Dennis' Recommended Reads
December 2024
Being Elisabeth Elliot by Ellen Vaughn is volume two in the two volume authorized biography (volume one is Becoming Elisabeth Elliot). As a young missionary in Ecuador, Elliot lost her husband when he and four of his colleagues were speared to death. She went on to author dozens of books and speak at conferences around the world. But she would not allow others to idolize her as “impervious to fissures” or “an airbrushed paragon of virtue.” Elliot continued to be formed through suffering as she lived in the face of what she called “the ‘impenetrable mystery’ of the interplay between God’s will and human choices.” Elliot’s story, raw and unadorned, challenges readers to trust and obey God undeterred by life’s pain and difficulties.
August 2024
Alissa Childers and Tim Barnett have co-written a timely resource for the church in this season. The Deconstruction of Christianity: What it is, Why it’s Destructive, and How to Respond, begins by helping readers understand this harmful movement that is sweeping through churches — and destroying the faith of many. Childers and Barnett, however, do more than merely provide an understanding of this movement. They also equip readers to carefully think through the foundational issues behind the movement — such things as truth, authority, doubt and faith. Finally, in part 3 Childers and Barnett seek to provide hope to those impacted by a loved one who has deconstructed their faith, equipping them with practical advice. I highly recommend this book to both those considering deconstruction and those who know someone who is walking that path.
July 2024
In Becoming Elizabeth Elliot, volume one of her two volume biography of Elliot, Ellen Vaughn has done a masterful job of weaving together the story of Elizabeth Elliot’s early years — including her growing up years, her education and preparation for a life of missions, her relationship with and eventual marriage to Jim, his martyrdom and the years on the mission field that followed his death. Often citing from Elliot’s unpublished journal entries, letters and other writings, Vaughn provides readers with an incredible window into the life of a truly remarkable woman — one of the most influential women in modern church history. Elliot’s deep faith in God — despite great suffering — and her radial commitment to follow Him no matter what the cost, is truly inspiring and will leave readers challenged in their own discipleship journey
In his book, Making All Things New: Restoring Joy to the Sexually Broken, the late David Powlison has provided us with a great gift. Sexuality is a part of God’s good creation but because of sin, we now also experience a great deal of sexual brokenness. Powlison writes to both those caught in sexual sin and those victimized by the sexual sin of others. He does not offer easy answers or a quick fix. Nor does he address these matters with shame or cheap moralizing. The way forward is not just fresh resolve, flimsy forgiveness or simple formulas. The road to healing is found, rather, in lasting mercy from God who intervenes in our lives to lead us on a lifelong journey of renewal. This short book is a powerful resource that will serve as an encouragement and help to many.
Loren Cunningham’s book, “Is That Really You, God?” is both a powerful story about the beginnings, growth and ministry of YWAM (Youth with a Mission) and a practical guide to hearing God’s voice and following His direction. In this book Cunningham shares his story, which began before he was even born. The legacy of his grandparents and parents set him on the path of following Jesus, and ultimately into world missions. Cunningham recounts the initial vision God gave him which would ultimately give birth to YWAM and would shape the rest of his life. Sometimes in pretty dramatic ways but often in the ordinary, God directed Cunningham’s steps in what proved to be an amazing life on mission for Jesus. More than just a story, his account also provides practical guidance for others who are hungry to hear God’s voice and follow his leading in their lives.
June 2024
In his book, Becoming a Face of Grace: Navigating Lasting Relationships with God and Others, Ed Khouri has given readers a great gift. He contends for the vital relational character of grace. Grace is about more than the just forgiveness of sins, though that is critical. Grace also serves as the basis of how we attach to God and others. In each chapter Khouri provides rich insights about grace along with powerful examples to illustrate what he is teaching. In addition, each chapter contains explanations of how neuroscience intersects with the truths he is teaching about grace, as well as scripture exercises and reflection/discussion questions. Reading this book will lead you to reflect deeply on your relationship with God and with others. It will also equip you and leave you primed to grow in grace. I commend Becoming a Face of Grace to you.
Many in the church today know in their heads that God loves them but fail to deeply grasp this truth in their heart. In his book Embraced: Experiencing God’s Father Heart of Love, Bob Carroll speaks to this longing for a heart-felt experience of God’s genuine and tender love. Carroll shares from his own journey of growing up fatherless and his search for a father’s love. Through scriptural teaching, personal stories, and practical steps, Embraced he speaks into this deep longing for true intimacy with God. Each chapter includes questions for reflection and can guide you through your own journey of healing from your wounds of the past, whatever they might be, and to a deeper experience of the love of God for you. Read and be encouraged!
