Book Search

Book Search

click for details		FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD: A Path to Deeper Fellowship with the Father, Son & Holy Spirit MIKE McKINLEY Based on John Owen’s Classic Text Communion with God, This Helpful Resource Answers the Question, “What Does It Mean to Be Friends with Jesus?” In John 15, Jesus says, “I have called you friends.” But what does it mean to be friends with Jesus? In the early 1650s, theologian John Owen attempted to answer this question through a series of sermons, eventually compiled as Communion with God. The book is full of truths about having fellowship with God, but Owen’s work is often a struggle for modern readers to understand. In Friendship with God, pastor Mike McKinley takes a key idea or insight from Communion with God and clarifies it for readers in each chapter, giving them practical guidance for how to develop fellowship with God—such as obeying the Father’s commands, acknowledgment of sin, and prayer. Perfect for new Christians or for those without a church background, this accessible resource offers an introduction to the God who “wants you to know him and be known by him.” **Accessible: Written for a broad contemporary audience, perfect for new Christians or for those without a church background **Based on John Owen’s Classic Text Communion with God: Takes Owen’s work and explains the key themes to a modern audience **Examines Some Key Attributes of God: Including his Trinitarian nature, love, and grace Table of Contents Introduction Part 1: Communion with the Triune God Chapter 1: Saved for Communion Chapter 2: Friendship with the Three in One Part 2: Communion with the Father Chapter 3: A Loving Father Chapter 4: The Father’s Love and Ours Chapter 5: What the Father’s Children Do Part 3: Communion with the Son Chapter 6: A Gracious Savior Chapter 7: The Perfect Husband Chapter 8: The Knowledge of Jesus Chapter 9: A True Friend’s Delight Chapter 10: Treasured Chapter 11: Costly Grace Chapter 12: Cleansing Grace Chapter 13: The Drama of Friendship Chapter 14: Looking to Him Chapter 15: In God’s Family Part 4: Communion with the Spirit Chapter 16: What Could Be Better? Chapter 17: Walking with the Spirit of Comfort Chapter 18: Pouring Out God’s Love Chapter 19: Taught by the Spirit Chapter 20: The Spirit’s Ministry Chapter 21: He’s the Real Thing Chapter 22: The Spirit Who Stoops Chapter 23: What Not to Do Chapter 24: Worshiping the Spirit Conclusion General Index Scripture Index ENDORSEMENTS “Spectacular and exhilarating, but also inaccessible—John Owen can be like that. His view of the triune God is glorious, yet reading Owen is like climbing a mountain. But just as you can take a helicopter tour to see the marvels of a mountain range, so Mike McKinley lifts us up into Owen’s thoughts with easy-to-understand explanations to see the wonders of knowing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This book will greatly help many fellowship more fully with God whose friendship, in Christ, is more than a brother’s. Highly recommended for all believers yearning to have a closer and richer life with each of the persons of the Trinity!” -Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary “Probably no book has influenced my theological instincts more than John Owen’s Communion with God, but Owen is not always easy to read. Therefore, this small volume by Mike McKinley is a welcome gift. He ably conveys in an accessible and friendly way many of Owen’s key ideas from that book, inviting readers to consider the kindness of the God who desires to be in communion with us.” -Kelly M. Kapic, Professor of Theological Studies, Covenant College “While thoughtful Christians will know that the doctrine of the Trinity is biblically true, fewer see it as the fountain of their entire Christian spirituality. But Mike McKinley ably shows how the triune God invites the believer into a deeply nuanced threefold relationship—a friendship even—with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In McKinley’s capable hands, John Owen’s original (dense!) writing on these themes opens up and breathes, inviting every reader into the Trinitarian depths.” -Brian Kay, Pastor of Christian Formation, Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, Walnut Creek, California; author, Trinitarian Spirituality: John Owen and the Doctrine of God in Western Devotion “John Owen’s Communion with God proves that this titan of English theology was also a sensitive pastor and guide who wanted his listeners and readers to love the triune God fervently. Yet Owen’s style is complex and can be difficult for modern readers. Enter Mike McKinley, himself a seasoned pastor, who in this short book synthesizes much of the gist of Owen’s treatise. Full of choice quotes from Owen, trenchant observations, and provocative questions, McKinley’s overview will spur you on to communion, and indeed fellowship and friendship, with God!” -Shawn D. Wright, Professor of Church History, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; coeditor, The Complete Works of John Owen CWN23 CW50 BRAND NEW HARDCOVER VOLUME - MAY 2023 SGCB Price: $10.00 (list price $20.00)
click for details		WORKERS FOR YOUR JOY: The Call of Christ on Christian Leaders David Mathis 60% OFF WHILE THEY LAST David Mathis Examines the Qualifications and Calling of Church Leaders for a New Generation of Congregants and Leaders. The title of this book is drawn from the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:24 "Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm." We live in an age increasingly cynical about leadership—some of it for good reason, much of it simply the mood of our times. Still, the risen Christ continues the counter-cultural work he’s done for two millennia: he appoints leaders in his church—not as a burden, but as a gift to his people. “He gave . . . the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:11–12). What is the nature, calling, and work of local church leadership? Pastor and seminary professor David Mathis considers the elder qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 not only as prerequisites but as daily necessities to carry out joyfully. This accessible guide aims to serve current and aspiring pastors and elders, as well as church members who want to know the expectations for their leaders and how to pray for them. From the words of Christ to Peter and Paul and Hebrews, the New Testament casts a vision for church leaders that is good news to churches and leaders alike: joyful workers for the joy of their people. Great Training for Current and Aspiring Pastors and Elders: Expands on the nature and work of local church leadership through the framework of its qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1–7, Titus 1:5­–9, and other passages Useful for the Whole Church: Aims to help full-time pastors, lay elders, deacons, and seminary students, as well as church members eager to explore the true nature of leadership in the church and to pray intentionally for their own pastors Explains 15 Virtues Church Leaders Should Pursue: Mathis shares Spirit-given competencies that Christian leaders can draw upon week in and week out to do the work to which Christ has called them TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface Introduction: The Pastors We All Want Part 1: Humbled: Men Before Their God Chapter 1: How Christ Appoints His Pastors Chapter 2: Not a Novice—or Arrogant Chapter 3: Pastors Are Teachers Chapter 4: Pastors Keep Their Head in a Conflicted World Part 2: Whole: Men Where They Are Known Best Chapter 5: Self-Control and the Power of Christ Chapter 6: The World Needs More One-Woman Men Chapter 7: Does Drinking Disqualify a Pastor? Chapter 8: Does Your Pastor Love God or Money? Chapter 9: The Tragedy of Distracted Dads Part 3: Honorable: Men Before a Watching World Chapter 10: The First Requirement for Christian Leaders Chapter 11: How Pastors Win (and Lose) Respect Chapter 12: Love for Strangers and the Great Commission Chapter 13: The Strongest Men Are Gentle Chapter 14: How Do Pastors Pick Their Fights? Chapter 15: Why Christians Care What Outsiders Think Commission: Christian Leadership versus Modern Celebrity Thanks Appendix 1: Who Are the Deacons? Appendix 2: A Word for Leaders: On Plurality and Team Dynamics Appendix 3: What Is Anointing with Oil? Appendix 4: What Is the Laying On of Hands? Appendix 5: How Old Should Elders Be? Study Questions General Index Scripture Index Desiring God Note on Resources ENDORSEMENTS “David Mathis is right that two thousand years later, the biblical qualifications for elders ‘continue to pulse with relevancy to the everyday work of Christian leadership.’ What a great help this book would have been forty years ago when I was trying to build church-wide consensus around how the local church is to be led. What makes this book unique is the way pastoral joy, patient exposition, and personal application are woven into the fabric of Christian leadership. May God use Workers for Your Joy to raise up thousands of leaders who do not lord it over their people’s faith, but ‘work with you for your joy’ (2 Cor. 1:24).” -John Piper, Leader, Teacher, and Founder, desiringGod.org “As an author who has written two books about leadership in Christ’s church, I know of no other book like Workers for Your Joy. David Mathis leads you through an examination of the biblical qualifications of an elder in a way that is penetrating, personal, and practical at every point. As I read chapter after chapter, each dedicated to a pastoral qualification, I was both deeply convicted and encouraged. As you read, you cannot help being amazed at the generosity of our Lord in gifting his church with this kind of leadership—all for the joy of his people. And I have to say: I love that joy is the central organizing theme of this book about pastoral ministry! I cannot think of any member or leader in the body of Christ who would not benefit from taking some time to stroll through the garden of practical gospel wisdom that makes up the pages of this book.” -Paul David Tripp, Pastor; author, Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church and Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry “Our culture is averse to authority, partially because of the sinful abuse of authority. Still, God intended for there to be leaders in our churches, and David Mathis helps us understand in this biblically saturated and pastorally wise book what the Scriptures teach about elders. The duties and responsibilities of elders are unpacked clearly and powerfully chapter by chapter. We desperately need qualified and godly leaders in our churches, and this is the ideal book for church members considering who should lead a church, for leaders as they consider whether they are qualified, and for seminarians and college students as they study what the Scriptures teach about elders.” -Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary “The antidote to bad authority is not no authority. It's good authority. And we need a whole lot more good authority—humble, whole, and honorable—in the church today. I commend David Mathis’s wonderfully clear and biblical guide to Christian leadership that glorifies God.” -Collin Hansen, Vice President for Content and Editor in Chief, The Gospel Coalition; Host, Gospelbound podcast; coauthor, Rediscover Church “At a time when Christian reflection on leadership seems to have been hijacked by ideas from the corporate world, it is refreshing to see a book on leadership that derives its material from the Scriptures. The major leadership crisis facing the church today has to do with character, not with method or strategy. The Bible has a lot to say about that. This is the focus of this book. It reflects deeply on what the Scriptures teach in a way that challenges our attitudes and behaviors and encourages change towards Christlikeness.” -Ajith Fernando, Teaching Director, Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka; author, The Family Life of a Christian Leader DAVID MATHIS serves as senior teacher and executive editor at desiringGod.org, a pastor at Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and an adjunct professor at Bethlehem College & Seminary in Minneapolis. He and his wife, Megan, have four children. He is the author of several books, including 'Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines.' CWN822 cwn23 HCS CW50 CW60 BRAND NEW CROSSWAY TITLE - AUGUST 2022 (60% OFF WHILE THEY LAST) SGCB Price: $8.00 (list price $20.00)
