November Book Briefs
New Books to Check Out
It’s not too early to say it: Merry Christmas!
And here are some great new books to check out. I just started reading Rebecca McLaughlin’s new book, and it is outstanding. Links for these books will take you to WTS Books, and be sure to use Code: MEDDERS for an additional 5% off (hint: it works anytime at WTS).
How Church Could (Literally) Save Your Life by Rebecca McLaughlin
“Harvard School of Public Health and other institutions have discovered that weekly religious service attendance helps guard against depression, increase happiness, improve physical health, and extend life expectancy. In How Church Could (Literally) Save Your Life, Rebecca McLaughlin explores this compelling data from a Christian perspective. Avoiding prosperity-gospel guarantees of health in this life, she shares the significant and science-backed benefits of worshiping God in community and the good news of Jesus, the Great Physician. Written both for skeptics and believers who may have stopped going to church, this brief, accessible guide invites readers to discover the true source of abundant life.”
It is currently sold at WTS, but is available for $2 more on Amazon.
10 Questions About Pain and Suffering: 30 Devotions for Kids, Teens, and Families by Beth Broom
I was honored to endorse this stellar book. I really love how this series is formatted. Here’s my endorsement:
“Genesis 3 is the common denominator of life in this fallen world. Everyone, including kids, experiences suffering, pain, and sadness. But there is hope. I’m thankful for Beth Broom’s work in this honest, theologically rich, enjoyable, and accessible book. 10 Questions About Pain and Suffering shows the compounding hope of the gospel that continues to be good news for sinners and sufferers.”
Everyday Gospel Christmas Devotional: 25 Daily Readings for Advent by Paul David Tripp
“Adapted from Tripp’s 365-day devotional Everyday Gospel, this condensed edition features 25 selected readings, each with study questions, making it ideal for personal study or family devotions. Count down to Christmas Day with Tripp’s heartfelt reflections and contemplate the beauty and significance of the Savior’s birth.”
CSB Connecting Scripture New Testament - Gregory K. Beale (Editor), Benjamin L. Gladd (Editor)
“Developed by leading biblical theology scholars, G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. Gladd, the CSB Connecting Scripture New Testament helps readers connect the New Testament to the grand narrative and overarching redemption story of the Bible. This unique and accessible study resource includes a robust cross-reference system that highlights Old Testament quotations, allusions, and parallels within the New Testament and promotes the underlying unity of Scripture. Book introductions, study note commentary, articles, and helpful charts and infographics are also included throughout to further highlight and explain important theological themes and recurring connections between Old and New Testament books.”
The Gospel After Christendom: An Introduction to Cultural Apologetics by Collin Hansen (Editor), Skyler R. Flowers (Editor), Ivan Mesa (Editor)
“In The Gospel after Christendom, scholars and practitioners from the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics define cultural apologetics, explain its biblical and historical grounding, and demonstrate its importance for the church today. Their diverse viewpoints, united in the gospel, offer a balanced approach that can guide Christians to share the Good News with their neighbors in this challenging but exciting time.
With contributions from:
Sam Chan
Joshua D. Chatraw
James P. Eglinton
Skyler R. Flowers
Rachel Gilson
Collin Hansen
Rebecca McLaughlin
Ivan Mesa
Alan Noble
Gavin Ortlund
Derek Rishmawy
Daniel Strange
Bob Thune
Christopher Watkin
Trevin Wax”
The Life of Peter: Molded in the Master’s Hands by Derek W.H. Thomas
“In this book, Dr. Derek Thomas offers an encouraging portrait of Peter from the Gospels and the book of Acts, with insights from Peter’s own writings later in life. At every stroke, our eyes are drawn beyond the disciple to his gracious Master, who fashions stumbling believers into stalwarts of faith.”
I enjoyed the Everyday Gospel Christmas devotional last year. The selections are taken from PDT 365 day devotional and Bible reading plan by the same name. Currently that is my 2025 daily devotional- I recommend it!