On this Tuesday I am long overdue in pointing out some good books for you to pick out or check out (at your library!). So, here follows my list of some significant new books, some review books, and some free eBooks.
Ligonier’s Reformation Trust has just published a new title in its A Long Line of Godly Men series. This title, again by Dr.Steven Lawson, is on the great Calvinist evangelist George Whitefield (who also preached here in America). It is titled The Evangelistic Zeal of George Whitefield (2014, 132 pp.) and it looks to be another fine addition to this series.
A major new work on a significant subject is Crossway’s From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective, edited by David Gibson and Jonathan Gibson (2013; 703 pp.). Contributors include J.I.Packer, Sinclair Ferguson, Paul Helm, Carl Trueman, John Piper, etc. Here is the publisher’s description from their website:
There is a palpable sense of confusion—and sometimes even embarrassment—with regard to so-called limited atonement today, pointing to the need for thoughtful engagement with this controversial doctrine. Incorporating contributions from a host of respected theologians, From Heaven He Came and Sought Her stands as the first comprehensive resource on definite atonement as it examines the issue from historical, biblical, theological, and pastoral perspectives.
Offering scholarly insights for those seeking a thorough and well-researched discussion, this book will encourage charitable conversations as it winsomely defends this foundational tenet of Reformed theology.
I asked for and received a review copy of this book. Look for a thorough review by emeritus Prof.David J. Engelsma in the PR Theological Journal in the near future! The Seminary library also has its own copy all processed and on display now.
I also want to include here a note about a new children’s title on John Knox by Simonetta Carr, author of the books in the “Christian Biographies for Young Readers”. If you have not yet seen or purchased the books in this series, you ought to. They are fine additions to your family library. And yes, by all means, read them to your children! *Note: I just received notice via email that Westminster Bookstore is offering the entire set of seven books in this series at 50% off! Seven volumes for $63! Now is a great time to purchase the entire set.
Here is the publisher’s note on this latest book:
From armed bodyguard to galley slave, from loving husband and father to fiery preacher, John Knox was moved by a relentless passion for the honor of God and the purity of His truth and worship. Yet when he was a schoolboy growing up in the small Scottish town of Haddington, he could never have imagined that he would become a major leader of the powerful movement that transformed Scotland into one of the most committed Protestant countries in the world. Simonetta Carr tells the story of how this great Reformer, whose life began humbly, in a faraway, mysterious part of the world, influenced the church and its beliefs far beyond the borders of Scotland, shaping our thinking still today.
Now, on to a couple of new review titles I received from Crossway. The first is the new title by David F.Wells, God in the Whirlwind: How the Holy-love of God Reorients Our World (2014, 266 pp.). If you have read some of the past titles by Wells (The Courage to Be Protestant, No Place for Truth, God in the Wasteland, etc.), you know you will be challenged theologically and well-fed spiritually. I am thinking of keeping and reviewing this title myself, but I will make you aware if it is available. Here is the publisher’s blurb on this book:
Building on years of research, writing, and cross-cultural ministry, renowned author and theologian David Wells calls our attention to that which defines God’s greatness and gives shape to the Christian life: the holy-love of God.
In God in the Whirlwind, Wells explores the depths of the paradox that God is both holy and loving, showing how his holy-love provides the foundation for our understanding of the cross, sanctification, the nature of worship, and our life of service in the world. What’s more, a renewed vision of God’s character is the cure for evangelicalism’s shallow theology, with its weightless God and sentimental gospel.
The second review title I received from Crossway is J.I.Packer’s new little book, Finishing Our Course With Joy: Guidance from God for Engaging with Our Aging (2014, 106 pp.). Isn’t that a catchy title from this elderly theologian?! I would like to see a senior member (at least 65?!) take this free copy and review it for the Standard Bearer. Any takers?
And from Monergism.com comes notice of these free eBooks (and remember to check back here often and/or sign up to receive their newsletter):
Free eBooks
52 Words Every Christian Should Know by Kendell Easley
Acts of the Council of Trent with the Antidote by John Calvin
Warnings to the Churches by J. C. Ryle, available in Kindle .mobi and ePub formats
Also, during this last week of February, don’t forget that Ligonier’s free eBook of the month is R.C.Sproul, Sr.’s The Prayer of the Lord, an explanation of the Lord’s Prayer.
Since Monergism has updated its list of free, high quality, classic Christian ebooks, I will make you aware once again of these fine resources.
Monergism.com has updated their list of free eBooks – now over 100 very good Puritan and Reformed/Calvinistic books are available in both ePub and Mobi formats. In addition, they have many articles and chapters from classic works in pdf form. Check out their latest list at the link above! Well worth your time.
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