April 2024
The Silas Diary is the first in a series of five books in which author Gene Edwards imaginatively recounts the story of the ministry of the Apostle Paul found in the book of Acts. Edwards weaves together details from Luke's account of Paul’s missionary journeys with imaginative first person reporting of how those events and details unfolded. Though, to be sure, Edwards has taken creative license in imagining the “fuller story,” he has been faithful to what we know — and his retelling of the story of Paul’s missionary journeys helps readers stop and think more deeply about all that Paul and the early church encountered and endured for the sake of Jesus and the spread of the good news. Together with The Titus Diary, The Timothy Diary, The Priscilla Diary and The Gaius Diary, this book will sweep you up in the exciting first century adventure that changed the world.
February 2024
Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices is the story of Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of one of the founders of the Islamic terrorist organization, Hamas. Released in 2010, this book does not tell the most recent stories of what is going on in Palestine today but it will open the eyes of readers to better understand the roots of the today’s conflict. It also tells the powerful story of the grace of God working in the heart of a young man filled with hatred, leading him eventually to the place of surrendering his life to Jesus. Mosab’s story demonstrates the power of Christ in whom forgiveness is found and through whom the ability to love ones enemies comes. His story points to Jesus as the only true hope for genuine peace in the Middle East.
January 2024
The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, by Nancy Pearcey is a much needed and timely book. In a world that is deeply confused about masculinity, Pearcey challenges the idea that masculinity itself is the problem. She argues that our culture has come to hold a profoundly warped and confused view of masculinity, and with an abundance of historical and sociological data, Pearcey traces out the story of how we got here. Her book challenges our culture’s distorted understanding of manhood, both left and right, and provides readers with a biblical view and defence of true masculinity. Pearcey also provides a road map forward, showing that the Christian church has a vital role to play in forming the sort of men the world and families desperately need. Everyone should read this important book!
November 2023
Elias Chacour was a young Palestinian boy living in the hills of Galilee in 1948 when the modern nation of Israel was born. His riveting story, Blood Brothers: The Dramatic Story of a Palestinian Christian Working for Peace in Israel, will open your eyes, challenge your thinking, and touch your heart. Learn about the Arab-Israeli conflict, the history of the turmoil in the Middle East, and the history leading up to the establishment of modern Israel. Read heartbreaking stories of suffering and loss and inspiring stories of sacrifice and hope. Chacour’s story will challenge you and what it means to follow Jesus, the Prince of Peace. This book touched me profoundly and left me with lots to think about and pray through. I strongly commend Chacour’s book to all!
Hamas’ October 7th attack upon Israel prompted me to pick up and reread Brother Andrew’s book Light Force: A Stirring Account of the Church Caught in the Middle East Crossfire. Beginning in 1955, Brother Andrew followed God’s call to smuggle Bibles to believers living in countries behind the “iron curtain.” In this book you’ll read the account of a new mission — to strengthen the church caught in the midst of the hatred and violence that has for so long characterized Israel and Palestine. In these pages you will meet both Arabic and Jewish Christians, as well as various political leaders and even members of Hamas. Read about the doors God opened for Brother Andrew to encourage the church and to share the good news with those who do not know Christ. This story which will take you to Lebanon, into the West Bank and even to Gaza, will touch your heart and move you to prayer for our brothers and sisters caught in the crossfire.
October 2023
Tim Keller was, without a doubt, one of the twenty-first century’s most influential church leaders. His preaching and books have impacted countless Christians and skeptics alike. In this book entitled, Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation, Collin Hansen has provided readers with a rich and unique window into the life and ministry of Keller. Unlike a regular biography, Hansen’s book aims not just to tell Keller’s story. Rather he has focused on sharing an account that highlights the different people and authors that deeply influenced and shaped Keller. Hansen’s account spans from Keller’s beginnings in Pennsylvania, to his planting of Redeemer Presbyterian in New York city — and so much in between. Hansen has masterfully crafted this moving and rich account. I have been deeply blessed by Keller and now again through this amazing window into the process by which God formed him.
September 2023
In his book, Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ, Dallas Willard has provided a marvellous resource to every disciple of Jesus who longs to grow in Christ — to be transformed. Willard’s book is a careful exploration of the human person and the God ordained process by which each essential part of the human self can be formed or reformed. As he makes clear, real change happens from the inside out. Our hearts need to be renovated. Full of wisdom and grace, Renovation of the Heart lays a foundation for understanding both the ruin we all recognized when we take an honest look at ourself and what is needed for us to experience restoration. Willard gives readers hope. Growth in Christlike character is possible! I highly commend this book for every disciple of Jesus.
August 2023
In his book, Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?, Tim Keller asserts that forgiveness has a central role in our lives in this imperfect world. Without it, resentment, bitterness and vengeance will consume people and destroying lives. In the book Keller analyzes the approaches to forgiveness that the world around us attempts and shows why they are bound to fail. He then explains to readers what true forgiveness requires, and he anchors true forgiveness in God’s costly forgiveness of sinners accomplished at the cross. Keller does a masterful job of equipping his readers with the knowledge of both why forgiveness is essential to a life well lived and how one can forgive and move past even deep wounds and experiences of injustice. This book will challenge readers deeply but it will also bring freedom and healing to those who learn the lessons Keller provides.
July 2023
In her book, The Hiding Place, readers encounter the remarkable, true story of Corrie Ten Boom and her family who became integral members of the Resistance in Holland during World Way II. When Germany invaded and then occupied their homeland, the Ten Booms willing risked their lives to help save Jews and underground workers from the Nazis. Eventually arrested, Corrie and her sister found themselves in a Nazi death camp from which only Corrie would emerge. Yet despite horrific suffering, they looked to God for strength and grace to meet the needs of others around them, to share the hope of Jesus, and even to forgive their enemies. This moving story will inspire and challenge you in your faith.
June 2023
Amazing Grace is the remarkable true story of God’s amazing grace poured out into the life of John Newton, a former slave trader who would in time, pen the well known and beloved hymn Amazing Grace. In this biography that reads like a novel, Bruce Hindmarsh and Craig Borlase do not excuse or airbrush Newton’s faults or the glaring contradictions in his life. They expose the shocking horrors of the slave trade and Newton’s participation in it, as well as his transformation into a man who boldly spoke out against it, proclaiming “the relentless love of God and his forgiveness of sins.” Newton’s story “speaks to the brokenness within us all and our need for God’s amazing grace.” Hindmarsh and Borlase conclude this story by highlighting the profound lessons readers can take from Newton’s life. I commend this book to all.
May 2023
Mark Buchanan begins his book, Things Unseen: Living in Light of Forever, with these jarring words — “I’m dying. Sometimes I forget that.” No, Buchanan was not at the time he penned those words, suffering from a terminal illness or a mortal wound. Rather he had in mind the words of the apostle Paul, that he, like everyone of us, was “wasting away.” That reality need not cause us alarm. Buchanan reminds us that we were created for eternity — that our deepest longings cannot and will not be satisfied in this world. His book is about our instinct for heaven and about living this life in light of that deep longing for what is yet to come.
March 2023
In her book, Fallen: Out of the Sex Industry and into the Arms of the Savior, Annie Lobert shares her remarkable story of Jesus’ saving and transforming power in her life. What at first looked like an opportunity to escape her tumultuous, abuse-filled home, soon proved to be a dangerous and dark path. Needing money, wanting love and desperately seeking control of her life, she stumbled into the sex industry as a glamorous, high class escort in Las Vega. Lobert soon discovered that she was heading towards self-destruction that brought incredible pain and brokenness. Beatings, abandonment, and death threats become routine, and left her wondering if death was the best way out. Instead she encountered Jesus who patiently pursued her, and in time rescued her. Now Annie works to help others escape the industry and find freedom in Jesus.
February 2023
In her book, Chariots in the Smoke, Margaret Epp recounts the story of one branch of the Mennonites (Dutch-Prussia-Russia). From the Spanish Inquisition to twentieth century North America, Epp shares this moving account of what our Anabaptist ancestors endured because of their radical spiritual commitment to Jesus, to the authority of His Word over church tradition, and the way of love and peace. Over the centuries these forebears faced harsh oppression, even martyrdom, disease and starvation, as well as the dangers of affluence in times of plenty. In this work of historical fiction, Epp leads readers across the landscape of Asia, Europe and North America, and across the centuries, all the while following the remarkable pilgrimage of the Mennonites. Readers will be both challenged and encouraged through the stories and individuals encountered in this book.
