HBC Resources
Pastor's Picks
Parenting
The Pastor’s Pick for November 2024 was Parenting by Paul David Tripp.
Sometimes parents wish there was a guaranteed formula for raising good kids―a certain list of rules to follow to ensure they’d have obedient children. But if moms and dads view their role through the lens of God’s grace, they will see that the gospel must first shape how they parent before they can effectively shape their children.
In the bestselling book Parenting, Paul David Tripp unfolds a more biblical perspective on parenting than merely adhering to a list of rules. He lays out 14 gospel-centered principles that will radically change the way parents think about what it means to raise up a child, informing everything they do as a parent. This edition includes a section of engaging study questions for every chapter, helping individuals and groups reflect on each topic in greater depth.
- Christ-Centered Advice for Families: Explains how the gospel should affect the way parents interact with their children at every age
- Engaging Study Questions: Reflect on each chapter alone or as part of a small group
- By Bestselling Author Paul David Tripp: Other books include New Morning Mercies, Reactivity, and Lead
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | November 2024
A Theology of John's Gospel and Letters
The Pastor’s Pick for September was A Theology of John’s Gospel and Letters: The Word, the Christ, the Son of God by Andreas J. Kostenberger.
A Theology of John’s Gospel and Letters introduces the first volume in the BTNT series. Building on many years of research and study in Johannine literature, Andreas Köstenberger not only furnishes an exhaustive theology of John’s Gospel and letters, but also provides a detailed study of major themes and relates them to the Synoptic Gospels and other New Testament books. Readers will gain an in-depth and holistic grasp of Johannine theology in the larger context of the Bible.D. A. Carson (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) says about Köstenberger’s volume that “for the comprehensiveness of its coverage in the field of Johannine theology (Gospel and Letters), there is nothing to compare to this work.”I. Howard Marshall (University of Aberdeen) writes, “This book is a ‘first’ in many ways: the first volume that sets the pattern for the quality and style of the new Biblical Theology of the New Testament series published by Zondervan; the first major volume to be devoted specifically to the theology of John’s Gospel and Letters at a high academic level; and the first volume to do so on the basis that here we have an interpretation of John’s theology composed by an eyewitness of the life and passion of Jesus.”The Biblical Theology of the New Testament SeriesThe Biblical Theology of the New Testament (BTNT) series provides upper college and seminary-level textbooks for students of New Testament theology, interpretation, and exegesis. Pastors and discerning theology readers alike will also benefit from this series. Written at the highest level of academic excellence by recognized experts in the field, the BTNT series not only offers a comprehensive exploration of the theology of every book of the New Testament, including introductory issues and major themes, but also shows how each book relates to the broad picture of New Testament theology.
God Shines Forth
The Pastor’s Pick from May 2024 was God Shines Forth: How the Nature of God Shapes and Drives the Mission of the Church (Union) by Michael Reeves and Daniel Hames.
Why Missions and Evangelism Are an Overflow of Delighting in God
Evangelism and missions are parts of the Christian life often accompanied by fears, insecurities, and cultural pressures. In this addition to the Union series, Daniel Hames and Michael Reeves argue that an individual’s relationship with God influences their evangelism and missions more than anything else. Scripture clearly shows that a believer’s responsibility is to make God known in the world, but this cannot be done without first knowing and enjoying God.
To illustrate how knowledge of God influences evangelism and missions, Hames and Reeves address biblical themes such as the glory of God, Christ’s sacrifice, the fallenness of man, and the church’s future hope. There is hope for those who find these topics intimidating―when believers focus on the glory of the lamb of God, the gospel will shine through them.
- Ideal for Laypeople, Pastors, and Students: Specifically for those interested in theology and missions
- Union Series: The final book in the Union series which invites readers to experience deeper enjoyment of God
- Concise Version Also Available: What Fuels the Mission of the Church? by Daniel Hames and Michael Reeves
- Biblically Grounded: Teaches how biblical themes such as the glory of God, Christ’s sacrifice, the fallenness of man, and the church’s future hope inform evangelism and missions
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | May/ June 2024
Biblical Theology: A Canonical, Thematic, and Ethical Approach
The Pastor’s Pick for April was Biblical Theology: A Canonical, Thematic, and Ethical Approach by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Gregory Goswell.
