5 Standout Christian Books: January 2023

(WTSbooks) (Christian Book) (Amazon)

I am a huge fan of Paul Miller’s writing, especially as it relates to prayer. In his book A Praying Life, he did an excellent job applying the doctrine of adoption to prayer and providing practical tools to up one’s individual prayer life. I am really interested to read this book (I actually ordered a copy) and see how those insights are applied on a more corporate level, or if he goes another direction entirely as it relates to prayer and the church. At 304 pages, this is a hefty book!

2. Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness by Gavin Ortlund

(WTSbooks) (Christian Book) (Amazon)

If someone with the last name Ortlund comes out with a book, I’m generally intrigued by it. I’ve enjoyed other books in the Union series so I’m putting this one on my radar to read later. My typical book on the topic of humility is C.J. Mahaney’s title, so I’m looking forward to reading a more recent book on this important subject. Humility seems to be nearing an all-time low in this world of grabbing over giving, living as humble Christians is a significant way for us to shine as lights in the world. Bonus points for this book for being short (136 pages)! Shout out to @Mashka in the discord for recommending this one! 

3. The Freedom of a Christian (A New Translation) by Martin Luther

(Reformation Heritage Books) (WTSbooks) (Amazon)

I am a big fan of the Crossway Short Classics series, so when I saw that they were releasing a Luther title on Christian freedom I had to pick it up. They also released selected sermons of Lemuel Haynes, and that looks intriguing to me as well. Luther is at his best when he’s writing passionately on Christian freedom. I have thought about picking up and reading his commentary on Galatians but it has been pretty intimidating to me so far. This title might be a good way for you to dip your toe into Luther’s writings if you aren’t ready to commit to his longer books.

4. Gather by Tony Merida

(WTSbooks) (Christian Book) (Amazon)

Tony Merida’s earlier book Love Your Church is a big picture look at being a healthy member of your local church. This book Gather takes one topic in that book and expounds upon it. This book ended up on my list because I’m a fan of Tony Merida’s preaching, and I also think that the importance of gathering requires great emphasis in the work-from-home church-from-home world we live in today. The Lord calls us to worship him corporately through preaching, singing, the Lord’s Supper, baptism and giving. It seems to me like this book has a helpful emphasis and would be good for church leaders seeking to remind themselves and others of the command and value of gathering for worship.

5. Jerusalem & Athens edited by E.R. Geehan

(Reformation Heritage Books) (WTSbooks) (Amazon)

Alright, this one isn’t a new release and it’s quite a formidable read. That being said, I have some niche interests even in the world of reading theology books, and books related to the topic of Van Tillian apologetics is one of those interests. This was a hard book to get ahold of for a very long time (as was Bahnsen’s Van Til’s apologetic), but like the Bahnsen title, P&R has finally brought it back in print! This is a festschrift, or a collection of essays in honor of a renowned scholar or respected person. What I particularly like about this book is the dialogue it contains - not only do Van Til’s contemporaries give their two cents on his work, he actually responds and clears up misunderstandings they may have. Warning: This book is 512 pages long, but it’s the kind of book that you could pick and choose chapters that intrigue you, not necessarily read cover to cover.

What books from January stood out to you? Are you an author with a new release that you’d like to draw my attention to? Jump in the discord here and share it with the community!

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