Books by DeYoung

Kevin DeYoung has been influential to my studies in theology; here is a list of his books that are helpful:

What Is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission (just published 2011)

Endorsements

“In what appears to be a growing tension over what the mission of the church encompasses, DeYoung and Gilbert bring a remarkably balanced book that can correct, restore, and help regardless of which way you lean or land on all things ‘missional.’ I found the chapters on social justice and our motivation in good works to be especially helpful. Whether you are actively engaging the people around you with the gospel and serving the least of these or you are hesitant of anything ‘missional,’ this book will help you rest in God’s plan to reconcile all things to himself in Christ.”

— Matt Chandler, Lead Pastor, The Village Church, Highland Village, Texas

“DeYoung and Gilbert have put us in their debt with their clear, biblical, theological, and pastoral exposition of the mission of God’s people. That mission, which they rightly understand within the story line of the whole Bible, is summarized in the Great Commission and involves gospel proclamation and disciple making. This superb book will encourage its readers ‘to go into the world and make disciples by declaring the gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit and gathering these disciples into churches, that they might worship and obey Jesus’s commands now and in eternity, to the glory of God the Father.’”

— Peter T. O’Brien, Senior Research Fellow in New Testament, Moore Theological College, Australia

“A very timely and eminently engaging book for all those who care deeply about the church’s mission in our day. Again and again, I found myself nodding in agreement as the authors made a key point from Scripture or noted the missional relevance of a given biblical passage. I highly recommend this book, not just as food for thought, but more importantly, as a call to obedient, biblically informed action.”

— Andreas J. Kostenberger, Professor of New Testament and Director of Ph.D. Studies, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Christ is the greatest message in the world, and delivering it is the greatest mission. But are we losing our focus? Are we being distracted, sometimes even by good things? Zealous Christians disagree sharply today over the church’s proper ministry and mission. Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert bring us back to first things in an age of mission creep and distraction. Offering balanced wisdom, this book will give us not only encouragement but discomfort exactly where we all need it. It’s the kind of biblical sanity we need at this moment.”

— Michael S. Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California

“Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert have written an important book on an important topic. Fair, keenly observant, startlingly honest, this book is replete with careful exegetical work. Verses are not merely cited; they are considered in context. The length of an idea is considered, all the way from its expression in the local church back to its source in Scripture. The result is a book that is nuanced and clear, useful and enjoyable to read, and that is no small gift from two young pastor-theologians who have already become reliable voices. Open this book and you’ll want to open your Bible and open your mind on everything from justice to capitalism, from mercy to love.”

— Mark Dever, Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington DC; President, 9Marks

“DeYoung and Gilbert clear the fog that has settled over the nature of the church’s mission. Their tone is gracious, the style is accessible, but most importantly this book is marked by fidelity to biblical revelation and the gospel of Jesus Christ. The authors have succeeded in what they exhort us to do: they have kept the main thing as the main thing.”

— Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Among the many books that have recently appeared on mission, this is the best one if you are looking for sensible definitions, clear thinking, readable writing, and the ability to handle the Bible in more than proof-texting ways. I pray that God will use it to bring many to a renewed grasp of what the gospel is and how that gospel relates, on the one hand, to biblical theology and, on the other, to what we are called to do.”

— D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“DeYoung and Gilbert provide clarity to some of the most complex contemporary issues facing the church. Focusing us squarely on the redemptive nature of the gospel, they ultimately point us not only to the church’s mission, but to practical ways to understand and live it. The result is a book that will be of great help to pastors, missiologists, theologians, and practitioners.”

— M. David Sills, Faye Stone Professor of Christian Missions and Cultural Anthropology, Director of the Doctor of Missiology Program and Great Commission Ministries, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Every generation is tempted to augment or diminish, even nuance or redefine the mission of the church. Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert have provided a biblical corrective and protection for our generation in What is the Mission of the Church? With a gracious and kind spirit, this book reclaims the ecclesiastical concepts of mission, purpose, social justice, and the Great Commission from those who have redefined these words with a dictionary other than Scripture. Pastors should read this book with their elders, deacons, and leadership teams to wrestle with answers to the most pressing questions about the church in our day.”

— Rick Holland, Executive Pastor, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California; Director, Resolved Conference

Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will 

Endorsements

It is God’s will for you to read this book. Yes, I’m talking to you. What are the odds that you would “just happen” to pick up this book and flip open to this page and start reading? Obviously it’s a sign. Of all the millions of books in the world, you found this one. Wow. I have chills. Do not pass up this divinely orchestrated moment. If you miss this moment there’s a good chance you will completely miss God’s will for the rest of your life and spend your days in misery and regret.

