I am still working on my list of "must read" books for every Christian. The list is way too long and I am trying to find a good way to categorize and edit it.
In the meantime, in my way too time-consuming hobby of surfing the blogosphere, I have recently discovered Adrian Warnock, a blogger from the UK. He has some helpful insights. In a recent post he asks for your most favorite, well known preachers. The responses are very interesting, and fun. In this spirit, I suggest as similar discussion here.
Let me ask you to do the impossible. List your five (only five - that's the hard part) favorite, modern-day (whatever that means to you) preachers. Give their name and place of ministy if your can.
Here is mine (for now anyway):
1. John MacArthur from Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, also of Grace to You Ministries.
2. Dr. Al Mohler, President of Southern Seminary.
3. Alistair Begg from Parkside Church in suburban Cleveland, also of Truth for Life Ministries.
4. John Piper, Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, also of Desiring God Ministries.
5. Iain Murray of Banner of Truth Trust, a reformed publishing ministry. Dr. Murray focuses more on historical theology than exposition. Find his sermons/lectures at SermonAudio.com.
Now it is your turn. Give honor to whom you believe honor is due!
Grace to You, my blogging friends!
Showing posts with label Reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reading. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Monday, July 25, 2005
Good Reading for Christian Boys
A brief scan of this blog's archives will clearly indicate the high value I place on reading. I have commented on great value of reading Christian biographies, the effect reading has on Pastor's and subsequently, churched, and most recently I expressed some concern over fiction. Regarding the reading of Harry Potter, I have a very unformed opinion. (Which is quite amazing, since I usually land soundly on an opinion and argue vehemently, often to my own detriment.) My gut pulls me away from embracing the series, simply because (although fictional - believe me, I have read the arguments) of the glorification of what God has condemned. I do not feel strongly enough to make a case for or against the acceptance of this series or anything like it.
Although, my Pastor made a great point Sunday morning. Six million people stood in line to anxiously buy and read the latest installment from Rowling. How many people were lined up at the front door of the church to get in and hear the next installment of their pastor's exposition? He made absolutely no value judgement on Harry Potter; rather, he pointed out the difference in how the world passionately embraces their stories, which are mere fiction, and how the church embraces our stories, which are historical, life-changing facts. Interesting!
Regarding Harry Potter, again I would direct your attention to Phil Johnson's thoughtful comments. Though I largely agree with Phil's assertions, I still contend that there must be better stuff available for young Christians to read. Things that will allow them to "let the Word of Christ richly dwell in [them]."
My boy, Jonathan, is going to be 3 in a couple of weeks. My two girls LOVE to read. Statistics indicate that boys are far less inclined to reading. Though I cannot substantiate this claim, there must be some relationship to a boy's lack of interest in reading and the lack of good, imaginative, well written fiction for them to read. Most of what the publishing industry aims at young boys (and girls for that matter) is drivel with no substantive plot, no interesting character development, and usually a contrived, spiritualized ending. Put that stuff up against Harry Potter and the young wizard will win everytime.
I found (actually my wife found) a very interesting selection of exciting, well written books for young men. The Vision Forum is an organization dedicated to restoring the vision of a the biblical family. They have a decidedly reformed bent and desire to bring the Word of God to bear in the life of the Americal Family.
Happy Reading... and Grace to You!
Although, my Pastor made a great point Sunday morning. Six million people stood in line to anxiously buy and read the latest installment from Rowling. How many people were lined up at the front door of the church to get in and hear the next installment of their pastor's exposition? He made absolutely no value judgement on Harry Potter; rather, he pointed out the difference in how the world passionately embraces their stories, which are mere fiction, and how the church embraces our stories, which are historical, life-changing facts. Interesting!
Regarding Harry Potter, again I would direct your attention to Phil Johnson's thoughtful comments. Though I largely agree with Phil's assertions, I still contend that there must be better stuff available for young Christians to read. Things that will allow them to "let the Word of Christ richly dwell in [them]."
My boy, Jonathan, is going to be 3 in a couple of weeks. My two girls LOVE to read. Statistics indicate that boys are far less inclined to reading. Though I cannot substantiate this claim, there must be some relationship to a boy's lack of interest in reading and the lack of good, imaginative, well written fiction for them to read. Most of what the publishing industry aims at young boys (and girls for that matter) is drivel with no substantive plot, no interesting character development, and usually a contrived, spiritualized ending. Put that stuff up against Harry Potter and the young wizard will win everytime.
