Book Look: Erasing Hell

On July 13, 2011July 13, 2011 By BrianIn Book Look3 Comments

Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle addresses the current hell controvery. In a simple easy-to-read fashion they explore the various verses in Scripture that speak about hell. In the process they write against Rob Bell’s recent book as well as the American “everyone goes to heaven” funeral mentality. This is much needed in the world and church today.

Still, where the book really shines is when it challenges the way Christians respond to this doctrine of hell. Hell should make us weep. Hell doesn’t make sense to us, and so should humble us before a God that is greater than we are. Hell should cause us to examine ourselves to see if we are really of the faith. Hell is more than a doctrine to fight about or an issue only for the lost. Hell is something that Christians must wrestle with and live in light of. The reality of hell has ramifications for how we live. And these reminders are much needed in the church today.

Prayer Resources

On June 21, 2011March 21, 2015 By BrianIn Book Look1 Comment

I have been writing about prayer for the last few weeks now, and I want to share some resources that I have found useful in thinking and writing about prayer.

First I watched/listened to the 2011 Desiring God Pastors Conference messages on prayer. I found the messages by Joel Beeke and Francis Chan to be particularly helpful, as well as the Panel Discussion.

Second, I read a lot of books:

Fresh Encounters by Daniel Henderson, I have already written about here. It was particularly helpful in thinking through the importance of praying together, as well as ideas to start and lead times of prayer.
A related book, The Church That Prays Together by Elmer Towns and Daniel Henderson, features the prayer ministries of ten different churches, a few of which I found to be helpful in my church context.
The Family at Church by Joel Beeke gives half of the book to considering the importance, history, purpose, and implementation of regular prayer meetings. (The other half of the book is about listening to sermons.)
Developing a Healthy Prayer Life by James W. Beeke and Joel R. Beeke gives 31 short meditations on personal prayer. This was the source of some of the prayer quotes to ponder I featured the last few weeks.

I am in the middle of some other books about personal prayer which I may mention in future posts as I finish reading them.

Finally, for a treasure trove of resources on prayer meetings, I invite you to visit PrayerMeetings.org.

Book Look: Fresh Encounters

On March 10, 2011 By BrianIn Book Look

Fresh Encounters by Daniel Henderson is an articulate and passionate call for the church to come back to corporate prayer. Henderson answers common misconceptions about corporate prayer and shows how corporate prayer is both the expectation of the New Testament and the example of the early church. Yet his call is not to some boring long-winded prayer meeting for endless requests. Rather, he maps out his vision for a more God-centered worship-based time of prayer. And he shows church leaders how to move to a greater prayer emphasis in the church, complete with numerous corporate prayer plans and ideas. Highly recommended.

Book Look: Redeeming Singleness

On February 15, 2011March 21, 2015 By BrianIn Book Look

Redeeming Singleness – Barry Danylak

Redeeming Singleness by Barry Danylak is not your usual book on singleness. It is not about dating, nor is it even focused on bringing out principles for living the single life. Rather it offers a tour through the Bible’s teaching on singleness.

Starting in Genesis, he shows how physical offspring, and hence marriage, were of highest importance in the Old Testament. Physical offspring was a mark of God’s blessing, and necessary to preserve one’s inheritance and name. Through physical offspring would come the Messiah. You did not want to be single in the Old Testament.

But everything changes in Jesus. The Messiah has come. Our eternal inheritance and name are found in Jesus. The mark of blessing is not having offspring, but being adopted as God’s offspring. And the focus has moved from physical offspring to spiritual offspring. Now, it is okay to be single. Indeed, following Jesus and Paul, it is good to be single.

These are the strands Danylak traces through the pages of Scripture. He closes by exploring Paul’s sustained discussion of singleness in I Corinthians 6-7, and what that means for singles today.

By connecting the dots of the Scripture’s teachings on singleness, new insights are gained. Many books simply re-clothe familiar truths, but I found myself actually learning again and again. I used his biblical study as the basis of a two week sermon series, and saw the same learning going on in the eyes of the congregation. His study has become foundational in my thinking on singleness, and will influence directly and indirectly my future posts this week on singleness based on those sermons. Highly recommended for pastors, any who minister to single adults, and anyone who is single.

Book Look: A Praying Life

On January 28, 2011March 21, 2015 By BrianIn Book Look1 Comment

A Praying Life – Paul Miller

How does prayer and life intersect? This book helps answer that question. Miller takes Biblical principles and shows how they have intersected with his family life. This dual approach anchors the book in truth while also making it practical and encouraging – a greater prayer life is not beyond our reach.

