July 2009

Here are some resources for your reading and growing, or to help you in your ministry.

Books:
Vintage Jesus by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears. If you want to learn more about who Jesus was and what his life and death meant in an easy to read book, I recommend this. It has good theology without sounding or reading like theology. It answers some of the most common questions people would ask about Jesus. Is Jesus the only God? How human was Jesus? Why did Jesus’ mom need to be a virgin? What makes Jesus superior to other saviors?

This Momentary Marriage. John Piper has finally written a book on marriage
and related subjects. He says he had to wait until he and his wife had been married long enough (40 years). I guarantee you will not agree with all of it but I also guarantee that he will make you think more about the Bible and more about marriage than you would if you did not read it. It is not a “how to.” It is better!

Unchristian by David Kinnaman. This is a book published from the research done by the Christian researchers "The Barna Group." It will tell you what the new generation really thinks about Christianity and why it matters. If you want to understand people around you in order to tell them about Jesus, this book is very helpful!

Magazines:
Purpose Driven Connection. This is published by Rick Warren and includes many stories of how people have come to faith in Christ, and learned how to grow, serve, and relate to others. It is a high quality publication and includes articles written by some very well know people. It also includes a 6 part study DVD and study materials you could use to start a small group. It is a quarterly magazine and has only released two editions so far. You can learn more at purposedriven.com.

Decision. This is published by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. It is a magazine "for and about people who want to find Jesus and walk more closely with him." It is published eleven times a year and would be great to read or to give away as an evangelism tool. It also includes articles from well known writers, uplifting stories of God at work, practical insights for personal witnessing and aid for Christian living. You can find out more about it at billygraham.org.

Harvest News is a newsletter published by Harvest USA to mercifully equip the church to bring the power of the Gospel of Jesus to transform the lives of those affected by sexual sin. Learn more at harvestusa.org.

Let me know if you use any of these resources, your impressions or how they helped you.