click for details		THE UPSIDE DOWN KINGDOM: Wisdom for Life from the Beatitudes CHRIS CASTALDO An Examination of the Beatitudes and Jesus’s Counterintuitive Blessings In our sinful world, we often struggle with anxiety, loneliness, and heartache. Everywhere we look, we see broken families and divided communities. How can we truly cultivate God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven” in such a broken place? In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:2–12), Jesus urges us to set ourselves apart from the world, living in a counterculture with a new identity rooted in him. The Upside Down Kingdom examines this counterintuitive wisdom and explores its relevance for today. Drawing on insights from the biblical story of redemption, church fathers, Reformation scholars throughout history, and contemporary life, this book equips and encourages readers to get their spiritual bearings in an upside-down world. Author Chris Castaldo ultimately points readers to the kingdom of Christ—not as a set of rules, but as a means of bringing peace and blessing here and now. **Written for Laypersons and Teachers of the Word: Perfect for those interested in issues confronting the church **Thorough Study of the Beatitudes: Each chapter explores a core teaching in Christ's Sermon on the Mount **Appeals to Pastors and Disciple Makers: A historically informed, biblically rich, and countercultural vision of Christian life TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments Introduction: You Are Invited Chapter 1: The Poverty That Makes One Rich Chapter 2: When Loss Becomes Gain Chapter 3: Gentleness in a Hostile World Chapter 4: Taste and See Chapter 5: The Face of Mercy Chapter 6: Seeing God Chapter 7: Peace Be with You Chapter 8: Even So, Rejoice Epilogue: When Down Is Up Notes General Index Scripture Index ENDORSEMENTS “G. K. Chesterton once defined a paradox as ‘truth standing on its head calling for attention.’ And this, most certainly, is what Chris Castaldo achieves as he deftly guides us through the inverted glories of the Beatitudes in The Upside Down Kingdom. His beautifully written exposition invites these eight compressed theological H-bombs to graciously detonate within our hearts. The Upside Down Kingdom is not only a treasure trove of wisdom; it’s also a bracing call to deeper devotion to Christ and the gospel.” -R. Kent Hughes, Senior Pastor Emeritus, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois “What happens if we read the Beatitudes from a relentlessly biblical perspective that interprets them in terms of the unmerited grace God has offered us in Christ? What happens when we read them in terms of what God has done for us in Christ’s cross work, what he is doing in us by the Holy Spirit, and what he will do for the world through us? Chris Castaldo’s 'The Upside Down Kingdom' startles us with the answers. Here is a book that equips us to be the world’s salt and light by helping us learn to live according to the ‘rhythms of heaven’ that beat in God’s own heart.” -Mark Talbot, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Wheaton College; author, Suffering and the Christian Life series “To modern readers, the Beatitudes can sometimes sound confusing or even off-putting. Chris Castaldo does a lovely job demystifying Jesus’s teachings—and therefore making them truly beautiful—for Christians today. His explanations and examples are easy to grasp, giving context in a gentle and winsome way. This book would be perfect for a group Bible study or individual devotions—I read with my Bible on my lap, highlighting and making notes the whole way through.” -Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra, Senior Writer, The Gospel Coalition; editor, Social Sanity in an Insta World “I love this book. Thank you, Chris Castaldo, for the gift of 'The Upside Down Kingdom'. This warm, engaging, and yet thought-provoking work wonderfully draws us to the vision of the Beatitudes. In the words of Castaldo, this is ‘a vision that invites us from the shadows of alienation into the purpose and joy of Christ's kingdom.’ Truly, when we embrace this counterintuitive vision and way of life, we will be portraits to a watching world of what it looks like to live according to God’s heart.” -Crawford W. Loritts Jr., author; speaker; radio host; President, Beyond Our Generation “Chris Castaldo is a model pastor-theologian, and 'The Upside Down Kingdom' puts his considerable pastoral and theological gifts on full display. Wise and winsome, subtle and profound, thought-provoking and heart-warming, his exposition of the Beatitudes captures the living voice of their original author and thus provides a tonic for the lackadaisical and a solace for the beleaguered—an invitation into Jesus’s upside-down kingdom. Beautifully done! Highly recommended!” -Todd Wilson, Cofounder and President, The Center for Pastor Theologians “Chris Castaldo has issued a timely and desperately needed prophetic call for the church to embody the lordship of Jesus Christ in distinctly countercultural and counterintuitive ways within our increasingly polarized world. Incorporating depth of biblical-theological reflection, historical perspective, pastoral experience, and cultural sensitivity, with appropriate nuance and refreshing personal honesty, this book warmly invites us to experience the blessedness of identity in Christ as we align our affections and allegiances more fully with Christ and his kingdom. In a day of significant cultural confusion, The Upside Down Kingdom is a clarion call for Christian identity and ethic.” -Laurie L. Norris, Professor of Bible, Moody Theological Seminary; coeditor, One Volume Seminary: A Complete Ministry Education from the Faculty of Moody Bible Institute and Moody Theological Seminary “The Beatitudes are a special part of the New Testament. Chris Castaldo’s excellent exposition brings them to life with the aid of real-life examples and the wisdom of the ages. A challenging and inspiring book that is recommended to all.” -Tony Lane, Professor of Historical Theology, London School of Theology “I’ve learned a lot from Chris’s teaching and example of following Christ through the counterintuitive turn of the kingdom. And I’m thrilled that many more will benefit likewise with this book. When we realize the way up first goes down, then we'll find the power of God to overcome today’s challenges.” -Collin Hansen, Vice President and Editor in Chief, The Gospel Coalition; author, Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation CWN23+ beatit+ 52723 cwn723 BOT50 CW60 BRAND NEW TITLE IN JUNE 2023 (60% OFF) SGCB Price: $7.60 (list price $19.00)
click for details		THE BEATITUDES: A Puritan Exposition of Matthew 5:1-10 Thomas Watson NO LONGER HAVE A COPY FOR 50% OFF. SORRY. ‘What announces itself as an exposition of Matthew 5:1-10 turns out to be a digest of all the central Puritan teaching on the Christian life. The Beatitudes are treated as mineshafts into the whole economy of grace , as indeed they are.’ — J.I. PACKER The opening verses of the best-known of all Christ’s sermons were handled by many of the Puritans, for the Beatitudes gave full scope to the combination of sound doctrine, practical wisdom and heart-searching application which characterized their preaching. In addition to these general Puritan characteristics, Thomas Watson added certain of his own: a master of a terse, vigorous style and of a beauty of expression, he could speak not only to win men’s understanding but also to secure a place for the truth in their memories. More than most of his generation he sought to follow the example of Christ’s teaching by employing all manner of illustrative material from common life, and with simplicity and charm he spoke words not easy to forget. Two hundred years after Thomas Watson’s death William Jay of Bath said that he could go to any one of his books and ‘find it ever fresh, pointed and instructive.’ The Beatitudes, first published in 1660, has been one of the rarest of Watson’s works. In this edition the layout has been entirely revised and editorial notes supplied. TABLE OF CONTENTS To the Reader xi 1 INTRODUCTION 1 The preacher: Christ and his qualifications The ministry does not ‘lie in common’ The pulpit The occasion Ministers should embrace opportunities of service Exhortations to ministers Exhortations to the flock of God 2 THERE IS A BLESSEDNESS IN REVERSION 13 Wherein blessedness does not consist Blessedness does not lie in externals Wherein blessedness consists Blessedness in practice 3 THE GODLY ARE IN SOME SENSE ALREADY BLESSED 25 Evidences that the godly are already blessed Practical issues 4 BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT 31 Various observations The meaning of ‘poor in spirit’ Several questions propounded Why Christians must be ‘poor in spirit’ Poverty of spirit is true riches How we may know whether we are ‘poor in spirit’ Four persuasions to be ‘poor in spirit’ 5 THE POOR IN SPIRIT ARE ENRICHED WITH A KINGDOM 43 Saints glorified may be compared to kings The kingdom of heaven excels other kingdoms The kingdom of heaven is infallibly entailed upon the saints Corollaries and inferences from the above A scrutiny and trial whether we belong to the kingdom of heaven Serious exhortations to the wicked and to Christians 6 BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN 55 A two-fold mourning which does not make us blessed The object of holy mourning A five-fold mourning which is spurious The right gospel-mourning The accompaniments of gospel-mourning We must mourn for the sins of others We must mourn for the miseries of the church The seasons of holy mourning The degrees of mourning The opposite to holy mourning 7 SUNDRY SHARP REPROOFS 71 8 MOTIVES TO HOLY MOURNING 75 Eleven divine motives to holy mourning An objection answered 9 THE HINDRANCES TO MOURNING 81 Nine hindrances considered 10 SOME HELPS TO MOURNING 89 11 THE COMFORTS BELONGING TO MOURNERS 89 The relationship of comfort to mourning The nature of the comforts during the earthly life Three differences between true and false comfort Reasons why mourners may lack