This has been a bit of a slow stretch for Kindle deals. We will hope that things pick up with a new month.

Westminster Books has a deal on a new book for pastors (and, if you click through, on some related resources).
When You Hear of a Scandal
Darryl Dash has some valuable advice on what to do when you hear of yet another scandal.
Talk about an Awkward Term
The awkward term, in this case, is abomination.
Though My Flesh May Fail: Reflections on Chronic Suffering from the Hospital Bed
Brett Fredenberg: “Amidst temptations to doubt, God continues to reveal His good purposes for me in my affliction. As I sit in my hospital bed today, three lessons stand out among the rest as reminders of the sovereignty of God’s grace and His goodness in my life.”
The Whole Story
I enjoyed this simple account of the way the Lord saved one of his people.
Is Double Predestination Biblical?
John Piper explains what is meant by “double predestination” and offers his take on it.
Only Use Authority in the Fear of God
“Is all authority abusive? Is all authority—by virtue of one person having power over another person—in its very nature, abusive? I ask these questions in a day when accounts of sad experiences with abusive pastors are all too common. ” Mark Dever considers an unpopular concept.
Flashback: That Time I Went After an Older, Godlier Man
While a right acknowledgement and right assessment of my youth should have constrained me, a total failure to acknowledge and assess my youth empowered me. And in my arrogance I launched a broadside against a good man.

If one is not faithful in an insignificant sphere he will not be faithful in a resounding sphere. —De Witt Talmage

Before the month comes to an end and before my American friends disappear for their Thanksgiving holiday, I want to make sure you’re all aware of some new and notable books that came our way in November. We were treated to some excellent new titles this month so be sure to give them a look!

The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon (2nd Edition) by Douglas Moo. “A knowledgeable and evangelical guide to Paul’s letters to the Colossians and to Philemon. With brilliant exegesis and sound practical insight, noted commentator Douglas J. Moo explicates the Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon, with an eye toward their application for readers today. Moo bases his commentary on the Greek text of the letters, while accessibly explaining the English text to his contemporary audience. Freshly revised and updated, this second edition remains methodologically sound, authentically evangelical, and pastoral in approach. This invaluable volume of the Pillar New Testament Commentary series offers biblical insights to a wide range of readers, from teachers and students, to pastors and parishioners, to scholars and laypersons.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Hebrews (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) by Douglas Moo. “Designed for the pastor and Bible teacher, the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament features today’s top New Testament scholars and brings together commentary features rarely gathered together in one volume. With careful analysis and interpretation of the Greek text, the authors trace the flow of argument in each New Testament book, giving readers the tools they need to properly understand and communicate the meaning of the text. Commentary on each passage follows a clear structure to help readers grasp the flow and meaning of the text. The Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament series is the go-to resource for pastors and Bible teachers looking for deep but accessible study that equips them to connect the needs of Christians today with the biblical text.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Motyer by the Day: A Psalms and Isaiah Devotional Collection by Alec Motyer. “Alec Motyer was a man whose love for God and His Word inspired others to enjoy studying the Bible, and especially the Old Testament. Isaiah by the Day and Psalms by the Day exemplify this passion. Motyer’s scholarly brilliance and devotional warmth have cemented these books as firm favorites in the hearts of many readers. This beautiful cloth-bound box set contains both volumes from this esteemed Bible teacher. Moyter is a master at attending to the details and finding their precise place in the grand sweep of scripture’s redemptive narrative. Rich and full, yet concisely put. Each of the 144 daily readings consists of a Scripture passage, a wealth of accompanying notes, and a devotional reflection. The text is set in its context, with clear references to other relevant passages. Motyer’s long experience as a linguist enabled him to translate Isaiah and the Psalms from Hebrew into English, bringing us as close to the original text as possible, and helping us perceive familiar passages anew. His rich analysis alongside these translations, aids the reader to delve deeper into the treasures on offer. For a richer understanding of the Psalms and Isaiah, Motyer’s guide is an indispensable resource.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

