As another month draws to its close, I want to make sure you’re up-to-date on some of the noteworthy new Christian books that released in July. In each case I have provided the editorial description so you can learn a little bit about it.

Deep Reading: Practices to Subvert the Vices of Our Distracted, Hostile, and Consumeristic Age edited by Various. “This book helps readers develop practices that will result in deep, formative, and faithful reading so they can contribute to the flourishing of their communities and cultivate their own spiritual and intellectual depth. The authors present reading as a remedy for three prevalent cultural vices–distraction, hostility, and consumerism–that impact the possibility of formative reading. Informed by James K. A. Smith’s work on ‘the spiritual power of habit,’ Deep Reading provides resources for engaging in formative and culturally subversive reading practices that teach readers how to resist vices, love virtue, and desire the good. They examine practices many teachers, students, and avid readers employ–such as reading lists, reading logs, and discussion–and demonstrate how such practices can be more effectively and intentionally harnessed to result in deepreading. The practices apply to any work that is meant to be read deeply.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary by Christopher Ash. This four-volume set represents a monumental accomplishment for Christopher Ash. “While reading Psalms, it is common for commentaries to focus on Old Testament meaning, without connecting it deeply to Christ’s fulfillment in the New Testament. By studying Scripture this way, believers miss out on the fullness of God’s word. The key to experiencing authentically Christian worship is learning a Christ-focused approach to praying and singing the Psalms. In this in-depth, 4-volume commentary, Christopher Ash provides a thorough treatment of all 150 Psalms, examining each psalm’s significance to David and the other psalmists, to Jesus during his earthly ministry, and to the church of Christ in every age. The first volume in the set is a detailed handbook that explains how to interpret the Psalms with Christ at the center. Perfect for pastors, Bible teachers, and students, this commentary helps readers sing and pray the Psalms with Christ in view.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

On the Christian Life: A New Translation by John Calvin. “For centuries, Christians have read John Calvin’s On the Christian Life to answer a fundamental question: What does it mean to live faithfully as a Christian? This fresh translation of what is often referred to as Calvin’s “Golden Booklet” features an all-new introduction, robust citations, and explanatory footnotes—introducing a new generation of readers to a classic work of Christian spirituality. In the book—a portion of the Reformer’s magnum opus, Institutes of the Christian Religion—Calvin suggests that a deep understanding of theology is worthless if the gospel has yet to “penetrate into the most intimate affection of the heart.” Touching on essential themes like self-denial, submission to God, bearing one’s cross, enduring suffering for the sake of righteousness, and meditating on the life to come, this accessible work will help believers reflect on their lives as Christians and lean on the grace of Jesus in everyday life.” (Buy it at Amazon)

Saved: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Acts by Nancy Guthrie. “The book of Acts is set within the larger story of the outworking of God’s plan to save for himself a people from every nation—the story that runs from Genesis to Revelation. Within its pages are dramatic accounts of the Spirit falling, the apostles’ preaching, conflict with Jewish opposition to welcoming in the Gentiles, and the invasion of the good news of King Jesus into the Roman Empire. In Saved, bestselling author Nancy Guthrie provides an accessible, theologically sound guide to the book of Acts. Over 17 chapters, she invites readers to peer into the lives of the apostles in the days following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus as they experienced new power from the indwelling Holy Spirit and a new understanding of the Old Testament scriptures. With a friendly and engaging tone, Saved covers the entire book of Acts, providing a solid and accessible study resource for individuals and groups. Additional Saved resources are available separately, including a personal Bible study, a leader’s guide for group study, and a companion video series.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Galatians: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary by Michael Burer. “The letter to the Galatians opens a window to a serious crisis in Paul’s ministry. In this letter, Paul defends the gospel and challenges the Galatian believers to remain faithful and to welcome all who have faith in Christ. Michael H. Burer presents a fresh exegetical investigation of the text, clarifying Paul’s meaning and message for the benefit of pastors, teachers, and students. The Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series is a premiere biblical commentary rooted in the original text of Scripture. Each volume includes historical and literary insights and addresses exegetical, pastoral, and theological concerns, giving readers a full understanding of the text and how to apply it to everyday life.” (Buy it at Amazon)

Job: Evangelical Exegetical Commentary by Duane Garrett. “The book of Job is challenging. Its Hebrew is often obscure, its length and subject matter are intimidating, and its meaning has been debated throughout the history of biblical interpretation. In this commentary, Duane A. Garrett presents a fresh argument for the book’s meaning. Job demonstrates the inability of Wisdom, as a theological tradition, to solve the problem of evil. Without rejecting Wisdom, it shows that only God can truly deal with evil. God’s answer to evil is found only in Christ, who is anticipated in the book of Job. The Evangelical Exegetical Commentary series is a premiere biblical commentary rooted in the original text of Scripture. Each volume includes historical and literary insights and addresses exegetical, pastoral, and theological concerns, giving readers a full understanding of the text and how to apply it to everyday life.” (Buy it at Amazon)

