Miscellanies: Books
First, I want to celebrate a huge surprise with you. My Easter devotional with Spurgeon, The Risen King, made the ECPA Bestseller list for New Releases (number 23). Thank you for reading! I was so encouraged to know that a lot of people read about Jesus. I’m already looking forward to finishing The Newborn King for Advent in 2026.
Now, here’s some new books I think you’ll enjoy:
A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation by Matthew C. Bingham
With my doctoral work in biblical spirituality, I was jazzed to receive this book from Crossway. These pages are filled with gold. It is a little more academic, packed with great footnotes, and an important book that directs us to a Scripture-formed spirituality. “Primarily drawing from Puritan tradition, Bingham shows readers how to balance belief in salvation through faith with a responsibility for one’s personal spiritual growth. He studies biblical practices―including meditation, prayer, and self-examination―from a Protestant perspective. Blending historical analysis and practical application, this edifying study cultivates a greater understanding of Reformed theology and an ever-growing relationship with God.”
Tim Keller on the Christian Life: The Transforming Power of the Gospel by Matt Smethurst
“Pastor and author Timothy Keller (1950–2023) built a lasting legacy in Christian ministry, planting Redeemer Presbyterian Church and cofounding the Gospel Coalition. With sharp biblical insight that has shaped countless church leaders, along with counsel on the Christian life that has stirred and strengthened audiences worldwide, Keller’s teaching promises to influence generations to come. Synthesizing Keller’s work topic by topic, each chapter of this book highlights a key aspect of the Christian life―covering his views on prayer, suffering, friendship, vocation, intimacy with God, and more.”
Care by: Loving Your Church by Walking through Life Together by Dwayne Bond
It was a joy to endorse this wonderful book by my friend. Here’s my endorsement: “Churches are meant to be visible communities of love, support, encouragement, and care—because we know the Savior who ‘cares for you’ (1 Peter 5:7). Dwayne Bond is one of the most caring men you could ever meet. He lives the biblical principles and practical examples that fill his excellent and needed book Care. Take this Christ-centered, edifying, and authentic book to heart because someone will need you soon.”
Fake Christianity: 10 Traps of an Inauthentic Faith (and How to Avoid Them) by Jed Coppenger
“In Fake Christianity, Coppenger looks to the teachings of Jesus that address a culture remarkably like our own. He exposes ten traps of inauthentic faith and provides a gospel-centric response. The best way to tell a fake thing is to look at the real thing. That's true when looking at gems. It's also true of the Christian life. If we want to understand what's true and good, we must look to Jesus. And we must listen to Him.”
10 Questions About Salvation: 30 Devotions for Kids, Teens, and Families by Champ Thornton
“The 10 Questions series invites children ages 8–14 to investigate spiritual questions and provides reliable theological and practical answers on their level. The first book, 10 Questions about Salvation, helps readers find joy, security, and hope in God’s gracious love. Each 10 Questions book presents one main topic, poses 10 vital questions on the topic, and answers each question through 3 short devotions. Readers can work through the 30 readings in any order they choose. Written to be read alone or aloud with family, 10 Questions about Salvation is the perfect way to start or end each day reflecting on the things of God.”