I am in the unique and enjoyable position of receiving copies of most of the latest and greatest Christian books and I like to provide regular roundups of some of the best and brightest of the bunch. Here are some of the notable new books that I’ve received:
Galatians for You by Tim Keller. This is the first release in the new God’s Word For You series. “Galatians For You walks you through the book of Galatians, showing how the gospel message changes the whole of our lives. Combining a close attention to the detail of the text with Tim Keller’s trademark gift for clear explanation and compelling insights, this is a uniquely flexible resource. It can simply be read as a book; used as a daily devotional, complete with reflection questions; or utilised by anyone who has a teaching ministry, to help small-group leaders understand and apply the text, and to give preachers helpful ways of connecting timeless Bible truths to today’s world.” (Learn more or buy it at Amazon.)
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made by Megan Best. “What sort of contraception, if any, should I use? When does human life begin–at fertilisation or at some point after that? What are the arguments for and against abortion? Is it OK to use genetic screening and other pre-natal tests to check for abnormalities in my unborn baby? Should Christians use IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies? What is the current state of embryonic stem cell research? These are just some of the many complex and emotion-laden questions we face in the rapidly changing field of reproductive medicine, and most Christians do so with two very significant handicaps: ? We don’t have accurate up-to-date information about the medical and technological issues involved ? We have not thought through a sound, biblical framework for making ethical decisions in this area Dr Megan Best provides what is lacking in both of these vital areas. Built on extensive historical, biblical and medical research, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made is the comprehensive, accurate, biblically-based ethical handbook that Christians have been waiting for.” (Learn more or buy it at Amazon.)
Passion by Mike McKinley. “Some people see Jesus’ death as a historical footnote, buried in the past. Christians understand it is much more than that, and know it has transformed their future. But often we don’t realise how much Jesus’ last day should change our present, too. Walking readers through Luke’s Gospel, US pastor and well-known author Mike McKinley looks at the events of the last day of Jesus’ earthly life. At each point, he pauses to marvel at the love Christ has for His people; and shows how Jesus’ people can learn from His passion, His care, and His integrity. This unique book is perfect for both new and mature Christians. While great for reading at any time in the year, it’s particularly helpful to read during Lent or Holy Week.” (Learn more or buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books.)
Charts on the Life, Letters and Theology of Paul by Lars Kierspel. “These 111 charts cover a wide range of topics regarding Paul, which are organized into four sections: Paul’s Jewish and Greco-Roman background; his life and ministry; his letters; and his theology.” This is the first I’ve ever seen of this style of book, but I can immediately see some of the benefits of it. There is also a volume on Hebrews that looks equally interesting. (Learn more or buy it at Amazon.)
The Book of Judges by Barry Webb. “Eminently readable, exegetically thorough, and written in an emotionally warm style that flows from his keen sensitivity to the text, Barry Webb’s commentary on Judges is just what is needed to properly engage a dynamic, narrative work like the book of Judges. It discusses not only unique features of the stories themselves but also such issues as the violent nature of Judges, how women are portrayed in it, and how it relates to the Christian gospel of the New Testament. Webb concentrates throughout on what the biblical text itself throws into prominence, giving space to background issues only when they cast significant light on the foreground. For those who want more, the footnotes and bibliography provide helpful guidance. The end result is a welcome resource for interpreting one of the most challenging books in the Old Testament.” (Learn more or buy it at Amazon.)
