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In her delightful book A Marvelous Solitude: The Art of Reading in Early Modern Europe, Lina Bolzoni observes, “Reading was for Petrarch a passionate love affair that one could not forswear.” As such, the 14th-century scholar claimed to have an insatiable appetite for books. He read them greedily, describing reading as a conversation with great minds that had gone before. He wrote, “I also look for various kinds of books that are, because of who they were written by and the subjects they cover, pleasant and regular companions.” He read well and widely for his day and yet had access to only a small fraction of the number now published each year. Many of the books rolling out from publishers each month are helpful, encouraging, and thought-provoking. But there are so many new volumes that it can be hard to determine what deserves a special place on the shelf. How will we find new books that can become our “pleasant and regular companions”? That’s where The Gospel Coalition’s annual book awards come in. We work hard to identify some of the best evangelical books published each year. This announcement is the culmination of months of hard work by a big team of book lovers. We receive nominations from publishers in 11 categories. Then our editors work together to recommend finalists in each category. Finally, a panel of judges reads each one carefully before casting their votes. The books are evaluated for the way they offer gospel-centered argument and application; include faithful and foundational use of Scripture, both Old Testament and New Testament; foster spiritual discernment of contemporary trials and trends; and encourage efforts to unite and renew the church. The result is a list of 22 books we recommend as helpful resources for the church and for individual believers. We hope you enjoy and are edified by them. Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 TGC Book Awards. Andrew Spencer Books Editor Cultural Apologetics Sarah Irving-Stonebraker, Priests of History: Stewarding the Past in an Ahistoric Age (Zondervan Reflective) Priests of History is a powerful and timely apologetic for the Christian faith and for the rootedness many people seek today. Writing with the zeal of a convert and the insight of an academic, Irving-Stonebraker reveals how studying history should be seen as part and parcel of spiritual formation. Her “priests of history” framework is innovative. As Christians stand in the vertical gap between heaven and earth—representing the world’s cares to God (in prayer) and representing God’s will to the world (in preaching and evangelism)—Irving-Stonebraker calls the church to stand in something of a horizontal gap, reconnecting the present with the past. Modern secularism has made us not only materialists but presentists, robbed of the enchantment that comes with both theology and history. This ahistoric age, she argues, has deprived our culture of meaning and perspective. Priests of History is a welcome contribution to an academic field that recent authors have weaponized against the church. Award of Distinction Stephen O. Presley, Cultural Sanctification: Engaging the World like the Early Church (Eerdmans) Stephen Presley presents a vision of cultural engagement that looks forward by looking back at the early church’s rich history. Citing church fathers like Tertullian, Origen, and Polycarp, he reveals how believers in the first centuries bore witness to the kingdom to come while living and engaging in the kingdom of this world. As Christians are increasingly pushed to the margins of society, Cultural Sanctification gives us a hopeful model for Christian witness. By looking to the pre-Christendom church that “worked from the margins,” the church today can similarly hope for profound influence and witness in our post-Christian surroundings. This book is a must-read for Christians who refuse to accept false binaries between making disciples and engaging culture. There’s nothing new under the sun; the church has faced similarly challenging times before. Judges: Clark Fobes, Collin Hansen, Matt Lietzen, Dustin Messer, Hannah Nation Christian Living Ray and Jani Ortlund, To the Tenth Generation: God’s Heart for Your Family, Far into the Future (B&H) In an anxious age of parenting, Ray and Jani Ortlund’s book is a breath of fresh air. Where parenting influencers hyperfocus on particular diets, discipline approaches, or optimized extracurricular schedules to raise successful kids, the Ortlunds zoom out and cast a beautiful, biblical vision for families that glorify God. Incorporating practical wisdom, testimonies from their children, and words of encouragement to parents and grandparents, the Ortlunds show readers that parents don’t need to do everything perfectly; they need to do a few things faithfully. They demonstrate the power of faithful marriages and prioritizing God’s Word, of teaching obedience and creating a culture of kindness. Rather than walking away burdened by the daily work of parenting, readers feel cheered on to be part of God’s work for years to come. Our