The Final Word: A Biblical Response to the Case for Tongues and Prophecy Today (2nd edition) by O. Palmer Robertson. “A call for freshness, spontaneity and life in worship has been resounding through the churches of the English-speaking world, together with a desire to hear God speaking here and now to his people. Many have called for a return to the pattern of worship found in 1 Corinthians 14, merging the biblical emphasis of the Reformation with the vitality of the modern Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. Dr O. Palmer Robertson was previously Director and Vice-Chancellor of African Bible College in Kampala, Uganda. Before going to Africa he pastored churches and taught in seminaries in the USA. Now residing once again in the USA, he continues to write and speak. Dr Robertson is the author of numerous book and commentaries.” (Buy it at Amazon)

Go Forward in Love: A Year of Daily Readings from Timothy Keller by Timothy Keller. “From the works of pastor and New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller comes this yearlong compilation with daily readings from his best-loved books. The perfect 365-daily reader for both new and longtime admirers of Timothy Keller’s writing, Go Forward in Love features deep insights, profound truths, and biblical wisdom on topics such as prayer, forgiveness, loving our neighbors, the importance of work, and the hope of the resurrection. Each day’s reading is short, but will lead you into deep reflection, give you a fresh sense of awe and wonder before God, and help you go forward in love as willing servants of God and everyone around you.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

The Biggest Story Family Devotional by Douglas Sean O’Donnell. “The Bible is a BIG book about the BIGGEST story. Each page tells about the God who created the world, acted in history, and continues to act in the present. These kid-friendly devotions, based on Bible stories as retold by Kevin DeYoung, give parents and children hundreds of easy, memorable opportunities to experience God’s story together. The Biggest Story Family Devotional features 104 Bible stories. Each story includes a brief Big Picture introduction and a Gospel Connection summary to help children understand and apply Scripture. A QR code on each story page links to an animated video retelling that parents and children can watch together. The 104 stories each include 5 individual Bible readings (520 in all) that families can complete whenever they choose―during dinner, before bed, one per day, or several at a time. Each reading has family discussion questions, a prayer, and space for notes.” (Buy it at Amazon or Westminster Books)

Our God Reigns: An Amillennial Commentary on Revelation by Sam Storms. “Revelation was written in such a way that it should be not only intelligible to any Christian who reads or hears its words, but also a blessing to the person who obeys and believes what it says. Simply put, contrary to popular opinion, and notwithstanding the often bizarre and mysterious images it conveys, God intends for Revelation to be understandable, edifying, and enjoyable! Scholarly but conversational in style, Storms has written for those who do not have a working knowledge of Greek but does not shy away from the numerous important technical and exegetical details that appear all through Revelation. He provides insight into both the nuances of the Greek text and the deep doctrinal issues in Revelation in such a way that the average Christian adult can grasp. Revelation is profoundly relevant to the issues we face in our society today and Storms keeps the welfare of the church in view, as he includes numerous applications for daily living and growth in your personal relationship with God. An excellent read for those looking to better grasp the blessings to be found in understanding this book.” (Buy it at Amazon)

The Sacred Flame: A Biography of Hannah More by Kevin Belmonte. “There has never been anyone quite like Hannah More. Her books were kept in the homes of presidents, and peers of the realm. They were a best-selling phenomenon, and she ‘the most successful British author of the romantic period,’—more successful, financially, than Sir Walter Scott, and more than Jane Austen. A gifted poet and playwright Hannah More was, by her early 30s, the toast of literary London. Samuel Johnson collaborated with her in writing verse, and David Garrick, one of the greatest Shakespearian actors in theatre history, was her mentor and devoted patron. Hannah, as a member of the Bluestocking circle of the late 1700s, was a pioneering artist and celebrity. Throughout the English-speaking world, she became a household name. In later years, after her passing in 1833, her legacy lived on.” (Buy it at Amazon)

