New Books
Below is a list of the new and notable resources releasing this month from Crossway. Titles include Scrolling Ourselves to Death, edited by Brett McCracken and Ivan Mesa, and Every Hour I Need You by Katie Faris.
Scrolling Ourselves to Death: Reclaiming Life in a Digital Age
Edited by Brett McCracken, Ivan Mesa
On the 40th anniversary of Neil Postman’s prophetic book Amusing Ourselves to Death (1985), Scrolling Ourselves to Death gathers today’s most incisive writers to think critically about the shaping power of contemporary technology. This book explores Postman’s insights, connects them to the challenges facing Christians today, and turns difficult challenges into life-giving opportunities for the church. Stepping back from their screens, readers will be equipped to live faithfully, and grow spiritually, in a “scrolling ourselves to death” world.
“Rarely does a collection of chapters from diverse contributors come together to form such a cohesive vision, offering penetrating insights into our current cultural moment. Scrolling Ourselves to Death goes beyond merely revisiting Neil Postman’s groundbreaking work; it uses Postman’s insights as a springboard for deeper reflection and application, all while keeping an eye on the eternal truths of Scripture that remain unchanged in our rapidly advancing technological age.”
—Trevin Wax, Vice President for Research and Resource Development, North American Mission Board; Visiting Professor, Cedarville University; author, The Thrill of Orthodoxy; The Multi-Directional Leader; and This Is Our Time
The Nicene Creed: What You Need to Know about the Most Important Creed Ever Written
Part of the Foundational Tools for Our Faith series, this book delves into the origins, theological meaning, and modern relevance of the Nicene Creed. Each chapter provides insightful analysis of key terms and phrases within the creed. By examining the truths the creed affirms and the errors it opposes, bestselling author Kevin DeYoung aims to help readers recite this essential statement of faith with understanding and clarity.
“Like the Nicene Creed itself, Kevin DeYoung has given us important truths in a short space. Historically informed, theologically informative, and biblically sensitive, this little book will help you understand why the Nicene Creed may be the most important words ever written outside of the words of the Bible.”
—Mark Dever, Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC
Tim Keller on the Christian Life: The Transforming Power of the Gospel
Synthesizing Keller’s work topic by topic, each chapter of this book highlights a key aspect of the Christian life—covering his views on prayer, suffering, friendship, vocation, intimacy with God, and more. Written by pastor Matt Smethurst, Tim Keller on the Christian Life draws from Keller’s nearly 50 years of sermons, conference messages, and books to share practical theological insight that will galvanize leaders and laypeople alike.
“Matt Smethurst has researched an impressive amount of content for this book: sermons, books, papers, courses, articles, and unpublished conversations. He found resources even I wasn’t familiar with, and he has produced a work of scholarship that will long stand as the most thorough examination of the biblical themes that animated all of Tim’s ministry.”
—Kathy Keller, Editor, Gospel in Life
What Makes You Beautiful: 20 Daily Devotions for Girls
Written for girls ages 9–12, this devotional traces the theme of beauty to help young readers know and love the one who created them in his likeness. Each reading includes a portion of a poem, a related Bible verse, a concise devotion, and a brief prayer. As young readers marvel at the beauty of God, they will be transformed, learning that the more they appreciate God’s beauty, the more beautiful they will become.
“In our culture, outward beauty is sought after—no matter the cost. That’s why What Makes You Beautiful is timely and needed. Kristen Wetherell shows girls that real beauty is more than skin deep, and the source of that beauty is found in relationship with the one who makes us beautiful. What Makes You Beautiful is a beautiful book that is engaging, biblical, and Christ-centered. I highly recommend it for all girls!”
—Christina Fox, author, Who Are You? A Little Book About Your Big Identity
Pippa and the Singing Tree: Joining the Song of All Creation
The whole earth is a symphony to God. The universe echoes his glory, and believers harmonize with songs of adoration. In the illustrated book Pippa and the Singing Tree, singer and hymn writer Kristyn Getty teaches children how they can answer Scripture’s call to worship. Combining beauty and rhythm with artwork by P. J. Lynch, this story makes a great gift or church resource. In a special note at the end of the book, Getty shares some of her favorite psalms, along with prompts that will inspire kids to worship the Lord.
“This beautifully illustrated story of Pippa and the Singing Tree offers a winsome call to sing a new song of praise to God. The Irish undertones and clear voice of songwriter-poet Kristyn Getty ring out on every page. This story will be a timeless treasure.”
—Sandra McCracken, singer-songwriter; coauthor, The Maker of the Mountain
Every Hour I Need You: 30 Meditations for Moms on the Character of God
Having raised 5 children between the ages of 7 and 18, Katie Faris understands the challenges of parenting and the importance of remembering God’s provision and providence. In Every Hour I Need You, she walks with women, helping them contemplate God’s unchanging character and discover how his purposes are at work, even in the everyday moments of motherhood. These 30 brief devotions focus on distinct characteristics of God—including his sovereignty, generosity, and patience—inviting women to know him more through his word, experience deeper spiritual affections and stronger faith, and serve Christ through the care of their families at home.
“Katie Faris understands the challenges that moms are facing and graciously points them to their greatest hope and deepest comfort: God himself. These thirty rich reflections will help a mom in the trenches lift her eyes to her Savior, gaining a fresh perspective as she meditates on her Lord. The truths from this book will trickle down into a mom’s daily life and decisions, helping her navigate the joys and trials of motherhood.”
—Emily A. Jensen, coauthor, Risen Motherhood and Gospel Mom
A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation
Primarily drawing from Puritan tradition, Bingham shows readers how to balance belief in salvation through faith with a responsibility for one’s personal spiritual growth. He studies biblical practices—including meditation, prayer, and self-examination—from a Protestant perspective. Blending historical analysis and practical application, this edifying study cultivates a greater understanding of Reformed theology and an ever-growing relationship with God.
