Category: Books
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When Helping Hurts
With the re-emergence of ministries of mercy by Evangelicals have also come definite challenges. I am delighted that this trend of compassion continues on the upswing. But I am also aware of both the theological and practical dilemmas that inevitably face anyone who is engaged in such outreach. The video above in an interview with…
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Suggested Reading for Season of Lent
The Season of Lent is a time of preparation and anticipation. It is a season that should be characterized reflection, soul-searching, repentance, and ultimately looking forward to celebration – the celebration of all Jesus accomplished for us on the Cross. As Daniel Montgomery, of Sojourn Church writes: “Lent helps us focus on why He had…
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You Can Change
I started reading You Can Change by Tim Chester of The Crowded House. It is different from most books about transformation and personal growth because Chester roots everything in the dual truths of the Christian’s new identities and the power of the gospel. This video is Tim’s introduction and explanation of the book. Here is what a couple…
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The Great Omission
I’ve been reading Dallas Willard’s The Great Omission. This book is a compilation of essay’s Willard has written through the years. Most of those essays are available online. They are each able to stand alone, and all are worth the read. Why Bother With Discipleship? Who is Your Teacher? Looking Like Jesus The Key to…
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Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
Having recently posted some thoughts and resources about dealing with our discontent, I thought I might offer something from the other direction – how to cultivate godly contentment. As Paul wrote to his protege, Timothy: “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6.6) Thanks to the folks at Monergism, Jeremiah Burroughs‘ classic The Rare…
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Love Wins… Does Anyone Lose – Part 2
Now that the advanced copies of the book have been sent out, people have had opportunity to read it and reflect. Kevin DeYoung has thoughtfully analyzed Rob Bell’s Love Wins and published his observations and concerns in a compelling review. DeYoung’s opening paragraph offers a summary of Bell’s premise: Love Wins, by mega-church pastor Rob…
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Love Wins… Does Anyone Lose?
Apparently the dance goes on and on! That is in reference to the opening statement I made in a post yesterday. A debate about the Doctrine of Hell has been spreading like a wild fire for a couple weeks now. I only made mention of it because it is a subject that has subsequently been…
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Choosing a Book
Richard Baxter wrote: “Make careful choice of the books which you read.” Baxter went on to state: You need a judicious teacher at hand to direct you about what books to use or to refuse, for among good books there are some very good that are sound and lively, and some good but mediocre, and…
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Measuring the Value of a Book
Puritan Richard Baxter offers a few simple questions to guide us in evaluating the value of any book: While reading ask oneself: Could I spend this time any better? Are there better books that would edify me more? Are the lovers of this book the greatest lovers of the Book of God – the Bible…
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Some Thoughts About Reading
The writings of the Divines are nothing else but a preaching of the gospel to the eye, as the voice preaches it to the ear. Vocal preaching has the pre-eminence in moving the affections, whenever it is applied to the condition of the hearts in the congregation which hears it. This way the milk comes…
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I Want Change
Change is inevitable, but it is not always pleasant. But perhaps even less pleasant than unexpected change is the lack of change when it is desired and needed – particularly change in ourselves and in our spiritual development. The questions are common: How Can I Change? When Will I Change? C.J. Mahaney & Robin Boisvert…
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10 Dumbest Things Christians Do
There is a book out there with the title: The 10 Dumbest Things Christians Do. I feel compelled to pick up a book with a title like that. I want to see how many of these 10 dumb things I am guilty of doing. I don’t know if the list the author, Mark Atteberry, compiled is right…
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What is God Like?
What is God like? Describe to me the God you say you believe in. In the first chapter of his best selling book, Crazy Love, Francis Chan challenges his readers to ponder who God is. “Who is it that you are praying to?” Chan wants us to ask. I really appreciate that challenge and that…