December 2022
In her book “the Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business,” Erin Meyer guides readers through the substantive but often unrecognized cultural differences that exist between people who come from different backgrounds and nations foreign to your own. Meyer broaches eight diverse topics — communicating, evaluating, persuading, leadership and power, decision-making, trust, disagreeing and expectations around time — introducing us to the radically divergent ways of thinking and operating embraced by different cultures. Though written specifically for the business world, there is an abundance of relevant take aways for the Christian church as well as other settings. Meyer’s book may prove overwhelming in the challenges it exposes but it can also be a helpful companion as we strive to relate well and build healthy relationships with those from cultures foreign to us.
In 1987, American Philosopher and Theologian, Nicholas Wolterstorff, published this short book entitled, Lament for a Son. In it he shares, simply and honestly, his deep grief following the death of his 25 year old son in a mountain climbing accident. Wolterstorf resists cheap and trite answers about death and chooses instead to stare his grief straight in the eye. His book proves helpful for others who are struggling to articulate their own pain. Somber to be sure, yet nonetheless Lament for a Son is a rich gift to readers because every reader will, sooner or later in this life, experience pain and loss. Read and allow your heart to feel the ache of deep grief. Allow your to tears flow as Wolterstorf leads you courageously through the darkness.
November 2022
In this fascinating book, Rembrandt is in the Wind: Learning to Love Art Through the Eyes of Faith, Russ Ramsey, introduces readers to some of the world’s most celebrated artists and their works from across the centuries. He shares stories that are part history, part biblical reflection, and part analysis of the human experience. The stories he tells illustrate the struggle of living in this fallen world as well as the beauty of redemption available to us in Christ. Each speak to our “hunger and capacity for glory, and they all teach us to see and love beauty” (from the jacket). Ramsey proves to be a wise and helpful guide into the world of art while at the same time, challenging and inspiring a deeper faith in Christ as the author of all that is beautiful. Read and be enriched!
October 2022
In their book, Captive in Iran: A Remarkable True Story of Hope and Triumph Amid the Horror of Tehran’s Brutal Evin Prison, Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh recount how God used them and their suffering to shine light into one of the world’s darkest places. Over a period of three years, Maryam and Marziyeh had risked their lives, starting two secret house churches and covertly distributing twenty-thousand New Testaments to their fellow Iranians. Finally arrested and imprisoned, Maryam and Marziyeh encountered the horrors of Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison. In the face of atrocious conditions, persistent intimidation and regular threats of death they looked to Jesus for hope and strength. And instead of giving in to fear, Maryam and Marziyeh took the radical and dangerous step of boldly sharing their faith in Jesus within the very walls intended to silence them. This story will inspire and challenge you in your faith.
July 2022
In his book, The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning invites you to open your heart and mind to God’s amazing grace which is far more amazing than most of us dare to believe. Though we affirm God’s grace in theory, we have a hard time embracing it tangibly in our lives. Manning passionately challenges our notions of God as a small-minded bookkeeper tallying our failures and successes on a spiritual score sheet. Instead, he emphatically urges us to recognize the “furious love of God” for sinners revealed in the scriptures — good news for ragamuffins — “the beat-up, burnt-out, ragged and dirty.” In this book you will see afresh that the gospel is dazzlingly good! I have been deeply encouraged through this book every time I read it.
June 2022
In A Burning in my Bones, the authorized biography of Eugene Peterson, Winn Collier shares an intimate, beautiful and earthy look into a remarkable life. Peterson, best known as the translator of The Message, has impacted the lives of many as pastor, teacher and author. Within these pages, readers will discover the influences and experiences that shaped him as a young boy and throughout his formative years, and read accounts of both his successes and his struggles, as a pastor, husband and father. Given exclusive access to Eugene and his personal archives, Collier’s telling of this story is both rich and intimate. Peterson’s life was one of quiet resistance against the way of the world and a deep desire for God. This book is a powerful gift that will challenge readers to live differently.