comfort The nature of the comforts in the world to come An exhortation to comfort 12 CHRISTIAN MEEKNESS 109 Meekness towards God and towards man Meekness in the bearing of injuries Meekness in the forgiving of injuries Meekness in recompensing good for evil Meekness shows the character of a true saint Ten reasons why Christians should be meek How to attain the grace of meekness 13 THE NATURE OF SPIRITUAL HUNGER 129 Hungering after righteousness A reproof for such as do not hunger after righteousness A reproof for such as hunger but not after righteousness Five signs of spiritual hunger Comforts for such as know spiritual hunger Six differences between spiritual and carnal hunger Believers’ objections answered A persuasion to spiritual hunger Helps to spiritual hunger 14 SPIRITUAL HUNGER SHALL BE SATISFIED 145 God can fill the hungry soul: why and how he does so The objections of carnal and godly men considered 15 A DISCOURSE OF MERCIFULNESS 151 The nature and source of mercifulness Mercy is to be extended to the souls of others Reproofs for such as have no mercy to souls Christians must be tender of one another’s names Mercy is to be extended to the estates, offences and wants of others A vindication of the Church of England and its doctrine of good works A check to the unmerciful Persuasions to mercifulness Nine persuasions to works of mercy Rewards for the merciful man in this life Six rules concerning works of mercy 16 A DESCRIPTION OF HEART-PURITY 185 The nature of heart-purity Reasons for purity of heart Christians must not rest in outside purity Signs of an impure heart Seven signs of a pure heart Nine exhortations to heart-purity Eight means to be used to obtain heart-purity 17 THE BLESSED PRIVILEGE OF SEEING GOD EXPLAINED 213 The sight of God in this life and in the life to come Nine excellencies of the beatific vision It is the sinner’s misery that he shall not see God We must labor to be rightly qualified for this vision A cordial for the pure in heart 18 CONCERNING PEACEABLENESS 221 A four-fold peace Two reasons for peaceable-mindedness Peaceable-mindedness a saint’s character A reproof for such as are unpeaceable An exhortation to peaceable-mindedness (under 11 heads) Some helps to peaceable-mindedness All Christians must be peacemakers 19 THEY SHALL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD 237 By nature we are not children of God Children of God are made such by adoption and infusion of grace How we come to be children of God by faith Nine signs of divine sonship How Christians should bring up their children The love of God in making us his children The honor of God’s children Twelve high privileges of God’s children: 1) God’s love towards them 2) God bears with their infirmities 3) God accepts of their imperfect services 4) God provides for them 5) God shields off dangers from them 6) God reveals to them the great things of his law 7) God gives them boldness in prayer 8) God brings them into a state of freedom 9) God makes them heirs apparent to the promises 10) God gives them his blessing 11) God works all things for their good 12) God keeps them from perishing 20 EXHORTATIONS TO CHRISTIANS AS THEY ARE CHILDREN OF GOD 279 Let us prove ourselves to be the children of God Let us carry ourselves as becomes the children of God 21 CONCERNING PERSECUTION 285 Observations on persecution What is meant by persecution? Various kinds of persecution The causes of persecution The persecution of ministers The persecution that makes one blessed Lessons to be learned from persecution Two sharp reproofs Christians should possess themselves beforehand with thoughts of sufferings Christians must arm themselves for suffering: Labor to be persons rightly qualified for suffering Avoid those things which will hinder suffering Promote those things which will help you to suffer (especially self-denial): Inure yourselves to suffering Be well-skilled in the knowledge of Christ Prize every truth of God Keep a good conscience Make the Scripture familiar to you Get a suffering frame of heart Get suffering graces Treasure up suffering promises Set before your eyes suffering examples Lay in suffering considerations 22 AN APPENDIX TO THE BEATITUDES 329 The Lord’s commandments are not grievous Eight particulars showing that God’s commands are not grievous Christ’s commands compared with: The law The commands of sin The torments of the damned The glory of heaven Various reproofs beatit+ cwn23+ 52723 TWSP tw5 BOTN1023 THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL HARDCOVER VOLUME WITH A DUST-JACKET SGCB Price: $23.00 (list price $30.00) ORDER WITH THE BRAND NEW TITLE 'THE UPSIDE DOWN KINGDOM: Wisdom for Life from the Beatitudes' BY CHRIS CASTALDO SGCB Price: $30.00 (list price $49.00) THIS IS THE PRICE FOR BOTH TITLES
click for details		BEAUTY IS YOUR DESTINY: How the Promise of Splendor Changes Everything PHILIP RYKEN An Examination of Beauty in the Christian Life from Philip Ryken The world is full of beautiful things—the vibrancy of trees in fall, the joy of sitting around a table with family—but in our fallen world, many beautiful things have been turned into ugly distortions. How should Christians think about beauty in a world that is often ugly? In Beauty Is Your Destiny, Philip Ryken provides readers with an introduction to the theology and practice of beauty, striving to awaken a longing for beauty that he explains “can only be satisfied in the face of Jesus Christ.” Adapted from chapel messages given at Wheaton College, Ryken considers key topics on Christian thought—including the Trinity, the incarnation, sexuality, and racial diversity—through the lens of beauty, showing how beauty illuminates each of these biblical principles in our world today. **Introduction to the Theology of Beauty: Great for college students, pastors, and small groups **Biblically Based: Examines how beauty is seen in Christian doctrines such as eternity, the church, and the crucifixion **Written by Philip Ryken: President of Wheaton College and author of Grace Transforming; Is Jesus the Only Way?; and Loving the Way Jesus Loves Table of Contents Preface Chapter 1: In the Eye of the Beholder—The Beauty of Eternity Chapter 2: The King in His Beauty—The Beauty of the Trinity Chapter 3: For the Beauty of the Earth—The Beauty of Creation Chapter 4: You Are So Beautiful—The Beauty of God’s Image Chapter 5: When Sex Is Beautiful—The Beauty of Purity Chapter 6: Beautiful Savior—The Beauty of God Incarnate Chapter 7: That Old, Ugly Cross—The Beauty of the Crucifixion Chapter 8: Beautiful Community—The Beauty of Christ’s Bride Chapter 9: It’s a Beautiful Life—The Beauty of Generous Living General Index Scripture Index ENDORSEMENTS “It is clear to me as an artist that God has built beauty into our world as a testimony to his own loveliness and creativity. We are better people when we allow beauty to elevate us to more exalted things, and in Beauty Is Your Destiny, Philip Ryken explores this wonderful theme. It couldn’t be timelier. Our culture has embraced a fascination with ugliness. It’s evident in our museums, movies, popular music, and books. I applaud Ryken’s desire to help us see how beauty reminds us that there is more—far more—to life than a colorless, mundane ‘functioning.’ If your heart is hungry for vibrancy and joy, color and meaning, then I heartily recommend this volume.” -Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder and CEO, Joni and Friends International Disability Center; author, Joni: An Unforgettable Story and Songs of Suffering “I have been studying beauty and teaching my students about it for years. Finally, Beauty Is Your Destiny is here, a lovely and compelling book that gathers up a treasure trove of insights on one of the most essential qualities of our Christian faith and our very humanity. I will return to these pages again and again and will encourage others to do the same.” -Karen Swallow Prior, author, The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis “Philip Ryken has made a career out of studying complex truths and delivering them to readers in accessible ways. This book about beauty stands apart from others on the subject by way of its theological heft, biblical precision, and topical range. Beauty Is Your Destiny is a gift to Christians everywhere, and I’m so glad it is in the world.” -Russ Ramsey, Pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee; author, Rembrandt Is in the Wind: Learning to Love Art through the Eyes of Faith “In a skeptical world of scarcity that doubts the necessity and value of biblical beauty, Philip Ryken’s work shines to illuminate ‘the substance of things hoped for’ and to help us ponder the extravagance of God. As an artist, I am grateful for this book, which affirms my path and calling to create the beautiful.” -Makoto Fujimura, artist; author, Silence and Beauty and Art and Faith: A Theology of Making “The encouragement to ‘behold’ runs powerfully throughout Scripture, with some translations using the word over 1,200 times. It’s a clear exhortation to live with our eyes wide open, and this brilliant new book from Philip Ryken is more of the same. Every page reads like an invitation to recognize and respond to what is beautiful. We learn that beauty may be found everywhere, from a starry night sky to a science lab to an act of kindness—even an ancient crucifixion scene in the form of God’s self-giving love. Beauty Is Your Destiny is a wonderfully written book that ushers us before the glories of our God and his world—it will no doubt lead many into worship.” -Matt Redman, worship leader; songwriter “We are made for beauty by our beautiful triune God. Therefore, we are compelled to look for beauty everywhere, even in a broken world with so much ugliness. Philip Ryken has given us a gift in Beauty Is Your Destiny. With masterful clarity and simplicity, he displays the variegated manifestations of beauty in this world and the sure triumph of eternal beauty through the cross of Jesus Christ.” -Irwyn Ince, Coordinator, Mission to North America; author, The Beautiful Community: Unity, Diversity, and the Church at Its Best “We are painfully and achingly aware of the decay and fractures to the beauty that God designed. In Beauty Is Your Destiny, Philip Ryken stirs the longings for beauty not simply as a keen aesthetic but as an impetus for deeper connection to God and holiness in life. Ryken reminds us that in Christ and his ‘old, ugly cross,’ there is a transfixing beauty—a glory worth gazing on with fresh eyes of faith and wonder—and a transforming beauty that seeks to reconcile a broken world and a broken people. This book is an ode to redemptive beauty worth relishing.” -Walter Kim, President, National Association of Evangelicals “In Beauty Is Your Destiny, Philip Ryken reminds us that beauty is found in God himself. Our glorious God created a world and a people to reflect his beauty. But the reality is that we live in a fallen world in which beauty is often redefined, distorted, and idolized. So God sent his beloved Son into the world as the incarnation of divine beauty. And he is transforming us into the image of his Son. One day, we will behold the Son and be like him—truly beautiful. Until then, we can make sense of the brokenness of our world and appreciate the Creator’s beauty as reflected in his creation. If you want to grow in your delight of the beautiful, beginning with our beautiful God, Ryken is a trusted guide.” -Juan R. Sanchez, Senior Pastor, High Pointe Baptist Church, Austin, Texas; author, Seven Dangers Facing Your Church and The Leadership Formula “Some books on beauty are more bookish than beautiful—they engage the mind but not the heart. Ryken’s Beauty Is Your Destiny doesn’t fall into that trap. This is a book that simultaneously stimulates our minds and stirs our affections. It’s informative but also pleasurable to read, leading us not only to grasp a full-orbed theology of beauty but also to worship the source from which all beauty flows.” -Brett McCracken, Senior Editor, The Gospel Coalition; author, The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World “Philip Ryken has written a masterpiece on the subject of beauty. He has immeasurably helped us see it. Beauty is something we know, but we often fail in our attempts to describe it. Ryken depicts beauty in all its contours, showing that beauty emerges even from ugly things, such as the cross of Christ. This book combines deep and extensive knowledge with a writing style that is, well, beautiful.” -William Edgar, Professor Emeritus of Apologetics, Westminster Theological Seminary cwn723 CWN23 BRAND NEW TITLE IN JULY 2023 SGCB Price: $10.00 (list price $18.00)
click for details		HOPE FOR ALL THE EARTH: Understanding the Story of the Old Testament Mitchell L. Chase 'HOPE FOR ALL THE EARTH: Understanding the Story of the Old Testament' is a short book about the largest section of the Bible. The Old Testament is 3/4 of Scripture, yet it is the more difficult of the Testaments to understand and process. The many nations, places, prophecies, and historical events can appear overwhelming, and some parts of the Old Testament can require great patience and perseverance for readers. Since all of the Bible is Christian Scripture–from Genesis to Revelation–we need to understand the ancient stories and the Epic Plot. What is the Old Testament for? What are the thirty-nine books trying to tell us? In Hope for All the Earth, I take the reader through the storyline of the Old Testament, covering the main characters and covenants and patterns and prophecies that advance a hope for a redeemer. Jesus Christ is the hope for all the earth. I wrote this book to give a concise, accessible presentation of the Old Testament’s story. It’s for individuals and groups, Bible courses and Sunday School classes, small groups and devotional reading. My prayer for the book is that it would increase our understanding of what the Old Testament is for, as well as stir our joy that our Redeemer has come. ENDORSEMENTS "On my last visit to Texas, my successor at Grace Covenant Baptist Church (Pastor Matt Stahl), gave me a couple of copies of Mitchell Chase's Hope For All The Earth: Understanding The Story Of The Old Testament. Matt was enthusiastic about the book and had purchased several copies for distribution. Upon returning home I sat down to read this little book of only eighty eight pages. I soon understood Matt's enthusiasm. Very few men are gifted with an economy of words. Mitchell Chase is so-gifted. 'Hope For All The Earth' is a marvel in that in only eight short chapters is found a remarkable survey of the entire Old Testament. We are reminded that the Old Testament is a progressively revealed, unified narrative of God's gracious covenantal plan to redeem His people through the work of the Old Testament's central Person, namely the Lord Jesus Christ. What a helpful little book! It should be distributed widely. No doubt many will find it a helpful book to use in evangelism, and in small groups or Sunday Schools." -David Dykstra, Pastor Emeritus, Grace Covenant Baptist church, Willis, Texas "What took me a myriad of seminary classes to learn is clearly articulated in this little book (under 100 pages!) Jesus is the hope for all the earth and the story of the Old Testament is one that continually points to this truth. Mitchell Chase does a wonderful job at clearly and concisely retelling the Old Testament narrative in a way that brings this to light. Well worth a read, especially if you struggle to see how the Old Testament teaches us about Jesus." -testimony from a reader TABLE OF CONTENTS A Select Time-Line Introduction: The Bible Jesus Read 1. In and Out of Sacred Space 2. A Family That Becomes a Nation 3. From Egypt to the Promised Land 4. The Kingdom's Rise and Demise 5. Death by Defeat and Exile 6. Hope in the Dark 7. Going Back and Going Up 8. Looking for an Ending Recommended Resources TEN QUOTES FROM 'HOPE FOR ALL THE EARTH' 1. We live in a universe made for the glory of Jesus Christ, and we read a Bible written for that same purpose. (Pg. 5) 2. We need restoration from the alienation of sin. We need atonement, but this is not a covering we can configure for ourselves. (Pg. 9) 3. External circumcision would not guarantee an inward devotion to God; a circumcision of the heart was vital. (Pg. 16) 4. Moses’ mission was impossible for him to complete, and that was the point. God would act by a mighty hand and outstretched arm. (Pg. 26) 5. God’s people needed a king who would lead them in righteousness and seek God’s heart. (Pg. 40) 6. As the resurrected son of David, Jesus possesses an unceasing reign because he has conquered death. (Pg. 42) 7. False worship and false priests coincided with a false kingship. (Pg. 51) 8. Through a new exodus, the new David would form a new covenant. (Pg. 67) 9. The rebuilt temple, though lacking glory, would one day give way to greater glory. (Pg. 73) 10. The end of the Old Testament is not the end of the Bible’s story, and the heavenly silence during the intertestamental period would not last. (Pg. 84) MLC2 cwn23 MLC3 A TITLE THAT GIVES A POWERFUL, CHRIST-CENTERED OVERVIEW OF THE ENTIRE OLD TESTAMENT STORY SGCB Price: $5.95 (list price $7.00) ORDER WITH THE COMPANION VOLUME 'RESURRECTION HOPE: AND THE DEATH OF DEATH' BY MITCHELL CHASE SGCB Price: $15.00 (list price $25.00) THIS IS THE PRICE FOR BOTH TITLES ORDER THE MITCHELL CHASE TRILOGY AND SAVE EVEN MORE SGCB Price: $24.00 (list price $43.00) THIS IS THE PRICE FOR ALL THREE CHASE TITLES
click for details		GOD, YOU ARE: 20 Promises from the Psalms for Kids By William R. Osborne, Illustrated by Brad Woodard ***SPECIAL SALE OF NEARLY 50% OFF! - JUST ONE COPY LEFT!! 20 Psalms and Devotions to Help Children Learn More about Who God Is The Psalms are full of “You Are” statements—like “You are my rock and fortress” found in Psalm 31. For generations, Christians have used these phrases to praise God for who he is and what he has done for his people. These short, simple statements provide wonderful opportunities for parents to teach their children about the character of God and reflect on who he is in powerful ways. In this book, professor, pastor, and father William R. Osborne presents short devotionals around the 20 “You Are” statements found in the Psalms. Each devotional is followed by a short prayer that families can pray together as they read. Using a clear and warm style, Osborne provides a distinct connection between the gospel of Jesus Christ and God’s goodness, holiness, and mercy as they are illustrated in the Psalms. For Children Ages 4–8 **Helps Young Readers Learn to Read the Psalms: Each devotion shows how the Psalms point to the New Testament, showing the connections between Old and New Testaments **Encourages Children to Pray: This book offers simple prayers that parents and children can read and say together as they echo the words of the psalmist **Scripture Memorization: Great tool to help children memorize scripture about the character of God **Illustrated by Brad Woodard: Cofounder of Brave the Woods, a creative studio that specializes in illustration, branding, and education TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1: God, You Are Holy (Ps. 22:3) 2: God, You Are with Me (Ps. 23:4) 3: God, You Are My Salvation (Ps. 25:5) 4: God, You Are My Rock (Ps. 31:3) 5: God, You Are a Hiding Place (Ps. 32:7) 6: God, You Are My Help (Ps. 40:17) 7: God, You Are My King (Ps. 44:4) 8: God, You Are My Deliverer (Ps. 70:5) 9: God, You Are My Fortress (Ps. 71:3) 10: God, You Are My Refuge (Psalm 71:7) 11: God, You Are the God Who Works Wonders (Ps. 77:14) 12: God, You Are a Shepherd (Ps. 80:1) 13: God, You Are Forgiving (Ps. 86:5) 14: God, You Are Never-Changing (Ps. 102:27) 15: God, You Are Very Great (Ps. 104:1) 16: God, You Are Good (Ps. 119:68) 17: God, You Are My Shield (Ps. 110:114) 18: God, You Are Righteous (Ps. 119:137) 19: God, You Are Near (Ps. 119:151) 20: God, You Are My Everywhere (Ps. 139:8) Explore More Attributes of God ENDORSEMENTS “'God, You Are' offers an accessible and fun invitation to children and their families to know the God of the Psalms! Through the concise and imaginative explanations, poignant questions, and prayer points to help them put their learning into practice, families will love learning together and growing together in knowing the God the psalmists worship!” -Amy Gannett, Founder and Creator, Tiny Theologians; Writer and Bible Teacher, The Bible Study Schoolhouse; author, Fix Your Eyes “Oh, how I love this book! With tender affection for the Lord and for children, Osborne guides kids through the book of Psalms by winsomely connecting childhood experiences to images and themes in the psalms and revealing how they point to Jesus. I can already tell this will become a beloved book for my family, and I suspect it will become a staple in many homes.” -Caroline Saunders, author, The Story of Home and The Story of Water “'God, You Are' brings the beauty of the Psalms to a tangible level for the littlest souls among us. I can’t wait to use this in our discipleship routine with my own children.” -Phylicia Masonheimer, Founder, Every Woman a Theologian; author, Every Woman a Theologian “In this little book, Osborne engages the reader with relatable questions and uses the Psalms to teach about the character of God. He points straight to the gospel on each page and demonstrates how to pray through the Psalms. With such rich truth packaged concisely and beautifully, this book encouraged our own hearts and is a resource we’ll be visiting again and again as our children grow!” -Devon and Jessica Robyn Provencher, author and illustrator, Big Theology for Little Hearts series Format: Hardcover Page Count: 48 +end sheets Size: 7.2 in x 8.0 in Weight: 9.14 ounces ISBN-10: 1-4335-8431-X ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-8431-2 ISBN-UPC: 9781433584312 AUTHOR William R. Osborne (PhD, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as associate professor of biblical and theological studies at College of the Ozarks and is the author of ?Divine Blessing and the Fullness of Life in the Presence of God?. He lives in southwest Missouri with his wife and four kids. ILLUSTRATOR Brad Woodard is the cofounder of Brave the Woods, a creative studio that specializes in illustration, branding, and education. Brave the Woods, which Brad founded with his wife Krystal, has worked with clients such as Uber, Target, Penguin Random House, and more. cwn-kids CWN23 PS.23 CB814 CW50 NEARLY 50% OFF THIS BRAND NEW TITLE IN MAY 2023 SGCB Price: $10.00 (list price $18.00) BEAUTIFUL HARDCOVER TITLE - JUST ONE COPY LEFT!!
