June 2022 New Releases
New Books
Below is a list of the new and notable resources releasing this month from Crossway. Titles include A Better Encouragement by Lindsey Carlson and The StoryChanger by David Murray.
A Better Encouragement: Trading Self-Help for True Hope
Women need better news. In this hope-filled book, Lindsey Carlson leads weak and weary women to the well to find better refreshment in the living water of Christ, who speaks a better word of encouragement than the world. As women are connected to God’s promises and God’s people, they will be better encouraged to endure with their hope fixed on Christ.
“Our world is a mixed bag when it comes to encouragement. Often, words meant to inspire overwhelm us with burdensome demands: be better, work harder, do more. We need a better encouragement. Thankfully, Lindsey Carlson’s book offers the remedy we need by speaking life-giving truths from God’s word to God’s people.”
—Melissa B. Kruger, Director of Women’s Content, The Gospel Coalition; author, Growing Together
Gospel-Shaped Marriage: Grace for Sinners to Love Like Saints
Chad Van Dixhoorn and Emily Van Dixhoorn
In Gospel-Shaped Marriage, Chad and Emily Van Dixhoorn encourage couples with how Christ calls and enables them to love their spouse. They give a brief assessment of the biblical design for marriage while offering practical, proven advice for husbands and wives. Drawing from Scripture and the writings of Puritan minister William Gouge, their advice also prepares churches, friends, and others to support married couples in their lives.
“Sometimes the commands and ideals for marriage in the Scriptures can seem so far away from the reality of our relationships. We find our expectations for marriage and our roles as husbands and wives are shaped by many other things than what the Scriptures teach. In Gospel-Shaped Marriage, Chad and Emily Van Dixhoorn thoughtfully work their way through pertinent passages with insight and humor, helping readers evaluate their attitudes, expectations, and aims in order to pursue marriages that are shaped by the gospel of grace.”
—Nancy Guthrie, Bible teacher; author, Blessed
The StoryChanger: How God Rewrites Our Story by Inviting Us into His
Each person’s life tells a story. These stories have happy chapters, sad chapters, boring chapters, and exciting chapters. Some people seem to author their own stories, while others have the pens snatched from their hands. Some stories feel hopeless. Can our stories ever be rewritten? Will they have a happy ending? David Murray introduces readers to the StoryChanger, Jesus Christ—the only one who can rewrite human stories with his better Story.
“Are you trying to make sense of your life or the lives around you? Are you looking for purpose? What matters? What matters the most? David Murray’s The StoryChanger will give you answers and might even change your story. He writes as a man who understands people, but even more importantly, who understands God. Prepare to be encouraged and to see your life as part of a much grander and more important story than you can imagine.”
—Jason Helopoulos, Senior Pastor, University Reformed Church; author, The Promise: The Amazing Story of Our Long-Awaited Savior
He Is Not Ashamed: The Staggering Love of Christ for His People
In He Is Not Ashamed, Erik Raymond takes a close look at the “family portrait” of God—filled with imperfect people throughout Scripture—and shows that God is not repelled by anyone’s shameful past, but delights to redeem and receive those who believe in him. Studying Hebrews 2:11 and other passages in both the Old and New Testaments, Raymond shows that Jesus’s heart is bent toward those who have an embarrassing history, feel far from God, or struggle with sin.
“Erik Raymond has given us a masterful treatment of the most staggering reality in human existence. He Is Not Ashamed is like a tall, full glass of cool water for anyone that is dry and thirsty for grace.”
—Jared C. Wilson, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; author, Love Me Anyway
Why Believe?: A Reasoned Approach to Christianity
Apologist and theoretical chemist Neil Shenvi engages some of the best contemporary arguments against Christianity, presenting compelling evidence for the identity of Jesus as portrayed in the Gospels, his death and resurrection, the existence of God, and the unique message of the gospel. Why Believe? calls readers from all backgrounds not only to accept Christianity as true, but also to entrust their lives to Christ and worship him alone.
“I love this book in terms of both content and tone. Neil Shenvi has thought deeply about these issues and provides a reasoned case for Christianity. He also responds to some of the most common objections with clarity and precision. I hope Why Believe? gets the wide readership it deserves.”
—Sean McDowell, Associate Professor of Christian Apologetics, Biola University; author, Evidence That Demands a Verdict
Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms: A Reader's Edition
Edited by Chad Van Dixhoorn
Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms gathers 13 of Christian history's most important documents—including the Apostles’ Creed, the Belgic Confession, and the Heidelberg Catechism—into one beautiful collection. Each text includes an introduction from editor Chad Van Dixhoorn that explains its origins and significance to the early church. By learning and revisiting these timeless confessions of faith, readers can grow spiritually and learn more about Christian history.
Growing in Christ
In Growing in Christ, Packer offers readers an easy-to-follow road map for studying theological topics, including the Apostles' Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and baptism. Each chapter helps both new and lifelong believers examine what Packer calls “the intellectual ABCs” of the gospel so they can grow in faith.
“Growing in Christ is a classic from the pen of the late J. I. Packer. I am happy to see this concise introduction to the Christian faith republished for a new generation. In 64 short readings of about 1,000 words each, Dr. Packer delivers a popular-level overview of the Apostles’ Creed, baptism, conversion, prayer, and the Ten Commandments. The brief readings include biblical references for further study and good questions to awaken personal meditations and to inspire group discussions (as originally intended). Highly commended.”
—Tony Reinke, author, 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You and Newton on the Christian Life
What Is the Church's Mission?
In this short book, Jonathan Leeman argues from Scripture that the mission of the church is first and foremost to make disciples—the task that each local assembly is called to do collectively—and to be disciples—the task for each individual Christian. He equips readers to obey this disciple-making mission both inside and outside the local church as they seek to follow Christ’s call and make God’s glory known in all the world.
Who's in Charge of the Church?
In the short book Who’s in Charge of the Church?, Sam Emadi explains that church polity isn’t just transactional; it’s meant to be transformative. He describes how churches should reflect biblical authority, particularly members’ responsibilities to one another, their elders, and deacons. Emadi’s direction helps provide clarity for congregations, showing them how to operate within God’s perfect design and grow stronger in their love for Christ.
How Can I Be Sure I'm Saved?
With pastoral wisdom, Jeremy Pierre encourages doubt-filled Christians with the truths of Scripture. He shifts their perspective to see themselves as God sees them, comforts their hearts with the abundant love initiated by God, and teaches them to receive this love through the gifts Christ has given them: God’s word, prayer, and the fellowship of the church. Readers will learn to find rest in the unlimited knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.