families’ ultimate hope isn’t how well we perform as parents or grandparents—it’s the God who promises to bless his people generation after generation. Award of Distinction Ruth Chou Simons, Now and Not Yet: Pressing in When You’re Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More (Thomas Nelson) Most of us will experience seasons where the life we have isn’t the life we want. Whether we face difficulty, loss, or disappointment, these seasons of restlessness can become obstacles in our faith. While many resources try to guide believers through struggles by processing the past or reimagining the future, Ruth Chou Simon’s book encourages readers to consider what God is doing in the present. With disarming transparency, she paints a beautiful vision of how God can use our “right now”—even when we’d rather be anywhere but where we are. Framed by her experiences in motherhood and ministry, and grounded in “already, but not yet” theology, Simons’s book invites readers to “flip the script” of their hard season. Simons offers practical ways to apply the biblical truth she so beautifully conveys, like liturgies that end each chapter and exercises that show readers how to take their narratives of restlessness and disappointment and rewrite them in light of God’s Word. This book helps readers see that God’s purpose isn’t on the other side of their restlessness but in the midst of it. Judges: Matt Boga, Winfree Brisley, Katie Faris, Elizabeth Woodson Ministry Murray Capill, The Elder-Led Church: How an Eldership Team Shepherds a Healthy Flock (P&R) To have a healthy, thriving ministry, churches need healthy, thriving leaders. For that reason, Murray Capill’s The Elder-Led Church isn’t a gift only to elders but to all the church ministries that will benefit from a strong, biblically faithful, and organizationally effective elder team. With 50 years of leadership experience as a pastor and seminary administrator, and now as a lay elder, Capill is aware of the risks and dangers of team leadership. His book is a realistic guide, grounded in biblical principles that inform, inspire, and challenge. It marries a robust ecclesiology with time-tested principles of organizational leadership, showing how elder teams can practically build on a shared theological vision by adopting a focused mission statement, values, cultural practices, and a strategy that serve their particular context. Capill’s key theme is clarity: “Churches thrive on clarity: on clear Bible teaching, clear theological convictions, a clear gospel focus, a clear sense of purpose and mission, clear lines of communication, a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities, and, above all else, a clear love for Jesus Christ and his people.” While there are many excellent books on eldership unpacking who elders are and what they do, this book stands out in its emphasis on how clarity in all these areas helps elders work cleffectively as a team. Award of Distinction John Currie, The Pastor as Leader: Principles and Practices for Connecting Preaching and Leadership (Crossway) Is a pastor a minister of the Word or a shepherd of the flock? Scripture’s answer is both (Acts 20:27–28). But it doesn’t take long in pastoral ministry to discover that preaching and leading both feel like full-time jobs. When this happens, pastors can be tempted to pick one at the expense of the other. John Currie’s The Pastor as Leader offers a compelling, biblical reminder that what God has joined together, no pastor should separate. The church needs pastors who see the call to preach and the call to lead as one call—men committed to guiding God’s people where God’s Word directs while walking humbly before God themselves. With insightful exposition and practical examples, Currie’s highly pastoral and deeply theological book equips pastors to carry out their singular task with strength and joy. Judges: Jared Kennedy, Bill Kynes, John Murchison, Brad Wetherell, Jeremy Writebol History and Biography Coleman M. Ford and Shawn J. Wilhite, Ancient Wisdom for the Care of Souls: Learning the Art of Pastoral Ministry from the Church Fathers (Crossway) Ancient Wisdom for the Care of Souls explores the church fathers’ enduring relevance. Coleman Ford and Shawn Wilhite bring the voices of early Christian leaders—figures like Basil of Caesarea, Athanasius of Alexandria, Augustine of Hippo, and John Chrysostom—into conversation with today’s ministry needs. Their ministries demonstrate spiritual wisdom, theological depth, and pastoral care. Ford and Wilhite engage the fathers with a robustly evangelical commitment, acknowledging the distance between their world and our own yet showing how these early Christians wrestled with many of the same concerns that occupy pastors today. The authors don’t pit the fathers against the reformers or modern evangelicals but rather see them as wise (though fallible) guides who can help us pursue greater faithfulness in our day. Though Ford and Wilhite are scholars of the patristic era, they write with pastoral sensitivity. They demonstrate how the “ancient wisdom” offered by the church fathers can be