Feb 8, 2011
The Revised Edition of Desiring God by John Piper is a dense book, rich with complex thought and emotion and theology. It is not a book to be read lightly, nor can it be done so. This is the 25th year reprint of the book and all of the original work is meaningful for today, although much of the world itself has changed. A chapter on suffering has been added, and a study guide is included. Detailed Scripture, person, and subject indexes are included as well. The purpose of the book is to explore the relationship between seeking happiness and walking closely with God; the author’s premise is that these concepts are not opposed to each other, but go hand-in-hand. We are commanded to seek happiness in life, which only comes from God and can only be fulfilled by and in Him. In the ten chapters that follow, the author explains and expands and explores this concept, and puts it into daily practice through the disciplines of Word and prayer, missions, worship, marriage and stewardship and suffering. The author approaches his subject deeply and passionately and personally. This is not an easy book to read, but many rewards and much fruit is to be found on every page. It is highly recommended for followers of Jesus and others who may be curious about the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
This book was provided to me at no cost by the publisher for the purpose of review. I was not required to write a positive review.
Dec 28, 2010
The famous last line from Ezekiel 48:35, “The Lord is there”, provides wonderful hope and promise for all believers journeying through this world. This is my last sermon from Ezekiel and the last sermon for 2010.
stream or download
Dec 8, 2010
Radical by Dr. David Platt is a troubling and aggravating book. It kicks the American church in the pants and challenges and stirs its members to renewed, real, and radical devotion to Christ (hence the title of the book, “radical”). Dr. Platt writes from the perspective of pastoring a larger (4,000 member) church and questions if what we do today that is “church” is really what Jesus expects and demands from His disciples. Across five areas (the Word, stewardship and giving, missions and evangelism, the gathering of the church in community, and dependence on the Holy Spirit) Pastor Platt contrasts Jesus’ call to disciples with what today passes for church and Christianity in America. The writing is honest and the book is not written negatively, but it is a critical assessment of today’s “church of the American dream.” Many real people and experiences overseas and historical accounts are offered to illustrate the author’s point. Dr. Platt has many of these questions for himself and leaves much of his topic unanswered as he continues to travel on this journey. The conclusion outlines a year’s challenge that he and his church are pursuing, addressing the five areas. This book is recommended for leaders and members of church who are tired of “same old playing church” and looking for something more in their Christian faith.
Disclaimer: This book was provided to me at no cost from the publisher for purpose of review. I was not required to write a positive review.
Oct 14, 2010
“My advice to all pastors is to simply rearrange your life around the practices of Jesus. Look at His life filled with the press of the crowd, the hatred of religious leaders, and the dullness of His disciples. How did He handle it? He prayed, He prayed alone, and He prayed at special times of pressure and decision. He lived a life focused on others, a life that was based on humility and sacrifice powered by love. When we love with a simple commitment to know God’s will and do it, then many of those unused and malfunctioning plans for discipling begin to work. When pastors are active disciples, they make disciples. Do you have the heart and fire to do this?”
Bill Hull, The Disciple-Making Pastor
Sep 22, 2010
“The first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord. The first thing to be concerned about was not, how much I might serve the Lord, how I might glorify the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man might be nourished. For I might seek to set the truth before the unconverted, I might seek to benefit believers, I might seek to relieve the distressed, I might in other ways seek to behave myself as it becomes a child of God in this world and yet, not being happy in the Lord, and not being nourished and strengthened in my inner man day by day, all this might not be attended to in a right spirit.”
from the autobiography of George Muller, as quoted in John Piper’s Desiring God
May 4, 2010
The Practice of Godliness is an excellent book by Jerry Bridges. It is a re-release of his sequel to the first book, The Pursuit of Holiness. In this book he addresses areas to grow in, “to put on” the new self and grow in Christian character. Pastor Bridges establishes three core elements (fear of God, love of God, desire for God = devotion to God) and the nature and need for training, and then briefly overviews each of 12 characteristics of God and His followers. Pastor Bridges’ book is heavily rooted in the Word but in an easy and flowing writing style. It is a practical exposition, encouraging the reader to apply what is developed. The author correctly focuses on internal heart and mind change in order to impact our outward behaviors – “good fruit can only grow from good roots and proper nourishment.” It is not necessary to read these chapters in order; the reader can “skip around” if needed. It would be helpful for the reader to read and study more on the areas of immediate concern. The additional study guide is helpful for further discussion and study. This is an excellent book to read and study through and apply in the life of any believer and follower of Christ.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Mar 17, 2010
Christlike, by Bill Hull, is a book that deserves to be well marked up and have a place on every Christian’s book shelf. The purpose of the author is ”to so change your mind that after reading this book, it won’t be able to return to its original shape. My goal is to revolutionize the course of your life and change your mind about what it means to be a Christian”, and Pastor Hull achieves this goal powerfully and personally. Tackling the hard issue of “why do people who claim to be Christian not act like it”, Hull addresses issues of transformation and being formed in Christ from the inside-out and outside-in. He weaves personal struggles and situations seemlessly with practical steps for individuals and churches to take. The most impacting observation Hull makes is also the simplest: “There is no other path to Christian spirutal transformation than through meaningful interaction with the Word of God.” In fact, all of the author’s insights into being a disciple and spritual transformation are based in simplicity and uncomplicated obedience. Finally, our transformation and obedience are not only for our benefit but are meant to influence others and the world – by you being different, you will make a difference. Bill Hull’s newest book is an excellent addition to any believer’s library.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Mar 15, 2010
Download or Stream
In Ezekiel 8, the Israelites were chasing hard after idolatry – God passed hard and heavy judgment in chapters 9 and 10. What idols do we worship? What idols do we “chase after”? How can we overcome these issues? How will we escape God’s judgment?
This is my sermon from March 14, 2010.
Nov 10, 2009
“Why does it matter what I believe? Do all religions lead to God? Wasn’t Jesus just another religious teacher?” These questions and others are answered at the Vimeo link, A Passion for Life
Sep 29, 2009
As you view the homepage, don’t forget to scroll down to find more good stuff. There are some links on the right to some good blogs I like to read from time-to-time, some helpful links, and a people-group-of-the-day to pray for. I hope this blesses you in your walk with the Lord
The Revised Edition of Desiring God by John Piper is a dense book, rich with complex thought and emotion and theology. It is not a book to be read lightly, nor can it be done so. This is the 25th year reprint of the book and all of the original work is meaningful for today, although much of the world itself has changed. A chapter on suffering has been added, and a study guide is included. Detailed Scripture, person, and subject indexes are included as well. The purpose of the book is to explore the relationship between seeking happiness and walking closely with God; the author’s premise is that these concepts are not opposed to each other, but go hand-in-hand. We are commanded to seek happiness in life, which only comes from God and can only be fulfilled by and in Him. In the ten chapters that follow, the author explains and expands and explores this concept, and puts it into daily practice through the disciplines of Word and prayer, missions, worship, marriage and stewardship and suffering. The author approaches his subject deeply and passionately and personally. This is not an easy book to read, but many rewards and much fruit is to be found on every page. It is highly recommended for followers of Jesus and others who may be curious about the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
No Comments 
