“How Do We Know the Bible Is True” is an outstanding resource providing layperson explanations for 31 topics about the Bible. The culture around us continues to question authority, whether it is questioning the police or the politicians who are supposed to represent us. The reason is that they are merely mimicking the cultural questioning of the authority of Scripture. Continue reading
“Pastors [Off the Record]” is a refreshing book for pastors AND for those who care about pastors. Ulstein had a brilliant idea to interview pastors for many different denominations, age ranges and stages of ministry, areas of North America, size of churches as well as city and rural churches. Ulstein is a journalist, who wanted to go out and get an unbiased perspective on what ministry is about. At first he found guarded people – those who pastor or who have pastored. He found the truth of most pastors and that was that they rarely feel free to speak opening with laypersons.
He’s probably right. Too many Christians do not understand the dynamics of serving in a volunteer based occupation in which people have high expectations and let themselves be well-heard. Too many try to assume pastors merely should apply business principles and life goes on. The problem is that ministry is not a business. Ministry involves the souls of people who are deeply loved by the Master who has enlisted the pastor to serve. Most people think that pastor’s kids are just like any other child. The perspectives of those in the congregation is often too short-sighted to understand the pressures of being in the pastor’s family.
I found myself agreeing with so much of what other pastors said. It was incredible how pastoral situations are not unique – go figure! (1 Cor. 10:13!) I found myself laughing and almost weeping, because I understood so much of the joys and the pains that pastors revealed in their interviews. Every church leader ought to read this, so that he might have a chance at understanding what the pastor’s role is and the challenges his pastor might be going through as he tends to God’s flock. Buy one of these for each of your leaders, so they can take care of the one who takes care of them.
“The Bible” is a short book describing how we can know the Bible can be trusted. It read similar to Josh McDowell’s “Evidence that Demands a Verdict,” but much more simplistic. Each topic gives substantiating evidence for the authenticity and sufficiency of Scripture. This is an excellent resource for a new Christian to become grounded in the essential characteristics of the Bible. Continue reading
“Logic and Faith” is a Christian’s textbook on philosophy in dealing with the Evolutionist’s arguments. It is simple, yet profound. It exposes the enemy’s tactics to twist the truth in order to promote his false teaching. It is a beginning guide, in a concise way, to begin thinking beyond simple devotionals and step into the arena of apologetics. Continue reading
This study guide was produced by the Desiring God team working with John Piper. It’s a great ten session tool for small groups to work through Piper’s “Don’t Waste Your Life.” The book itself is an excellent challenge as previously noted on the post yesterday and this will assist in accountability to the content. Continue reading
“Don’t Waste Your Life” is a brilliant challenge to hone in your purpose for living. While the word “waste” seems negative, Piper is anything but negative. He wisely declares that life is short and human pursuits will result in a waste of life, while pursuing God’s purposes will result in the satisfaction of a passion-filled life that in the end – standing before the Lord Jesus – will result in blessing and honor from Him. Continue reading
“Redemption Truths” is a straight-forward summation of doctrines related to redemption. This is a great book to give to a new Christian, although the Anglicized English of the 1800s may be difficult for many in our culture. It may be like giving a new Christian, who is also young an old King James Bible – they likely won’t adjust to the old English. Anderson has a tremendous background in legal and investigative fields and thus ably addresses the justness of God in providing redemption. It also adds to an apologetic approach to the subject matter. Continue reading
“Real Churches” is an excellent Practical Theology textbook. I’ve always seen the original languages and theology as the backbone for a seminary education and practical theology is something that should be learned prior to seminary in discipleship with a pastor or can be learned after seminary as an associate pastor. However, most churches are not able to afford an associate, so most pastors must jump into the lone-pastor role. Continue reading
“Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome is a welcomed breath of fresh air. It is not needed for those who keep their eyes on the Lord, are continuously filled with the Holy Spirit, have memorized and completely live by God’s Word through faith. However, the rest of us humans Kent and Barbara have addressed the challenges pastors face. Continue reading
“Bible Leaders who Coped with Stress” is a great small group discussion study on something that gets as much attention today as anything – stress. People talk about being worn down, stressed out and fed up. Continue reading
Shepherding Truth 