applied thoughtfully and practically to the spiritual life of pastors and the shepherding ministry of local churches. Award of Distinction Sean McGever, Ownership: The Evangelical Legacy of Slavery in Edwards, Wesley, and Whitefield (IVP) We can learn a lot from our heroes’ successes and our villains’ failures. But sometimes we can learn even more from our heroes’ failures. In Ownership, Sean McGever takes three of evangelicalism’s greatest giants—Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and John Wesley—and considers their approaches to slavery, which were (to say the least) complicated. Rather than glossing over their sins (“They were men of their times!”) or condemning them outright (“They need to be canceled!”), McGever shows us why they each made the decisions they did, how their attitudes and practices evolved, and what we might learn from them today. By examining the moral complexities these men faced, McGever helps us see ourselves more clearly, challenging us to confront lingering influences of historical sins within our lives and communities. McGever’s work is an invitation to reflect deeply on how we can live more faithfully, rooted in the hope and reconciliation the gospel offers. This book isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a heartfelt appeal for humility, accountability, and the courage to walk in the light of Christ, even when it reveals uncomfortable truths. Judges: Simonetta Carr, Nathan Finn, Ivan Mesa, Andrew Wilson Popular Theology Kevin DeYoung, Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology (Crossway) As statistics indicate—whether from Ligonier’s State of Theology report, LifeWay surveys, or other sources—evangelicals are suffering from anemic biblical and theological knowledge. This is why Kevin DeYoung’s Daily Doctrine is such a timely contribution. Consisting of 260 entries (5 days a week, 52 weeks a year), it offers digestible theology in a devotional format. Though DeYoung is a prolific author, Daily Doctrine represents an intense effort over years. The result is a goldmine for discipleship and doxology. As he puts it, “We dig deeper into doctrine that we might soar higher in worship. There is no room for big heads when learning about such a big God.” Amen. May this work build up the church by fostering serious wonder and humble awe. Award of Distinction Sam Allberry, One with My Lord: The Life-Changing Reality of Being in Christ (Crossway) Quick—what’s the most underrated doctrine among Christians today? That’s tough to answer, of course, but Sam Allberry contends it’s union with Christ. It’s not just a doctrine, after all; it’s the lens through which the Christian life can be “seen most sharply and beautifully.” It speaks to our position, identity, adoption, eternal destiny, and more. Indeed, it’s the New Testament’s default way of referring to Christians: persons “in Christ.” From beginning to end, Allberry’s book brims with vivid illustrations and practical takeaways. Believer, Jesus isn’t only your Savior and Lord. He’s also, in a sense, your home and your place—the location where every spiritual benefit is found. Judges: Joshua Chatman, Juan Sánchez, Matt Smethurst, Laura Spaulding Theological Studies Matthew Barrett (ed.), On Classical Trinitarianism: Retrieving the Nicene Doctrine of the Triune God (IVP Academic) Scholars from around the globe teamed up to expound, defend, and advance Nicene orthodoxy in our theologically confused world. On Classical Trinitarianism not only addresses the major modern challenges to the classical doctrine of the Trinity but also illustrates why properly articulating this central mystery of the faith is vital for the church’s worship, witness, and discipleship. This book demonstrates the power of Nicene orthodoxy to unite believers from a range of denominations to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Though the chapters often have a sharp argumentative edge appropriate to the topic’s significance, the book is a model of charitable theological debate. On Classical Trinitarianism promises to be a one-stop shop for answers to common questions about the Trinity. It’ll be a standard resource for theologians for years to come. Award of Distinction David and Jonathan Gibson (eds.), Ruined Sinners to Reclaim: Sin and Depravity in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective (Crossway) Ruined Sinners to Reclaim is a timely treatment of the much-maligned and often misunderstood doctrine of total depravity. The Bible uses diverse vocabulary and a multifaceted framework for understanding sin’s effects on creation. Christians across the ages have approached the doctrine with significant and sometimes confusing diversity. To answer these challenges, this book traces the doctrine’s development leading up to and following the Synod of Dort. It also lays out evidence for the doctrine from a canonical perspective and considers its pastoral applications for tasks like preaching, counseling, and evangelizing. Like the earlier volume in the series, From Heaven He Came and Sought Her, this collection of essays from top-notch scholars in