When Christians Disagree: Lessons from the Fractured Relationship of John Owen and Richard Baxter by Tim Cooper. “Our current culture seems to be increasingly divided on countless issues, including those affecting the church. But for centuries, theological disagreements, political differences, and issues relating to church leadership have made it challenging for Christians to foster unity and love for one another. In this book, author Tim Cooper explores this polarization through the lives of two oppositional figures in church history: John Owen and Richard Baxter. Cooper highlights their individual stories while showing how their contrasting life experiences, personalities, and temperaments led to their inability to work together. After exploring these lessons from the past, readers will gain insights into their own relationships, ultimately learning how to love and live in harmony with their fellow believers despite their disagreements.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

In His Hands: Prayers for Your Child or Baby in a Medical Crisis by Eric Schumacher & Jessika Sanders. This book is obviously very niche, but sometimes a niche book is exactly what you need. “When your child or unborn baby is facing serious medical problems, it can be hard to know what to pray. The shock, uncertainty and fear can mean that even though you want to cry out to God in prayer, your words just dry up. That’s where this book can help, with prayers that use Scripture to help you communicate with the Lord. Whether you need to cry out honestly to the Lord in grief, to pray boldly for healing and help or simply to process what is happening, you’ll find words to help you talk with the God who loves you and weeps with you–the God who can do all things.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Unity: Striving Side by Side for the Gospel by Conrad Mbewe. “Christians most effectively serve others and advance God’s kingdom when they are in biblical unity with one another. Unfortunately, modern Christians seem to be divided on countless issues related to ministry, culture, the church, and even unity itself. Some prioritize organizational unity over gospel truth, while others only seek unity with those who share their same doctrinal beliefs. In this short, accessible guide, author Conrad Mbewe explores unity as a fruit of the gospel. He finds that biblical unity is only achieved after understanding what God has done through Christ and how it is continuously executed by the Holy Spirit. This biblically centered book encourages readers to respond to Paul’s apostolic plea of “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27), embracing unity as a valuable, God-given blessing.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

The Kingdom-Minded Pastor: How Pastoral Partnership Advances the Kingdom by Joel Littlefield. “Joel Littlefield wants to see God at work in his community, and invites other pastors to share the vision: for men, women and children to surrender to the lordship of Christ through the regenerating work of the Spirit; for new churches to be planted and declining churches revitalised; for congregations to be about the work of making disciples of Christ. Pastors with this gospel–minded mindset can be hugely helped in this way: by forming coalitions with other like–minded local pastors. Littlefield argues that in cultivating friendships and fellowship with one another, pastors will not only build one another up, but will benefit their own churches, and the work of the gospel in their local community. A short read, filled with wisdom and encouragement for the pastor who feels alone, discouraged, or like ministry might be better shoulder to shoulder with their brothers.” (Buy it at Amazon)

The Lord of Endurance and Encouragement: Suffering and the Sovereignty of God by Joel Beeke & Paul Smalley. “This book presents a God-centered perspective on suffering and prepares us to be good students in God’s school of suffering. By focusing our attention on Jesus Christ, it shows how knowing Him and His sufferings illuminates and sustains us in our own. It also draws lessons from biblical examples of suffering saints and mines the riches of the Reformed divines on the topic. It closes by showing how the God of patience and consolation strengthens weary pilgrims in hope and with a longing for heaven. In the darkest of times, believers are reminded that their hearts can be satisfied by nothing less than the infinite God.” (Buy it at Amazon)

Heart Songs for Every Saint: Engaging with God Through Times of Darkness & Light by William J. U. Philip. “William Philip encourages readers to use the Psalms as their own heart songs, in any circumstance. Don’t just admire the Psalms, use them. Psalms are Spirit–inspired prayers that help us to pray rightly and truly. They give us words we trust, and treasure as our own heart songs, as we engage with God through times of both darkness and light. William Philip shows us that in the Psalms we find a profound revelation of God, His nature, and His ways, as well as His relationship with His people. They help us deal with all aspects of our sojourning faith, both individually and in the corporate life of the church. They give us real ‘working models’ for living day by day as Christians. Heart Songs for Every Saint takes six of these psalms, and shows how they can be prayed in real life situations.” (Buy it at Amazon)

I was once told the story of a child who had been invited to spend a sunny summer day playing with his friends. He lived in a rural area and it took him a good bit of time to make the trek. But the child made his way toward his friends as they made their way toward him and eventually they came upon one another halfway. Soon they were climbing trees and jumping creeks and skipping rocks and generally having the time of their lives.