Pastors, thoughtful Christians, and students of Scripture must learn how to carefully read and understand the Bible, but it can be difficult to know where to start. In this clear, logical guide, Andreas J. Kostenberger and Gregory Goswell explain how to interpret Scripture from three effective viewpoints: canonical, thematic, and ethical.
Biblical Theology is arranged book by book from the Old Testament (using the Hebrew order) through the New Testament. For each text, Kostenberger and Goswell analyze key biblical-theological themes, discussing the book’s place in the overall storyline of Scripture. Next, they focus on the ethical component, showing how God seeks to transform the lives of his people through the inspired text. Following this technique, readers will better understand the theology of each book and its author.
A Clearly Written Guide on Biblical Theology: Analyzes all 66 books of the Bible, with emphasis on the coherent, unified framework of Scripture
Helps Readers Thoughtfully Interpret Scripture: Provides an essential foundation for a valid theological understanding of Scripture that informs Christian doctrine and ethics
Ideal for Pastors, Academics, and Other Serious Students of Scripture: This clear, thoroughly researched guide can be used as a textbook in seminary classes studying biblical theology or the Old and New Testaments
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | April 2024
Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make
The pick from February 2024 for couples was
When you say “I do,” you begin the journey of a lifetime― and you have dreams of that journey being perfect. But it won’t take long for expectations of the perfect marriage to fade away in the struggles of everyday life. A long-term, vibrant marriage needs to be grounded in something sturdier than romance―it needs the life-changing power of the gospel.
In this rebranded edition of What Did You Expect?, popular author and pastor Paul David Tripp encourages couples to make six biblical commitments to the Lord and to one another. These commitments, which include a lifestyle of confession and forgiveness, building trust, and appreciating differences, will equip couples to cultivate thriving, joy-filled marriages built on Christ.
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | February 2024
7 Myths about Singleness
The pick from February 2024 for singles was 7 Myths about Singleness by Sam Allberry
If marriage shows us the shape of the gospel, singleness shows us its sufficiency.
Much of what we commonly assume about singleness―that it is primarily about the absence of good things like intimacy, family, or meaningful ministry―is either flat-out untrue or, at the very least, shouldn’t be true. To be single, we often think, is to be alone and spiritually hindered.
But the Bible paints a very different picture of singleness: it is a positive gift and blessing from God. This book seeks to help Christians―married and unmarried alike―value singleness as a gift from God so that we can all encourage singles to take hold of the unique opportunities their singleness affords and see their role in the flourishing of the church as a whole.
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | February 2024
The Pilgrim's Progress
The most readable version of Pilgrim’s Progress available!
Reading The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan can be a bit challenging even for the best of readers. Not so with this new, easy-to-read version that translates the original archaic language into simple conversational English allowing readers of all ages to easily navigate the most popular Christian allegory of all time.
The story chronicles the epic adventure of a man named Christian who leaves his home in the City of Destruction and begins a life-long quest to the Celestial City. Set against the backdrop of a hazardous journey, this powerful drama unfolds as Christian’s adventures lead him into fascinating lands and encounters with interesting people who either help or hinder his progress along a narrow way. With a gallery of memorable characters and visits to colorful places, Bunyan’s allegorical narrative describes one man’s extraordinary adventure on his journey to faith.
Without losing any faithfulness to the original text, now you can read Bunyan’s timeless classic and reimagine this famous quest that has challenged and encouraged believers for centuries.
The book includes the original Bible references and a Bible study guide is available separately for individual and small group use.
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | January 2024
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
During Christmas, homes are filled with good food, welcoming family, and lively cheer. Streets are lined with lights and sprinkled with snow. Amid this season of beauty, even Christians can become distracted, keeping Jesus at an unintentional distance. How can Christians effectively prepare their hearts for the arrival of their King and worship him the way he deserves?
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel by Jonathan Gibson presents a 40-day devotional liturgy guiding readers through Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany―helping them keep their eyes fixed on Christ. Designed as a resource for the holiday season, each reading includes a guided meditation, applicable Scripture readings, hymns, prayers, creeds, and prompts for petition and confession. For individuals and families, this devotional will help Christians focus on Jesus and meditate on the mystery of his incarnation.
- 40 Daily Devotions: Featuring seasonal Scripture readings, hymns, prayers, and creeds, as well as time for meditation, petition, and confession
- Created for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany: Guides readers from November 28 through January 6
- Repetition throughout Readings: Scripture, hymns, and creeds repeat to help readers memorize important material
- Written by Jonathan Gibson: Author of Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | December 2023
All the Genealogies of the Bible
The Bible contains hundreds of genealogies that fulfill multiple purposes, yet the significance of these genealogies can admittedly be difficult to grasp. In All the Genealogies of the Bible, author Nancy presents every genealogy in the Bible in a simple, visual format. Esteemed biblical scholars Eugene Merrill and Andreas Kostenberger supplement Dawson’s work with brief commentary on each genealogy. Dawson works with both complete genealogies and partial lists, piecing together names in different passages to illustrate the interrelationships of various biblical characters for deeper study.
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | November 2023
Four Portraits, One Jesus
To Christians worldwide, the man Jesus of Nazareth is the centerpiece of history, the object of faith, hope, and worship. Even those who do not follow him admit the vast influence of his life. For anyone interested in knowing more about Jesus, study of the four biblical Gospels is essential. Four Portraits, One Jesus is a thorough yet accessible introduction to these documents and their subject, the life and person of Jesus. Like different artists rendering the same subject using different styles and points of view, the Gospels paint four highly distinctive portraits of the same remarkable Jesus. With clarity and insight, Mark Strauss illuminates these four books, first addressing their nature, origin, methods for study, and historical, religious, and cultural backgrounds. He then moves on to closer study of each narrative and its contribution to our understanding of Jesus, investigating things such as plot, characters, and theme. Finally, he pulls it all together with a detailed examination of what the Gospels teach about Jesus’ ministry, message, death, and resurrection, with excursions into the quest for the historical Jesus and the historical reliability of the Gospels.
Pick from Pastor Jeff | October 2023
Christian History Made Easy
This fantastic book summarizes the most important events in Christian history from the time of Jesus to today in 12 easy chapters. This full color, bestselling book presents key events and people every Christian should know, time lines, worksheets, websites, photos, maps and illustrations.
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | September 2023
The Message of the Prophets
Christians sometimes approach the Old Testament with a mixture of awe and bewilderment, knowing that it contains pearls of wisdom, but unsure how to dive for them … especially when it comes to the Prophets. In The Message of the Prophets, author J. Daniel Hays offers a scholarly, yet readable and student-friendly survey of the Old Testament prophetic literature that presents the message of each prophet in its historical and its biblical context and then tracks that message through the New Testament to challenge readers with what it means for them today. Hays focuses on synthesizing the message of the prophets, which enables students to grasp the major contours of the prophetic books clearly and concisely. Hundreds of colorful pictures help to illustrate the historical and cultural background of the prophets. After identifying what the message meant for ancient Israel, Hays helps the readers to move toward theological application today, helping readers to gain a better understanding of God and the relationship between God and his people. The Message of the Prophets is essential for professors, students, and others seeking to understand the role that the OT prophets play in the Christian faith.
Pick from Pastor Jeff | August 2023
Chronology of Israel's Kings & Prophets
Easily cover decades of Israel’s history at a glance with this slimline pamphlet packed with side-by-side chapter overviews. This easy-to-read chronology takes you through the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and 1 and 2 Chronicles chapter by chapter.
This pamphlet helps Bible readers keep track of who’s who and what happened when in Israel’s history. Compare stories of kings such as David and Solomon with the many kings of Israel and Judah, as well as the ministries of prophets such as Samuel, Elijah, and Elisha.
