New Books and Bibles
Below is a list of the new and notable resources releasing this month from Crossway. Titles include The Pleasures of God by John Piper and The Heart of Preaching by Mike Bullmore.
The Pleasures of God: Meditations on God’s Delight in Being God
In this beloved classic, pastor and bestselling author John Piper searches Scripture to uncover the pleasures that delight the heart of God. Each chapter focuses on a specific joy: the glory of his Son, the beauty of creation, the richness of his grace, the prayers of his people, and more.
“Run, don’t walk, to buy this remarkable work.”
—Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder and CEO, Joni and Friends
God’s Purposes in Our Pain: 10 Ways God Uses Suffering for Our Good
God’s Purposes in Our Pain examines 10 powerful statements from 2 Corinthians that highlight how God transforms our suffering. Written for Christians struggling to understand why they experience grief, this book explains how suffering prepares us to strengthen others, rely on God’s provision, display the life of Christ, glorify God for his grace, and more. Each chapter is dedicated to an individual purpose and features illustrative stories and examples from Scripture, as well as reflection questions. Accessible and pastoral, this book helps us gain an eternal perspective as we endure pain and deepen our trust in the God who raises the dead.
“God’s Purposes in Our Pain is a striking and unique book. Berding and Krell explore the ‘so that’ passages in 2 Corinthians that reveal many of God’s actual purposes in our suffering. This is a fruitful and enlightening study, and I am happy to recommend it.”
—Randy Alcorn, Founder and Director, Eternal Perspective Ministries; author, Heaven and If God Is Good
The Heart of Preaching: The Functional Centrality of the Gospel in the Life and Work of the Preacher
In The Heart of Preaching, author Mike Bullmore explores the functional centrality of the gospel to help pastors convey its power in a more tangible way. Bullmore draws on decades of pastoral experience to navigate common heart challenges, clarify nuanced definitions, and provide practical advice for sermon preparation, delivery, and planning. This book is a valuable resource for those who want to see the gospel animate not only their preaching but their pastoral ministry and the entirety of their Christian life.
“I know many people whose minds were expanded and whose hearts were thrilled as they heard Mike Bullmore teach about the functional centrality of the gospel. That very teaching is at the heart of Mike’s life, ministry, preaching, and, of course, his book. It proves the ideal foundation for this book and all the wisdom it teaches. I can gladly recommend that The Heart of Preaching take its spot in every pastor’s library.”
—Tim Challies, author, Seasons of Sorrow; coauthor, From the Rising of the Sun
Stories Woven in Silver: Pointing Kids to the Gospel Through Children’s Literature
This concise and practical guide helps parents and caregivers navigate the world of children’s literature through a gospel lens. Exploring Christianity’s most beloved children’s books, children’s author Kathryn Butler and book reviewer Korrie Johnson—both mothers themselves—offer wise advice and tools to improve read-alouds and biblical discussions with kids. Summaries of featured books include accessible content for quick reference, including a brief synopsis, key gospel themes, Scripture connections, and notes for discernment. With the help of this guide, these stories will work in the hearts of children as they recognize both the beauty and brokenness of the world and place their hope in Christ, the true Redeemer.
“In Stories Woven in Silver, Kathryn Butler and Korrie Johnson invite families to discover the wonders of a good story. Beginning with Scripture and God’s grand narrative of redemption, they show how the greatest tales borrow from gospel themes—and how parents can use them to nurture faith. Practical and inspiring, this book equips readers to evaluate stories, build a meaningful family library, and delight in reading together. A must-read for parents and educators alike.”
—Marty Machowski, Executive Pastor, Covenant Fellowship Church, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania; author, The Ology and the Redemption Tales series
Why Is It So Hard to Be Happy?
In this brief booklet, Jen Oshman examines the history, sociology, and data of happiness from a Christian perspective. She discusses our culture’s competing visions and definitions of happiness, investigates why happiness is so elusive, and offers practical alternatives to the unsatisfactory lies of the world. This booklet invites readers to explore happiness as an outcome of a relationship with our Creator, Jesus Christ. In him there is a treasure waiting to be discovered—a richer, fuller way to live.
