Books

Books to Note

Short reviews of recent books worth considering.

The Gospel for Muslims

An Encouragement to Share Christ with Confidence Thabiti Anyabwile (Moody)

Former Muslim turned Baptist pastor Thabiti Anyabwile believes too many Christians feel they need a special technique for evangelizing Muslims, when what they really need is more confidence in the power of the gospel. Accordingly, Anyabwile first explains the basic gospel message, then turns to practical ways to witness effectively. He recounts his own story of conversion as well as numerous debates with other Muslims. The proposal relies on the Spirit working through Christian hospitality, Bible teaching, and our willingness to suffer persecution.

The Good News We Almost Forgot

Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism Kevin DeYoung (Moody)

Catechisms may be making a comeback, and Kevin DeYoung’s new book demonstrates why. It is a collection of pastoral reflections on the Heidelberg Catechism. Working within the framework of guilt, grace, and gratitude, DeYoung takes readers on a journey through the basics of Christian theology in 52 weeks. It’s like theology “from concentrate,” only the truths here will make your heart soar. Not everyone will agree with all the affirmations of this catechism (and DeYoung doesn’t either), but this book is an accessible introduction to the fundamental truths of Christianity.

You Can Change

God’s Transforming Power for Our Sinful Behavior and Negative Emotions Tim Chester (Crossway)

Chester leads readers to think about what they want to change and then examine their underlying motivations for such a change. Encouraging us to turn from certain desires to certain truths, he grounds lasting change in daily repentance as a response to the gospel of grace. Best of all, he incorporates individual change into the context of the church and insists that sanctification is a community project. Each chapter ends with a list of hard-hitting questions that lead us to practical application of biblical truth.

Copyright © 2010 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Related Elsewhere:

You Can Change, Gospel for Muslims, and The Good News We Almost Forgot are available from ChristianBook.com and other book retailers.

Christianity Today has more music, movies, books, and other media reviews.

Also in this issue

The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.

Our Latest

Inside the Ministry

The Next Gen Initiative

Casting a captivating vision of following Jesus for the next generation.

The Just Life with Benjamin Watson

Bruce Deel: Mercy With A Spine

Creating real pathways to stability so families can flourish through housing, work, and dignity.

News

Where Refugees Were Seen as an Opportunity from God

In Sweden, a church continues to advocate evangelism of Muslims, despite criticism from all sides.

Revival of the Nerds

On Twitch streams and in Discord chats, “nerd culture” ministers reach out to a demographic long misunderstood by the church.

Christian Gamers Find Their People

Video-game developers, speculative fiction authors, and table-top enthusiasts got together to play at an expo for “Christian storytellers in popular culture.”

Public Theology Project

Good Things on the Way

Russell Moore highlights CT’s critical mission in this polarized moment.

Melanie Penn Sings the Resurrection Story

The Broadway actress turned singer-songwriter talks about her new album and the value of sacred music outside of Sunday mornings.

News

Church Discipline Is Still the Exception

But it’s making a comeback in some circles, including among Reformed congregations that emphasize church membership.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube