August 2022 New Releases
New Books and Bibles
Below is a list of the new and notable resources releasing this month from Crossway. Titles include Songs of Suffering by Joni Eareckson Tada and The Epic Story of the Bible by Greg Gilbert.
Songs of Suffering: 25 Hymns and Devotions for Weary Souls
Songs of Suffering includes 25 hymns with accompanying devotions and photography designed to spark hope in hardship. Opening with a special message from hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty, this book is a source of comfort for anyone who needs biblical encouragement, prompting readers to seek refuge in the Lord and rejoice in his goodness.
“No one in the evangelical world has done more reading, thinking, praying, and reflecting on suffering and faith than Joni Eareckson Tada. She is always ‘must-reading,’ but this particular book is a brilliant addition to her body of work. Music sends theology deep into the heart in a unique way, and Joni’s meditations on these beautiful hymns will make them even more effective in your life. Highly recommended.”
—Tim Keller, Pastor Emeritus, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City
The Epic Story of the Bible: How to Read and Understand God’s Word
In The Epic Story of the Bible, Greg Gilbert aims to teach Christians—or those interested in Christianity—what the Bible is and how to study it. Explaining the various genres and major themes woven throughout Scripture, Gilbert helps readers appreciate the word of God with less confusion and greater confidence. Adapted from the ESV Story of Redemption Bible.
“Greg Gilbert is a world-class expositor. (Trust me; I got to sit under his preaching for nearly twelve years.) The Epic Story of the Bible will revolutionize your ability to grasp the sweeping, soaring narrative that centers—from Genesis to Revelation—on Jesus the King. Read and marvel.”
—Matt Smethurst, Lead Pastor, River City Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia; Editor, The Gospel Coalition; author, Deacons and Before You Share Your Faith
The Call to Follow: Hearing Jesus in a Culture Obsessed with Leadership
Richard Langer and Joanne J. Jung
In The Call to Follow, Richard Langer and Joanne J. Jung teach readers that “followership” is essential to both organizational and spiritual flourishing. They argue that followership requires the development of specific skills and virtues modeled and extolled throughout Scripture. They point to examples of people from the Bible and church history who focused on following in the footsteps of their Savior rather than positions of leadership among others. This helpful book seeks to dismantle the idol of leadership that’s so prevalent in our culture and points us instead to the biblical concept of followership.
“It turns out that great leaders have great lieutenants. Jesus himself is a consummate follower—of the Father. Langer and Jung wisely point out that following can be dangerous, even deadly; lemmings and cliffs come to mind. So they don’t advocate blind following—the blind following the blind, but offer strong exhortations to wise and courageous following, which comes down to a matter of heart and pays lasting fruit. Their chart contrasting followership stereotypes versus biblical followership is worth the price of the book.”
—Sam Crabtree, Pastor for Small Groups, Bethlehem Baptist Church; author, Practicing Thankfulness
The Beauty and Power of Biblical Exposition: Preaching the Literary Artistry and Genres of the Bible
Douglas Sean O’Donnell and Leland Ryken
In order to understand, appreciate, and faithfully preach the word of God, pastors must discern the literary nature of the Bible. Instead of just acknowledging the various genres of Scripture, pastors and teachers should allow these genres to influence how the text is approached and communicated. In The Beauty and Power of Biblical Exposition, they will learn how to both read and preach the Bible as a literary anthology. To accomplish this, Douglas Sean O’Donnell and Leland Ryken teach pastors how to faithfully preach while keeping the original authors’ intentions in mind, helping them grow in their craft and love for God’s word. They explain how to read 6 genres—including narratives, parables, epistles, poetry, proverbs, and visionary writings—for the purpose of captivating congregations with the richness of Scripture.
“With masterful and inspirational challenges to preachers, O’Donnell combines his and Ryken’s years of biblical preaching insights into a descriptive and useful manual for biblical exposition. This work, with its relevant examples, encourages preachers to read the Bible through the lens of various literary genres of Scripture while faithfully preaching the word of God with authorial intent and transformative purpose.”
—Robert Smith Jr., Charles T. Carter Baptist Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University
Romans: A Concise Guide to the Greatest Letter Ever Written
Scholar and author Andrew David Naselli traces Paul’s argument for the gospel throughout this concise and accessible guide to the book of Romans. Designed to be read alongside the epistle itself, it provides accessible, standalone commentary unpacking the text verse by verse. This volume dives into the key themes of righteousness, peace, and God’s promises, accompanied by reflection questions on interpretation and application—perfect for individual or group study.
