October 2021 New Releases
New Books and Bibles
Below is a list of the new and notable resources releasing from Crossway this month. These include the ESV Concise Study Bible™, Unfolding Grace for Kids, and Gentle and Lowly, Gift Edition by Dane Ortlund.
Concise Study Bible
The ESV Concise Study Bible was created to help readers explore the essential meaning of the Bible. Inspired by the best-selling ESV Study Bible, this robust Bible offers fresh content for new believers and seasoned saints alike, explaining difficult phrases, defining key terms, identifying important people and places, and highlighting links between biblical passages.
Features include 12,000+ study notes, 150+ maps and charts, approximately 20 illustrations, and an introduction to each book that outlines its setting, background, and key themes. The ESV Concise Study Bible is rich in content yet very approachable and easy to carry, perfect for studying God's Word in any context.
Features:
- 7.75-point Lexicon (Bible text); 6.5-point Frutiger (study notes)
- Size: 5.375 X 8.625
- Black-letter text
- Double-column format
- Glossary
- 12,000+ study notes
- 150+ maps and charts
- Approximately 20 illustrations
- 10 articles covering topics such as scripture, salvation, creation, and judgment
- Book introductions
- Smyth-sewn binding
Unfolding Grace for Kids
In Unfolding Grace for Kids, children ages 8–12 are invited on a guided journey through 40 select Scripture readings to uncover the unifying message of God’s Word. Each of the 40 readings is tailored to help encourage consistent time in Scripture and features newly written introductions and concludes with a helpful reflection question. Accompanying the readings are captivating illustrations by Peter Voth, inviting children to reflect on what they’ve read. From cover to cover, Unfolding Grace for Kids promotes a love of God’s Word to young readers as they immerse themselves in Scripture through small portions that together tell the overarching story of God’s grace.
- 40 illustrations by Peter Voth
- Features brief introductions about God’s plan of redemption throughout the Bible
- Content written by pastor Drew Hunter for children ages 8–12
- Single-column format
- Printed on thick, cream-colored book paper
- Smyth-sewn binding
“Unfolding Grace for Kids is an incredible gift to families who want to trace the story of God through the entirety of the Bible with impactful devotionals. This book is a great addition to any family’s library!”
—Ruth Chou Simons, Wall Street Journal best-selling author, Beholding and Becoming and GraceLaced; artist; Founder, GraceLaced Co.
Gentle and Lowly, Gift Edition
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 is, encouraging readers with the affections of Christ for his people. This gift edition features a TruTone cover, a ribbon marker, and a presentation page.
Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther
The books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther were written thousands of years ago, and yet they remain relevant to God’s people as they demonstrate God’s faithfulness in difficult times and earnestly seek revival. Designed to help modern readers understand and apply the messages of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther to their own lives, this commentary by pastor Wallace P. Benn walks carefully through the text. Part of Crossway’s award-winning Preaching the Word commentary series, this volume offers insightful observations, powerful illustrations, and practical applications to equip readers to see how these accounts of restoration and God’s covenant faithfulness bear witness to his faithfulness through his Son, Jesus Christ.
“There is a long history of informed, edifying biblical expositions that have been mightily used for God to shape and strengthen the church. These volumes admirably fit this tradition.”
—D. A. Carson, Cofounder and Theologian-at-Large, The Gospel Coalition
How Can I Support International Missions?
In this concise booklet, Mark Collins addresses the essential role of the local church in furthering global missions. He shows how Christians can participate in the global cause by sharing the gospel locally with friends and neighbors; studying the work of missionaries throughout the world; investing in the global missions work supported by a local church; praying for missionaries; and more. This helpful resource reminds readers how fundamental they are to the spread of the gospel throughout the world and offers practical ways for them to participate.
Am I Called to Ministry?
In this addition to the series, pastor Brad Wheeler addresses the shortcomings of the word “calling” when talking with aspiring pastors about their desire to pursue ministry. Explaining why the idea of calling is both unbiblical and even unhelpful, Wheeler suggests a 4-part process as a better alternative—cultivate godly ambition, display godly attributes, develop an aptitude for teaching and discipleship, and receive the affirmation of a local church. Written from personal experience, this short book is designed to encourage men trying to discern their “next steps” to pastoral ministry.
What Should We Do about Members Who Won't Attend?
In this concise booklet, Alex Duke explains the importance of meaningful membership and discusses what church members should do about fellow members who don’t regularly attend. Duke highlights the benefits of church membership—discipleship, accountability, and fellowship—and offers advice on how all Christians can encourage faithful church membership in their congregations.
“Christians are pressed by very real questions. How does Scripture structure a church, order worship, organize ministry, and define biblical leadership? Those are just examples of the questions that are answered clearly, carefully, and winsomely in this new series from 9Marks. I am so thankful for this ministry and for its incredibly healthy and hopeful influence in so many faithful churches. I eagerly commend this series.”
—R. Albert Mohler Jr., President and Centennial Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary