Good books are vital friends in pastoral ministry. I hope you need no convincing on this point.
I am a firm believer that a the majority of a pastor’s reading, outside of Scripture saturation, ought to be of those books published long ago. Yet, we need to pay attention to recent publications for two reasons: 1) these are the books our members are more likely to read, and 2) many new books are outstanding resources for edification.
Case in point: Greg Gilbert’s 2010 book What is the Gospel? It’s a model of brevity and clarity on matters of first importance. If ever there was a recent publication worthy of finding its way into your church’s bookstore and discipling ministry, Gilbert’s work on the gospel is one of them.
So it is with high expectation I await the publication of his next book, Who is Jesus? Here’s what Crossway has to say about it:
About Who Is Jesus?
A famed historian once noted that, regardless of what you think of him personally, Jesus Christ stands as the central figure in the history of Western civilization. A man violently rejected by some and passionately worshipped by others, Jesus remains as polarizing as ever. But most people still know very little about who he really was, why he was really here, or what he really claimed. Intended as a succinct introduction to Jesus’s life, words, and enduring significance, Who Is Jesus? offers non-Christians and new Christians alike a compelling portrait of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, this book encourages readers to carefully consider the history-shaping life and extraordinary teachings of the greatest man who ever lived.
Table of Contents
- What Do You Think?
- An Extraordinary Man, and Then Some
- King of Israel, King of Kings
- The Great “I AM”…
- …Is One of Us
- The Triumph of the Last Adam
- Lamb of God, Sacrifice for Man
- Resurrected and Reigning Lord
A Final Word: Who Do You Say He Is?
It’s due to drop on January 31st, so you’ll have to wait half a year. Given Gilbert’s recent track record, I’m sure this will be a book you’ll want to buy and distribute with great liberality.
Tolle lege!