He begins by helping us see that we are helpless – and hence must pray. Our problem is that we think we can do life on our own – and so we don’t pray. He then explores the need to trust God so that we will pray. If I don’t trust God, I simply won’t bother with prayer (why would I pray if I can’t trust him?). Both our helplessness and his trustworthiness were ideas I needed to wrestle with and grasp onto, and I suspect others would benefit from his exploration of these foundational topics as well. He continues by considering our requests, and helping us to see how prayer and our daily life fits into God’s bigger story. Finally, he suggests some practical ideas (like using prayer cards and a prayer journal) to help us grow in prayer. Recommended.

Top Books From 2010

On January 5, 2011January 5, 2011 By BrianIn Book Look

I am a reader. I recognize not everyone is, but I am. And I find that reading good Christian books is a great help to me as I seek to grow in my walk with Christ. There are other ways to grow, but reading certainly can be a powerful method. Each year I try to read some books that will challenge me and spur me on. So here are five books I read in 2010 that challenged me, and that I would recommend for your consideration as you seek to grow in the Lord.

You Can Change – Tim Chester.
Chester gives a great overview of the Biblical principles related to growing in holiness, and then suggests practical ways to apply the principles to help you turn away from sin and toward the Lord.

Transforming Grace– Jerry Bridges
Bridges takes you on a Biblical tour of God’s amazing grace that touches every part of our lives. This was my third time through it – well worth it!

The Praying Life– Paul Miller
Miller shares not only Biblical principles but his personal struggles and growth with prayer. It will challenge you to approach prayer in a whole new way.

Counterfeit Gods– Timothy Keller
Idolatry wasn’t just something from long ago – it is alive and well today. Keller helpfully explores the gods of love, money, success, and power, as well as helps us identify our own hidden gods.

This Momentary Marriage– John Piper
Piper helps us think Biblically about marriage, and how that should affect our own marriages. Also includes chapters on singleness and parenting.

Book Look: You Can Change

On December 27, 2010December 27, 2010 By BrianIn Book Look

You Can Change – Tim Chester

This was one of the best books I have read this year. It gives a great overview of the Biblical principles of sanctification, and then helps the reader apply those principles in very practical ways. It begins by reminding us of the goal of change – to be conformed into the image of Christ. From there it looks at right motives and method. The center of the book tackles the issue of idolatry – central to any change we will make. It concludes with roadblocks that keep us from change, disciplines (including community) to help us change, and a final challenge to press on. Each chapter ends with reflections, and a section designed to help the reader change in one area chosen by the reader. So how do you want to change in the coming year? This book would be a great resource to help and encourage you in the process.

Book Look: Transforming Grace

On August 9, 2010February 24, 2015 By BrianIn Book Look

Transforming Grace – Jerry Bridges

I have recently finished reading this book again. It was my third time through. Some authors write their own ideas and attach a few Bible verses. Others start with Bible verses and move to their own ideas. Few write immersed in Scripture like Bridges does. In this book, Bridges gives us an in-depth Bible study on God’s grace. He covers God’s grace in saving us from our sins, his grace that makes us holy, his grace that enables us to serve, and his grace in the midst of trials. In the context of this blog, it is God’s grace that both enables and motivates us for three passion living. So grace is an important reality for us to know more and live in more. If you haven’t read this book, pick it up! If you have have, you might find it useful like I did to read it again.

Book Look: Jonathan Edwards

On July 31, 2010 By BrianIn Biography/History, Book Look2 Comments

Jonathan Edwards – Iain H. Murray

Each year I like to read some biographies. This year my focus is Jonathan Edwards. Murray gives a mostly readable look at Edward’s life. He includes interaction with many of Edwards writings published during his life (which slows the pace a bit, but helps you better understand the man and his times). Murray concludes by considering his legacy. At 500 pages, it requires some dedication, but is worth the effort.

Book Look: The Cross Centered Life

On July 31, 2010 By BrianIn Book Look

The Cross-Centered Life – C. J. Mahaney

I recently reread this book, and have included a few quotes in some past posts. It is a short book, but it has an important message. We simply can’t lose sight of the cross, or even more – it must be central to our lives. He shows how the cross destroys legalism and removes guilt. And he gives practical suggestions for living with the cross at the center of our lives. Much worth reading…and rereading.