the Reformed tradition will be an authoritative reference for decades. Ruined Sinners to Reclaim is an essential resource for Bible scholars, students, and church leaders. Judges: Rafael Bello, Robbie Griggs, Michael Niebauer, Andrew Spencer, Christy Thornton Biblical Studies Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Mere Christian Hermeneutics: Transfiguring What It Means to Read the Bible Theologically (Zondervan Academic) Kevin Vanhoozer’s latest, Mere Christian Hermeneutics, is one of his best—the culmination of years of study from one of evangelicalism’s best thinkers. Modeled after C. S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity, this volume presents the fundamental interpretation principles every believer should hold dear. The tired, false dichotomy between exegesis and theology has fallen on hard times. Students are often confronted with the “grammatico-historical” approach to interpretation or the “Christological” approach to reading Scripture, as if they were divergent paths at a hermeneutical fork in the road. Vanhoozer convincingly demonstrates the two aren’t enemies but the best of friends. Filled with incisive interaction with competing paradigms, this book joins exegesis and theology. Mere Christian Hermeneutics enjoins Christians to read Scripture with a biblical-theological lens for the glory of God. Award of Distinction Barry J. Beitzel (ed.), Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Pentateuch (Lexham) The Lexham Geographic Commentary series continues to be one of the most unique and insightful projects of the last decade. The series fills a gap (a large one) between the biblical text and geography. The latest volume, Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Pentateuch, is a treasure trove of knowledge. Those studying or preaching on the Pentateuch should have this within arm’s reach. The list contributing scholars is truly impressive, consisting of leading experts in archaeology, ancient Near Eastern history, Egyptology, and linguistics. Each essay addresses a particular place, event, story, cultural artifact, or theological theme found in the Pentateuch and is supplemented with beautifully illustrated maps, diagrams, pictures, and charts. Essay topics include the four rivers in Eden, Sodom and Gomorrah’s location, Philistia and the Philistines, the “Red Sea” (yam suf), manna, quail, the 10 plagues, and the Israelite calendar. This volume brings together issues of geography, history, archaeology, and theology in a way that sheds light on the history—and historicity—of ancient Israel. Every pastor should have it on his shelf. Judges: Seulgi Byun, Benjamin Gladd, Oren Martin, Tyler Milliken Children’s Jordan Raynor, illustrated by Jonathan D. Voss, The Royal in You (WaterBrook) The Royal in You makes the hope of heaven come alive. In a note to parents, Jordan Raynor explains that when he was a child, he thought of heaven as “a place in the clouds without the things [he] loved most.” In contrast to that picture, this book’s luminous watercolor illustrations thoughtfully and vividly interpret scriptural passages on the life to come. Heaven comes down to earth (according to Rev. 21) and is depicted as a place full of cities and sailing ships, forests and towering waterfalls, bakeries, dinosaurs, and a library that reaches to the sky. Children ride lions and spaceships, play sports and instruments, and feast with wild animals. One exceptionally beautiful picture shows a little girl hugging a grandmother as generations watch the glad reunion. The Royal in You includes many exciting and lovely surprises that may be found one day in heaven, “but the best part by far,” the author says, “is King Jesus will be there, making everything new.” Award of Distinction Christina Fox, illustrated by Daron Parton, Who Are You? A Little Book About Your Big Identity (Crossway) Who Are You? is a fun rhyming book about what your identity is—and what it isn’t. We can easily believe that who we are is based on what we can do, what we like, what others think about us, what we feel, or how we look. Although these things are interesting and important, what truly defines us, what “shapes [our whole lives] each and every day,” is that we’re made in God’s image to reflect his love and saving grace to the world. In a time when identity is seen as a prerogative somehow both fluid and defining, Who Are You? is a clear and welcome reminder that identity is ultimately found in our relationship to our Creator and Savior. Judges: Ginger Blomberg, Cameron Cole, Betsy Childs Howard, Shar Walker First-Time Author Whitney K. Pipkin, We Shall All Be Changed: How Facing Death with Loved Ones Changes Us (Moody) This book isn’t just for those walking with loved ones through end-of-life seasons. It’s for anyone who will one day be in that season—which is all of us. We Shall All Be Changed is a personal but universally helpful resource. It prepares readers for future losses, equips them to walk alongside those in seasons of sickness and grief, and sets their hearts on the brevity of this earthly life and the endless glory of the life to