Now that I’ve scared you, let me acknowledge that everything in the previous paragraph is total baloney. It’s bunk. Not true at all. Actually, I don’t know if it’s God’s will for you to read this book. But I do think that reading it could be a really good idea.

Bible Study

Following the Ways of the Word by Kathleen Nielson

Endorsements

“Dissatisfied with leaving Bible study to the professionals while the rest of us are mere recipients of their work, Kathleen Nielson wants all Christians to be involved in thoughtful and faithful Bible study — and tells us how to do it. This is a well-written and wonderfully sane book that deserves the widest circulation.”
– D A Carson

”After leading us through masterful studies of several books of the Bible, Kathleen Nielson now gives us an even greater gift: teaching us how she does it! Her literary expertise and love of the Bible that we have seen time and time again are put to their fullest use here, as Dr. Nielson shows us how to view the Bible as both the crucial (and approachable) Word of God and as a literary masterpiece to be immersed in and savored. As do all good teachers, she leads by example, making us excited to dive in and study the Bible by allowing her own excitement to infuse every page. And on a personal note, my wife tells me that Kathleen’s material is as trustworthy as it comes. If you want to study theBible – and, more importantly, know how to study it – I can recommend no better teacher than Kathleen Nielson, and no better resource than this book.”
– R. Kent Hughes, Senior Pastor Emeritus, College Church in Wheaton

“Kathleen Nielson’s book belongs to a very elite circle of books: it covers all the right topics in exactly the right order! As Kathleen pursues the successive topics, a momentum builds up that is akin to the unfolding of the plot line of a novel. The subject of the book has been thoroughly researched, and the personal statements by people who teach the Bible are a welcome touch. The book cannot be better than it is. For people who teach the Bible—or who aspire to teach it–this book will be the ‘gold standard’ for knowing how to ‘do it right.’”
– Leland Ryken

Puritan Treasures for Today

Endorsements

Stop Loving the World by William Greenhill

“‘Don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold’ is a modern paraphrase of Paul’s warning in Romans 12:2 regarding conformity to this world. William Greenhill’s sermon, carefully edited in this volume and made more digestible by introducing separate chapters to the Puritan’s lengthy discourse, is as timely as it is necessary. Truth is, we are all too much in love with this world and too little in love with the world to come. Worldliness pervades our churches as much as our individual lives and we need to do something about it—quickly. Stop Loving the World is not pleasant reading—for it calls attention to a sin that we would sooner tolerate than mortify; but, if we are serious about godliness, mortify it we must. A book to read slowly, carefully, and prayerfully.”

— Derek W. H. Thomas, John E. Richards Professor of Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Minister of Teaching, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, MS

The Fading of the Flesh and the Flourishing of Faith by George Swinnock

“This wonderful little book, written with charm, simplicity, and clarity by George Swinnock is bound to prove both a delight and a challenge to any Christian who values the riches of the gospel. It is a spiritual gem that deserves to be read and re-read. In addition, its charm, simplicity, and clarity make it a perfect entry point to the writings of the pastoral Puritans. Beautifully edited for the modern reader by Dr. Stephen Yuille, The Fading of the Flesh is a rare spiritual treat.”

— Sinclair B. Ferguson

ESV Student Study Bible

Watch out for the release of this new tool for students. According to the publisher Crossway, this is the description:

“The most comprehensive, colorful, and content-rich student Bible available today. Suited to high school and college students, the ESV Student Study Bible is also a versatile resource for anyone engaged in serious study of God’s Word.

Created by an outstanding team of more than 100 evangelical Christian scholars, teachers, and pastors, the ESV Student Study Bible is adapted from the highly acclaimed and best-selling ESV Study Bible. With numerous new features, the ESV Student Study Bible is an invaluable resource. For high school and college students, but equally for all students of the Bible–for everyone who loves to read and learn more about God’s Word

The ESV Student Study Bible is ideally suited for students who are serious about God’s Word–who want to learn more about what the Bible teaches and how the Bible applies to all of life.

With 16,000 clear, concise study notes, the ESV Student Study Bible provides numerous new features–including 1,000 “Did You Know?” facts, more than 100 new Bible character profiles, and 15 new topical articles. It also features a new glossary of key terms, more than 80 full-color maps and illustrations, an extensive concordance, and 80,000 cross-references.”

Baker Exegetical Commentary on Sale

Selected volumes of the Baker Exegetical Commentary on the NT now on clearance at wtsbooks. I like to own this:

James by Dan G. McCartney. More books from this series.

