Christian Focus

Clash of Visions

Populism and Elitism in New Testament Theology

Robert W. Yarbrough

Here is an analysis of two contrasting approaches to biblical interpretation: one which has encouraged many to abandon the Christian heritage, the other which has informed the largest numeric increase of professing Christians in world history in recent generations and which is projected to continue.

Philippians

A Mentor Commentary

Matthew Harmon

This commentary is a study in clarity and balance. It is simple in expression, yet profound in insight. It is thorough in scope, yet selective enough not to overwhelm. It is informed by recent scholarship, yet avoids fruitless complexities. It draws on knowledge of ancient languages, yet makes its case in plain English. It is classic in its focus on God, Christ, and redemption, yet current in showing how a gospel from long ago is just as true and powerful today. In a word, this is a fine resource for serious students of Philippians in both church and college settings.

Trials of Christ

The moral failures of those who judged Christ

John Gilmore

‘Gilmore's work is imaginative, informed, wise, and searching. He canvasses the Bible and scholarly secondary sources to reconstruct a plausible understanding of Jesus' trials. Gilmore clarifies many conundrums and shows again that the New Testament accounts are empirically compelling—and spiritually suggestive for readers with ears to hear. I know of no better biographical approach to the trials of Jesus.'

New Testament Theology

A New Study of the Thematic Structure of the New Testament

James J. Scott Jr.

"This book is a labor of love—for the Scriptures, for readers, for learning, for teaching, and for God himself. The author takes up each topic in a wise, thorough, probing, and reverent manner. Readers will gain fresh insight into the history of New Testament times, the convictions of the biblical writers, and the implications of the age-old yet ever new Christian message for today. Readers will also glimpse the work of major New Testament scholars as their research has unfolded over recent decades. This is an excellent intermediate survey for college students, as well as for laypersons eager to move to new levels of biblical understanding."

Galatians

God's Proclamation of Liberty

Joseph A. Pipa Jr.

"Here is a clear, succinct, and powerful exposition of a key Pauline letter. Pipa writes pastorally, an apt reflection of Paul's own desire to inform and edify. He writes learnedly, aware of challenges to Paul's gospel from Federal Vision and New Perspective quarters."

Her–Story

366 Devotions from 21 Centuries of the Christian Church

Diana Lynn Severance

Never have I read a daily devotional book that is a page-turner. This one is. Drawing on real life stories from New Testament times to now, the author sheds light on the convictions, commitments, struggles, joys, and yes sorrows of some 365 women who have trusted and served Christ. Read this for new insight into church history, fresh gratitude for God's glory in women's lives, and strong motivation to aspire to the levels of faith, love, sacrifice, and service on display in these fascinating vignettes. This gives not a sugary but rather a protein boost to pondering Scripture, to prayer, and to worship.

Equipping for Life

A Guide for New, Aspiring & Struggling Parents

Andreas Köstenberger and Margaret Köstenberger

… covers a whole gamut of issues from infancy to in–laws to education. The authors have been there, done that, and share what they have learned with tact, grace, and care.

For the Mouth of the Lord Has Spoken

The Doctrine of Scripture

Guy Prentiss Waters

This is an important contribution to a discussion necessitated by what an apostle called ‘God’s oracles’ (Rom. 3:2) in an intellectual atmosphere that prizes human speculation over divine revelation.

Read Mark Learn: Luke Vol. 1

A Small Group Bible Study

William Taylor

Many colorful words describe this book. To name just ten: practical, scholarly, whimsical, logical, shrewd,
humorous, insightful, creative, thoughtful, gripping. But best of all it is true to the text and intent of Luke’s Gospel and its focal point, Jesus Christ.
Davis wonderfully combines a scholar’s skills and wisdom with a storyteller’s knack and a pastoral heart. The reader will learn Luke’s Gospel afresh, see details from fresh angles, and be better equipped to grasp its message, grow in faith, and share this good news with others.

Read Mark Learn: Luke Vol. 2

A Small Group Bible Study

William Taylor

This pithy and well–informed exposition is a delight to dig through. It concisely and creatively opens up Luke’s Gospel section by section. The footnotes show that the author has read widely and done his homework. Illustrations are numerous, some humorous, some harrowing (like contemporary accounts of tortured Christians). Most significantly, the character and brilliance of Jesus shine forth. Readers at all levels will deepen in their knowledge and devotion to him through the wisdom that abounds in these pages.

Luke 1–13

The Year of the Lord’s Favour

Dale Ralph Davis

… practical, scholarly, whimsical, logical, shrewd,
humorous, insightful, creative, thoughtful, gripping. But best of all it is true to the text and intent of Luke’s Gospel and its focal point, Jesus Christ.
Davis wonderfully combines a scholar’s skills and wisdom with a storyteller’s knack and a pastoral heart.

Luke 14–24

On the Road to Jerusalem

Dale Ralph Davis

This pithy and well–informed exposition is a delight to dig through. It concisely and creatively opens up Luke’s Gospel … Most significantly, the character and brilliance of Jesus shine forth. Readers at all levels will deepen in their knowledge and devotion to him through the wisdom that abounds in these pages.

If Christianity is So Good, Why are Christians So Bad?

Mark Coppenger

This book models concise expression, shrewd logic, clear organization,
subtle wit, brutal honesty, graphic illustration, cultural savvy, and charitable characterization of opponents. It answers the title’s question as much by showing how to think about the matter as by seeking out best answers. 

Expository Outlines and Observations on Romans

Hints and Helps for Preachers and Teachers

Rob Ventura

… this well–organized study models how to think through Romans from the ground up. It will aid preachers and teachers in grasping both the stately trees (verses) and magnificent forest (the whole epistle) of the sublime gospel presentation called Romans.

The People in Paul’s Letters

A Compendium of Characters

Guy Manuell

… revisits important topics like slavery and women in Paul, the provenance of Paul’s letters, the meaning of diakonos, Pauline chronology, and more. Both scholars and students will want to draw from this compendium of information and insight.