I found (actually my wife found) a very interesting selection of exciting, well written books for young men. The Vision Forum is an organization dedicated to restoring the vision of a the biblical family. They have a decidedly reformed bent and desire to bring the Word of God to bear in the life of the Americal Family.
Happy Reading... and Grace to You!
Friday, July 15, 2005
Harry Potter is more secure than our Borders
The new Harry Potter book comes out on Saturday, so I hear. The Book Standard reports that the new books are under tight security. One delivery driver "revealed recently that he had been ordered to make the ten-hour trip without stopping. To ensure compliance, his truck was outfitted with a global positioning system, which allows a satellite to monitor his progress—reporting any deviation from the strictly regulated route, or even stops for bathroom break."
I thought is was interesting that more time and effort are spent on tracking Harry Potter books than is spent on tracking suitcases packed with nuclear bomb making parts. I know not really a far comparison; but, isn't unbelievable the hype that goes into things?
That is not really my real concern. I was thinking again about Harry Potter recently. I have never really given and clear thought to the subject or appropriateness of filling ones mind and imagination with the content of Rowlings best sellers. I know have a 3 year old son that might someday be interested in fantasy literature - thankfully, not yet! That is not my genre of choice. But I want my decisions to be based on clear biblical conviction.
Deut. 18.9-14 is absolutely clear that God forbids having anything to do with one who practices sorcery, divination, necromancy, wizardry, etc... That is clearly Harry Potter. Why do so many Christians readily bring this stuff into their homes and the minds of their children? Once in my last church, we had a missionary teaching children's church. I thought that was safe enough. I later found that she was pushing Harry Potter to our children -"there are good moral lessons about good vs. evil, etc..." When do good moral lessons trump Biblical authority? Isn't there other places to get good moral lessons without spitting in the face of clear biblical teaching?
While I am at it, let me ask an honest question. I know, a bit taboo for a Christian to even think about questioning The Lord of the Rings. Shame on me for even thinking anything might be remotely wrong with that series. But doesn't that series also involve sorcery, wizardry, etc... I know, I know ... it's all good vs. evil, allegorical, etc... But again, let's deal with the text of Scripture. When can we bring that kind of stuff into the minds our children? As long as we use some Christian themes and Christian words, the other stuff is okay? Then let's all got buy the latest U2 album! See? When does it become acceptable?
These are honest questions? I admit to having never read either Potter or Lord of the Rings. So I speak with level of ignorance. But I think I grasp the spirit of Deut 18, and other Scriptures.
By the way, two night ago we started, for family devotions, Little Pilgrims Progress by Helen Taylor. This is great fictional literature!
Grace to You!
I thought is was interesting that more time and effort are spent on tracking Harry Potter books than is spent on tracking suitcases packed with nuclear bomb making parts. I know not really a far comparison; but, isn't unbelievable the hype that goes into things?
That is not really my real concern. I was thinking again about Harry Potter recently. I have never really given and clear thought to the subject or appropriateness of filling ones mind and imagination with the content of Rowlings best sellers. I know have a 3 year old son that might someday be interested in fantasy literature - thankfully, not yet! That is not my genre of choice. But I want my decisions to be based on clear biblical conviction.
Deut. 18.9-14 is absolutely clear that God forbids having anything to do with one who practices sorcery, divination, necromancy, wizardry, etc... That is clearly Harry Potter. Why do so many Christians readily bring this stuff into their homes and the minds of their children? Once in my last church, we had a missionary teaching children's church. I thought that was safe enough. I later found that she was pushing Harry Potter to our children -"there are good moral lessons about good vs. evil, etc..." When do good moral lessons trump Biblical authority? Isn't there other places to get good moral lessons without spitting in the face of clear biblical teaching?
While I am at it, let me ask an honest question. I know, a bit taboo for a Christian to even think about questioning The Lord of the Rings. Shame on me for even thinking anything might be remotely wrong with that series. But doesn't that series also involve sorcery, wizardry, etc... I know, I know ... it's all good vs. evil, allegorical, etc... But again, let's deal with the text of Scripture. When can we bring that kind of stuff into the minds our children? As long as we use some Christian themes and Christian words, the other stuff is okay? Then let's all got buy the latest U2 album! See? When does it become acceptable?
These are honest questions? I admit to having never read either Potter or Lord of the Rings. So I speak with level of ignorance. But I think I grasp the spirit of Deut 18, and other Scriptures.
