November 2023 MBR The Christian Studies Shelf

The Christian Studies Shelf

Near in the Night
Emily Ley
Thomas Nelson Publishers
www.thomasnelson.com
9781400231324, $22.99, HC, 208pp

https://www.amazon.com/Near-Night-Evening-Meditations-Peace/dp/1400231329

Synopsis: Why is it that when the lights go off our minds start racing? We stew over what we could have done differently that day. We remember details we're afraid we'll forget in the morning. And most of all, we worry. Small anxieties as well as huge fears come alive when we're exhausted and the house is finally quiet.

Emily Ley finds that having a simple devotional routine before bed puts anxieties in their place and brings peace to her soul. In this unique evening devotional, she shares her own stories and struggles, invites you to contemplation, and brings you back to the unchanging comfort of God's Word.

With the publication of "Near in the Night: 100 Evening Meditations on God's Peace and Rest" emily presents a compendium of practical ideas to make your evenings calmer, along with pages for taking notes, making lists (so you can stop thinking about those to-dos!), and writing out personal reflections.

Each of the 100 devotions will help you: Turn off your worries and regrets at night; Remember God's goodness in an uncertain world; Develop a gentle, grace-filled evening routine so you can sleep well and wake up refreshed and prepared for the day ahead

This devotional is ideal for: Anyone looking for uplifting biblical readings for those stress-filled evening hours; Readers of Emily's previous books, including her companion morning devotional, Sure as the Sunrise; Christmas, New Year's, Mother's Day, birthdays, and graduation gift giving.

Pairing biblical wisdom with Emily's simplicity expertise, "Near in the Night" reminds us that God is always faithful and ever near, even in the darkest of nights.

Critique: Especially and unreservedly recommended for all members of the Christian community regardless of their denominational affiliations, "Near in the Night: 100 Evening Meditations on God's Peace and Rest" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).

Editorial Note: Author, entrepreneur, wife, mother, and devoted Christian, Emily Ley (https://www.emilyley.com) is the founder of Simplified(R), a brand of planners and organizational tools for busy women, and the creator of The Simplified Podcast. Emily and her team collaborated with AT-A-GLANCE(R) to create gift and planning collections carried in Office Depot, Staples, Walmart, and Target. Emily is the author of national bestselling books Grace, Not Perfection: Embracing Simplicity, Celebrating Joy; A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living; When Less Becomes More: Making Space for Slow, Simple, and Good; and Growing Boldly: Dare to Build a Life You Love.

CSB Life Counsel Bible
Holman Bibles
c/o New Growth Press
www.newgrowthpress.com
9781087773131, $49.99, HC, 1920pp

https://www.amazon.com/Counsel-Hardcover-Articles-Studies-Cross-References/dp/108777313X

Synopsis: In the midst of the ever challenging seasons of life there is hope.

The "CSB Life Counsel Bible" was developed in partnership with New Growth Press, is specifically designed to equip readers with biblical truth and counsel on a wide range of topics and tough life issues related to relationships, marriage, parenting, and more. This edition of the Bible includes a wealth of useful tools and resources for life application and discipleship grounded in the truth of the gospel of grace.

The "CSB Life Counsel Bible features: More than 150 full-length articles from respected Christian counselors and scholars; Callout quotes placed near each article provide truth, hope, and encouragement to apply to life; Over 100-word studies focusing on key words applicable to personal healing, growth, and counsel; Introductions that include "Circumstances of Writing," "Structure," "Contribution to the Bible," and a special "Truth for Healing" section with an overview of key truths related to healing from each book of the Bible; Wide margins for notetaking and journaling; Robust page-end cross-reference system with over 25,000 cross-references connecting Scripture from Genesis to Revelation; Durable Smyth-sewn lay-flat binding; Elegant two-color interior design; A two-column text format; Topical subject headings; Easy-to-read 9.5-point type size; A black-letter text; Footnotes ; A ribbon marker for easy referencing between pages; a Concordance; a Topical Scripture Index; a Presentation page for gift-giving; and full-color maps.

The CSB Life Counsel Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible(R) (CSB). The CSB captures the Bible's original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture's life-transforming message and to share it with others.

