August 2021 New Releases
New Books
Below is a list of the new and notable resources releasing from Crossway this month. Titles include The ESV Bible, Read by Kristyn Getty and Rediscover Church by Collin Hansen and Jonathan Leeman.
ESV Bible, Read by Kristyn Getty
Read by Kristyn Getty
The Bible is made up of 66 books that tell the magnificent story of God's redemptive work in Christ. In this new audio recording of the full Bible, that story comes alive in a fresh way through the voice of award-winning modern hymn writer Kristyn Getty. From Genesis to Revelation, this word-for-word reading of the ESV Bible text—available as a convenient MP3 download—is a great way to encounter God's word and the story of salvation on any phone, tablet, or computer.
Learn More | Listen to an Excerpt
Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ Is Essential
Collin Hansen, Jonathan Leeman
Since a global pandemic abruptly closed places of worship, many Christians have skipped church life, even neglecting virtual services. But this was a trend even before COVID-19. Polarizing issues, including political and racial strife, convinced some people to pull away from the church and one another. Now it’s time to recommit to gathering as brothers and sisters in Christ.
In Rediscover Church, Collin Hansen and Jonathan Leeman discuss why church is essential for believers and God’s mission. Through biblical references and personal stories, they show readers God’s true intention for corporate gathering: to spiritually strengthen members as individuals and the body of Christ. In an age of church-shopping and livestreamed services, rediscover why the future of the church relies on believers gathering regularly as the family of God.
“This is a must-read book, not just because the authors have great insight to share on the topic, but because this is the most needed book for all Christians today. Many Christians believe the future of Christianity is the virtual church, and COVID-19 is reinforcing this idea. You will find Rediscover Church very helpful as a reminder to firmly stand on the biblical view of the church and nothing else. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.”
—Nima Alizadeh, President and Founder, Iranian Revelation Ministries Inc.
What God Has to Say about Our Bodies: How the Gospel Is Good News for Our Physical Selves
There’s a danger in focusing too much on the body. There’s also a danger in not valuing it enough. In fact, the Bible has lots to say about the body. With the coming of Jesus, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us”—flesh that was pierced and crushed for the sins of the world.
In What God Has to Say about Our Bodies, Sam Allberry explains that all of us are fearfully and wonderfully made, and should regard our physicality as a gift. He offers biblical guidance for living, including understanding gender, sexuality, and identity; dealing with aging, illness, and death; and considering the physical future hope that we have in Christ.
In this powerfully written book, you’ll gain a new understanding for the immeasurable value of our bodies and God’s ultimate plan to redeem them.
“I am very happy to endorse this book with the highest level of enthusiasm. I have been waiting for Sam to produce this book, and it does not disappoint. All aspects of living in fallen-and-yet-to-be-renewed bodies are comprehensively and biblically addressed with lucid writing that is a pleasure to read. Sam’s compassion for all the ways in which people suffer in those fallen bodies is full of understanding and tenderness. Please read this book with every expectation of being enlightened and edified.”
—Kathy Keller, Assistant Director of Communications, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City, New York
Judges: The Path from Chaos to Kingship
In the book of Judges, the people of God were mired in sin—from murder and violence to lust and adultery. The dramatic journey to the promised land may feel like a blockbuster movie, but it’s a tragic story that illuminates the sinful nature of humanity. The Israelites’ waywardness threatened to lead them away from their blessing, but despite their disobedience, God’s undeserved grace endured.
Join Lydia Brownback as she examines the biblical account of the twelve judges in this compelling, in-depth study. Reflect on God’s persistent grace as you see him carry the Israelites through Canaan and prepare them for his great purpose.
The Flourish Bible Study series equips women to study the overarching storyline of the Bible book by book. Designed for individual or group use, each 10-week workbook features conversational teaching that aims to make in-depth Bible study accessible to women in all seasons of life, along with practical application questions and additional recommended resources.
The brilliant and beautiful mix of sound teaching, helpful charts, lists, sidebars, and appealing graphics—as well as insightful questions that get the reader into the text of Scripture—make these studies that women will want to invest time in and will look back on as time well spent.”
—Nancy Guthrie Bible teacher; author, Even Better than Eden
Whatever Happened to the Human Race
Francis A. Schaeffer, C. Everett Kopp
What determines whether a life has value? Does age, ability, or health? Scripture tells us that we are all created in the image and likeness of God, and Christians are called to defend the dignity of his creation. But as debates rage around issues from abortion to euthanasia, it can be difficult to speak up against opposing viewpoints.
