The Best Is Yet to Come

Posted on March 9, 2020 by Carl Simmons

For you John Ortberg fans in the audience, a selection of sermons from the pastor who built up Menlo (Park Presbyterian) Church before him. . . .

Book Cover Image for The Best Is Yet to ComeWalt Gerber. The Best Is Yet to Come: Sermons Reflecting the Gift of Grace. 400p., $16.99, Deep River Books.

Countless people have said of Walt Gerber that it was from him they “first heard grace preached.” Walt, a popular pastor in the heart of Silicon Valley, loved Jesus, prayer, people, and the Bible, and this shows in every one of these sixty sermons, prayerfully chosen from among the hundreds he gave.

Walt was a Silicon Valley titan of the most unassuming kind. He had no website. No blog. No Twitter. No social media of any kind. He never published a book or developed a technology. But as senior pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church for twenty-eight years, Walt was a titan of grace. He had a way of speaking, like no one else, directly to listeners’ hearts through his sermons. Caring, relational, and compassionate, Walt was more concerned about “the ultimate heresy of making God boring,” as he put it, than with church growth. But the church did grow under him—from 2,000 members in 1974, to 5,500 members in 2002. People flocked to hear Walt present his God as he knew him . . . full of love, grace, kindness, and fun.

For each sermon, relevant Scriptures and discussion questions are provided, making this book ideal for personal devotions or small-group study.

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Philippians: Two Commentaries

Posted on March 2, 2020 by Carl Simmons

This week, you have your choice of commentaries on Philippians, both sharing the same author but taking separate approaches to the text—also/thus, one continuing an existing series and the other launching a brand-new commentary series.

So read on, and choose the one that works for you (or both):

PhilippiansThomas S. Moore. Philippians: An Exegetical Guide for Preaching and Teaching. Big Greek Idea series. 288p., $25.99, Kregel Academic.

The Big Greek Idea series provides all the relevant information from the Greek text for preaching and teaching the New Testament. Each New Testament book is divided into units of thought, revealing a big Greek idea (the author’s main idea in the passage), and individual clauses are displayed visually to illustrate their relationships, portraying the biblical author’s logical flow. Greek clauses are accompanied by an original English translation.

Additional commentary explains how the syntax and vocabulary of each verse clarifies the biblical writer’s intended meaning. The authors of each volume have scoured major reference works and commentaries on each book, saving readers countless hours of research. The series is ideal for busy pastors consulting the Greek text for sermons, instructors preparing lectures, and students looking for supplementary study aids.

PhilippiansThomas S. Moore and Timothy D. Sprankle. Philippians: A Commentary for Biblical Preaching and Teaching. Kerux Commentaries series. 256p., $27.99, Kregel Academic.

Kerux Commentaries enable pastors and teachers to understand and effectively present the message of a biblical text. . . . Each volume is written by a biblical scholar and a working pastor or homiletics scholar in partnership. Inclusion of a preaching author means that the commentary is centered on the biblical insights that are useful to a pastor as well as effective communication strategies and illustrations for each passage. Readers will discern the benefits of this throughout, as a resource designed and written with the real needs of regular proclamation always in sight.

Kerux . . . enhances the pastor’s ability to deliver a sermon that is biblical, cohesive, and dynamic by keeping the length of commentary manageable, while also offering effective, creative strategies for delivering the message of the text.

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Every Believer Confident

Posted on February 24, 2020 by Carl Simmons

To help us give an answer for the hope within us. . . .

Book Cover Image for Every Believer Confident by Mark J. FarnhamMark J. Farnham. Every Believer Confident: Apologetics for the Ordinary Christian. 208p., $15.99, Deep River Books.

For ordinary Christians who long to share their faith effectively, but don’t know where to begin, Every Believer Confident is the ultimate guidebook.

Every believer is called to proclaim the gospel and “give an answer” when objections are raised against the Christian faith, but many feel ill-equipped to do so. They want to be like Jesus and effectively engage the lost but lack the confidence and basic skills.

