The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism

Tim Keller's much anticipated new book will soon be on the FCC book stand. This book is being called, probably unfairly, the Mere Christianity of the 21st century. Be that as it may, I do not know of a man more gifted and fit to write this book. Hot off the presses and in hardcover only, it will set you back a bit ($16.50).

You can listen to sermons related to the book here.

There's also a website dedicated to the book. It hasn't been updated yet but can be found here.

I can't wait to read it myself. Let me know what you think.

John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace

Pastor Tim recently taught from the life of Newton and mentioned this book. There are two copies on the book stand. It is an awesome cover! $16.00

Most Christians know John Newton as a man who once captained a slave ship, was dramatically converted to Christ on the high seas, and later penned one of the greatest hymns of the faith, "Amazing Grace." But he also had a huge impact on his times as an icon of the evangelical movement, as a great preacher and theologian, and as a seminal influence on abolitionist William Wilberforce. Newton's friendship with Wilberforce is portrayed in the major motion picture Amazing Grace.

Jonathan Aitken's new biography John Newton explores all these facets of Newton's life and character. It is the first biography to draw on Newton's unpublished diaries and correspondence, providing fresh insight into the life of this complex and memorable Christian. The result is a fascinating, colorful, and historically significant portrait of John Newton, a self-described "great sinner" redeemed by a great Savior through amazing grace.

David: Man of Prayer, Man of War

New to the book stand is this book by Walter Chantry on David. $12.50

Only the supreme providence of God and the unfathomable depths of divine grace could have conceived and forged the life of David. God made the son of Jesse into the emblem of the kingly office which only Christ would fulfil more gloriously. He embodied all the qualities of manly nobility and charm. Everyone in his day loved David, except the most ugly and despicable figures.

No matter how high David rose above other men, his spirit was childlike toward the Lord. He who was equally at home holding the shepherd's staff, the warrior's sword, the poet's harp, and the ruler's sceptre, was completely transparent in the humbling of himself before the God of all the earth. This ease and simplicity in worship draws out our deepest emotions as we read the life of David, King of Israel. We love this man for showing us how to pray from every point of life's compass. We love him for showing us how, in the midst of spiritual failure, we too can draw near to the Lord again in trust and devotion.

Perfectionists will not be comfortable with David. Those who stumble often, but who always turn with melted hearts to God for pardon and help, will find in him a brother for all situations. Such people will love the sacred history of his life and find it totally engrossing.

Words to Winners of Souls

Dr. Whitney mentioned this book in last Sunday's sermon. It will soon be on the book stand for around $4.00.

This timeless classic by Horatius Bonar, Scottish Presbyterian divine of 1808-89, offers spiritual, heart-searching counsel to all believers, especially ministers of the gospel.