Book Reviews

Preaching the Incarnation (Westminster John Knox) by Peter K. Stevenson and Stephen I. Wright is a rich theological exploration of 12 key biblical passages on the subject, offering insights for preaching and teaching.

One of the most unique preachers in the history of the American church was J. Frank Norris, who preached to a congregation of 10,000 weekly at First Baptist Church in Fort Worth, railed against vice (and other preachers) and eventually was undone when he shot and killed a critic.

Tony Merida, Faithful Preaching. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2009. Paper, 240 pp. ISBN 978-0-8054-4820-7

As a hemophiliac, Shane Stanford contracted HIV in the 1980s as a 16-year-old -- a time when AIDS was a virtual death sentence. Instead of a tragedy, his life has become a source of hope -- marrying his childhood sweetheart, having three healthy children and becoming a Methodist pastor. In his new book A Positive Life (Zondervan), Shane tells his story in a way that offers hope to all of us to better live positive lives.

How to Multiply Your Church (Regal) by Ralph Moore reminds us that existing churches can't grow fast enough to keep up with a growing population. The answer is planting churches, which in turn plant churches; and Moore offers proven strategies for helping churches experience multiplication. This will be a helpful resource for church leaders who want to think strategically.

Atonement is a doctrine much-discussed these days, with some writers challenging traditional views on the subject. Weighing in on the debate is the new book Atonement (P&R Publishing), edited by Gabriel N.E. Fluhrer, which includes chapters by pastors and theologians such as J.I. Packer, R.C. Sproul, Sinclair Ferguson, Alistair Begg and many more. It is a valuable collection of insightful articles by some of the most gifted evangelical thinkers of our day.

As you prepare for preaching and teaching during Holy Week and on Easter, here are some excellent books to consult: The Cross of Christ (InterVarsity) by John R.W. Stott. A powerful contemporary discussion of the meaning of the cross.

As you prepare for preaching and teaching during Holy Week and on Easter, here are some excellent books to consult: Scandalous: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus (Crossway) by D.A. Carson. A brand new release containing Carson's treatment of several key passages.

As you prepare for preaching and teaching during Holy Week and on Easter, here are some excellent books to consult: The Resurrection of the Son of God (Augsburg Fortress) by N.T. Wright. One of the most important books on this topic printed in many years.

William A. Dembski's The End of Christianity (B&H) wrestles with the problem of pain and evil, weaving together insights from science, philosophy and theology. Chuck Colson says the book "offers readers an original way of dealing with the problem which fits with an orthodox view of God's good creation and fits with scientific facts."