites us to consider afresh why Sunday corporate worship matters. Why We Worship reenchants our spiritual imagination, helping us rediscover the beauty of worship in Scripture and draw upon the richness of Christian liturgy through the ages. Sanchez delves into the biblical underpinnings and historical development of the core parts of a worship service, casting a vision for corporate worship’s vital role in healthy Christian spirituality and discipleship. In Why We Worship, Sanchez draws on Scripture and history to uncover not only the what but also the why of elements of the Sunday service including music, the sermon, Communion, baptism, confession, prayer, and the benediction. Church isn’t meant to be a dull routine or an entertainment-driven spectacle. It’s a weekly heavenly ascent that transforms us to live the Christian life here on earth. Enter anew into the wonder of Sunday worship as a transcendent, joy-filled journey into God’s presence.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
Greater Sins, Greater Grace: Degrees of Sin and the Depths of Divine Forgiveness by Jeff Moore. “Greater Sins, Greater Grace by Jeff Moore confronts a question many Christians assume is settled: Are all sins equal? With pastoral clarity and rigorous scholarship, Moore demonstrates from Scripture that while all sin brings guilt before God, the Bible itself distinguishes degrees of sin—and magnifies the depth of divine grace that meets even the gravest offenses. Rooted in careful exegesis of both the Old and New Testaments, this book challenges popular evangelical slogans with a whole-Bible theology of sin, judgment, and forgiveness. Moore guides readers through difficult moral terrain with courage, precision, and compassion, showing why certain sins strike more directly at God’s created order—and why the gospel still offers hope to those who repent. Written for pastors, students, and thoughtful Christians, Greater Sins, Greater Grace equips the church to speak truthfully, preach wisely, and extend grace boldly in a morally confused age.” (Buy it at Amazon.)
God’s Presence with Us and in Us: A Biblical Theology of the Holy Spirit by Miguel G. Echevarría. “The Holy Spirit is often regarded as the most mysterious and misunderstood person of the Trinity. Though it is important to understand specific topics associated with the Holy Spirit, such as spiritual gifts, our understanding must expand to encompass the Holy Spirit’s powerful role throughout the entire canon of Scripture. The Spirit has been at work since the very beginning. In God’s Presence with Us and in Us, biblical scholar Miguel Echevarría explores how the divine personal Spirit has one of the most prominent roles in the Bible. The Holy Spirit is both with God’s people and also in them, guiding and bringing about God’s mission of new creation. From Genesis to Revelation, the Holy Spirit is at work in God’s people and in the world. This insightful biblical theology offers a comprehensive look at the Holy Spirit’s presence, making it an essential resource for pastors, students, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit’s work in the world.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
Classical Theology for the Modern Mind by Carl Trueman. “Western culture impatiently demands practical results and therapeutic comfort. Many within the church have even adopted this mindset, falsely believing that God is most important when he is tending to our earthly needs. How can we help churches resist this pragmatic approach and instead embrace the mystery, awe, and reverence of our great God? In Classical Theology for the Modern Mind, historical scholar Carl Trueman examines how remembering history, reciting creeds, and studying ecclesiology counter cultural pathologies that inhibit our modern minds. By retrieving wisdom, orthodoxy, and historic texts from the church fathers, medieval scholastics, and the Protestant reformers, the church will be better equipped to contemplate God and listen humbly to his word.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
Navigating Tough Texts of the Old Testament, Volume 1: A Guide to Problem Passages from Genesis Through Deuteronomy by Tremper Longman III. “As we read through the Bible, it’s common to encounter puzzling or confusing passages. This is especially the case with the Old Testament, since its time and cultural setting are so far removed from our own. It’s tempting to skip over these problem passages in our personal Bible study or in our preaching and teaching. But if all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, those passages were preserved for our benefit. In Navigating Tough Texts of the Old Testament, volume 1 of a planned series, veteran scholar and translator Tremper Longman III guides us through difficult passages in Genesis through Deuteronomy, answering questions like Why are there different English translations of Genesis 1:1-2? Were the Hebrew midwives wrong to lie to Pharaoh? How do we make sense of the purity laws in Leviticus? What were the urim and thummim? For pastors who preach the whole Bible, students who study it seriously, and readers who have always wanted better answers to the questions they were afraid to ask, Navigating Tough Texts of the Old Testament is the guide you’ve been waiting for.” (Buy it at Amazon.)
Coming in October
Here are a few books that will come our way in October:
- Finally Home: The Christian Hope of Heaven by Dane Ortlund (Crossway), Oct 6. Considered one of the fall’s major releases.
- Church History for Everyone (Volume 1) by Kevin DeYoung (Crossway), Oct 20. The story of the pre-Reformation church through 20 biographies.
- Dissecting the Heart: Secular Psychology, Spiritual Warfare, and True Theology by David Powlison (Westminster Seminary Press), late October. A one-stop introduction to Powlison’s thought and theology.
- When Divorce Is Mercy by Michael Scott Gembola and Darby Strickland (P&R), Oct 21. Biblical counsel for marriages broken by betrayal, abandonment or abuse.
- God Is Our Refuge and Strength: 150 Devotionals Through the Psalms by William Boekestein and Rob Ventura (Banner of Truth), mid-October.
- A Christian’s Guide to AI: 12 Biblical Answers to the Questions We’re All Asking by Pete Killingley (Good Book Company), Oct 1. I wrote a blurb for this one, so obviously recommend it.
- The Westminster Confession of Faith: A Comprehensive Commentary on Its History, Theology, and Application, edited by J. V. Fesko, John R. Muether and D. Blair Smith (Crossway), Oct 27. Written mostly by Reformed Theological Seminary faculty, including Sinclair Ferguson, Scott Swain, and Kevin DeYoung.
- Beholding Christ: A Daily Guide to Seeing Jesus in All of Scripture by Nancy Guthrie (Crossway), Oct 13. It has a companion ESV Beholding Christ Bible.