June 2022
A.W. Tozer’s The Pursuit of God is a modern Christian classic. In it Tozer speaks of the “surpassing worth of knowing Christ” and invites believers to passionately pursue the one who acted first, drawing them to Himself. There is nothing new or novel here. But chapter by chapter, Tozer, with clarity and zeal, presents readers with rich and vital truths about God and about life with God. What you will discover here is, “theology not of the head but of the heart.” Tozer reminds us that God is present and knowable and that He speaks today. He beckons us to always fix our eyes on Jesus and to keep Christ at the centre of everything, every part of our lives. This volume will help and bless those who are thirsty for deeper intimacy with Jesus.
May 2022
In his book, Bullies and Saints: An Honest Look at the Good and Evil of Christian History, historian John Dickson faces the challenging questions asked by many skeptics today. Is religion a pernicious force in the world? Does it poison everything? Would we be better off without religion in general and Christianity in particular? Throughout his book, Dickson recounts the truly horrific things that have been done in the name of Jesus throughout history. He leads readers straight through the darkness, recounting the violence, the bigotry, the oppression, the racism, the greed, the abuse and more. But Dickson skillfully helps readers see that that is only part of the story. While some, in the name of Christianity, have indeed been bullies, many others have remained faithful to Christ and stand in stark contrast. They have lived out Christ's call to charity, humility and and human dignity and, in doing so, they have transformed the world.
March 2022
American author Harriet Beecher Stowe published this anti-slavery novel in 1852 just nine years before the American Civil War. It had a profound impact on attitudes towards slavery in the United States. Stowe was an active abolitionist who wrote this story to depict the horrors of slavery and to assert that Christian love could overcome this cruel and inhumane institution. Though Uncle Tom’s Cabin is a novel, the separate incidents are authentic, occurring under Stowe’s own observation or that of her personal friends. The story is powerful and deeply moving. It brings both profound conviction of human depravity and great inspiration about the power of Christian love and hope. Your heart will be touched and you will be challenged to live more courageously for Christ in our sinful world
In his book, Making The Best Of It: Following Christ in the Real World, John Stackhouse helps us wrestle with some significant questions about how we as Christians are to live in the real world. His volume begins with a survey of the approaches to Christian ethics taken by Richard Niebuhr, C.S. Lewis and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He moves on to sketch out his case for what he calls Christian realism. Though you may not agree with all the conclusions that he presents, Stackhouse raises some really important issues, makes some crucial points, and provokes careful thinking on the part of readers. I commend this book to all who want to think seriously about Christian ethics in our world today.
December 2021
In his book, Bold as Love: What happens when we see people the way God does, Bob Roberts Jr. shows us what it looks like to live out our faith daily in our pluralistic culture where we find ourselves among people of various other faiths and of no faith at all. While it can be challenging to engage with people whose beliefs are as strong as yours, Roberts helps guide us in how to do so with bold love. Roberts challenges us as disciples of Jesus to live lives of “fearless and loving engagement with the world.” He calls us to put away “fear and suspicion and, instead, answer the call to radically love others the way God loves.” In a world that is increasingly divided, Roberts will help you live out your faith boldly and faithfully while entering into true relationships with neighbours of other faiths.
October 2021
In his book, Irresistible Faith: Becoming the Kind of Christian the World Can’t Resist, Scott Sauls provides a vision of what the church can be in this current moment. Jesus said that his followers were light and salt, a city on a hill. In this book, Sauls calls us to step into that role — living in such a way that those around us are compelled to stop and reconsider the claims of Christianity — wishing that it was true. Sauls shows how, as individuals and the church, we have the awesome privilege of living as agents of God’s grace and love. With biblical conviction and powerful stories, Saul’s book will convict and encourage you, and leave you longing to live your a life characterized by an irresistible faith.
September 2021
In her book, 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity, Rebecca McLaughlin has provided a fantastic resource to teenagers wrestling with some tough questions and real challenges to faith in Jesus. Whether already a believer in Jesus or not, teens will be helped to think critically about issues such as the relationship between science and Christianity, human sexuality, gender, morality, suffering and the doctrine of hell. Parents may want to read and discuss this book with their teenage children. Using state-of-the-art research, personal stories, Harry Potter illustrations (warning: spoilers!), and careful biblical study, McLaughlin leads readers to well reasoned responses to these 10 questions.
August 2021
In his fantasy novel, The Book of the Dun Cow, Walter Wangerin Jr. has provided readers with an imaginative and riveting tale about the age-old struggle between good and evil. In an age before humans have appeared on the earth, animals are charged with protecting the world from an ancient evil Wyrm, trapped at the centre of the earth. Chanticleer, the flawed hero of the story, along with other animal characters, face a horrific challenge as they battle the onslaught of Wyrm and his minions. This is story about the challenge of evil and of the courage and sacrifice needed to confront it. It will entertain and inspire, leading readers to reflect on its meaning for our own lives.