click for details		CANON REVISITED: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books Michael Kruger This study of the New Testament canon and its authority looks deeper than the traditional surveys of councils and creeds, mining the biblical text itself for direction in understanding what the original authors and audiences believed the canon to be. Canon Revisited distinguishes itself by placing a substantial focus on the theology of canon as the context within which the historical evidence is evaluated and assessed. In effect, this work successfully unites both the theology and the historical development of the canon, ultimately serving as a practical defense for the authority of the New Testament books. TABLE OF CONTENTS PART ONE: DETERMINING THE CANONICAL MODEL 1. The Church's Book: Canon as Community Determined 2. Tracing the Origins: Canon as Historically Determined 3. My Sheep Hear My Voice: Canon as Self-Authenticating PART TWO: EXPLORING AND DEFENDING THE CANONICAL MODEL 4. The Divine Qualities of the Canon 5. The Apostolic Origins of the Canon 6. The Corporate Reception of the Canon: The Emergence of a Canonical Core 7. The Corporate Reception of the Canon: Manuscripts and Christian Book Production 8. The Corporate Reception of the Canon: Problem Books and Canonical Boundaries CONCLUSION Bibliography General Index Scripture Index ENDORSEMENTS "This book fills a lacuna in evangelical scholarship. Rarely does academic specialization in canon studies converge with thorough commitment to biblical authority. In this work, close evaluation of the history of approaches to the canon is matched by a richly theological interpretation of what it means to call Scripture our canon. A Careful, accessible, and wise in his explorations, Michael Kruger has given us a gift that will keep on giving for generations to come." -Michael S. Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California “Of all the recent books and articles on the canon of Scripture, this is the one I recommend most. It deals with the critical literature thoroughly and effectively while presenting a cogent alternative grounded in the teaching of Scripture itself. Michael Kruger develops the historic Reformed model of Scripture as self-authenticating and integrates it with a balanced appreciation for the history of the canon and the role of the community in recognizing it. This is the definitive work on the subject for our time.” -John M. Frame, Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy Emeritus, Reformed Theological Seminary "The Christian canon of Scripture is under fire now more than ever. Sadly, even as so much of this fire has been issuing from academic quarters, we are left with more smoke than light. Stepping into the gap with a fresh synthesis is Michael Kruger's Canon Revisited. Gracefully uniting theology and history, Kruger invokes the chief Reformed argument for canon and gives it fresh wings." -Nicholas Perrin, Franklin S. Dyrness Chair of Biblical Studies Associate Professor of New Testament, Wheaton College; author, Lost in Transmission? What We Can Know about the Words of Jesus OUR NEW 5-PACK ON SCRIPTURE *CANON REVISITED: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books by Kruger *THE SEPTUAGINT: What It Is and Why It Matters by Gregor Lanier and William Ross *OLD MADE NEW: A Guide to the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by Greg Lanier *SCRIBES & SCRIPTURE: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible by John Meade & Peter Gurry *THE EPIC STORY OF THE BIBLE: How to Read and Understand God's Word by Greg Gilbert Format: Printed Caseside Page Count: 368 ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-0500-3 Size: 6.0 in x 9.0 in CWN23 cwn723 5PSCR EXCELLENT INTRODUCTION TO THE CANON OF THE NEW TESTAMENT SGCB Price: $20.00 (list price $32.00) ORDER WITH OUR NEW FIVE-PACK ON SCRIPTURE (NEARLY 50% OFF) SGCB Price: $58.00 (list price $110.00) THIS IS THE PRICE FOR ALL FIVE TITLES
click for details		THE PSALTER RECLAIMED: Praying and Praising with the Psalms GORDON WENHAM Though frequently used in times of crisis or pain, the book of Psalms is often misread or misunderstood, seeming like a disorganized jumble of prayer, praise, and lament. To help readers get more out of the Psalms, renowned Old Testament scholar Gordon Wenham highlights its foundational place for all Christian worship and spiritual formation. This compilation of eight lectures delivered between 1997 and 2010 teaches the practices of singing, reading, and praying the Psalms, paying special attention to the Psalter’s canonical structure, messianic focus, and ethical goal. In drawing on his extensive academic and scholarly experience, Wenham has crafted a guide for discovering afresh the manifold wonders of this beautiful and surprisingly complex portion of the Bible. Table of Contents 1. What are we doing singing the Psalms? 2. Praying the Psalms 3. Reading the Psalms Canonically 4. Reading the Psalms Messianically 5. The Ethics of the Psalms 6. The Imprecatory Psalms 7. Psalm 103: The Song of Steadfast Love 8. The Psalms and the Nations ENDORSEMENTS “It is hard to imagine a better introduction to the book of Psalms, whether for pastors, seminary students, or general readers. Gordon Wenham, one of the most respected Old Testament scholars of our time, makes a compelling case for the relevance of the psalms for both public and private worship. The Psalter Reclaimed is engagingly written, well informed, practical, and genuinely inspiring.” -Gordon P. Hugenberger, Senior Minister Emeritus, Park Street Church, Boston “We are grateful to Professor Wenham for gathering in one volume many of his special studies on the Psalms, for many the favorite book of the First Testament. The essays included here not only introduce readers to the history of scholarship on the Psalter, but also provide us with hermeneutical guidelines for interpreting the book. And best of all, they make accessible to us its inspiring and transforming message.” -Daniel I. Block, Gunther H. Knoedler Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Wheaton College; author, The Triumph of Grace and For the Glory of God “This collection of essays is vintage Gordon Wenham. Taking seriously both the church’s tradition of using the psalms and the possibilities provided by the latest exegesis, he shows us what it means to make use of the Psalter and how this can be done. The result is a rich theological and exegetical brew that nourishes both heart and head.” -David G. Firth, Lecturer in Old Testament, St John’s College, Nottingham, United Kingdom; author, Hear, O Lord: A Spirituality of the Psalms “This book’s many virtues make it instructive and refreshing: I appreciate its stress on the psalms’ place in public worship, and the speech-act notion of self-involvement in singing. Wenham also offers helpful arguments for respecting the titles of the psalms. And the creative approach to ‘canonical reading’ allows us to view each psalm both as a composition for public singing and as a part of the canonical book (which may guide our interpretation). I heartily commend this work!” -C. John Collins, Professor of Old Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary “As someone who comes from an Asian (Filipino) context, I find it heartwarming to read The Psalter Reclaimed. This book helps those of us in the majority world, where the church continues to grow, by showing us a way of reading the psalms that brings us closer to God.” -Federico G. Villanueva, Associate Professor and Director of Biblical Studies, Alliance Graduate School, Manila, Philippines; author, It’s OK to Be Not OK: The Message of the Lament Psalms “The Psalter Reclaimed is an absolute delight! This study takes us on a whirlwind journey through the book of Psalms, hitting all the high points along the way. Themes like the dynamic of singing our theology; reading the Psalms as a book, as prayers, and in the light of Christ; and dealing with the ‘nasty’ psalms are all considered with real exegetical insight and winsomeness. If your desire is to ‘reclaim the Psalter,’ then this is definitely the book for you.” -Jamie A. Grant, Lecturer in Biblical Studies, Highland Theological College, Dingwall, Scotland; author, The King as Exemplar: The Function of Deuteronomy's Kingship Law in the Shaping of the Book of Psalms Gordon Wenham (PhD, University of London) is an adjunct professor at Trinity College, Bristol. He previously studied theology at the universities of Cambridge, London, and Harvard, and taught Old Testament at Belfast and Gloucestershire Universities. He has also authored a number of critically acclaimed Bible commentaries and books. Gordon and his wife, Lynne, have four children. CWN23+ ps.23 CW50 FIRST PUBLISHED IN 2013, BUT NEVER CARRIED BY US BEFORE NOW IN 2023 SGCB Price: $9.00 (list price $18.00) 50% DISCOUNT ON 2 REMAINING COPIES
click for details		ELISABETH ELLIOT: A Life Lucy S. R. Austen JUST ONE COPY LEFT - 60% OFF An In-Depth Biography on the Life and Work of Missionary Elisabeth Elliot Elisabeth Elliot (1926–2015) is one of the most widely known Christians of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. After the death of her husband, Jim, and four other missionaries at the hands of Waorani tribesmen in Ecuador, Elliot famously returned to live among the same people who had killed her husband. Her legacy, however, extends far beyond these events. In the years that followed, Elliot became a prolific writer and speaker, touching the lives of countless people around the world. In this single-volume biography, Lucy S. R. Austen takes readers on an in-depth journey through the life of Elisabeth Elliot—her birth to missionary parents, her courtship and marriage to Jim Elliot, her missions work in Ecuador, and her private life and public work after she returned to the United States. Through Elliot’s example of love for God and obedience to his commands, readers will ponder what it means to follow Jesus. Single-Volume Biography on Elisabeth Elliot: Author Lucy S. R. Austen explores Elliot’s professional articles, books, and radio programs, as well as personal scrapbooks, journals, and letters Engaging: Tells the complex and moving life story of one of the most well-known Christian missionaries A Great Resource for Students: Thoroughly researched book provides information about Elliot beyond her work with the Waorani people and her first husband’s death Table of Contents Preface Prologue: To a Watching World Part 1: 1926–1952 Chapter 1: Elisabeth Howard the Great Chapter 2: Be, Not Seem Chapter 3: For Christ and His Kingdom Chapter 4: Red Mud and Hoar Frost Part 2: 1952–1963 Chapter 5: In a Different Time, in a Different Place Chapter 6: Through the Waters Chapter 7: An Alien, a Stranger Chapter 8: Where Is Rehoboth? Part 3: 1963–2015 Chapter 9: The Will of God Is Not a Tightrope Chapter 10: Woman Was Made for Man Chapter 11: On All Sides Epilogue: Much We Do Not Know Acknowledgments Chronological Bibliography of Books by Elisabeth Elliot Selected Bibliography Notes General Index Scripture Index ENDORSEMENTS “Lucy S. R. Austen’s biography of Elisabeth Elliot is not only (by far) the best account we have of this fascinating woman; it is also a book that should inspire other biographers—both first-timers and veterans—to resist the relentless pressure to smooth out the rough edges of the lives they are seeking to chronicle. Here we have a story that will remind us of the twists and turns, the unexpected chapters, and the deep sense of grace that marks our own lives.” -John Wilson, Senior Editor, The Marginalia Review of Books; former Editor, Books & Culture “Elisabeth Elliot first rose to fame by bringing the story of the ‘Auca martyrs’ to the world, but as this carefully researched and deftly written biography shows, she was much more than an iconographer. She became a provocateur who cast doubts on the triumphalism of the evangelical missions industry. She became an ardent critic of fundamentalist spirituality and cultural separatism. She encouraged a generation of evangelical artists and intellectuals who wondered if God really wanted to use their talents. And she was an arch-traditionalist who attacked modern egalitarianism, especially as it addressed gender roles. Elliot was a brilliant, difficult, and complicated person, and this biography treats her life with great sensitivity and honesty. Anyone who wants to understand Elisabeth Elliot, and indeed postwar American evangelicalism, needs to read this book.” -Joel Carpenter, Provost and Professor Emeritus, Calvin University; editor, Christianity Remade: The Rise of Indian Instituted Churches “Lucy S. R. Austen’s biography of the most famous American Christian woman of the twentieth century leaves no stone unturned. This extremely detailed account reveals the inner life of a very public woman, illustrating not only her high spiritual calling but also constant tensions related to her gender. Utterly committed to her understanding of the Bible’s teachings about men and women, Elliot found herself at the whims of male Christian leaders and husbands with differing visions, as well as at odds with the women’s liberation movement and egalitarian Christianity. This book nuances the two-dimensional picture of Elisabeth Elliot merely as the widow of a famous martyr to provide a multidimensional account of women in missions and American Evangelical Christianity.” -Gina A. Zurlo, Codirector, Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary “In her day, Elisabeth Elliot was one of the most formidable women in all the world. This thoughtfully crafted biography tells the unlikely story of how a missionary kid became an American evangelical icon. Lucy S. R. Austen’s eye for what made Elliot both remarkable and human renders this book an especially compelling read.” -Heath W. Carter, Associate Professor of American Christianity, Princeton Theological Seminary AUTHOR Lucy S. R. Austen (BA, University of Washington) is a writer, editor, and teacher who has spent over a decade studying source materials on Elisabeth Elliot. She has served on the editorial staff of the Spring Hill Review, contributed to various publications, and developed two high school English textbooks on prominent Christian authors. S. R. Austen lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband and children. ee4 CWN23 CWNWT CW50 1OFF24 BRAND NEW 600+ PAGE HARDCOVER VOLUME WITH DUST-JACKET - May 2023 SGCB Price: $16.00 (list price $40.00) 60% off our final copy
		RADICALLY WHOLE: Gospel Healing for the Divided Heart- An Expository Journey through the Book of James DAVID GIBSON An Expository Journey through the Book of James Helps Christians Move from Double-Mindedness to Wholeness Everyone longs for wholeness and honesty in their lives. In reality, people are often double-minded—pulled between good and evil—in their speech, actions, and character. These rifts can be spiritually and relationally devastating. So how does God heal a fractured heart? This exploration of the New Testament book of James helps readers identify double-mindedness in their own lives and understand God’s grace as he “pulls apart the divided heart to make it whole.” Explaining James’s challenging epistle chapter by chapter, David Gibson helps readers embrace the painful yet profound process of redemption, defeat double-mindedness, and experience wholeness in every area of their lives. Theologically Rich: Thoroughly examines major themes in the book of James, including double-mindedness, pride, spiritual maturity, suffering, and God’s grace Winsome and Accessible: This clear, expository study is ideal for pastors and laypeople, including college students and those involved in small groups or adult Sunday School Written by David Gibson: Author of Living Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End Includes Study Questions: Each chapter ends with questions for deeper reflection TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface Acknowledgments Introduction: Getting Your Bearings Chapter 1: Perfection Chapter 2: Doing Chapter 3: Love Chapter 4: Seeing Chapter 5: Words Chapter 6: Wisdom Chapter 7: Presumption Chapter 8: Wealth Chapter 9: Suffering Postscript Notes General Index Scripture Index ENDORSEMENTS “The purpose of your consultation at the James clinic is to help you toward full spiritual health. You already know that you will first meet a different physician, a Dr. Gibson, who has studied under Dr. James for many years. He is a somewhat younger man, but his familiarity with Dr. James’s inspired insights is impressive, as is the way he seems able to express the spirit and atmosphere of his teaching, as well as the central truth that Jesus Christ makes you whole. It is an idea that will recur in different ways as Dr. Gibson leads you, gently but firmly, through a comprehensive assessment process. And it begins with the first pages of Radically Whole. In its series of enriching consultations, David Gibson surefootedly provides the diagnosis, prescriptions, and prognosis we all need if we are to be made whole in Jesus Christ.” -Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries “David Gibson has given the church a guide to the book of James and the issues it raises that is biblical, pastoral, accessible, reliable, wise, and patient. While focusing on James, Gibson helpfully explores its great topics by drawing on all of Scripture, wise reading, and pastoral experience to lead the reader into the gospel-based wholeness that the Lord desires to form in his people.” -Dan Doriani, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Covenant Theological Seminary; Founder, Center for Faith and Work St. Louis “No one ever says, ‘When I grow up I want to be a hypocrite.’ Yet most of us would have to admit that there are areas in our lives that simply don’t line up with what we say we believe. In Radically Whole, David Gibson ably applies the straight-talk wisdom of the book of James to the areas of our lives that need to become conformed to the gospel we believe and the Savior we love.” -Nancy Guthrie, Bible teacher; author “If Martin Luther had been granted a future look at the pages of David Gibson’s Radically Whole so that he could glimpse the overarching theme of the book of James and its symmetries (its ‘melodic line’), he would not have voiced his infamous conclusion that it was ‘a right strawy epistle’ but would have recognized James as a profoundly substantial letter consonant with the gospel of grace. Gibson’s penetrating exposition reveals that the grand unifying theme and purpose of James’s letter is the perfection—the singular wholeness—of God’s people. The book’s nine chapters are laced with gripping theological insights and life-giving applications that lead toward biblical wholeness. Gibson is a devoted, hands-on pastor, so Radically Whole sparkles with memorable analogies and aphorisms that help the reader understand and put to work its truths. And, in doing this, it focuses us on Jesus, the only man in history who not only knew God’s word but did it. This is a marvelous book, one that will be read, reread, underlined, and taken to heart—with enduring benefits.” -R. Kent Hughes, Senior Pastor Emeritus, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois “This excellent book gets right to the heart of James’s message and his method. It is beautifully written, and David’s exegetical skill and pastoral wisdom make it not only a compelling exposition of the letter but also a searching examination of the heart. I recommend it thoroughly for anyone who wants to understand James better, and to benefit spiritually in the process.” -Andy Gemmill, Director of the Pastors’ Training Course, Cornhill, Scotland DAVID GIBSON (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is minister of Trinity Church in Aberdeen, Scotland. He is a coeditor of From Heaven He Came and Sought Her and the author of Living Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End. He is married to Angela, and they have four children. cwn23 CW60 BRAND NEW TITLE - FALL OF 2022 (60% OFF) SGCB Price: $7.20 (list price $18.00)
click for details		THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU: The Promise of the Gospel in the Aaronic Blessing Michael J. Glodo Exploring the Gospel through the Aaronic Blessing “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you,” (Numbers 6:24–25). For centuries, Christians have read these words and received them as a blessing. But have they deeply considered the meaning behind them? What does it mean for God’s face to shine upon his people? Faces are often referred to as the window to the soul, displaying emotion and providing relational clarity between individuals. This theme of faces reverberates throughout Scripture, first appearing with Adam and Eve and notably surfacing in the Aaronic benediction in Numbers 6. The Lord Bless You and Keep You explores this benediction to discover the important connection between a person’s face and the face of God—finding that through faces, God shines the light of the gospel upon his people and offers his grace, goodness, and blessing to those who believe in him. **Examines a Common Biblical Passage: Explores the context, meaning, and purpose of the Aaronic benediction **Perfect for Laypeople and Church Leaders Alike: Use this book to explore how the Aaronic benediction impacts worship in day-to-day life and within the church **Interactive: Reflection questions provide an opportunity for discussion in small groups and meditation for individuals **Offers Insight for Corporate Worship: Pastors and church leaders explore how the Aaronic benediction impacts corporate worship TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: The Prequel to the Aaronic Blessing: The