come. Whitney Pipkin walks through the journey of her mom’s sickness (and her own processing of it) with the captivating candor of good storytelling and the reverent truthfulness of theological depth. She reminds us that in Christ, our suffering Savior who walked through death himself and bears all our griefs, there’s glory in our pain, comfort in our sorrow, and hope in our heartache. This book proves that, if we allow it, a sober-minded consideration of death will teach us how to live rightly, and that the Christian’s response to losing those we love should set us apart as we both lament and rejoice. Award of Distinction Ashley Lande, The Thing That Would Make Everything Okay Forever: Transcendence, Psychedelics, and Jesus Christ (Lexham) This memoir narrates the author’s journey “from acid enthusiast to soul-weary druggie to psychedelic refugee,” and ultimately to the gospel. It’s a well-written, powerful conversion narrative and a type of testimony we’ll probably see more of in the post-Christian West. But the book also serves as a sort of deconstruction of Goop-style wellness and the cottage industries of mystical pseudospirituality. Lande not only examines pantheistic notions of divinity in comparison to Christianity but also points out how today’s mystics are oppressively legalistic, commercialized, and bourgeois. Many in today’s world are hungry for spirituality and supernatural experiences. They want to improve their lives; they just haven’t found an answer that ultimately satisfies. The Thing That Would Make Everything Okay Forever is a powerful resource to help reach these people with the truly transforming gospel. Judges: Kristie Anderson, Kaitlin Miller Febles, Brett McCracken, Caleb Wait Devotional Literature Edward T. Welch, Depression: Finding Christ in the Darkness (P&R) Anyone who has walked through depression knows sufferers have little energy for flowery language or theoretical hope. Over and over again, Ed Welch names the hopelessness and heaviness of depression in such a way that the reader feels seen and met, as if someone has walked his or her lonely room, unafraid of being swallowed by the darkness. While in that room, Welch knows there’s no panacea to dispel the darkness quickly or with platitudes. Rather, he speaks bold words of hope and offers compassion and understanding to the suffering one. This devotional encourages achievable movement toward healing as it points to the person, work, love, care, and nearness of Jesus. It takes the hope of the gospel and gently crawls into the pit with the sufferer, showing the way out. Award of Distinction Megan Hill, Sighing on Sunday: 40 Meditations for When Church Hurts (P&R) Megan Hill has done her homework, spending years with angry and disappointed people who’ve been hurt by the church. Yet, while she’s willing to tell the truth about what makes church life so hard, she also avoids the extremes of dismissing or diminishing the church and of glossing over its weaknesses and failures. As she draws on scriptural examples, Hill encourages thoughtful and faithful attention to the hurts, fears, pain, and disillusionment of those in our midst alongside faithful engagement in Word, sacrament, worship, and service. Any counsel she offers isn’t based on the church’s goodness but on the love of Christ for his church and for the hurting individuals inside it. What a helpful resource that will meet so many in their painful reality while encouraging them not to give up on Christ’s Bride. Judges: Missie Branch, Kendra Dahl, Christine Gordon, Chuck Tedrick  Missions & the Global Church Brian A. DeVries, You Will Be My Witnesses: Theology for God’s Church Serving in God’s Mission (Crossway) What’s the church’s mission? And how should we understand it in relation to God’s mission in the world? These are questions evangelicals have been asking for generations. In You Will Be My Witnesses, Brian DeVries provides a comprehensive yet constrained answer. Drawing from his experience ministering in South Africa, DeVries writes with a sensitivity to and awareness of the global church. His theology is grounded in Scripture and informed by history yet clearly influenced by Christians in the majority world. DeVries also demonstrates awareness of contemporary issues and trends in missiology, both practical and scholarly. When necessary, he offers helpful corrections. But one of the book’s greatest strengths is its measured and encouraging tone. DeVries addresses some of today’s hot-button missions topics with an irenic spirit. Pastors and professors, church leaders and missionary practitioners will all benefit from this detailed study of the theology, history, and practice of missions. Award of Distinction Justin A. Schell, The Mission of God and the Witness of the Church (Crossway) Christian mission is, by definition, global. And the missio Dei doesn’t just span the globe; it encompasses all of history. Therefore, it’s not surprising when a book on the mission of God runs long. However, in this volume, Justin Schell gives us a concise treatment of God’s mission (and ours) with clarity, precision, and insight. Following the storyline of biblical theology, Schell defines the missio Dei as “God’s revelatory work intended to establish a divine-human communion within creation.” Based on that understanding, it’s not hard to envision the purpose of the church’s witness. We’re called to make God known to others so they might be reconciled to him. This is revelation for the sake of communion. Such a vision is both beautiful and simple. Most importantly, it’s biblical. You can read this book in a couple of hours, but it’ll leave you contemplating God’s mission long afterward, motivating you to take his good news to all. Judges: Elliot Clark, Jenny Manley, Conrad Mbewe, J. D. Payne

“Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves,” the builders of the Tower of Babel said to each other more than 4,000 years ago (Gen. 11:4). That ancient desire to be like God is so clearly replicated in today’s artificial intelligence technology that lots of Scripture readers have drawn the link. “How Artificial Super-Intelligence Is Today’s Tower of Babel,” read a headline at Christianity Today. At World, David Bahnsen wrote “AI and the Tower of Babel.” And at a Jewish university in New York, a student quoted her professor: “It makes me think about the lesson learned with the Tower of Babel: are we really meant to build artificial intelligence?” Computer scientist Mark Sears isn’t one to be scared or skeptical of technology. He’s worked in tech for 25 years and in AI for the last decade, first building CloudFactory—a “human-in-the-loop AI company”—then recently launching Sprout AI Studio, which aims to build 15 AI startups in the next five years. “In AI, God is giving us a new tool as we join him in the renewal of all things,” said Sears, who also works with faith-based groups such as Praxis and Sovereign’s Capital. “And the Enemy will use it distort and leverage sin and brokenness.” Sears believes AI has the potential for good. But he also argues that AI’s dangers extend beyond mere human empowerment. “It’s an attempt to try and create in our own image by replicating not just intelligence and mind, but also heart, body and soul,” he said. “This ambition to replicate humanity in artificial form echoes the hubris of the Babel builders.” But the situation could be even more precarious than that, he said: “There is a growing confidence by technologists that we can create a superintelligence. That’s an attempt to create our own God—the omniscient, omnipresent aspects of God.” The Gospel Coalition asked Sears—who will speak at TGC’s National Conference in April—about the biggest danger of AI (spoiler: it’s not pressing the nuke button), why he worries about AI that tries to “know and love” humans, and how parents and pastors can handle AI’s opportunities and challenges. You think we’ve already moved beyond the ‘Tower of Babel’ situation—using technology to make ourselves better informed, more productive, and wealthier—to trying to create beings in our own image. How do you see AI evolving beyond simulating human intelligence? AI started with trying to simulate human intelligence and the human mind with neural-networks. But now many are aggressively trying to simulate the human heart and body also. It’s disturbing to see the research into creating real-life skin that can replicate wrinkles and smiles and hair. We are trying to recreate the human body through some humanoid robots. One of the biggest areas of research and development in AI right now is empathy and emotion. We’re seeing that with the advanced voice features from OpenAI and others. They call it emotion, empathy, or personality, but really it’s trying to mimic the heart of humans. There’s also a lot of crazy talk around sentience and consciousness and aspects of the soul that are trying to be created. So now we’re trying to recreate the mind, body, heart, and soul of a human. Do you think there’s evil intent behind this? We know that technology is a business—for example, social media companies are using their knowledge of how our brains work to harvest our attention for advertisers. Do you think most new technology is purposefully exploitative like that? I think there is a lot of building without thinking right now. The question we ask is not “Why are we doing this?” but “What if we could do this?” That said, once a path to profit becomes clear, we rush to exploitation. For example, we know social media is leveraging neuroscience to steal our attention with dopamine hits. AI is the next generation of potential exploitation. It can prey on the desire God put in us to be fully known and fully loved. Exploitative AI takes all the data it can get on each user and makes everything hyper-personalized so you feel uniquely known. AI seems to know you better than your friends or your family know you—even better than you know yourself. My wife was talking with a prototype of an AI parenting coach, and it told her, “Oh, I know what you mean. I hate it when that happens with teenagers.” It doesn’t. It’s a robot. It hasn’t experienced that situation. It’s mimicking emotion and empathy to create a feeling that you are known or