Books! Books! Books! 2021 Edition

Here are some of the things I have enjoyed reading this past year (I have listed my top four with brief descriptions; the rest are listed alphabetically) followed by newer items in our church library for you to consider. I hope it will spur on more good reading!

Christian Life and Ministry

• Therefore I Have Hope: 12 Truths That Comfort, Sustain, and Redeem in Tragedy, by Cameron Cole
Cole and his wife suffered great loss when their young son died unexpectantly. The book chronicles their heart-breaking journey yet is hope-filled as it shows how biblical truth is at the core of the Lord’s sufficient grace for us in times of need.
• Character Matters: Shepherding in the Fruit of the Spirit, by Aaron Menikoff
This would be a close #1A to Cole’s book for its impact on me. I first heard the author on a podcast back in the spring with Pastor Mark Dever (9 Marks Ministry). While God gifts His people for ministry, His greater desire is to grow the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. The pastors and directors are currently reading this book.
• The Cross of Christ , by John Stott
This is a spiritual classic! I first read this many years ago and I am so glad that I decided to read it again. The truths of what Christ accomplished on the cross for our salvation are wonderfully laid out.
• Assured: Discover Grace, Let Go of Guilt, and Rest in Your Salvation, by Greg Gilbert
• Above All: The Gospel is The Source of The Church’s Renewal, by J. D. Greear
• O Love That Will Not Let Me Go: Facing Death With a Courageous Confidence in God, Nancy Guthrie (ed.)
• Need to Know: Your Guide to The Christian Life, by Gary Millar
• The Two Fears: Tremble Before God Alone, by Chris Poblete
• Designed For Joy: How The Gospel Impacts Men and Women, Identity and Practice, by Jonathan Parnell and Owen Strachan (eds.)
• Resolving Everyday Conflict, by Ken Sande and Kevin Johnson
• This Is Love:Tracing The Love of God Throughout The Biblical Story, by Neil Tolsma
• Absolute Surrender: The Blessedness of Forsaking All and Following Christ, by A. W. Tozer
• Grace Alone: Salvation As A Gift From God, by Carl Trueman
• God’s Glory Alone: The Majestic Heart of The Christian Faith and Life, by David Vandrunen
• Holy Sexuality and The Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God’s Grand Story, by Christopher Yuan

History and Biography (favorite subjects of mine!)

• Presidents of War, by Michael Beschloss
• The Fleet at Floodtide: America at Total War in The Pacific, 1944-1945, by James Hornfischer
• Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers, by Brian Kilmeade
• The Lincoln Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill America’s 16th President—and Why It Failed, by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch
• Hero Tales from American History, by Theodore Roosevelt and Henry Cabot Lodge
• The American Story: Conversations with Master Historians, by David Rubenstein
• Countdown 1945: The Extraordinary Story of the Atomic Bomb and the 116 Days That Changed the World, by Chris Wallace

New in the Church Library:

• We added several commentaries on each of the books of James, Jeremiah, and Revelation (to go along with sermon series) and one or more on the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Joshua, Chronicles, Ecclesiastes, Luke, and Romans. Additionally, we purchased about a half dozen NT commentaries by R.C. Sproul.
• DVD: The Church in Babylon, by Erwin Lutzer (we also have the book)
• Wings of Refuge, by Lynn Austin
• The Gospel Comes with a House Key, by Rosario Butterfield
• False Assumptions, by Henry Cloud, et. al.
• Therefore I Have Hope, by Cameron Cole
• From Paradise to The Promised Land, by Alexander Desmond
• Assured and Favor, by Greg Gilbert
• Restored Power, by Jonathan Graf
• Handbook on the Pentateuch, by Victor Hamilton
• Starfish Pier, by Irene Hannon
• God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel: How Truth Overwhelms a Life Built on Lies, by Costi Hinn
• Holman’s Illustrated Bible Handbook
• The Bridge to Belle Island, by July Klassen
• Love: The Ultimate Apologetic, by Art Lindsley
• The Truth War, by John MacArthur
• The Mystery of Marriage, by Mike Mason
• Miracles: What They Are, Why They Happen, and How They Can Change Your Life, by Eric Metaxes
• Character Matters: Shepherding in the Fruit of the Spirit, by Aaron Menikoff
• We Cannot Be Silent and The Gathering Storm, by Albert Mohler
• God’s Very Good Idea, by Trillia Newball
• The Battle for the Mind, by Leslie Parrot
• God’s Grace in Your Suffering, by David Powlison
• Resolving Everyday Conflict, by Ken Sande and Kevin Johnson
• The King in His Beauty: A Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testament, by Thomas Schreiner
• Rethinking Sexuality: God’s Design and Why it Matters, by Juli Slattery
• Wait for Me, by Rebecca St. James
• The Color of Compromise, by Jemar Tisby
• Becoming Elisabeth Elliot, by Ellen Vaughn
• An Old Testament Theology, by Bruce Waltke
• The Forgotten Trinity, by James White
• Holy Sexuality and the Gospel, by Christopher Yuan