Endorsements

“Dan McCartney’s commentary on James is a fresh and important contribution to the literature on James. He convincingly argues that faith plays a central role in the letter. McCartney writes lucidly and clearly while ably surveying various interpretations. This work is exegetically rewarding, theologically rooted, and pastorally wise.”
– Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“McCartney shows firm control of the secondary literature while retaining an independent judgment on the original text itself. His exposition is thorough, clear, and consistently on target; and his extensive additional notes and excursuses are the icing on the cake. This work deserves a warm reception.”
– Moises Silva, author of Philippians (BECNT)

“Dan McCartney has written an informed, scholarly, and evangelical commentary on James that is both readable and informative. It contains fresh perspectives in addition to covering the ground that all solid commentaries need to cover. It will be quite useful to evangelical pastors who want a solid basis for preaching or teaching on James.”
– Peter H. Davids, professor of biblical theology, St. Stephen’s University

Book Giveaway

For the past few years I have enjoyed receiving free books from Monergism Books and Westminster Bookstore because of my being an affiliate or blog partner of their websites.

Now it is my turn to give books away. In the months to come, I will be posting new books or newly-published books to be given away to readers of my blog. So keep coming back and maybe one of these days you will be a recipient of good, biblical and gospel-oriented book.

Feminine Threads

Women in the Tapestry of Christian History by Diana Severance

Endorsements

“What a gift to God’s people is this remarkable tracing of the rich trail of women used by God to build his church! Severance’s comprehensive scope and measured but warm scholarly voice put many of today’s more clamoring voices in illuminating perspective. With excellence and careful documentation, Dr. Severance lights up a procession of women who in God’s providence helped bring us to this point in history. Reading this book, we not only relish the voices and stories Severance brings to life; we also gain a hugely important understanding of an expansive heritage of women grounded in God’s Word and serving God’s redemptive purposes throughout human history.”

– Kathleen B. Nielson

“Feminine Threads is a must-read for men and women alike, but especially so for young women who need to have a clear view of the contributions that women before them have made to the Christian faith.”

– Carolyn McCulley, Conference Speaker and Author of Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World

“Well researched and well written, this study of “feminine threads” in Christian history makes for a tapestry of inspiration and instruction for all who love the Lord and his church – men and women alike.”

– Timothy George, Dean of Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama

“No-one reading this book can fail to be encouraged by the faith of these ordinary women who, in their own generation, humbly trusted the Word of God and lived to serve the Lord of whom it speaks.”

– Carrie Sandom

“I recommend every woman read and study and keep within reach for reference and inspiration!”

– Dorothy K Patterson, Professor of Theology in Women’s Studies, South Western Baptist Theological Seminary, Forth Worth, Texas

“What women these Christians have!” exclaimed Libanius, the fourth century teacher of rhetoric. His words are amply underscored and vividly illustrated in this deeply researched and highly readable survey of the last 2,000 years – an appraisal that Diana Severance invariably places against the enduring touchstone of Scripture.”

– Richard Bewes, OBE, Author & retired rector of All Souls Church, Langham Place, London

“With lively prose and scholarly care she has given us an excellent overview of the various ways in which Christian women have sought to live for Christ.”

– Michael A. G. Haykin, Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky

“A record packed with spiritual insights and one that is both timely and significant.”

– Faith Cook, Derbyshire, England

The Gospel Commission

Recovering God’s Strategy for Making Disciples by Michael Horton

Endorsements

“Mike Horton has written the best book I’ve ever read on the Great Commission. Mike demonstrates in delectably deep and down-to-earth ways that no matter how hard we try or how ‘radical’ we get, any engine smaller than the gospel that we depend on for power to do what God has called us to do–most importantly, the Great Commission–will conk out.”

– Tullian Tchividjian, senior pastor, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church; author, Surprised by Grace: God’s Relentless Pursuit of Rebels

“A rigorous yet accessible exegesis of both the Great Commission and contemporary Western culture. Today’s evangelicals all too often retreat from mission in light of social pressures or rush forward with a faulty missionary enterprise that is untethered from theology, unconcerned with discipleship, and obsessed with quantifiable results. Against this backdrop, Horton calls us to recover a biblical understanding of mission and restore its centrality in the life of the church. The Gospel Commission is filled with both penetrating analysis and pastoral guidance, and I recommend it enthusiastically.”

– Doug Birdsall, chair, Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization

“Writing from the perspective of one who for more than fifty years has been involved in helping people in Africa know God through Bible study and acts of mercy, this book on missions by Michael Horton is the most comprehensive, helpful, and encouraging I have ever read. All mission sending agencies and their long and short-term missionaries should read it. It will be required reading for Rafiki’s missionaries and should be read by anyone who wants to participate in Christ’s great commission.”