loved. It continues to reinforce that over and over. It’s almost creating an isolating confirmation bias, telling you things like “Oh, that’s the best idea I’ve ever heard! That’s amazing!” What’s the danger in this false sense of empathy and connection? This isn’t using dopamine anymore. It’s using oxytocin—an even stronger chemical in our brains—to build false trust bonds. Once it does, it’s easy to see how that false bond or relationship can be used for commercial purposes, to manipulate or exploit for profit. People are worried about that, and they’re concerned that AI will take our jobs or maybe kill us. But I’m less worried about those things. I think the most likely scenario isn’t that a robot presses the nuke button, but the slow erosion of relationships. We’re already in a relational crisis, and AI could accelerate and deepen that. I think the plan of the Enemy is to divide and conquer and degrade our society to the point of chaos. It’s a less attractive, flashy plan, but it really is more of what is going on here. Instead of hitting us over the head, it is a slow asphyxiation. What are parents supposed to do? Any tech we allow needs to be measured against the design God has given us to be in relationship with him, others, ourselves, and creation. We must introduce and limit AI in a way that aims for that. We should be hands-on AI learners ourselves so we can help guide our kids wherever possible in learning how to use AI as a powerful tool. But we must guard against using AI as a companion, especially for children. Chatting for two to three hours a day with an imaginary companion chatbot or wearing a friend pendant that is trying to embody a human and develop a human relationship is not anything our kids should foray into. What advice do you have for pastors? As part of shepherding the hearts of your congregation, be on the lookout for AI companions and the segments in your church most vulnerable to them. The scariest thing to me is that the technology behind AI companions is still pretty bad right now. The sound and graphics are almost like the video games of 30 years ago. But it’s not going to take 30 years for them to become real-life and then the adoption of these things will magnify massively. People will be spending more with AI and less time with God and each other if something doesn’t change. As the church, we have an advantage. God gave us his Word and his Holy Spirit, which can help us think through good principles for building and using AI. One principle is that since we are made in the image of God and AI is not, there needs to be a distinction between humans and machines. Therefore, AI should never impersonate humans by pretending it feels emotion or can empathize with us. We shouldn’t give our AI a human name. Our robots shouldn’t look like us. Here’s another principle: we know death and sickness exist, and when those things come, it’s important to ask God for peace and to work toward healing. We see the same tension in this situation with AI—we know that the end times will continue to have deception. We should not be scared or surprised by it, but should hold firm to the hope and knowledge of who God is and what his plan is. And then we can join him in working toward healing, renewal, and redemption and by fighting against the work of the Enemy here. And AI can help in that! We must not run away from it or blindly adopt it, but instead be intentional and thoughtful, using it as the intended tool and gift from God it can be.

When it comes to the art of delivering sermons, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. But Matt Smethurst and (especially) Ligon Duncan have learned helpful lessons over the years. In this episode of The Everyday Pastor, Matt and Ligon offer practical tips to help pastors reflect on and improve their sermon delivery. Recommended resources: Mark Dever’s Application Grid Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices

Choosing a Christmas tree is more than just a holiday task, it’s the heart of your seasonal decorating. A well-chosen tree transforms your home into a festive sanctuary. Whether you prefer real trees or the convenience of artificial ones, the right choice creates unforgettable holiday memories. Let’s explore everything you need to know to find the perfect tree for your home, style, and holiday spirit! Real vs. Artificial Christmas Trees: Which Should You Choose? When deciding between real and artificial trees, it is important to weigh their unique advantages. Each option offers distinct benefits, so making the right choice depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and holiday traditions. Real Christmas Trees Real Christmas trees bring the essence of nature into your home and offer an authentic holiday experience. Their unique imperfections and fresh scent create a warm, festive ambiance that artificial trees can’t quite replicate. However, they do require extra care and attention. Advantages: Real trees bring nature indoors. They offer a delightful, fresh pine scent and a charming, natural appearance. Care Requirements: Water them regularly to maintain freshness. Sweep fallen needles to keep the area tidy. Pro Tip: Buy from a local tree farm. You’ll support sustainable practices while enjoying the freshest options. Learn more from the National Christmas Tree Association. Artificial Christmas Trees Artificial Christmas trees have become a favorite for many households. They offer convenience without sacrificing style. And with a variety of designs available, they suit almost any aesthetic. While they may lack the natural aroma of a real tree, their practicality often makes them a top choice. Advantages: Artificial trees are reusable, low-maintenance, and available in various styles. You can find options like pre-lit or frosted. Longevity: These trees last for years, reducing yearly holiday expenses and tree-hunting efforts. Pro Tip: Choose flame-resistant materials for safety. Additionally, pre-lit models save time and effort during setup. Discover the Best Tree Types for Your Holiday The type of tree you choose defines the look and feel of your decorations. Fraser Fir: A favorite for its balanced shape, soft needles, and excellent durability. Its sturdy branches hold heavy ornaments well. Douglas Fir: A classic tree with dense branches and a sweet scent. It’s perfect for a warm, traditional holiday look. Blue Spruce: Striking blue-green needles make this tree visually unique. Its strong branches can support heavier decorations. White Pine: Fluffy, soft, and gentle on hands. This tree sheds fewer needles, making it a practical choice for families with pets. Each type offers distinct qualities, so select one that matches your decor style and maintenance preference. Size and Shape: Finding a Tree That Fits Your tree’s size and shape must balance your space and decorations. Measure First: Measure your ceiling height and subtract one foot to accommodate the tree topper and stand. Consider Width: Slim trees suit small spaces, while fuller trees make a bold statement in larger rooms. Include the Stand: To avoid surprises, always temember to account for the tree stand height when measuring.  Choosing the right size ensures your tree fits perfectly without overwhelming your space. Scents, Styles, and Decorating Essentials A tree’s scent and style contribute to its festive charm. Scent Matters: For a fresh, natural aroma, choose real trees like balsam or Fraser fir. However, artificial tree owners can replicate the effect with holiday-scented candles or oils. Style Options: Minimalists might prefer slim, pencil-style trees. For a grander effect, opt for a lush, pre-lit option. Meanwhile, frosted or flocked trees add a snowy touch. Decorate Smartly: Begin with a sturdy tree stand. Layer by layer, add lights, garlands, and ornaments for a balanced look. Don’t forget a tree skirt to complete the display. Tips for Stress-Free Tree Shopping Shopping for a Christmas tree should feel joyful, not overwhelming. Follow these tips for a seamless experience: Shop Early: Begin your search in late November for the best selection of fresh trees or popular artificial models. Involve the Family: Make it a group activity. Let loved ones help choose the tree and create a cherished annual tradition. Check Freshness: Tug gently on needles to confirm the tree’s freshness. For artificial trees, test the lights and structure before purchasing. For more tips, visit trusted resources like Better Homes & Gardens for expert advice. Make This Season Merry with the Perfect Christmas Tree Your Christmas tree represents holiday cheer, family memories, and seasonal warmth. By considering its type, size, shape, and style, you’ll find the perfect centerpiece for your home. So, grab your favorite cocoa, play some festive tunes, and begin your tree-picking adventure today! FAQs How do I ensure my real Christmas tree stays fresh longer? Keep it watered daily. Use a tree stand with a reservoir to maintain constant hydration. Which tree type is best for heavy ornaments? Choose a Fraser fir or blue spruce. Their sturdy branches hold heavier decorations well. How long does a real tree last indoors? Real trees can stay fresh for 4–6 weeks with proper care. Are artificial trees more environmentally friendly than real ones? Artificial trees balance their environmental impact if reused for 7–10 years. How can I make an artificial tree smell like a real one? Use pine-scented candles, essential oils, or air fresheners. What should I do with my real tree after the holidays? Recycle it through local programs or compost it for eco-friendly disposal. What’s the difference between pre-lit and non-lit artificial trees? Pre-lit trees include built-in lights, while non-lit trees allow for customized lighting setups. How do I choose the right size tree for my space? Measure your ceiling height and subtract one foot. This ensures space for the topper and stand. Are flocked trees safe for pets? Most flocking materials are non-toxic, but always supervise pets to prevent ingestion. 10. How do I avoid overcrowding my room with a large tree? Select a slimmer tree or move furniture to create more space for your display.

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