• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Anchored in Christ

KevinHalloran.net

  • Home
  • About Me
    • Contact
  • Popular Posts
  • Speaking
  • Resources
    • Accessible Theology Book Series
    • 100+ Book Recommendations for Christians
    • 100+ of the Best Christian Biographies
    • 250+ Free Online Seminary Classes, Courses, Programs, and Book Recommendations
  • The Gospel
  • Español

Kevin / April 21, 2015

5 Recent Books Worth Knowing About

Here are five books that have come across my desk over the past month or two that are worth knowing about:

30 Events That Shaped the Church: Learning from Scandal, Intrigue, War, and Revival by Alton Gansky (Baker Books)

The church of today did not appear on the earth fully formed; rather, it developed over the centuries. Following Jesus’ command to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth, the apostles and their spiritual descendants have grown the church through times of peace and times of war, through persecution and pilgrimage. The church that began as a ragtag group of Middle Eastern fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots became the multiethnic, multifaceted church we know today through historical events that, while they may seem distant, have a direct effect on our everyday lives.

Now thirty of these course-altering events are brought vividly to life by consummate storyteller Alton Gansky. Spanning twenty centuries of history, this lively book will entertain, educate, and enlighten you even as it enriches your appreciation for those who have come before us in the faith.

I have not read the whole thing, but if you’re looking for a deeper glimpse of many important events throughout church history, Gansky’s 30 Events will scratch that itch. Check out the table of contents on Amazon’s preview to see the list of thirty events.


What Does the Bible Really Teach About Homosexuality? By Kevin DeYoung (Crossway)

I’ll share some thoughts on DeYoung’s newest book when I am able, although major life events make for a busy life! Here’s a blurb from Amazon:

In this timely book, award-winning author Kevin DeYoung challenges each of us—the skeptic, the seeker, the certain, and the confused—to take a humble look at God’s Word regarding the issue of homosexuality.

After examining key biblical passages in both the Old and New Testaments and the Bible’s overarching teaching regarding sexuality, DeYoung responds to popular objections raised by Christians and non-Christians alike, making this an indispensable resource for thinking through one of the most pressing issues of our day.


Blind Spots: Becoming a Courageous, Compassionate, and Commissioned Church by Collin Hansen (Crossway)

Here’s another great new Crossway title from Collin Hansen, the editor of The Gospel Coalition. I hope to look at this in the next couple of weeks. Judging by the fact that we all have blind spots, I’m hoping Hansen (and the Spirit) will shine some light on mine.

The world needs bold, united followers of Jesus. It needs you and me to understand and appreciate the contributions of our brothers and sisters in faith. However, too often, our blind spots lead to divisions and disagreements, preventing God’s people from testifying to his grace with one voice.

In this provocative book, Collin Hansen helps us view our differences as opportunities to more effectively engage a needy world with the love of Christ. Highlighting the diversity of thought, experience, and personality that God has given to his people, Blind Spots lays the foundation for a new generation of Christians eager to cultivate a courageous, compassionate, and commissioned church.

 

Gracia sobre gracia: la nueva reforma en el mundo hispano Various Contributors (Poiema Publications)

What is a Spanish title doing on this blog?! This new book put out by Poiema and The Gospel Coalition’s Spanish arm is titled “Grace Upon Grace: The New Reformation in the Hispanic World.” I got it at the Gospel Coalition’s pre-conference and am excited to see what Hispanic leaders say about the Latin American church. This is of interest to me as a part-time missionary to Latin America with Leadership Resources. I hope to share some thoughts from it this summer (don’t worry, it will be in English.)


Heaven, How I Got Here: The Story of the Thief on the Cross by Colin S. Smith (Christian Focus)

From my review on The Gospel Coalition:

I’ve learned something interesting about unbelievers after several years of engaging them with the gospel: while many feel uncomfortable discussing sin, the exclusivity of Christ, or eternal punishment, most don’t mind discussing the afterlife.

This fascination with the afterlife can be a great inroad to gospel conversation. Heaven is often seen as non-threatening and profoundly interesting—one of the reasons so many I-went-to-heaven-and-back books have flown off the shelves in recent years.

What if there were a book you could share with your non-Christian friends that would scratch their “heaven itch” while compellingly sharing the gospel?

I know I’ve already mentioned this book on the blog before, but it’s so rich. Our church put on a one-man show featuring Steven Baldwin as the thief and it was powerful.

Print Friendly, PDF & EmailPrint Friendly

Related Posts

  • Today’s Links // Plea for Christian Men, Ridiculous Travelers, Words for Fallen Leaders, the Prosperity GospelToday’s Links // Plea for Christian Men, Ridiculous Travelers, Words for Fallen Leaders, the Prosperity Gospel
  • Today’s Links (11.19.19)Today’s Links (11.19.19)
  • 4 Books that Influenced Tim Keller in College4 Books that Influenced Tim Keller in College
  • Book Review: Finally Free: Fighting for Purity with the Power of GraceBook Review: Finally Free: Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace
  • Gospel Hope for Anxious HeartsGospel Hope for Anxious Hearts

Share this:

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Print

Filed Under: Books & Reviews

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Matt Robertson says

    April 22, 2015 at 9:06 am

    Thanks for sharing Gracia sobre gracia even though it is an English blog. I’ve been looking for a book like this for a while! Excited to read it.

    • KevinHalloran says

      April 22, 2015 at 11:28 am

      Great!

    • KevinHalloran says

      April 22, 2015 at 11:29 am

      Are you studying greek right now?

      • Matt Robertson says

        April 22, 2015 at 1:08 pm

        Every day! Test is coming up in a few weeks now.

Primary Sidebar

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • A Brief Review of Two Resources for Helping Anxious and Depressed Teens
  • What does it mean to abide in Jesus Christ?
  • My Top 10 Books of 2020
  • Together Through the Storms: Biblical Encouragements for Your Marriage When Life Hurts
  • Top Links for December 2020
  • 40+ Christian Books Releasing in 2021 to Keep on Your Radar
  • Recommended Links for October 2020
  • The Costly Results of an Impaired Prayer Life
  • 4 Ways to Worship—Not Worry—this Election Season
  • A Great (Free) Resource for Learning the Bible’s Grand Story
My Tweets

Blog Sponsors

Blog Categories

Apologetics Bible & Theology Books & Reviews Christian Living Culture Evangelism Humor Leadership Life Links Marriage & Relationships Ministry Missions Prayer Quotes Resources Sermon Illustration Social Media & Technology Uncategorized Writing

Footer

About Me

I serve with Leadership Resources training pastors to preach God's Word with God's heart. I blog for the glory of God, to nourish the church, and to clarify my mind. Read More…

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on Twitter

Follow me on Instagram

Español

Sígueme en Facebook y Twitter o visita a mi blog.
   

FTC Disclosure of Material Connection: I sometimes share affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through a link, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you to cover blogging expenses.

Copyright © 2021 · Digital Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.