In Whatever Happened to the Human Race?, renowned theologian Francis A. Schaeffer and former US surgeon general C. Everett Koop, MD argue that society’s view of life quickly deteriorates when we devalue God’s creation through “anti-life” and “anti-God” practices. First written forty years ago, their perspectives are still relevant today as secular humanist issues, including euthanasia and infanticide, increasingly take hold in our culture. Their medical, historical, and theological insights empower readers to affirm a pro-life worldview and defend it confidently.
“Why do debates over abortion and euthanasia heat up in a heartbeat? Decades ahead of their time, Schaeffer and Koop cut right to the crux of our current cultural divide. At hand is a serious philosophical debate about who counts as one of us; either you believe that each and every human being has an equal right to life or you don’t. More and more Americans don’t, and Christians must respond with a biblically grounded case for human value as the only basis for fundamental rights. Schaeffer and Koop’s Whatever Happened to the Human Race? is precisely the place to begin building that case.”
—Scott Klusendorf, President, Life Training Institute
The Path to Being a Pastor: A Guide for the Aspiring
This personal conviction, while heartfelt, doesn’t acknowledge important, challenging steps necessary to be a qualified leader. So where should full-time ministry begin?
In The Path to Being a Pastor, Bobby Jamieson explains why it’s better to emphasize “aspiration” over “calling” as men pursue the office of elder and encourages readers to make sure they are pastorally gifted before considering the role. He shares from his own eleven-year experience preparing to be a pastor by walking potential leaders through different stages of ministry training, from practical steps—such as cultivating godly ambition and leadership, observing healthy churches, and mastering Scripture—to personal advice on building a strong family and succeeding in seminary. Emphasizing the importance of prayer, godly counsel, and immersion in the local church, Jamieson encourages men to ask Am I qualified? instead of Am I called? when considering a life in ministry.
“This is a gold mine of pastoral wisdom filled with answers to questions we all ask, as well as answers to questions we should ask. I have been a pastor for fifteen years and I learned something in every chapter. If you are considering pastoral ministry, this book is a gift to you.”
—Andrew Wilson, Teaching Pastor, King’s Church London
Building Healthy Churches (16-Volume Set)
When it comes to building a healthy church, there are many factors to consider—membership, evangelism, biblical theology, corporate worship, and more. Building Healthy Churches (16-Volume Set) edited by Mark Dever and Jonathan Leeman provides introductions for the basic biblical commands regarding the local church. Each of the 16 short, readable books—derived from the best-selling book Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever—is useful for any pastor or church leader seeking more information on the marks of a healthy church.
Gentle and Lowly Study Guide
In his best-selling book, Gentle and Lowly, Dane Ortlund takes readers into the depths of Christ’s very heart for sinners. Focusing on Jesus’s words that he is “gentle and lowly in heart,” Ortlund dives deep into Bible passages that speak of who he most deeply is, encouraging readers with the affections of Christ for his people.
Designed to be used in conjunction with the book, the Gentle and Lowly Study Guide helps readers reflect further on this wondrous biblical reality. This accessible resource features discussion questions organized into 10 lessons, with each lesson covering 2–3 chapters from the book. Perfect for small groups and individuals alike, the Gentle and Lowly Study Guide can also be used with the Gentle and Lowly Video Study.
Gentle and Lowly Journal
The Gentle and Lowly Journal is an ideal companion for anyone desiring to reflect more deeply on the biblical truths found in Gentle and Lowly and capture thoughts and prayers as they go. Each of the 23 sections in the journal corresponds to a chapter in the book and includes a key Bible text, a quote from a theologian of the past, excerpts from the book, and space for note taking and reflections.
Gentle and Lowly Video Study
This supplemental video series features ten videos, including ten teaching sessions as well as an introduction and conclusion from author Dane Ortlund. Each session covers 2–3 chapters from the book and can be used with the book, the Gentle and Lowly Study Guide, or both. Produced in DVD and digital download formats, this teaching series is ideal for small groups to work through together or for personal study.
How to Build a Healthy Church: A Practical Guide for Deliberate Leadership
If churches are the dwelling place of God’s Spirit, why are so many built around the strategies of man? Eager for church growth, leaders can be lured by entertaining new schemes, forgetting to keep doctrinal truth as their driving force. Churches must find a way out of the maze of programs and methods and humbly lean on the sufficiency of God’s Word.
How to Build a Healthy Church, a revised and expanded edition of The Deliberate Church, challenges leaders to evaluate their motivations for ministry and provides practical examples of healthy, deliberate leadership. Written as a companion handbook for Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, it covers important topics including membership, worship, responsible evangelism, and church roles. This is more than a step-by-step plan to mimic; it’s a biblical blueprint for pastors, elders, and anyone committed to the church’s vitality.