Context of the Blessing Chapter 2: The Meaning of Numbers 6:22–27: The Content of the Blessing Chapter 3: The Aaronic Blessing in Light of the New Testament: The Christ of the Blessing Chapter 4: The Aaronic Blessing and Me: The Consequences of the Blessing, Part 1–Just Look at Yourself Chapter 5: The Aaronic Blessing and Others: The Consequences of the Blessing, Part 2–Seeing Others Face-to-Face Chapter 6: The Aaronic Blessing and Worship: Participation and Pastoral Practice Conclusion Appendix: A Liturgy of God’s Gracious Gaze General Index Scripture Index ENDORSEMENTS “We often hear the words of the Aaronic blessing pronounced at the end of worship services. There’s a beauty to its rhythm; its vocabulary sparkles with grace—bless, keep, peace. And we all want God’s face to shine on us! And yet, despite the popularity of this blessing, we rarely hear anyone explaining what these words really mean or what difference they make to daily life. Thankfully, Michael Glodo has arrived to help us! Combining the heart of a pastor with the understanding of an Old Testament scholar, as well as a deep appreciation of worship, he brings us treasure in both hands. The Lord Bless You and Keep You is a book to savor and enjoy.” -Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries “Deep in the Reformation worship tradition of both Luther and Calvin is the consistent use of the Aaronic blessing. So it is a delight and a privilege to read and recommend Michael Glodo’s book-length treatment of this beautiful and powerful portion of God’s word, deepening our understanding and renewing our use of our Reformed heritage.” -Bryan Chapell, Stated Clerk, Presbyterian Church in America “This book infuses our shallow understanding of what it means to be blessed with scriptural insight and textual richness. It invites us to think more deeply about what is promised in the familiar words of the Aaronic blessing so that we hear them with fresh meaning and find ourselves receiving them with profound joy.” -Nancy Guthrie, Bible teacher; author, Even Better than Eden “Michael Glodo’s The Lord Bless You and Keep You is a rich exposition of a beloved and important divine blessing. Glodo’s many years of teaching biblical studies and pastoral theology, as well as his own pastoral experience and instincts, really show up in this book. This exegetical, biblical-theological deep dive into the Aaronic blessing will edify you devotionally and equip you to understand the profundity of what it means for the Lord’s face to shine upon his people.” -Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary “The Aaronic blessing is one of the great poems of the Bible, yet its simple language can catch us off guard. We find ourselves so familiar with it that we take its content for granted and miss its striking depths. Michael Glodo has done us a big service in this little book on the brief blessing that carries such great truths—in particular great truths about faces, both ours and God’s—truths many of us were not ready to appreciate until we spent months covering our faces in public. Far from being irrelevant today, this ancient blessing is, in fact, all the more true and precious to those who profess Jesus as Lord. Learn what it means and pray it afresh over the souls of those you love most.” -David Mathis, Senior Teacher and Executive Editor, desiringGod.org; Pastor, Cities Church, Saint Paul, Minnesota; author, Habits of Grace “The Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6) is often the great blessing offered to God’s people before they depart from worship services and scatter into the world. These words have surely been some of the most familiar among God’s people for millennia. Yet few have thought about their importance. Michael Glodo not only defines and provides insight into these lines but also demonstrates the great influence the Aaronic blessing has on the entire Christian life. Be prepared to experience an old text in a new way and have your eyes opened to a life lived in light of the Aaronic blessing. The comfort, challenge, and grace this knowledge provides will bring a new appreciation for the beauty of our God and his blessings upon his people.” -Jason Helopoulos, Senior Pastor, University Reformed Church, East Lansing, Michigan “In this book, Michael Glodo offers more than just a wonderful study of the Aaronic blessing. He provides a rich biblical-theological survey of the theme of God’s ‘face’ as it unfolds across the pages of Scripture and wise pastoral-theological applications of the numerous ways God ‘shines’ his face on us in our public worship and in our day-to-day lives.” -Scott R. Swain, President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando “I have pronounced the Aaronic blessing over God’s people hundreds of times over four decades of pastoral ministry. Thanks to Michael Glodo’s book—with his outstanding exposition of Numbers 6:22–27, his theological and pastoral insights, and his sound liturgical advice—I’ll forever pronounce the benediction with much greater conviction, meaning, and joy. Whether we pronounce or receive God’s blessing, this book is really worth reading.” -Sandy Willson, Pastor Emeritus, Second Presbyterian Church, Memphis, Tennessee “My earliest memory of church is the pronouncement of the Aaronic blessing at the close of worship. It seemed to connect us with ancient Israel and with the church through the ages, militant and triumphant. Michael Glodo has written a beautiful book that captures the emotional, theological, liturgical, and spiritual depths of this word from God. It will edify and strengthen you in faith and hope. It is the product of love for the church to the glory of God.” -Liam Goligher, Senior Minister, Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Michael J. Glodo (ThM, Westminster Theological Seminary) is associate professor of pastoral theology and former dean of the chapel at Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando. He is a contributor to A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament and the ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible, as well as numerous articles, including many at Reformed Faith & Practice. You can find him at mikeglodo.com. CWN723 CWN23 CWN823 CW60 BRAND NEW TITLE RELEASED IN JULY 2023 (60% OFF) SGCB Price: $6.80 (list price $17.00)
click for details		DIGITAL LITURGIES: Rediscovering Christian Wisdom in an Online Age Samuel D. James How the Habitat of Internet Technology Undermines Christian Wisdom With advancements in internet technology, people can get instant answers to just about any of their questions, connect long distance with family and friends, and stay informed with events around the world in real time. In Digital Liturgies, tech-realist Samuel D. James examines the connection between patterns in technology and human desires. Everyone longs for a glimpse of heaven; James argues they are just looking for it in the wrong place—the internet. This accessible book exposes 5 “digital liturgies” that prohibit people from contemplating big truths, accepting the uncomfortable, and acknowledging God as their Creator. It then calls readers to live faithfully before Christ, finding wisdom through Scripture and rest in God’s perfect design. **A Biblical View of the Internet and Technology: Readers explore the connection between human desire, the internet, and wisdom through a Christian lens **Great for College Students, Parents, and Pastors: This book encourages readers to live faithfully for Christ **Offers a Tech-Realist Perspective: Samuel D. James highlights the inherent dangers of digital technologies, offering wisdom for navigating our internet-saturated world TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction: What the Web Means for Our Spiritual Lives Part 1: Truth and Technology Chapter 1: Embodied Wisdom in a Faceless Age Chapter 2: How Technology Shapes Us Chapter 3: Drowning in the Shallows Part 2: Engaging the Digital Liturgies Chapter 4: “My Story, My Truth”: Digital Liturgy #1: Authenticity Chapter 5: The Abolition of Thought: Digital Liturgy #2: Outrage Chapter 6: Shame on You: Digital Liturgy #3: Shame Chapter 7: Naked in the Dark: Digital Liturgy #4: Consumption Chapter 8: Death by Minutiae: Digital Liturgy #5: Meaninglessness Conclusion: Habits of Wisdom and Resistance Acknowledgments General Index Scripture Index ENDORSEMENTS “This accessible but penetrating book shows how our late-modern, secular culture provides liturgies: soul-shaping practices and narratives that train us to turn from God to the sovereign self, from God-created nature to self-created reality, from living for truth and love to living for power. If you can’t see them, you can’t resist them, and the author gives you resources to do both. Samuel James has written an essential book. He is one of the small but growing number of young thinkers to whom the church must listen if it is to learn how to be effective in evangelism and formation in a post-Christendom world.” -Tim Keller, Founding Pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City “This is such a wise and insightful book. Its power lies in the way it exposes truths not just about the digital world but about us: the things we want, the way we try to find them, how the internet weaponizes them in ways we may not have noticed, and what we can do about it. Penetrating without being frightening, and positive without being naïve, Digital Liturgies is the guide we need.” -Andrew Wilson, Teaching Pastor, King’s Church London “Digital Liturgies is a book that issues both a challenge and a call. Samuel James challenges our perspective by pulling back the curtain so we see that technology’s effects are not neutral, and our digital habits tilt us toward an online world that makes the wisdom of God seem like foolishness. But James also calls us to a better way, reorienting us toward greater understanding, wisdom, and the practices of resistance necessary for faithful and fruitful living. An accessible book full of profound insight.” -Trevin Wax, Vice President of Research and Resource Development, The North American Mission Board; Visiting Professor, Cedarville University; author, The Thrill of Orthodoxy; Rethink Your Self; and This Is Our Time “After the first few chapters, I decided my teenagers should read this book, and maybe their whole school as well. Such good sociological insights. A few chapters later I decided I wanted my church to read it. Such helpful spiritual and pastoral insights too. By the book’s end, however, I realized I needed this book. It applied the gospel to me and my online habits, and I need worthier ones. What that means, friend, is that I’m pretty sure you also need this book. It explains the digital water we’re all swimming in and how that digital water has reprogrammed us more than we realize.” -Jonathan Leeman, Editorial Director, 9Marks; Elder, Cheverly Baptist Church, Hyattsville, Maryland “Modern-day Christians are so trained to think about the what (content) that we don’t often enough consider the how (form). Digital Liturgies—wisely, clearly, and compellingly—helps us to consider the ways in which we are formed by the digital world in which we live. Samuel James not only introduces some of the most important thinkers on this most defining quality of our age, but he also offers his own fresh insights.” -Karen Swallow Prior, author, The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis “Secular man is trying to supplant the divine Creator with a false one—the almighty algorithm. As Samuel James argues, we utilize digital tools believing that through them, we can make the world into our own image. With careless passivity, digital tools end up conforming us into its Silicon Valley–engineered image—alienated, fragmented, compulsive, and angry. There is no evangelical thinker I am aware of who has thought as critically, cautiously, and self-critically about the toll of digital life on our spirituality, psychology, and embodiment as Samuel James. From one of the most talented writers of his generation of evangelical thinkers, Digital Liturgies is one of the smartest books I’ve read from one of evangelicalism’s brightest lights.” -Andrew T. Walker, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Fellow, The Ethics and Public Policy Center Samuel James is the associate acquisitions editor at Crossway. He is the author of Digital Liturgies, a regular newsletter on Christianity, technology, and culture. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with his wife, Emily, and their three children. CWN723 CWN23 CWN823 BRAND NEW TITLE IN JULY 2023 SGCB Price: $10.50 (list price $17.00)
click for details		HOW TO READ AND UNDERSTAND THE PSALMS: What You Always Wanted to Know about the Psalms BRUCE WALTKE & FRED ZASPEL with a Foreword by Sinclair Ferguson An Introduction to the Psalms from Biblical Scholars Bruce K. Waltke and Fred G. Zaspel SINCLAIR FERGUSON begins his excellent Foreword with these words: "It is a privilege to serve as herald to Drs. Bruce Waltke and Fred Zaspel as they step forward to offer this outstanding volume to all lovers of the book of Psalms. Do not let its workmanlike title dampen either your interest or enthusiasm; you are in for a treat in the almost six hundred pages that follow. Although I am neither a prophet nor a prophet’s son, I think I can safely predict that How to Read and Understand the Psalms is a book you will return to frequently and treasure permanently." FERGUSON later close his Foreword with these encouraging words: "There is something especially fitting, therefore, that the gifts, graces, and experiences of our two doctors have combined to provide this exposition of the book that John Calvin stated contains 'an Anatomy of all the Parts of the Soul.' In this exposition of the Psalms, then, these pages present spiritual instruction for the mind and medicine for the soul. But the herald must refrain from detaining readers any longer by adding to these introductory fanfares! So with these words of introduction to the authors who will guide you through the varied spiritual terrain of the Psalter, I happily exit stage left and leave you to enjoy and profit from How to Read and Understand the Psalms. As you make the ascent of the hill of the Lord you will, I feel sure, frequently retain the services of your expert guides, Bruce Waltke and Fred Zaspel, until, by God’s grace, the summit is in sight for us all." Written over the course of 1,000 years, the book of Psalms is a collection of religious poetry voicing a wide variety of human emotions expressed in different genres—imprecatory psalms, psalms of praise, and more. It has become one of the most popular books of the Bible, but most readers have only a surface level understanding of the Psalms and how it fits into the larger historical and scriptural context. In How to Read and Understand the Psalms, Bruce K. Waltke and Fred G. Zaspel give readers tools to learn how to properly interpret and internalize the Psalms. Developed primarily from decades of lectures by Waltke, they explain the various types of psalms, Hebrew poetry, rhetorical techniques, and more. Armed with these tools, believers will discover how the 150 psalms can further fuel their knowledge and love of God. Developed Primarily from Lectures by Bruce K. Waltke: A renowned Old Testament scholar, Waltke taught on the Psalms for decades at Dallas Seminary, Regent College, Westminster Theological Seminary, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Knox Theological Seminary Ideal for Pastors, Teachers, and Students: Readers will be equipped to read, teach, and preach the Psalms with greater confidence In-Depth: Waltke and Zaspel examine specific psalms verse-by-verse and explain the various ways the psalmists themselves convey their message and how their psalms should be read in light of the biblical canon TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword Preface Chapter 1: Introduction to the Psalms: Psalm 1 Chapter 2: Hermeneutics: Interpreting the Psalms as Believers Chapter 3: The Historical Setting of the Psalms: Psalms 3 & 4 Chapter 4: The Royal Orientation of the Psalms Chapter 5: The Liturgical Setting of the Psalms: The Songs of Ascents. Psalm 2, 110 Chapter 6: Hebrew Poetry: Psalms 133, 121 & 23 Chapter 7: Form Criticism and Psalm Forms Chapter 8: Praise Psalms: Psalms 117, 98, 96, 103, 150, 33, 100, 8, 81 & 95 Chapter 9: Petition-Lament Psalms: Psalms 54, 5, 13, 38, 58, 102, 142, 27, 42-43, 69, 6, 44, 51, 22 & 90 Final Reflections on Lament Psalms; Imprecatory Psalms Chapter 10: Individual Songs of Grateful Praise: Psalms 66:13-20; 30; 34:1-11; Jonah 2; Psalms 116, 32, 40, 92 Chapter 11: Songs of Trust: Psalms 131, 62, 91 & 139 Chapter 12: Messianic Psalms: Psalms 72, 110, 2, 16, 45, 22, 34, 8, 40, 69, 118, Enthronement Psalms 16 Chapter 13: Didactic Psalms: Psalms 37, 15, 19 & 73 Chapter 14: Rhetorical Devices and Structures: Psalms 2, 110, 100, 92, 25, 32, 51, 24, 58, 49 Chapter 15: The Final Arrangement of the Psalter Book One: Psalms 1–41 Book Two: Psalms 42–72 Book Three: Psalms 73–89 Book Four: Psalms 90–106 Books Five: Psalms 107–150 Appendix 1: Superscripts, Postscripts, or Both Appendix 2: A Canonical Process Approach to the Psalms Appendix 3: Summary of Psalm Forms Bibliography General Index Scripture Index ENDORSEMENTS “As has often been said, the Psalms reflect every aspect of the human soul. Without them, our worship would be impoverished and less honest, lacking the elements of righteous anger, confusion, and dejection that so often permeate the Psalms. Bruce Waltke and Fred Zaspel have provided us with a gem of a book that opens up fresh insights into the structure, meaning, and purpose of the Psalms. This book crystallizes the fruit of long careers of devoted scholarship with clarity, insight, and skill. Hopefully this book will drive the church back to the Psalms to gain much-needed courage and nourishment. What a wonderful gift to the church.” -Derek W. H. Thomas, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina; Chancellor’s Professor, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries “The most obvious virtue of How to Read and Understand the Psalms is its scope. An appropriate subtitle for the book might be What You Always Wanted to Know about the Psalms. As part of this admirable scope, detailed explications of specific psalms balance the chapters that explore the topics important to scholarship on the Psalms.” -Leland Ryken, Emeritus Professor of English, Wheaton College “This work by Waltke and Zaspel is a milestone achievement, encapsulating a lifetime of study in an accessible form that will serve students, pastors, and anyone else who wants to deepen and enrich their understanding of the book of Psalms.” -Iain M. Duguid, Professor of Old Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary “Bruce Waltke and Fred Zaspel have provided the academy and the church with a rich and comprehensive book on how to read and understand the Psalms. Years of scholarship and devotion come to fruition in this masterpiece. It is an essential read for those studying the Psalms.” -Mark D. Futato, Robert L. Maclellan Professor of Old Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando “What better way to encounter the book of Psalms—a book with such a wide range of topics, emotions, and types of psalms—than through the eyes of a skilled interpreter like Bruce Waltke, assisted by experienced pastor and writer Fred Zaspel. Waltke has spent the better part of a lifetime pondering the Psalms and wisdom literature, and it shows in this eminently readable introduction. It is at once engaging, insightful, and uplifting. I heartily recommend it.” -David M. Howard Jr., Professor of Old Testament, Bethlehem College & Seminary; author, The Structure of Psalms 93–100; coeditor, The Psalms: Language for All Seasons of the Soul and Reading the Psalms Theologically “A few years ago, I visited the Jeita Grotto in Lebanon. Hidden beneath a nondescript hillside of rock and scrub lies a vast underground cavern, a gallery of dizzying vistas, towering earth sculptures, and precarious chasms—all of it stunningly beautiful. This book feels like that. Waltke and Zaspel take us into and under the Psalter and show a huge, dazzling world teeming there. I’m stumped to know what else could have gone into this monumental book. It is scholarly, highly readable, instantly useful, spilling with insight, and massively comprehensive. The material on David alone is worth the price of the book. Every serious reader, teacher, and preacher of the Psalms needs a copy.” -Mark Buchanan, author, David: Rise and David: Reign AUTHORS Bruce K. Waltke (ThD, Dallas Theological Seminary; PhD, Harvard University) is Professor Emeritus of Old Testament Studies at Regent College and Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Knox Theological Seminary. He is the author of An Old Testament Theology and commentaries on Genesis, Micah, and Proverbs. Bruce is a member at Advent Anglican Church in Woodinville, Washington. Fred G. Zaspel (PhD, Free University of Amsterdam) serves as a pastor at Reformed Baptist Church in Franconia, Pennsylvania, an adjunct professor of systematic theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and executive editor at Books At a Glance. He is the author of The Theology of B. B. Warfield and Warfield on the Christian Life, coauthor of New Covenant Theology, and has published numerous booklets, articles, and book reviews. cwn23+ ps.23 BRAND NEW HARDCOVER TITLE IN MAY 2023 SGCB Price: $27.95 (list price $50.00) ORDER ALONG WITH GORDON WENHAM'S EXCELLENT VOLUME 'THE PSALTER RECLAIMED: Praying and Praising with the Psalms' SGCB Price: $36.00 (list price $68.00) THIS IS THE PRICE FOR BOTH TITLES (NEARY 50% OFF)