“A Heart Aflame for God is one of the most edifying and spiritually insightful books I have ever read. While confessional Protestants often look to other traditions for guidance in spiritual formation, Matthew Bingham is like a miner uncovering the rich, life-giving treasures of the Reformed tradition. I wish I could travel back in time and hand this book to my younger self. Highly recommended!”
—Hans Madueme, Professor of Theological Studies, Covenant College
Grimké on the Christian Life: Christian Vitality for the Church and World
This book explores Grimké’s vision of the Christian life, emphasizing his beliefs on personal piety, family, the mission of the church, and the relationship between faith and politics. His blend of doctrinal integrity and social concern helps readers wisely engage in topics like race, ethnicity, culture, and politics in the church today. As the church continues to navigate these polarized issues, Grimké reminds us that, through Christ, unity is possible.
“Drew Martin skillfully and gracefully takes us into the remarkable life and ministry of Francis Grimké, whose witness to peace and hope in a world—and a church—riven with strife and injustice stands as relevant to our time as ever before.”
—John Inazu, Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion, Washington University in St. Louis
10 Questions about Salvation: 30 Devotions for Kids, Teens, and Families
The 10 Questions series invites children ages 8–14 to investigate spiritual questions and provides reliable theological and practical answers on their level. The first book, 10 Questions about Salvation, helps readers find joy, security, and hope in God’s gracious love. Each 10 Questions book presents one main topic, poses 10 vital questions on the topic, and answers each question through 3 short devotions. Readers can work through the 30 readings in any order they choose. Written to be read alone or aloud with family, 10 Questions about Salvation is the perfect way to start or end each day reflecting on the things of God.
“Nothing is more important to parents than the salvation of our children. Yet it can be difficult to have meaningful conversations about it with our kids. In this clear and concise book, Champ Thornton provides families with an engaging resource to talk about the need for salvation and the Savior who meets that need.”
—Nancy Guthrie, author, The One Year Praying through the Bible for Your Kids
Sonia and the Biggest Block Tower Ever
We all long to feel special. We seek recognition for our efforts and validation for who we are. This easy-to-understand story, with winsome language and colorful pictures, helps kids ages 3–7 understand that their value doesn’t come from the approval of others or the success of their actions but from the unconditional love of God in Christ. A TGC Kids book.
“The Gospel Coalition’s illustrated storybooks provide ready-made conversation starters for families to use on important issues that kids struggle with. They answer these challenges with biblical truths that offer gospel solutions to their problems. Parents and grandparents should add these picture books to their family libraries.”
—Marty Machowski, Executive Pastor, Covenant Fellowship Church, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania; author, The Ology and The Redemption Tales
A Light on the Hill: The Surprising Story of How a Local Church in the Nation's Capital Influenced Evangelicalism
Through real-life stories, A Light on the Hill reveals how God works through church bodies and remains faithful during times of uncertainty. Exploring themes such as pastoral ministry, faithfulness, courage, racial reconciliation, church and politics, and more, this book will help readers see the long-term effects of faithful church ministries. Ultimately they will be encouraged to invest in a local church and preserve the gospel for the next generation.
“I love the church, I love churches, and I love books about churches. I’ve always loved reading biographies of specific churches, and this is among the best I’ve ever read. Based on years of archival research, and with a good flare for the dramatic, Morell tells the fascinating 150-year story of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. Morell’s approach is edifying without being pedantic, honest without being censorious, and rich in detail without getting lost in the weeds. The result is a book that deserves a wider audience than local church histories usually enjoy.”
—Kevin DeYoung, Senior Pastor, Christ Covenant Church, Matthews, North Carolina; Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte
Theological Method: An Introduction
The first volume in the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, this book explores what it means to do theology, why theology matters, and what it looks like to derive doctrine from God’s word—helping us understand what to believe, what to value, and how to live. Each chapter looks at 1 of 5 crucial components for constructing good theology: revelation from God, tradition from the past, worship, wisdom, and experience of brokenness, with case studies illustrating how doctrine is developed from each of these important sources. Readers will be left with a deeper understanding of how to make sure their theology faithfully reflects the truth of God’s word.
“Theological Method seeks to help new theologians get started on a sound basis. Graham Cole sets forth a theological method that is meant to be good theology—a method that, first and foremost, is itself true to the Bible and, second, shows how theologians throughout history have best used the Bible to edify the church. I am impressed with the conciseness of Theological Method. Cole has done an excellent job summarizing the basics in this short volume.”
—John M. Frame, Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy Emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary
Think Biblically: Recovering a Christian Worldview
Edited by John MacArthur
Abner Chou
In this collection of essays, John MacArthur and other teachers from the Master’s College confront the false worldviews that dominate our postmodern world. The authors provide models for cultivating a biblical mindset on worship, psychology, gender, science, education, history, government, economics, and literature. This second edition includes new chapters on hermeneutics, mental illness, complementarianism, and Christian liberal arts. Written for students as well as teachers and pastors, Think Biblically helps us navigate today’s culture with our thoughts and lives centered on Christ.
“It is good to see another edition of Think Biblically, with chapters written by the faculty of the Master’s University and several by John MacArthur. As the title suggests, the book challenges us to think biblically about all sorts of things, including (fascinatingly for me, as a former math major) mathematics. Principally, however, it is a book that challenges us to take the Bible seriously as the inerrant word of God. A perfect gift for college students.”
—Derek W. H. Thomas, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic and Pastoral Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries
