December 2008 Issue

Christmas Gift Ideas for the Pastor's Study

The Chronological Study Bible
Burgundy, Jacketed Hardcover

The only study Bible that presents the text of the New King James Version in chronological order — the order in which the events actually happened — with notes, articles, and full-color graphics that connect the reader to the history and culture of Bible times and give the reader a dramatic, "you are there" experience. Features include translators' notes, full-color illustrations of places, artifacts and cultural phenomena, contextual articles that connect Biblical times and world history and culture, daily life notes, time panels, and charts that show the flow of Biblical history and in-text and full-color maps. (Thomas Nelson, $44.99)

The Love Dare
Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick

Unconditional love is eagerly promised at weddings, but rarely practiced in real life. As a result, romantic hopes are often replaced with disappointment in the home, but it doesn't have to stay that way. The Love Dare, as featured in the new movie Fireproof, is a forty-day challenge for husbands and wives to understand and practice unconditional love. Whether your marriage is hanging by a thread or healthy and strong, The Love Dare is a journey you need to take. (B&H Publishing Group, $14.99)

Eternal Impact
Ken Hemphill

Respected church strategist Ken Hemphill believes the only process that will radically transform the mission and structure of today's community of believers is the Word of God applied by the Holy Spirit. Toward that goal, Eternal Impact presents to readers a biblical study of the New Testament Church, focusing on the founding principles of the church in Matthew 16 and the birth of the church in Acts 2. Also included are chapters on the eight key characteristics of Kingdom-centered churches and discussions on leadership and giftedness among church members. (B&H Publishing Group, $14.99)

The Shape of Faith to Come
Spiritual Formation and the Future of Discipleship
Brad J. Waggoner

Various studies suggest Christians in North America are not qualitatively different in their character and practices than nonbelievers. While some churches are growing numerically, many wonder to what impact. Can we determine if our churches are producing Christians who look, think, and act like true followers of Jesus Christ? In The Shape of Faith to Come, research expert Brad J. Waggoner and his team measure the beliefs and actions of 2,500 active Protestant churchgoers from across the country against seven key standards of biblical spiritual formation. (B&H Publishing Group, $19.99)

Atheism Remix: A Christian Confronts the New Atheists
R. Albert Mohler Jr.

You know about traditional atheism. The contemporary strain of it — called the "New Atheism" — is more popular and widely respected than ever. Dr. Albert Mohler brings helpful perspective and keen insight for understanding, challenging, and countering this latest atheist thinking. (Crossway Books, $15.99)

Restoring Integrity in Baptist Churches
Editors: Thomas White, Jason G. Duesing, & Malcom B. Yarnell III

Features notable contributors on the key issues in many local churches, especially within the Southern Baptist Convention. Some of the contributors include Mark Dever (on church membership); Daniel Akin (on baptism); Emir Caner (on the Lord's Supper); Gregory Wills (on church discipline); and Malcolm B. Yarnell III (on the priesthood of all believers). Pastors and church leaders will find here a timely resource for important theological questions, and students training for the ministry will gain a practical guide. (Kregel Academic & Professional, $18.99)

ESV Study Bible

The ESV Study Bible features more than 2,750 pages of extensive, accessible Bible resources, including completely new notes, full-color maps, illustrations, charts, timelines, and articles created by an outstanding team of ninety-three evangelical Christian scholars and teachers. (Crossway Books, $49.99)

Intelligent Design 101
Leading Experts Explain the Key Issues
General Editor: H. Wayne House

The debate over the origin of life and the universe is ancient, but in recent years it has reached a fever pitch. While incendiary rhetoric from parts of the scientific community disallows any challenge to Darwinian evolution, a growing number of scientists and experts support a supernatural origin of life, also known as the theory of intelligent design. Intelligent Design 101 brings together leading scholars and researchers from the fields of science and intelligent design studies. Their detailed and insightful essays form a balanced introduction to intelligent design, from the basics of the theory, to its history and growing place in science and education. (Kregel Publications, $16.99)

Archaeological Study Bible
An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture (New International Version)
General Editor: Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., Duane Garrett

A unique study Bible filled with informative articles and full-color photographs that will take you on an illustrated walk through biblical history and culture. (Zondervan, $49.99)

Church History in Plain Language
Third Edition
Bruce L. Shelley

This third edition improves the most engaging and readable single-volume history of the Church by bringing the story into the 21st century. Faced with some astonishing changes in the Islamic world, a global resurgence of Roman Catholicism, the decline of Christianity in the West coupled with the rapid growth of evangelical and Pentecostal Christianity in the southern and eastern hemispheres, readers need a current explanation with intellectual substance that will provide historical context and update readers on all these new developments. The new edition of Church History in Plain Language does that in a stimulating manner, and it promises to be the new standard for readable Church history. (Thomas Nelson, $29.99)

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