Books to Look For

I asked four publishers (the ones I knew how to contact) to recommend a few upcoming books that might be of interest to my readers. Obviously, since these books have not come out yet I don’t know what they will be like, but all eight here sound very interesting. I’m especially eager to read Dave Harvey’s Book on ambition and Christopher Wright’s book on the mission of the church. The Dickson book sounds intriguing, but I’m not sure I agree with the thesis.

CROSSWAY

What Did You Expect?: Redeeming the Realities of Marriage
by Paul David Tripp

Marriage, according to Scripture, will always involve two flawed people living with each other in a fallen world. Paul David Tripp calls engaged and married couples to a lifestyle of daily reconciliation, marked by six practical commitments that will equip couples to develop a thriving, grace-based marriage in all circumstances and seasons of their relationship.

Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe
by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears

While Christians may disagree on a number of doctrines, Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears teach thirteen key elements of the Christian faith that should be held by anyone claiming to be a follower of Jesus. This meaty yet readable overview of basic doctrine will help Christians clarify and articulate their beliefs in accordance with the Bible.

Rescuing Ambition
by Dave Harvey

Ambition has developed a reputation synonymous with the love of earthly honor and fame hunting. As a result, the God-implanted drive to improve, produce, develop, and create—is neglected and well on its way to paralysis. Expounding on insights from Scripture and everyday life, Dave Harvey wants to snatch ambition from the heap of failed motivations and put it to work for the glory of God.

Surprised by Grace: God’s Relentless Pursuit of Rebels
by Tullian Tchividjian

God’s compassion and pardon are shocking in their lavish abundance—that’s a lesson God himself pounded into the epic life-story of one man who kept resisting in whatever way he could. Tullian Tchividjian retells Jonah’s story in a gripping presentation that magnifies God’s relentless, purposeful, and inexhaustible grace.

ZONDERVAN

The Mission of God’s People: A Biblical Theology of the Church’s Mission
by Christopher Wright

In The Mission of God’s People, part of the Biblical Theology for Life series, author Chris Wright offers a sweeping biblical survey of the holistic mission of the church, providing practical insight for today’s church leaders. Wright gives special emphasis to theological trajectories of the Old Testament that not only illuminate God’s mission but also suggest priorities for Christians engaged in God’s world-changing work. Coming September 2010.

The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way
by Michael Horton

A prolific, award-winning author and theologian, professor Michael Horton’s highly anticipated The Christian Faith represents his magnum opus and will be viewed as one of—if not the—most important systematic theologies in the past fifty years. A must read for professors, pastors, students, and armchair theologians.  Coming October 2010.



The Gift of Church: How God Designed the Local Church to Meet Our Needs as Christians
by Jim Samra

Why should a Christian actively participate in a local church?  Samra examines the biblical criteria that are the defining characteristics of a church and details six ways in which the church is beneficial for Christians.  He believes that if you are searching for God, he is best found in the gathered assembly of the church.  The church is a gift from God designed to provide us with the nurturing care of a mother, and the church shows us how God is redeeming our diversity and our differences, enabling us to experience true community.  Coming October 20.

The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission: Promoting the Gospel with More Than Our Lips
by John Dickson

In this practical guide to the biblical art of sharing your faith, Dickson offers refreshing insight into the ways that all Christians can and should be involved in spreading the good news of Jesus. This book does not support the approach of every believer as an evangelist. Instead it emphasizes the need for every believer to promote the gospel through a wide range of activities—prayer, financial partnership, good deeds, godly lives, public worship, daily conversation, etc.—with and without your lips.  Coming June 2010.