Critique: Developed by more than 100 scholars from 17 denominations, the Christian Standard Bible(R) (CSB) captures the Bible's original meaning without sacrificing clarity -- helping you read, understand, and share God's Word. This thoroughly 'reader friendly' hardcover edition of the "CSB Life Counsel Bible" is especially and unreservedly recommended for members of the clergy, seminary students, all members of the Christian community regardless of their denominational affiliations, as well as church, community, college/university library Christian Studies and Biblical Studies collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: New Growth Press (NGP) publishes life-changing books, small group resources, and minibooks that are grounded in scriptural truth and the gospel of grace. NGP's biblical-counseling resources apply God's Word to relationships, marriage, parenting, and counseling issues. An exclusive line of children and family products reach young hearts with the lasting truth of the gospel. NGP's goal is to provide Christian resources that are theologically robust, meet the needs of the church community, and point people all over the world to Christ.

The Beginning of the Story
Timothy J. Geddert
Herald Press
www.heraldpress.com
9781513813073, $31.99, HC, 208pp

https://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Story-Understanding-Testament-Scripture/dp/1513813072

Synopsis: Although the Bible contains sixty-six books that usually span over a thousand printed pages, most Christians turn first (and sometimes only) to the New Testament. So often, Christian readers have little idea what to do with the Old Testament, if we read it at all. Sure, we value a few well-known stories and use a few psalms for personal devotions and for worship. Beyond that, many Christians find the Old Testament mostly confusing, troubling, or irrelevant.

But to understand the Bible as the grand story that it is (the story of God's dealings with humanity and relationship to the whole universe) we as Christians must learn to read the first three-quarters of Scripture as Jesus did, and as the New Testament teaches us to do.

Walking through the arc and major themes of the Old Testament narrative, "The Beginning of the Story: Understanding the Old Testament in the Story of Scripture" by author and biblical scholar Timothy J. Geddert guides curious readers of the Word into a fruitful and fulfilling reading of the Bible's first thirty-nine books, restoring joy in reading and studying the most important story ever told.

Critique: Informative, fascinating, enlightening, inspiring, "The Beginning of the Story: Understanding the Old Testament in the Story of Scripture" is an essential study that is unreservedly recommended to the attention of clergy, seminary students, and all members of the Christian community regardless of their denominational affiliations. Exceptionally well written and organized, "The Beginning of the Story: Understanding the Old Testament in the Story of Scripture" is thoroughly 'reader friendly' in presentation and an ideal, unreservedly recommended addition to personal, church, seminary, community, and college/university library Biblical Studies collections and supplemental Hebrew Bible & Adult Christian Education curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that "The Beginning of the Story: Understanding the Old Testament in the Story of Scripture" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9781513813066, $18.98) and in a digital book format $14.99).

Editorial Note: Timothy J. Geddert is Professor of New Testament at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary and adjunct professor at the Theologischer Seminar Bienenberg in Listal, Switzerland. He has worked as a church planter, pastor, and teacher in many countries, including Canada, the United States, and Germany. Geddert is the author of numerous books, including the Believers Church Bible Commentary on Mark.

Who Is This God?: A Handbook for Life with Him
Paul Bryan
Lucid Books
https://lucidbooks.com
9781632966087, $24.99, PB, 392pp

https://www.amazon.com/Who-This-God-Handbook-Life/dp/1632966085

Synopsis: In the first chapter of "Who Is This God?: A Handbook for Life with Him", author Paul Bryan draws our attention to his impetus in writing the book -- the state of unbelief in God in America today.

Bryan argues that there is a pandemic of infectious unbelief in America and the world today! According to a 2020 survey, ninety-four percent of adult Americans say knowing the God of the Bible is not important. Instead, they have created their own idea of who they want Him to be.

So where have you placed your faith and trust? "Who Is This God?: A Handbook for Life with Him" is firmly rooted in the solid ground of the Bible and God's true nature.

Embedded in the forty-three chapter narratives are nearly three hundred questions, six hundred and sixty scripture quotations, and seventy true stories. These stories include miracles of healing, deliverance, and protection only the God of the Bible can do. You will also see that God communicates through His Spirit with those who sincerely seek Him.

Critique: As informed and informative as it is inspired and inspiring, "Who Is This God?: A Handbook for Life with Him" is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for clergy, seminary students, and all members of the Christian community regardless of their denominational affiliations. It should be noted for personal reading lists and Biblical Studies curriculums that "Who Is This God?: A Handbook for Life with Him" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Paul Bryan 's passion has been to know and serve the God of the Bible since he committed his life to Jesus Christ in 1976. He has served in leadership and teaching roles with various churches during this time. Although he was involved in many ministries, he feels his most important contributions to the Christian faith have been teaching adults to know the Bible and the God of the Bible as He truly exists. He spent his professional career in technology, mainly in management, working for multiple large organizations, including General Motors, Electronic Data Systems, and AT&T. He worked for cru (a Christian non-profit organization) in their technology department for five years, building and managing a technology project management office. He taught business courses at Southern Oregon University and the University of Central Florida for several years. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology and an MBA. Paul and his wife, Linda, live in southern Indiana.

Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place
Tracy L. Smoak
Bold Vision Books
https://www.boldvisionbooks.com
9781946708953, $17.99, PB, 172pp

https://www.amazon.com/Refuge-Grace-Finding-your-place/dp/B0CH2NT8Y8

Synopsis: Anyone hoping for straight talk to bring Jesus close will find refreshment and inspiration in "Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place" by Tracy L. Smoak. The reader will gain a fresh look at 22 little-told Bible passages enhanced by her engaging storytelling and her vivid imagery.

These are scriptures that offer you as the reader true comfort in your everyday struggles. Ranging from hearing Gomer's perspective about shame, to imagining Jesus arriving in a Rolls Royce for the family reunion, "Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place" reveals that you can and will know God's working on your behalf-right now.

Critique: Inspired and inspiring, "Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place" is especially recommended reading for any member of the Christian community who is in need of a stronger connection with God -- be they clergy, seminary students, or ordinary followers of Jesus Christ trying their best to adhere to His expectations of us all.

Editorial Note: The Tracy L. Smoak website (https://www.tracysmoak.com) Finding Hope also includes her blog, devotionals, bible study guides, and information about all her books.

Hidden Price Tags V. 3: Socratic Dialogue
C.J.S. Hayward
C.J.S. Hayward Publications
https://cjshayward.com
9798376517475, $20.24 Hardcover/$12.24 Paper/$2.99 ebook

https://cjshayward.com/hpt3

Readers who have enjoyed C.J.S. Hayward's prior Hidden Price Tags books will find this third volume in the series, Hidden Price Tags: An Eastern Orthodox Look at the Dark Side of Technology and Its Best Use: Volume Three, Socratic Dialogue, to be especially insightful, philosophical, and spiritual. Any prior experience in absorbing Hayward's introductory volumes lends special appreciation to this succinct but powerful work, which adds to a series designed to break down the original concepts of Hayward's The Luddite's Guide to Technology into more manageable, enlightening, deeper discussions. The first note to make about Socratic Dialogue is its scholarly blend of philosophy and spiritual discourse. This translates to heady, enlightening reading.

Long sentences of observation and celebration tie together many important concepts of life, God, and elements of creation, birth and rebirth, and revelation: "...he who sat upon the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." Also he said, "Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true." This newness begins here and now, and it comes when in circumstances we would not choose God works to give us a larger share in the real world. We enter a larger world, or rather we become larger ourselves and more able to take in God's reality. And all of this is like the first Christmas, a new thing and unexpected. We are summoned and do not dare disobey: Sing unto the LORD a new song; sing unto the LORD all the earth. And it is this whole world with angels, butterflies, the Church, dandelions, energetic work, friends, family, and forgiveness, the Gospel, holiness, the I that God has made, jewels, kairos, love, mothers, newborn babes, ostriches, preaching, repentance from sins, singing, technology, unquestioning obedience, variety, wit and wisdom, xylophones, youth and age, and zebras."

Between footnotes, educational references, and long, enthusiastic discourses such as the above, as well as its title, one might expect Socratic Dialogue to be a difficult read. If the definition of "difficult" translates to thought-provoking, it is indeed such. But Hayward also blends a blatant enthusiasm into his reflective examination of technology, spirituality, and life that is remarkable for its tone and revelations, neatly juxtaposing models and concepts for better considering God, the universe, and humanity's place in the greater scheme of intentions. These elements and how they are presented make for a thoroughly engrossing exploration that will both reach and challenge readers. The concepts ideally won't be limited to personal contemplation, but will expand and blossom in spiritual book club reading circles under the heavier inspection of debate and discussion.

Libraries and readers who appreciate Christian Eastern Orthodoxy, inspections of technology and religion, and discussions that link history with personal quests and the holy grail of better understanding will find Hidden Price Tags: An Eastern Orthodox Look at the Dark SIde of Technology and Its Best Use: Volume Three, Socratic Dialogue rich in heady inspections that demand deep contemplation on many different levels.

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