It’s one of our favorite episodes of the year—sharing new Christian books worth reading and giving. In this 2025 edition, Dr. John Snyder highlights an updated commentary, a missionary biography, a devotional from Jeremy Walker, and more. Perfect for Christmas gifts or planning your 2026 reading list. Find links to every book below!

Every year around this time, we take a look at recent Christian book releases and share our top recommendations for reading or giving. Whether you’re building your 2026 reading plan or searching for thoughtful Christmas gifts, this list is a great place to start.

You might even send this episode to someone who’s shopping for you!

But this conversation goes beyond book suggestions.

John reminds us that our reading life, like our eating life, needs balance. We can read lazily or we can read wisely—stewarding our time and shaping our minds. Read widely, but let Scripture remain central. Read books that stretch both your heart and your understanding—balancing the objective truths of God’s Word with the personal experiences of His people.

A Word in Season

https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/a-word-in-season-50-days-of-hope-for-hard-times

Good Tidings of Great Joy

https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/devotionalsdaily-readings/good-tidings-of-great-joy/

Cardiphonia

https://www.amazon.com/Cardiphonia-Utterance-Correspondence-Complete-Unabridged/dp/1789876036/ref=pd_lpo_d_sccl_1/143-1962832-2492564?pd_rd_w=yF1Zs&content-id=amzn1.sym.4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_p=4c8c52db-06f8-4e42-8e56-912796f2ea6c&pf_rd_r=MVP80S95F6QV77PV7B2N&pd_rd_wg=dJlLA&pd_rd_r=d9ee057f-9582-4291-aefb-ff0a4c6acd69&pd_rd_i=1789876036&psc=1

John G. Patton autobiography

https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/history-biography/john-g-paton/

Harmony of the Gospels

https://www.prpbooks.com/book/the-gospel-of-jesus

J. C. Ryle Expository Thoughts on the Gospel Box Set

https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781783974801/expository-thoughts-on-the-gospels-modernised-boxset

John Newton’s final letter to Mrs. — reminds believers that suffering is never wasted. Dr. John Snyder explores Newton’s insights on sanctification, God’s glory in affliction, and Christ’s inexhaustible compassion.

In this final episode on John Newton’s Letters to Mrs. —, Dr. John Snyder explores Newton’s tender counsel to a believer walking through prolonged difficulty. Newton reminds her — and us — that though human compassion is limited, the compassion of Christ is infinite: deeper than every sorrow and sufficient for every need.

Drawing from this sixth letter (1772), we hear Newton explain that the believer’s suffering is never meaningless. Every trial is woven by God for two great purposes: the sanctification of His children and the glory of His name. Even in affliction, the Christian’s contentment and quiet trust adorn the gospel.

This letter also offers a glimpse into Newton’s weekly rhythms — his Saturday evening walks through Olney, spent praying for the ministers and congregations who would gather the next day. It closes with one of his most beautiful meditations on the inexhaustible riches of Christ, who can fill and satisfy all His people without measure.

The remaining letters Newton wrote Mrs. — are about topics we have already discussed so this will be the final letter between that we will discuss. But if you want to read the text of all the letters he wrote her, you can find them below. We pray they are a blessing to you.

You can read this week's letter here:

Read all eight letters to Mrs.

First Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/first-leter-to-mrs

Second Letters to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/second-letter-to-mrs

Third Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/third-letter-to-mrs

Fourth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fourth-letter-to-mrs

Fifth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fifth-letter-to-mrs-

Sixth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/sixth-letter-to-mrs

Seventh Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/seventh-letter-to-mrs

Eighth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/eighth-letter-to-mrs

Watch all the episodes of this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDMzuC301aRv8v3tga_psAcK What all Whole Counsel episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDMtoTMNlcPdqOqkg0vuNlYG See Media Gratiae Original Project: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDPqcYtQL-uT7Dx4OcprVlik

Dr. John Snyder continues the Letters that Continue to Speak series with John Newton’s Letter 5.

In this pastoral letter, Newton teaches how God uses trials to cultivate humility, Christlikeness, and dependence on Him alone. He warns that comforts can quietly divide our hearts, but through trials, Christ—the perfect Teacher—draws us back to Himself.

Newton closes with four exhortations: gratitude for Christ as Teacher, attentiveness to daily lessons, obedience on the path of duty, and drawing strength from prayer and Scripture.

This episode is a reminder that God’s kindness is never absent, even in our hardest seasons.

You can read this week's letter here:

You can read next week’s letter here:

Read all eight letters to Mrs.

First Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/first-leter-to-mrs

Second Letters to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/second-letter-to-mrs

Third Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/third-letter-to-mrs

Fourth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fourth-letter-to-mrs

Fifth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fifth-letter-to-mrs-

Sixth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/sixth-letter-to-mrs

Seventh Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/seventh-letter-to-mrs

Eighth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/eighth-letter-to-mrs

Watch all the episodes of this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDMzuC301aRv8v3tga_psAcK What all Whole Counsel episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDMtoTMNlcPdqOqkg0vuNlYG See Media Gratiae Original Project: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDPqcYtQL-uT7Dx4OcprVlik

In this week’s episode of The Whole Counsel, Dr. John Snyder continues our series on Christian letters from the past, focusing on Letter 4 to Mrs. —, written by John Newton. These letters, though centuries old, still speak powerfully into our lives today.

This week’s letter reveals Newton’s pastoral heart as he guides a friend through illness and spiritual struggle. He addresses a question many believers wrestle with: Why does God allow difficulties in the life of a Christian? Newton doesn’t offer simple answers or platitudes. Instead, he points to the sovereign wisdom and tender care of our Shepherd, reminding us that even the most painful trials can serve our spiritual growth.

Newton encourages Mrs. — to see her hardships in light of God’s greater purposes. He reminds her that God’s love is both merciful and wise, allowing what is necessary to purify, teach, and strengthen His children. And when life feels bleak, he offers hope: God is always present, His ear always attentive, and His power sufficient to sustain us.

Whether you’re walking through illness, disappointment, or other trials, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement for leaning on God in every season.

You can read this week's letter here:

You can read next week’s letter here:

Read all eight letters to Mrs. —

First Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/first-leter-to-mrs

Second Letters to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/second-letter-to-mrs

Third Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/third-letter-to-mrs

Fourth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fourth-letter-to-mrs

Fifth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fifth-letter-to-mrs-

Sixth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/sixth-letter-to-mrs

Seventh Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/seventh-letter-to-mrs

Eighth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/eighth-letter-to-mrs

Watch all the episodes of this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDMzuC301aRv8v3tga_psAcK What all Whole Counsel episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDMtoTMNlcPdqOqkg0vuNlYG See Media Gratiae Original Project: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0xuCgknPDPqcYtQL-uT7Dx4OcprVlik

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

Last week, we introduced “Mrs.. —.” She is a lady whose name is lost to history, but John Newton’s “shepherding through the post,” as Dr. John Snyder phrased it in the first episode of this series, is timeless to her.  Newton wrote a series of eight letters to Mrs.— and this week is the second letter. In it, John Newton helps her see the battle of the Christian life. New believers may be surprised that conviction doesn’t end after conversion, but can often feel even worse. As we draw nearer to God, two things are brought more into focus: his holiness and our sinfulness. So how do we continue drawing near to him while it feels so uncomfortable? As Newton said, “It becometh the Lord's people to be thankful; and to acknowledge His goodness in what we have received, is the surest as well as the pleasantest method of obtaining more. Nor should the grief arising from what we know and feel of our own hearts, rob us of the honor, comfort, and joy, which the word of God designs us, in what is there recorded of the person, offices, and grace of Jesus, and the relations He is pleased to stand in to His people.”

We pray this letter is as much of a blessing to you as it has been to us. You can find all the letters to Mrs.— in the links below.

You can read this week's letter here:

You can read next week’s letter here:

Show Notes:

Watch all the episodes of this series here:

Read all eight letters to Mrs.

First Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/first-leter-to-mrs

Second Letters to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/second-letter-to-mrs

Third Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/third-letter-to-mrs

Fourth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fourth-letter-to-mrs

Fifth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fifth-letter-to-mrs-

Sixth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/sixth-letter-to-mrs

Seventh Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/seventh-letter-to-mrs

Eighth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/eighth-letter-to-mrs

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

This week, we return to our series of Christian letters from history. Previously, we have looked at letters John Newton wrote about stages of the Christian life and a letter he wrote concerning corporate prayer.  This week, we begin looking at a series of eight letters Newton wrote to a “Mrs. . —.” We do not have her name, as Newton removed most identifying information from the letters when he published them. But we do know some things about her. She lived in London and wrote to Newton early in his pastoral ministry. She was bothered about the indwelling nature and influence of sin in her life. Newton’s counsel to her applies to every Christian who grieves their sin and desires a closer walk with Christ.  As we work our way through this series, we will not discuss every letter he wrote to her. However, we will have the text of each letter available on our website for you to read. You don’t have to wait week to week to see the letters. All eight letters are linked below for you to read and consider before listening to John discuss them week by week.

You can read this week's letter here:

You can read next week’s letter here:

Show Notes:

Watch all the episodes of this series here:

Read all eight letters to Mrs.

First Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/first-leter-to-mrs

Second Letters to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/second-letter-to-mrs

Third Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/third-letter-to-mrs

Fourth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fourth-letter-to-mrs

Fifth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/fifth-letter-to-mrs-

Sixth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/sixth-letter-to-mrs

Seventh Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/seventh-letter-to-mrs

Eighth Letter to Mrs.: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/eighth-letter-to-mrs

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

This is our final week of previewing studies Media Gratiae has produced through the years. If you have been through Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically, or Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty, you have seen Jordan Thomas. He contributed to the interview segments of those two studies.

When we started producing smaller studies, we knew we wanted Jordan to make one. We approached him and asked for a topic or passage he felt was needed in today’s church. He unhesitatingly answered that a study on treasuring Christ corporately would be the topic of his choosing.

The resulting study is Christ Our Treasure: Enjoying the Preeminence of Jesus in the Local Church. Jordan wanted to create this study based on the belief that many Christians in our modern, individualistic culture have lost their grasp on the value of the local church. Through this eight-week study, he aims to teach congregations —the local expressions of Christ’s bride —how to treasure Christ as a body.

As with our other studies, Christ Our Treasure consists of video sermons and a workbook. The workbook is the heart of this study. To learn more about the study, follow the links below:

Show Notes:

Christ Our Treasure: Enjoying the Preeminence of Jesus in the Local Church

https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/christ-our-treasure

The Nature and Practice of True-Hearted Discipleship

https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/true-hearted-discipleship

Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty:

https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-the-weight-of-majesty-media-gratiae-online-course

Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty Workbook

https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-the-weight-of-majesty-workbook

We are continuing our special series highlighting studies Media Gratiae has produced through the years, and this week, we are presenting to you one of our newer studies. Published in 2024, The Nature and Practice of True-Hearted Discipleship was written and taught by Dr. Ian Hamilton.

If you are unfamiliar with Dr. Hamilton, we highly encourage you to seek out his books and preaching. His style is simultaneously direct and disarming.

As with our other studies, there are two components: a workbook and eight video sermons. In each chapter, Dr. Hamilton guides us back to Scripture to examine what Jesus says about what it means to be his follower. The life of a disciple begins with a radically transformative new birth, and from that birth flows a life of following Jesus in obedience.

We pray that this first session and the entire study may be a blessing to you. You can learn more about the study at the link below.

Show Notes:

The Nature and Practice of True-Hearted Discipleship

https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/true-hearted-discipleship

Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty:

https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-the-weight-of-majesty-media-gratiae-online-course

Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty Workbook

https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-the-weight-of-majesty-workbook

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

We are taking a break from our series on letters from Christian history to give Teddy James and his family a short break while they care for their new addition, Jack. During this time, we are presenting to you the first session from several studies that Media Gratiae has produced over the years. This week’s special is Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty, which is a follow-up to our first study.

After people went through the first Behold Your God study, they asked if we could recommend a study specifically focused on the attributes of God. These requests led us to create a 12-week multimedia study on God’s attributes. These attributes are discussed in a specific order, allowing them to build upon one another. The study begins with God’s incomprehensibility, self-existence, and independence, and then moves on to His holiness, wrath, and love. The order is intentional, as the beginning attributes add weight to the later ones.

We have heard from many who have watched the videos and been blessed by them. When we asked for their thoughts regarding the workbook, they revealed they were unaware that the workbook existed. That reality is heartbreaking to us because the workbook is the heart of the study. It is where participants work through passages of Scripture and see how God’s attributes are not just found in the Old Testament or the New Testament, but that he is the same throughout the entirety of Scripture.

If you have been through Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty before, we pray this first session may remind you of the things God taught you through it. If you haven’t been through the study, you can learn more about the videos and accompanying workbook at the link below.

Show Notes:

Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty:

https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-the-weight-of-majesty-media-gratiae-online-course

Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty Workbook

https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-the-weight-of-majesty-workbook

Learn more about Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically - https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/behold-your-god-series

See the workbook here: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-workbook

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

We are celebrating an addition to the Media Gratiae family over the next few weeks. If you have listened to The Whole Counsel for a long time, you may remember Teddy James. His family is welcoming their newest addition, Jack. To give Teddy some time to focus on his home needs, we are running a series of special episodes highlighting some of the studies produced by Media Gratiae over the years.

First in this series, we are highlighting the study that started Media Gratiae, Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically. This 12-week study seeks to help you deepen in your knowledge of God.

Of all our studies, Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically has reached the widest audience. It has been translated into multiple languages and has been used in churches across the globe. We have heard from many who have watched these videos and been blessed by them. But so often, people are unaware of its accompanying workbook. That is sad to us because the workbook is the heart of the study. It is where you work through the Scriptures, wrestling over the truths taught in the video material. If you have never completed the workbook, our prayer is that this first session will encourage you to consider doing so. You can learn more about it at the link below.

Show Notes:

Learn more about Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically - https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/behold-your-god-series

See the workbook here: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-workbook

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app