Every Believer Confident: Apologetics for the Ordinary Christian simplifies the basic principles of apologetics and provides effective strategies for use in actual encounters with unbelievers. It provides a structure whereby any Christian can engage anyone they meet, move the conversation to spiritual matters, and present the gospel of Christ in all its glory and rationality.

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A Gradual Redemption

Posted on February 17, 2020 by Carl Simmons

A personal story of grief turned to glory . . .

WILLIAMS_GradualRedemptionKelly Williams. A Gradual Redemption: A Story of Faith, Choice, and the Sovereignty of God. 240p., $19.99, Deep River Books.

In the author’s own words:

“Enmeshed in circumstances far beyond my capacity to handle and acutely aware that life as I had always known it was spiraling out of control, I found myself in the middle of the fiercest battle I would ever face. It was then, many years ago, on a bitter-cold February night, I made a decision that would forever alter my life’s trajectory.

“A Gradual Redemption is my story—a true story comprised of deep sorrow and loss, yet overwhelming redemption and victory. It’s a story that explores the impact a father can have on his daughter, the void he leaves behind, and her quest to fill it. It’s a story of choices that lead a desperate young woman to a life-altering encounter, and how—through painstaking effort—faith has the ability to redeem and restore all that is lost and broken.”

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Then Came Hispangelicals

Posted on February 10, 2020 by Carl Simmons

The seismic shift in the American (and universal) church that’s gone largely unnoticed. . . .

ThenCameHispangelicalsCoverRudolph D. Gonzales. Then Came Hispangelicals: The Rise of the Hispanic Evangelical and Why It Matters. 288p., $15.99, Deep River Books.

Hispanics are embracing the gospel in record numbers, swelling to well over 150 million believers today. In light of such unprecedented growth, evangelicals need resources to better understand their new Latino brothers and sisters. Then Came Hispangelicals delivers.

This much-needed primer surveys the history, philosophical antecedents, cultural developments, and religious heritage of the Hispanic world. Far from blind to the potential challenges, Dr. Rudolph Gonzalez proffers a thoughtful and balanced evaluation of Hispanic cultures from a Christ-centered, evangelical perspective.

Without apology, he makes a case for the gospel as the only historical message with the power to resolve the Latino’s perpetual search for a satisfying identity. Hispanic evangelicals will be encouraged and empowered as they wrestle with the magnitude of the challenge they face, committing to living under the rule of the mind of Christ.

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Organic Ministry to Women

Posted on February 3, 2020 by Carl Simmons

Adapting women’s ministry (and its small groups) for the next generations. . . .

Organic Ministry to WomenSue Edwards and Kelley Matthews. Organic Ministry to Women: A Guide to Transformational Ministry with Next Generation Women. 272p., $19.99, Kregel Ministry.

With Millennial and Generation Z women coming of age in our churches and society, new approaches to women’s ministry are required to meet their distinct needs. Drawing on decades of experience ministering to women, authors Sue Edwards and Kelley Mathews explain how their Transformation Model can energize women’s ministry for all generations and in multiple settings. Individual chapters are devoted to applying the model, which is centered on Scripture and building relationships, to ministry in the local church, the college campus, and cross-culturally in missions.

Organic Ministry to Women is packed with practical advice and real-life illustrations of how to implement the principles of the Transformation Model. Edwards and Mathews also profile numerous leading women’s ministers like Jen Wilkin, Priscilla Shirer, and Jackie Hill-Perry, drawing wisdom and inspiration from their lives and ministries. Helpful appendixes provide additional resources including sample job descriptions for ministry leaders, a Bible study lesson, and a training guide for small group leaders.

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Invitation to Church History: American

Posted on January 27, 2020 by Carl Simmons

Want to know how the American church got this way? Well, here you go. . . .

John D. Hannah. Invitation to Church History: American. 464p., $49.99, Kregel Academic.

Designed for an educated lay audience and students in introductory college and seminary church history courses, this visually stunning textbook is carefully written for first-time learners in the subject areas. Invitation to Church History: American chronicles American church history from the pilgrims to contemporary denominations in the United States.

In this full-color textbook, many features facilitate learning: photos make the material come alive for the reader; diagrams clarify and distill complex concepts and sets of information; and review materials aid the student in processing and retaining the concepts in each chapter.