– Rosemary Jensen, founder and president, Rafiki Foundation, Inc.

Thriving at College

Make Great Friends, Keep Your Faith, and Get Ready for the Real World! by Alex Chediak

 

Endorsements

“All the things I speak to college students about are here: maintaining your faith, developing nurturing friendships, having wisdom in relationships, becoming mature, finding balance, growing in spiritual maturity, seizing opportunities. A must-read for kids headed to college and those already there.”

– Tedd Tripp, best-selling author of Shepherding a Child’s Heart

“College represents one of the most strategic transitional moments in the lives of most young Christians. Alex Chediak offers solid advice and counsel in Thriving at College. In this book, he provides good wisdom and sound practical advice to young Christians seeking to navigate the world of higher education while simultaneously maturing into faithful Christians.”

– Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Thriving at College is an outstanding book for college students. Written by an “insider” – a former student, now a professor, this book addresses all the issues a student might face. It will be an excellent gift for all high school seniors who are planning to attend college.”

– Dr. Jerry Bridges, Author of The Pursuit of Holiness

Living in God’s Two Kingdoms

A Biblical Vision for Christianity and Culture by David VanDrunen

Endorsements

“For those interested in a Reformed two-kingdom model, I can think of no better book to start than Living in God’s Two Kingdoms. Redemptive-historical in scope, heavenly minded in emphasis, and gentle in tone, David VanDrunen has made a great contribution to the ongoing discussion of the relationship of Christianity and culture.”

– Danny E. Olinger, General Secretary, Committee on Christian Education of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church

“Any Christian perplexed by the Bible’s challenge to live as a dual citizen of God’s eternal and temporal kingdoms will find VanDrunen’s wise and charitable book an indispensable guide in sorting out the confused thinking that entangles the church today. This succinct and timely alternative to neo-Calvinism’s transformationist vision lays the groundwork for a wide-ranging and urgently needed discussion about two-kingdom theology’s implications for education, the workplace, and politics.”

– Richard M. Gamble, Anna Margaret Ross Alexander Professor of History and Political Science, Hillsdale College

“For some years now, I’ve been asking students to read works by Prof. David VanDrunen of Westminster Seminary California. VanDrunen has a gift for recovering themes from the political theology of the Reformation and demonstrating their continuing relevance. In this book, VanDrunen shows that the Reformation’s two-kingdoms theology allows Christians to faithfully navigate a course between, on the one hand, investing excessive hope in earthly government or, on the other, retreating from political life into isolationist enclaves. Particularly welcome is his emphasis on the liberty of biblical Christians to reach differing conclusions about how our political engagement might glorify God.”

– Randy Beck, Professor of Law, University of Georgia School of Law

“Evangelicals today, including those within the Reformed community, have become annoyed by the competing (and, in a few cases, embarrassingly inadequate) ‘transformationalist’ programs offered by leading Christian thinkers. With clarity and concision, David VanDrunen has offered an alternative perspective that liberates the Christian conscience to sincerely engage society without relegating the sovereignty of God over ‘every square inch’ of it. Living in God’s Two Kingdoms will certainly stimulate debate and force Christians to reevaluate the relationship between Christ and culture.”

– Ryan McIlhenny, Assistant Professor of Humanities, Providence Christian College

“The Apostle Peter writes that Christians are God’s own people, sojourners and exiles in this age. What does this calling mean for the way in which believers work in their jobs, raise their families, educate their children, and vote at the polls? In Living in God’s Two Kingdoms, David VanDrunen addresses these questions and more, offering a robust and reasoned alternative to transformationalist understandings of Christianity and culture. Whether or not readers agree with every argument in Living in God’s Two Kingdoms, they will find themselves engaged and challenged to think constructively and biblically about a critical issue in the life of the church. VanDrunen has done a great service to the church in promoting continued reflection on Christianity and culture, and in offering sound practical counsels to Christians eager to serve God in their pilgrimage heavenward.”

– Guy Prentiss Waters, Associate Professor of New Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, MS

“Over the past century, evangelicals have jumped out of the frying pan of quietism into the fire of worldliness. Taking his cue from Scripture rather than merely responding to cultural trends, David Van Drunen outlines a biblically grounded theology of cultural engagement that reflects both the lordship of Christ over all creation and the special mission and calling of the church. This book, bold and unapologetic, provides some extraordinarily helpful categories for thinking clearly about what it means to live faithfully and wisely in the present age.”

– William S. Brewbaker III, Professor of Law, University of Alabama