“This book speaks with honesty and clarity to our restless pursuit of happiness. Compassionate and anchored in truth, it helps readers examine misplaced hopes and offers a vision of joy sturdy enough to endure suffering, disappointment, and the weight of everyday life.”
—Darby Strickland, CCEF Faculty; author, Is It Abuse?
Mediator: A Biblical Theology
In this rich, accessible study, Bible scholar Vern Poythress studies mediatorial figures throughout Scripture and explains how the recurring theme of mediation fits into the plan of redemption. He walks through several examples—including people, angels, and objects such as the ark of the covenant—showing how they all culminate in Christ, the final prophet, king, and priest. This concise study will give readers a better understanding of the Old Testament, the greatness of Jesus, and their own callings to channel the word and power of God.
“If you have found navigating the Old Testament to be tricky, then accept this invitation to join Vern Poythress as he charts the course, helpfully leading you all the way to Jesus.”
—Alistair Begg, Bible Teacher, Truth for Life
Becoming a Disciple of the King: A Theology of Matthew
In this volume of the New Testament Theology series, scholar and pastor Jonathan Pennington explores the key theology and themes of Matthew to help readers gain a clearer understanding of both Scripture and Jesus. Whether you’re a pastor, student, or thoughtful believer, this book will deepen your grasp of Christ and inspire a life that reflects his character.
“Jonathan Pennington has spent decades studying the Gospels and writing clear and compelling books for the church. His skills are evident in this concise yet sophisticated introduction to the person of Jesus the Christ and the nature of discipleship according to the Gospel of Matthew. Becoming a Disciple of the King is an excellent book for all who want to hear the distinct message of Matthew.”
—Dan Doriani, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Covenant Theological Seminary
The Immutability of God
In this classic essay, which has been edited and updated for a modern audience, theologian Stephen Charnock explains the doctrine of immutability. Comparing God’s unchangeability to the inconstancy of all creatures, Charnock helps readers see the foolishness of relying on a perishing world rather than an eternal and perfect God. This concise, Scripture-based essay is essential reading for students, pastors, and laypeople.
New Testament Theology: A Canonical, Thematic, and Ethical Approach
The book opens with foundational insights into biblical theology and how the New Testament engages with the Old Testament. It then unfolds 5 main chapters, covering the Gospels, Acts, Paul’s letters, the General Epistles, and Revelation, with attention to each book’s major themes, ethical teachings, and narrative context within the unified storyline of Scripture. This volume helps readers engage deeply with New Testament theology, providing a comprehensive study that is both accessible and enriching for serious students of God’s word.
“This work meets a genuine and crucial need to build biblical theology inductively from the constituent works of the canon. While listening to the individual voices, the author masterfully demonstrates the coherence of the canonical symphony and highlights God’s love for the world in Christ. The author’s competence in addressing and synthesizing such a broad range of material with sensitivity and effectiveness is remarkable!”
—Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary
The Biggest Story Curriculum, Student Workbook
Illustrated by Don Clark
The Biggest Story Curriculum, Student Workbook is an accessible curriculum designed for older elementary students. Based on 104 Bible stories, as retold by Kevin DeYoung in The Biggest Story Bible Storybook, these lessons take kids through the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, and help them understand how the stories fit together. Each lesson includes a teaching summary, study questions with space for notes, and a memory verse, all brought to life with illustrations by Don Clark. Used during family time or homeschooling, The Biggest Story Curriculum, Student Workbook is a great way to instill an enduring love of God’s word.
“If your family or your church group are looking for a resource you can trust to help you mature toward Christ, this is the perfect place to start. The Biggest Story Curriculum, Student Workbook is so much more than just reading through the text, it’s beautifully crafted for engaging deeply in the word of God. I can’t promise the workbook will be easy. It’s better than that. It’ll challenge any student in the best ways. It’s a clear path and partner to be discipled through God’s word.”
—Adam Griffin, Lead Pastor, Eastside Community Church, Dallas, Texas; Host, The Family Discipleship Podcast