“Andy Naselli has given us a remarkably clear and faithful exposition of Romans by carefully tracing the argument of this great epistle. Don’t be misled by the size of this book. The truths unpacked in it are life changing and thrilling. How gratifying to see that the message of Romans is communicated in such an accessible way. I hope many will read and study this helpful work—an ideal book for home Bible studies, Sunday school, or personal study.”
—Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Cochair, CSB; author, Romans
Luke: Stories of Mission and Mercy
Luke: Stories of Mission and Mercy includes 50 devotionals written by David Murray, author of The StoryChanger. This volume features daily readings designed to help you learn, love, and live the whole Bible. Murray walks through the Gospel of Luke, offering thoughtful expositional comments on the book’s message, reflection questions, and a personal daily prayer. This devotional can help reorient your mind and transform your life with God’s better story.
“In fifty daily five-minute devotionals, David Murray manages to pack the transforming power of the gospel into bite-sized pieces that can change readers’ lives. If you are ready to get to know God and yourself better on a simple, concise, but profound journey through the story of Jesus in Luke, this resource is going to be an enormous blessing to you! David doesn’t shy away from tougher subjects like death and temptation, and he handles them so pastorally that you can’t help but walk away encouraged.”
—Adam Griffin, Lead Pastor, Eastside Community Church, Dallas, Texas; coauthor, Family Discipleship
The Prince and the Blight
It’s been a month since 12-year-old Lily McKinley was whisked away to the Somnium Realm to rescue her father, and although she’s overjoyed to have him home, she can’t leave the magical world behind. The glowing stone pendant that transported her is now bringing strange creatures to life against her will, with her paper-mache pterodactyl and even scrambled eggs suddenly moving about on their own. Lily tries to pretend that everything is normal, but when her friend Cedric the dragon appears to tell her that an illness has taken over the kingdom, troubling questions haunt her. Where is Prince Pax? If he can save the Somnium Realm like he did before, why won’t he stop the blight? Lily and her friends must return to Castle Iridyll to find out.
In this sequel to The Dragon and the Stone, Kathryn Butler takes middle-grade readers on an unforgettable adventure that mixes fantasy with biblical concepts. As young readers join Lily's exciting quest, they'll explore what it means to trust in God's faithfulness, even when he feels distant.
“The stakes are high when Lily is called back to the realm of dreams, and her questions and fears will feel surprisingly true to life for young readers. Fortunately, so will the magic. A worthy companion to the first adventure!”
—James D. Witmer, Managing Editor, StoryWarren.com; author, A Year in the Big Old Garden, Beside the Pond, and The Strange New Dog
United to Christ, Walking in the Spirit: A Theology of Ephesians
In this addition to the New Testament Theology series, scholar Benjamin Merkle offers an accessible summary of the theology of Ephesians that highlights God’s work in salvation and how Christians should respond. Each chapter focuses on a key theological theme—the plan of God, union with Christ, walking according to the Spirit, unity of the church, and spiritual warfare in the present age—and why it is relevant for the church today.
“United to Christ, Walking in the Spirit clearly and concisely presents the themes of Paul’s short but majestic letter to the Ephesians. The themes of individual union with Christ, the teaching about the church, and the call to walk well are all well handled. If you desire to understand the theme of this letter, this book is for you.”
—Darrell L. Bock, Executive Director of Cultural Engagement, The Hendricks Center, Dallas Theological Seminary
Sex, Race, and the Sovereignty of God: Sweet and Bitter Providence in the Book of Ruth
Sex. Race. Scripture. Sovereignty. The book of Ruth doesn’t shy away from addressing them all head on. Though it recounts events from 3,000 years ago, this ancient story of a poor widow seeking protection in a foreign land holds surprising relevance for Christians in the twenty-first century. In Sex, Race, and the Sovereignty of God (previously titled A Sweet and Bitter Providence), John Piper explores unchanging truths and inspiring hope in the life of Ruth.
“We live in a relativistic culture, where people are more concerned with being liked than being truthful. In Sex, Race, and the Sovereignty of God, John Piper does an outstanding job of biblically defending key truths that the church often ignores. He gives us an example of how to take a bold and educated stand on issues of race, purity, and God’s sovereignty.”
—Francis Chan, Crazy Love Ministries; pastor; author, Crazy Love and Letters to the Church