Loren Cunningham is the founder of the international missionary movement, Youth with a Mission (YWAM) and of the University of the Nations. In his thought-provoking and hopeful book, The Book that Transforms Nations: The Power of the Bible to Change Any Country, Cunningham contends that in the Bible we have the key to address every problem we face in the twenty-first century. He has had the unique privilege of travelling to every single country on our planet and he has witnessed the impact the Bible has on nations. When people and nations embrace a biblical worldview, their thinking, values and behaviours change, leaving their nations transformed. Through the stories Cunningham shares, you will be encouraged and challenged by the impact God’s Word has had and can yet have in this world.
May 2021
In this fascinating book, author Alex Epstein offers a “counter-narrative” to the dominant narrative of doom that is so prevalent in our culture today. Epstein does not write from a Christian perspective, yet there is much that is commendable in his approach to the topic of fossil fuel use in our world. What may seem surprising is that while he is prodevelopment, he is also clearly antipollution. The standard of value that provides the foundation of his argument is that of human well-being or human flourishing, one that fits well with the biblical mandate to “love our neighbours” and “care for fellow image-bearers” while also stewarding God’s creation. This book will helpfully inform your thinking on this important contemporary issue.
April 2021
In her terrific book, Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality, Nancy Pearcey graciously challenges the liberal secularist ideology that separates body from personhood. Pearcey brilliantly demonstrates how this division of who we are as human beings both reflects a very low view of the body and manifests itself in many harmful ways that hinders human flourishing. Along with such issues as today’s “hook-up culture,” homosexuality, transgenderism, Pearcey speaks to euthanasia, abortion and the societal impact of this ideology, alarmingly eroding the foundation the family. With great insight and grace, Pearcey helps Christians and non-believers alike, give serious consideration to these issues.
March 2021
Out of a Far Country by Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan tells the powerful story of a gay son’s journey to God and of a broken mother’s search for hope. Christopher, the son of Chinese immigrants grew up knowing that he was different. At 22 years old, Christopher announced to his parents that he was gay and walked out of their home and their lives. He plunged into life in the gay community and soon into drugs, soon becoming a dealer. Angela was utterly devastated and found herself spiralling into darkness and despair. Heartbreak, confusion and, in time, surrender to Jesus eventually brought hope and healing. It is a powerful story of God’s redemptive work, drawing lost and hurting people into his loving embrace.
December 2020
In this short book, Searching for Christmas: What If There is More to the Story Than You Thought?, J.D. Greear helps us take a fresh look at Christmas, or more specifically, at Christ, God’s gift to us. Through the pages of this book, Greear helps readers explore the four names, or titles, given to Jesus by the Old Testament prophet Isaiah when he announced that one day God would send a Messiah to rescue humanity. Readers will discover, or be reminded of, the incredible gift given by God to all who will receive it, in the birth of Jesus which we celebrate this year. A great book for both those who already know and trust Jesus as well as for those who aren’t so sure about this Jesus thing yet.
November 2020
One of the most fascinating books I’ve read! In The Faith of Christopher Hitchens: The Restless Soul of the World’s Most Notorious Atheist, Larry Taunton provides readers with a compelling story. He begins by providing an introduction of sorts to Hitchens for those who may not know his story, but the heart of the book describes the friendship and several intimate encounters between Hitchens the atheist and Taunton, an evangelical Christian — two men who became friends. Contrary to what some hostile reviews of the book report, Taunton does not contend that Hitchens had a death-bed conversion. Rather he reveals that, when confronted with his own mortality, Hitchens did deeply wrestle with ultimate questions of faith and God.
October 2020
In his book, How Does Sanctification Work?, David Powlison helps believers think deeply and accurately about how people change — how God changes people. What he demonstrates is that there is no “silver bullet” that must be discovered and uniformly applied to bring about transformation. Rather, Powlison helpfully shows how the breadth and fullness of who Christ is and all that God speaks through his Word find their vital importance in the variety of circumstances of our lives. And Powlison identifies five factors that, together, produce constructive change in the life of a believer. This short book will help readers think differently about sanctification and will encourage them in their own process of growing as a disciple of Jesus.