Readers will gain a clear understanding of the meaning of the gospel, the wonder of divine redemption, and the majesty of God. The story of the church is presented as part of the redemptive history of God and His people. With a conservative, Christ-centered perspective, Hannah writes with fairness and generosity toward diverse views.

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Into His Presence

Posted on January 20, 2020 by Carl Simmons

A book about intimacy with God for the more academically minded among us. . . .

Into His PresenceTim L. Anderson. Into His Presence: A Theology of Intimacy with God. 240p., $21.99, Kregel Academic.

Numerous Christian books aim to provide guidance on relationships with God, but few base their conclusions on a biblical theology of intimacy. In this volume, Tim Anderson develops a biblical and holistic portrait of nearness to God, exploring key themes like God’s Trinitarian union, the fall, God’s fatherhood, marriage imagery, suffering, and our relationship with the Holy Spirit. A concluding chapter examines contemporary Christian songs that address oneness with God and evaluates their theological messages in light of the previous chapters. Into His Presence is a helpful guide for pursuing intimacy with God and distinguishing contemporary cultural understandings of close relationships from those communicated in Scripture.

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The Gospel in Hard Times for Students

Posted on January 13, 2020 by Carl Simmons

And another small-group resource on the high school front, by a name even more of you will recognize. . . .

The Gospel in Hard Times for Students: Study Guide with Leader's NotesJoni [Eareckson Tada] and Friends. The Gospel in Hard Times for Students. 144p. $15.99, New Growth Press.

The Gospel in Hard Times for Students, by Joni and Friends, is a faith-bolstering small group resource that illustrates how suffering is a catalyst that can deepen our understanding of God’s plan.

Through eight in-depth sessions, This resource points to Jesus, our Good Shepherd, for answers to today’s hard questions.

This study guide includes leader’s notes, real-life stories for discussion, biblical application, suggested video clips, and action plans to demonstrate how Jesus identifies with our sorrow. This study guide invites readers to see that how we choose to react and manage hardship has life-altering potential.

In this small group resource, young men and women can learn how the church carries the burden of suffering, seeking gospel answers to questions such as, “Why am I going through this?” and “Where is God when I need him?”

The Gospel in Hard Times for Students explores how a loving faith community—one body with many parts—can not only meet our needs but also help us walk alongside others who are afflicted, disabled, and marginalized.

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Real Change for Students

Posted on January 9, 2020 by Carl Simmons

And here’s a small-group study for the high-schoolers in the audience . . . taking its cue from the late David Powlison. . . .

Real Change for Students: Becoming More Like Jesus in Everyday Life (Study Guide with Leader's Notes)Andrew Nicholls and Helen Thorne. Real Change for Students: Becoming More Like Jesus in Everyday Life. Edited by David Powlison. 96p., $12.99, New Growth Press.

Every honest Christian knows the need for change. But how to get there? How do young adults move forward from struggles both big and small? And how does our faith in God affect our everyday thoughts, feelings, and actions?

In this six-session small group resource for students, participants have the opportunity to reflect on one particular area in their lives and then to learn more about how God changes us to become more like Jesus. All of us struggle to love God and those around us, but God has promised to keep working on us. And God always keeps his promises. The change his gospel produces will make your life and your relationships truly beautiful.

This self-contained resource with leader’s notes will encourage small group participants to understand and apply a biblical view of change to their lives and relationships.

Real Change for Students is based on the CCEF model of change from David Powlison’s course, “Dynamics of Biblical Change.” The easy-to-use six lesson format and included leader’s guide encourages students toward an honest discussion of their own struggles while providing an understanding of how a relationship with Christ brings change.

Topics addressed include understanding how we typically respond to trouble and pressure; how the cross of Christ brings comfort, help, and change; and how we can grow to be like Christ in the hardest circumstances.

Within this small group resource are biblical insights, discussion questions, and a personal change project to help young adults seeking to change negative patterns and live by faith in all circumstances. While the study material is designed for young adults within small groups, it can also be used for one-to-one discipleship study.

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