Summer can bring a change of pace, whether through travel, rest, or simply the longer light of day. At Serge, many of us find that books become companions in these slower moments, helping us reflect more deeply on the gospel and the world around us.
In this post, we’re sharing what we’re reading this summer, from deep dives into spiritual formation to powerful stories of faith under pressure. We hope these titles spark your own curiosity and offer fresh insight into God’s grace in unexpected places.
What we’re reading:
Tim Keller on the Christian Life: The Transforming Power of the Gospel
By Matt Smethurst
Synthesizing Timothy Keller’s work topic by topic, each chapter of this book highlights a key aspect of the Christian life―covering his views on prayer, suffering, friendship, vocation, intimacy with God, and more.
The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union with Christ
By Walter Marshall
First published in 1692, The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification is one of the classic works of Christian spirituality. It is a deep and rich biblical study of sanctification—how Christians grow in holiness and become more like Jesus. In a day when Christians are very prone to pursue self-help methods to grow in obedience to Christ, Walter Marshall lays out the biblical way of growth: obedience comes as Christians live by grace, in union with Christ, by faith.
Faithful Disobedience: Writings on Church and State from a Chinese House Church Movement
By Wang Yi and others
Throughout China’s rapidly growing cities, a new wave of unregistered house churches is growing, developing rich theological perspectives that are both uniquely Chinese and rooted in the historical doctrines of the faith. To understand how they have endured despite government pressure and cultural marginalization, we must understand both their history and their theology. In this volume, key writings from the house church have been compiled, translated, and made accessible to English speakers.
The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves
By Curt Thompson
Whether we realize it or not, shame affects every aspect of our personal lives and vocational endeavors. It seeks to destroy our identity in Christ, replacing it with a damaged version of ourselves that results in unhealed pain and brokenness. But God is telling a different story for your life. Psychiatrist Curt Thompson unpacks the soul of shame, revealing its ubiquitous nature and neurobiological roots.
The Passion of the King of Glory
By Russ Ramsey
In this carefully researched retelling of the story of Jesus, pastor Russ Ramsey invites us to rediscover our wonder at Jesus’ sinless life, brutal death, and glorious resurrection. Featuring forty short chapters recounting key episodes from Jesus’ time on earth, this book expands on the biblical narrative in a fresh and creative way―giving us a taste of what it would have been like to walk next to Jesus and experience His earthly ministry firsthand. The Passion of the King of Glory is book two in the Retelling the Story Series.
Upcoming Releases—August 2025
Daniel: Standing Firm in Adversity by Paul S. Kim
Lamentations: How Christ Lifts the Burden of Sin and Sorrow by Jonathan Gibson
Is God Disappointed with Me? Resting in God’s Approval by Marc Davis