By the way, two night ago we started, for family devotions, Little Pilgrims Progress by Helen Taylor. This is great fictional literature!
Grace to You!
Thursday, June 30, 2005
You are what you read...
You should always be reading at least one book.
Any of you that know me will not be surprised by that statement. I make a point in virtually every sermon I preach to recommend at least one book. Reading stimulates your mind. Even, especially perhaps, if you don't agree with the author. As a general rule, I am reading one book on theology and one biography. I am still working my way through The Biography of Robert Murray McCheyne, by Andrew Bonar. I am about to start a book I have wanted to read for a few years actually, but was recently given it as a gift from my good friend John Babri - Richard Baxter's The Reformed Pastor.
As important as reading is, one's reading diet must be carefully chosen. I do not advocate only reading books of your predisposed positions and ideas. Stretch your mind with the thoughts of those you might not agree with. For example, I have book in my TO READ stack (which is intimidatingly tall) called Why I Am Not a Calvinist, Jerry Walls and Joseph Dongell. Obviously, I will not agree with the conclusions of the authors, but I trust that my mind and presuppositions will be stretched.
My musing on this subject this afternoon was provoked by two recent Barna Group reports on the subject of reading. A report released on May 30, 2005, entitled Survey Reveals The Books and Authors That Have Most Influenced Pastors, was very enlightening regarding the state of our evangelical churches in America. "When pastors were asked to identify the three books that had been most helpful to them as a ministry leader during the past three years, more than two hundred different books were listed. However, only nine books were listed by at least 2% of all pastors," states the report. The top two books listed as most helpful to Pastors were The Purpose Driven Life (listed by 21% of Pastors) and the Purpose Driven Church (listed by 15% of Pastors. Now, don't misunderstand me. These aren't the worst books that a pastor can read... but THE MOST HELPFUL AS A MINISTRY LEADER??
The report indicated that "only seven additional books gained recognition from at least 2% of pastors – and each of those seven publications was chosen by 2%. Those books were What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Phillip Yancey; Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala; Wild At Heart by John Eldredge; Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels; Spiritual Leadership by Henry Blackaby; Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley; and the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell."
Even more of a concern was the type of books pastors spend their precious time reading. The chart below shows what category of books were chosen. The percentage indicates what portion of pastors polled listed at least one book in that category in their list of the three most helpful.
54% Personal Spiritual Growth
23 % Church Growth
22 % Leadership
9% Evangelism
6% Pastoring
5% Prayer
5% Charismatic Perspectives
4% Cultural Trends
3% Preaching
Only 3% of Pastors said they found a book on Preaching extremely helpful. Maybe they all have mastered the art of expositing God's Word before God's people week in and week out. Only 9 % have read a helpful book on Evangelism? I realize I am an Outreach Pastor, but I have read four books already this year on evangelism that have challenged and stretched me immensely. Perhaps I still have more to learn.
My concern is simply this, how can we expect evangelical Christians to be growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ when their pastors are spending more time reading books about methodolgy than theology. I understand that we need to package the goods in an attractive, understandable way. But when you don't even know what you are packaging, does the pretty wrapping paper even matter?
Why are Christian "Bookstores" so full of self help books? Book on methodology, psychology, church growth, etc... But if I want to find a book on soteriology, ecclesiology or the doctrine of God's sovereignty, I have to order it online? Because people, and their pastors, aren't reading books that stretch our minds and force us to interact with the theology of God.
What are you reading? I am try to make a list entitled 5 Must Read Books for Every Christian. I find in difficult to limit it to five. It may grow to 10. But I will popst it here soon. In the mean time, what are you reading? Even if it is the Purpose Driven Life, read something! And think about it as you read it!
Grace to You!
Any of you that know me will not be surprised by that statement. I make a point in virtually every sermon I preach to recommend at least one book. Reading stimulates your mind. Even, especially perhaps, if you don't agree with the author. As a general rule, I am reading one book on theology and one biography. I am still working my way through The Biography of Robert Murray McCheyne, by Andrew Bonar. I am about to start a book I have wanted to read for a few years actually, but was recently given it as a gift from my good friend John Babri - Richard Baxter's The Reformed Pastor.
As important as reading is, one's reading diet must be carefully chosen. I do not advocate only reading books of your predisposed positions and ideas. Stretch your mind with the thoughts of those you might not agree with. For example, I have book in my TO READ stack (which is intimidatingly tall) called Why I Am Not a Calvinist, