The Lord's Supper
by Jean-Jaques Von Allmen
116 pages

Find it: Sacraments, 265 Von

Newly republished, this book is Swiss Reformed theologian Von Allmen’s essay on the central sacrament of the Christian faith. He examines the Lord's Supper from within the Reformed Tradition, unpacking the the truths enshrined within the sacrament, seeing the act as not only a "sign," "symbol" or "memorial," but as the real presence of Christ among his people.

Professor Jean-Jacques von Allmen is Professor of Practical Theology in the University of Neuchâtel, and was formerly Pastor of the Reformed Church in Lucerne. Born in 1917 in Lausanne, and educated at Bale and Neuchâtel, and ordained in 1941, Professor von Allmen has directed his studies towards the life of the church as seen in its use of the Scriptures and of Preaching.

Communion and Feeding

Blessed are the Hungry: Meditiations on the Lord's Supper
by Peter J. Leithart
190 pages

Find it: Sacraments, 265 Lei

In this concise collection of essays, Leithart takes an intriguing look at the typological framework of sacramental theology. He provides expositions of Bible stories that involve the centrality of table fellowship with God. When you participate in the Lord's Supper, Leithart shows, you are being fed the fruit of the Tree of Life, participating in the sacrifice of the altar as a priest, entering the land of milk and honey.... and so much more.

His expositions on various feeding stories in the Bible reveal the clues communion holds to the meaning of all creation and history. With skill, Leithart blends technical theological discussions with wonderfully meditative reading.

"I doubt that anyone could walk away from reading this little paperback book of meditations without having a perspective adjustment and a greater appreciation for God's revelation of Himself and the means of grace He has blessed."
--R. Goulden, Charlotte, North Carolina for Christian Book Distributors

Teens: Time travel to ancient Britain

Hostage Lands
by Douglas Bond
234 pages

Find it: Teen Interest, YA Bon
Color code orange

Join Neil Perkins, Latin student at Haltwhistle Grammar School in England, as he uncovers a story of treachery and betrayal. After unearthing an ancient Roman manuscript, Neil dedicates himself to studying Latin and translates this exciting story from the third century. Disaffected centurion Rusticus serves Rome at Hadrian's Wall, an unruly frontier. He is saved from massacre by Cadwal, a Celt who was deeply changed when he saw Christians martyred in the Roman Colosseum.

Readers will learn what it was like to be an early Christian in a far corner of a vast, powerful, pagan empire.

"With a wide but understandable vocabulary, a talent for keeping the plot under control, a penchant for characterization, and a wonderful imagination, Bond presents a tale sure to engross any reader."
- Donna Eggett, Christian Book Previews.com

Commentary: Galatians

Grace in Galatia: A Commentary on Paul's Letter to the Galatians
by Ben Witherington III
512 pages

Find it: New Testament 227.4 Gal

This book is an innovative socio-rhetorical study of Paul's most polemical letter. Ben Witherington breaks new ground by analyzing the whole of Galatians as a deliberative discourse meant to forestall the Galatians from submitting to circumcision and the Jewish law. The commentary features the latest discussion of major problems in Pauline studies, including Paul's view of the law and the relationship between the historical data in Galatians and in Acts. Yet the narrative character of Witherington's work allows it to remain exceedingly accessible. This volume also includes sections following the major divisions of the commentary that point to the relevance of the text for believers today.

Kids: Story of a Reformation hero

The Hawk that Dare not Hunt by Day
by Scott O'Dell

Find it: Middle readers, J Ode
color code yellow

The year is 1525 and books written by reformers like Martin Luther are being burned all over Europe. For Tom Barton, who smuggles such books into England, the ban is an opportunity to make money. But when Tom meets William Tyndale, who defies the king and distributes Bibles to the common people, he realizes that the Reformation is more than a money-maker and that spreading God's Word is worth risking one's life.