Pick from Pastor Jeff | July 2023
Right With God
How do we become right with God? Michael Reeves warmly and clearly introduces what the Bible teaches about justification by faith alone. For anyone who does not know Christ or is lacking confidence in their salvation, the Bible has good news of comfort and joy.
Pick from Pastor Jeff | June 2023
Israel Biblical Sites Travel Guide
In The Steps of Jesus
Millions of people across the world have heard of Jesus Christ, but how many are truly familiar with the key locations he frequented?
Following the chronology of Jesus’ life and ministry, and drawing especially on the Gospel of Luke, Peter Walker takes us from Bethlehem to Nazareth to the desert as we follow Jesus on his final journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. In each chapter particular attention is given to what Jesus did in that location, and to the authenticity of archaeological and recorded evidence of later pilgrims and historians. Building on the success of the first edition, this updated and expanded edition takes into account the most recent archaeological discoveries. Richly illustrated, and using maps, timelines, and feature boxes to highlight important themes, this is a rich and absorbing guide that provides a unique insight into Jesus’ world – an ideal companion for travellers to the Holy land or for scholars and pastors around the world.
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | March 2023
Invitation to Church History: World
Designed for an educated lay audience and students in introductory college and seminary church history courses, these visually stunning textbooks are carefully written for first-time learners in the subject areas. Invitation to Church History: World walks readers through the story of God’s people from Christ to the contemporary church around the world. Invitation to Church History: American chronicles American church history from the pilgrims to contemporary denominations in the United States.
In these full-color textbooks, many features facilitate learning: photos make the material come alive for the reader; diagrams clarify and distill complex concepts and sets of information; and review materials aid the student in processing and retaining the concepts in each chapter.
Readers will gain a clear understanding of the meaning of the gospel, the wonder of divine redemption, and the majesty of God. The story of the church is presented as part of the redemptive history of God and His people. With a conservative, Christ-centered perspective, Hannah writes with fairness and generosity toward diverse views.
Pick from Pastor Jeff | April 2023
Rejoice and Tremble
Fear is one of the strongest human emotions, and it is one that often baffles Christians.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” ―Proverbs 1:7
Fear is one of the strongest human emotions―and one that often baffles Christians. In the Bible the picture can seem equally confusing: Is fear a good thing or a bad thing? And what does it mean to “fear the Lord”?
In Rejoice and Tremble, Michael Reeves clears the clouds of confusion and shows that the fear of the Lord is not a negative thing at all, but an intensely delighted wondering at God, our Creator and Redeemer.
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | February 2023
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Relationships, Roles, and Relevance
“God cares that we know who he is, and he longs for us to understand him better. Through his Word he revealed his triune nature, though many avoid in-depth study of this doctrine because it is so deep and mysterious.
But God’s revelation of himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit affects how he relates to us, how he made us, and who he is eternally. The doctrine of the Trinity is essential to our understanding of him and of our faith. The focus of this study is to examine the ways in which the three Persons of the Trinity relate to one another, how they relate to us, and what difference this makes to our lives.
To understand just how God is both One and Three is to delve into some of Scripture’s most glorious truths and to experience the joy of beholding the wonder of our triune God. This is a practical study for you and your home, church, and ministry.”
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | January 2023
Gadsby's Hymns
Gadsby’s Hymns is a classic, esteemed collection of 1,156 hymns of rich theological content, many of which are not found in any other current hymnal. Contains: Gadsby’s original hymns; his 1st and 2nd supplements; Hart’s hymns and occasional hymns.
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | December 2022
Bible Map App
For November 2022, our Pastor’s Pick was Bible Map App created by Tim Kimberley. This app is described as “The most interactive, exhaustive, easy to use, and thorough Bible Map app in the app store.” The Bible comes to life as you see the land of the Bible and realize the artifacts we have today supporting the story of the Bible. This app is currently only available for Apple devices. You can download it from the App Store here.
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | November 2022
Visual Theology: Seeing and Understanding the Truth About God
A Visual Theology Guide to the Bible
For a beautiful, approachable, informative presentation of the concepts and principles of Scripture–turn to any page of A Visual Theology Guide to the Bible and be instantly immersed in the visuals and teachings of God’s Word.
A Visual Theology Guide to the Bible is not only a wonderful introduction to the Christian life, it is a functioning guide for understanding and living out your faith.
You’ll see how the Bible is put together, why the authors wrote each book, and what all of it means for your life today. What’s more, you’ll learn why the Bible can be trusted and how to answer common criticisms of the Bible.
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | September 2022
To the Golden Shore
On February 12, 1812, Ann and Adoniram Judson sailed from Salem aboard the brig Caravan as two of the first missionaries to go out from North America. Watching the shoreline disappear from view, they could not have foreseen the impact of their journey on the future of the Christian world mission or on the thousands of men and women who would follow in their footsteps. After a short stay in India, they carried the Good News of Jesus Christ to the golden shore of Burma.
God's Man in China
More than any other modern man, Hudson Taylor is the pattern by which the missionary is measured. More than that, the pattern of his life challenges every Christian. Few who read this account of how Hudson Taylor learned to trust God first for a half crown and eventually for one thousand new missionaries can remain content with the current state of their own faith. “Hudson Taylor is not remembered today as the strategist who almost singlehandedly brought about a revolutionary change in the missionary situation in China one hundred years ago, but rather as a man of God. What abide are the fragrance and influence of his life.” So wrote Arthur Glasser, former home director for the USA and Canada of the Overseas Missionary Fellowship.
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | July 2022
Shadow of the Almighty
Shadow of the Almighty is one of the great missionary stories of modern times. It is the life and testament of Jim Elliot, as told by Elliot’s widow, author and evangelist Elisabeth Elliot Gren. Shadow of the Almighty is the true account of Elliot’s martyrdom, along with four fellow missionaries, at the hands of Ecuador’s Huaorani Indians.
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | June 2022
Unbroken
Unbroken (2010) by Laura Hillenbrand is the life story of an Olympic athlete and WWII Prison of War survivor, Louis ‘Louie’ Zamperini. Biographies have a unique quality of allowing one to see another’s life from a realistic perspective. Louis Zamperini’s journey took him from a hardworking family and from off the troubled streets in California to becoming an Olympic athlete in 1936. Out the outbreak of WWII, like many other eager American young men, he joined the military. His plane broke down over the open ocean, drifting for 47 days of a liferaft, eventually being rescued by the Japanese where he and his co-pilot were taken captive. He endured two long years of mistreatment, including beatings and cruel punishment. Although he never broke during his captivity, he was a broken man on the inside. After returning to California following the war, he married. To cover his inner pain and memories, including nightmares, he turned to alcohol and in the process almost lost his marriage. It was on the night of October 16th, 1949, that his journey for inner peace ended as he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ at a Billy Grahame Crusade in Los Angeles. Unbroken is a story of God’s redemption!
Rose Publishing Resources
In April 2022, we featured the resources from Rose Publishing. These charts, graphs, and maps are a great way to better understand the Bible. Many of these resources are also reproducible so that you can make copies of them for personal study, homeschooling, and more.
You can read more about Rose Books here.
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | April 2022
The Drama of Scripture
This book gives a grand narrative of what God is doing throughout the entire Bible, Genesis through Revelation. The authors help explain the common theme of how God redeems His creation through Jesus Christ His Son. Check out the video to hear more!
Pick from Pastor Jeff Scott | March 2022
Delighting in the Trinity
In this lively book, we find an introduction to Christianity and the Christian life that is from start to finish rooted in our triune God–Father, Son and the Spirit. Not only do we understand the person and work ofChrist through the Trinity, but also prayer, the church and every aspect of our faith.
Pick from Pastor Nathan Smith | February 2022
If you have a question about a specific author, book, or theological resource, contact Pastor Jeff at jeff@hbclynchburg.com.