By Life or by Death: The Life and Legacy of John and Betty Stam by Andrew Montonera. “As a young boy Andrew Montonera stumbled upon a cabinet of books in his grandparents’ house. He was captivated by what he discovered—the library of his distant relatives, John and Betty. By Life or by Death shares the story of these two remarkable people—inspirations of contagious joy and kingdom-focused lives. John Cornelius Stam and Elisabeth Alden ‘Betty’ Scott met at Moody Bible Institute in fall 1929. A few years later, their paths crossed again—this time in China. The two were united in marriage and in their love for the Chinese people. Using family scrapbooks and unpublished sources, Montonera takes a fresh look at a famous story—how two missionaries and their baby were kidnapped by Chinese soldiers and ransomed. Montonera recounts the courage and martyrdom of the Stams, as well as the succeeding miraculous tale that captured the world’s attention. The Stams’ lives were cut short, but their faithfulness continues to impact Christianity in China today. By Life or by Death looks at the legacy of the Stams, including new testimonies of those shaped by their commitment to the gospel.” (Buy it at Amazon)

Toward a Reformed Apologetics: A Critique of the Thought of Cornelius Van Til by Keith Mathison. “For almost a century, Reformed theologians, especially in North America, have debated this topic. The debate has often been acrimonious, with serious charges and counter-charges coming from both sides. This book seeks to take the debate in a more constructive direction by clearing away as much misunderstanding as possible in order that we might add to discussions of apologetic methods the actual practice of apologetics. In Part One, Cornelius Van Til’s own system of thought is set forth in a clear way in order that readers may know exactly what it entailed. His doctrine of God, creation, the fall, common grace, redemption, and the antithesis are explained in order that readers might understand the apologetic implications of these doctrines. Part Two is devoted to explaining why many Reformed Christians have not embraced Van Til’s apologetics in spite of its popularity and influence. These chapters outline biblical, philosophical, theological, historical, and practical concerns with Van Til’s system of thought. This book argues that Van Til’s apologetic system of thought is consistent with neither Scripture nor Reformed theology.” (Buy it at Amazon)

Proverbs: A Discourse Analysis of the Hebrew Bible by Christopher Ansberry. “Designed for the pastor and Bible teacher, the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament features today’s top Old Testament scholars and brings together commentary features rarely gathered together in one volume. With careful discourse analysis and interpretation of the Hebrew text, the authors trace the flow of argument in each Old Testament book, showing that how a biblical author says something is just as important as what they say. Commentary on each passage follows a clear structure to help readers grasp the flow and meaning of the text. The Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament series is the go-to resource for pastors and Bible teachers looking for deep but accessible study that equips them to connect the needs of Christians today with the biblical text.” (Buy it at Amazon)

Sometimes we are forced to have conversations that are almost too strange to believe—conversations, for example, in which we insist that there is such a thing as a gender binary. Yet today so many people are convinced that gender is a mere construct of an oppressive culture. Gender, they believe, is a decision we make for ourselves and not one grounded in any biological reality (not to mention any divine design). In his book Does God Care About Gender Identity?, Samuel Ferguson expresses the importance of teaching and displaying the beauty and goodness of gendered bodies. I was particularly struck by one simple application—singing in the local church. When we sing as men and women, there is a special way in which we display God’s design. I’ll allow him to explain.

The beauty of gender difference adorns God’s world. We need to help the next generation see and honor it. As a pastor, I have the joy of seeing couples meet, marry, and have children. The fruit of their union reminds us that only a biological male and biological female can produce life. “People often present the sex binary as oppressive,” writes Rebecca McLaughlin. “But at its very heart, the male-female binary is creative.” In appropriate ways, parents must teach and remind their children that the complementarity of the two-gendered world—the dance of male and female—is the creative source that stands behind each one of us. By God’s design, every human being owes his or her existence to one man and one woman.
Another place the beauty of gender shows up is in church worship. In my church, when songs have parts for men and women, the guys can’t help but sing a little louder when it’s their turn. They send a low rumble through the pews. When the women have their go, it’s as if a bright and gentle joy enfolds the congregation. When all the voices finally sing together, one hears, even feels, the truth and goodness of our gendered world. Surely this will be an enduring display of our maleness and femaleness as we worship the Lamb in heaven (Rev. 5:9; 14:3; 15:3). Christians must point out this beauty to the next generation whenever we experience it. We must celebrate the goodness of God’s design, that we are our bodies, that our gendered bodies are temples for the Holy Spirit, made to glorify God (1 Cor. 6:19–20), and that this is anything but restrictive—it’s beautiful.