New and Noteworthy: August 2008

MINISTRY
Thomas E. Reynolds. Vulnerable Communion — A Theology of Disability and Hospitality. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Brazos Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-1-58743-177-7. 256 pages. $24.99.
Reynolds, who is the father of a son with a disability, calls not just for accepting people with disabilities, but connects that embrace with following Jesus and knowing God.
Professor of theology at Toronto School of Theology, he explains biblically how to remove barriers and create congregations of respect and welcome.


CHILDREN
Tom Keith. Fable Forest Tales. Mustang, Okla.: Tate Publishing and Enterprises, 2008. ISBN: 978-1-60462-515-8. 105 pages. $10.99.
“Rush Rabbit loved to play with all the forest animals.” That’s how retired engineer and current grandfather Keith begins his volume of animal stories for children. Each has a moral and a Scripture. Children witness the choices the animals make as a way of understanding the struggle between good and evil. The 12-chapter book has pen and ink illustrations.


KNOWING GOD’S WILL
J. I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom. Guard Us, Guide Us — Divine Leading in Life’s Decisions. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-8010-1303-4. 270 pages. $17.99
This volume responds to the question “How do I know God’s will for my life?” with an exposition of Psalm 23.
Packer and Nystrom, both well-known evangelical authors, recommend answering that question through a lifestyle of Bible-based wisdom that takes seriously the role of the Holy Spirit in providing divine guidance.


PREACHING
David Fleer and David Bland, editors. Preaching John’s Gospel — The World It Imagines. St. Louis, Mo.: Chalice Press, 2008. ISBN: 9780827230071. 168 pages. $19.99
Fleer (Lipscomb) and Bland (Harding Graduate School) continue their series of preaching books by gathering essays and sermons on the Gospel of John from 17 contributors including Thomas Olbricht, Carson Reed and Richard Hays.
The essays explore six aspects of John’s gospel and are followed by sermons that take up that feature of the gospel.