Around dusk, the boy realized he should begin his return journey. But just as he was about to say his farewells, one of the other lads began to tell a story. The child, once drawn in, couldn’t force himself away. He sat in rapt attention as the story progressed, as the action waxed and waned, as the hero faced peril and emerged victorious.
By the time the story was complete, the sun had dipped behind the distant horizon. Now the boy gazed into the gathering darkness and realized he was afraid to set out by himself. He asked his friends to come with him, but they all needed to return in the opposite direction. As the boy dawdled and tried to work up his courage, the sun’s last rays disappeared from the sky. He fretted about his family, wondering if they were concerned about what had become of him.
The night grew darker still as clouds rolled in and began to blanket the moon and the stars. At last he decided he must stop procrastinating and set out. But just as he stood to his feet, a blinding flash of lightning shot from the sky and it was soon followed by a mighty crack of thunder. His courage failed him altogether.
Yet just as he was about to sink into utter despair, his eye spotted a flicker of light bobbing in the distance. Curious, he watched as it grew closer, as it grew brighter. And, then, to his delight, he saw that it was his older brother come to fetch him, come to bring him home. And now he quickly said farewell to his friends and boldly stepped into the darkness. He confidently made his way toward his brother who then led him safely home—home where his family threw their arms around him, home where a meal had been laid out for him, home where peace and rest awaited him.
And after the storyteller had said all of this, he paused for a moment. He paused to gather his thoughts and consider his words. And then he spoke once more.
So may it be for you when the night of death comes. So may it be for you when your friends cannot accompany you. So may it be for you when you do not dare to go alone.
On that day, your friend who is closer than a brother, your Savior who is your elder brother, will come to meet you at just the right time. In his hand will be the lantern of all the precious promises he has made, and this will be the lamp to your feet and the light to your path. He will lead you through the dark night and into the brightest day. He will accompany you to the place where your family awaits you and longs to see you, the place where a great supper has been laid out for you, the place where God himself is ready to welcome you home. Never, no never, do you need to fear that you will have to go that way alone.

Inspired by De Witt Talmage

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you today.
Amazon is offering an exceptional deal on the Kindle Scribe in case you’ve been waiting to get one. This is part of their early Prime Day deals in which they have a lot of their devices discounted. They are also having a 4th of July sale in case that’s of interest.
Today’s Kindle deals include Randy Alcorn’s The Goodness of God. I also did a quick poll to gauge interest in sharing general-market (non-Christian) deals and that seemed a popular option. Therefore, on a trial basis, I will provide some general-market titles as a separate list.

I took some interest in the PCA’s debate about the book Jesus Calling, not least because I was named in the overture. Todd Pruitt explains what it is about and why he decided to vote in favor. This part is incredible: “Young’s ‘Jesus Calling’ books sold more than 45 million copies in 35 languages, making her the bestselling Christian author of all time.”

Kevin DeYoung has released another of his third theological explainer video. This one deals with divine aseity. The previous two are Divine Simplicity and Divine Infinity.

Randy Alcorn: “Imagine you’re part of a NASA team preparing for a five-year mission to Mars. After a period of extensive training, the launch date finally arrives. As the rocket lifts off, one of your fellow astronauts asks you, ‘What do you know about Mars?’ Imagine shrugging your shoulders and saying, ‘Nothing. We never talked about it. I guess we’ll find out when we get there.; It’s inconceivable that your training would not have included extensive study of and preparation for your ultimate destination.”

Paul Schlehlein writes about ancestor worship in the African church (and, along the way, touches on ancestor worship in the Western church). “In some ways, ancestor worship appears to be on the decline as Mercedes motor vehicles fill the roadways and technology engulfs African homes. The growth of nominal Christianity factors in too. But when times are desperate, some of the most wealthy, educated and even religious will fall back upon appeasing the swikwembu, driving back home to their villages on the weekend to follow the rituals, just to be safe. They’ll even attend church on Sunday.”

I very much enjoyed this auntie’s open letter to her beloved nephew. (At least, I’m assuming it’s a nephew rather than a niece. But either way…)

Samuel James (who is both an author and an editor at a Christian publisher) offers some “completely unsolicited, totally anecdotal, but perhaps marginally helpful thoughts on being a Christian writer.” Having read them, I would say that are definitely helpful, not merely marginally so.

It all sounded so cliché, so Millennial, but this was a real conversation with a real 30-year-old man, and I haven’t exaggerated a single word. He was growing older, but not growing up. He was progressing in years, but years behind in maturity.

Don’t let affluence make you impoverished of God.
—Jon Bloom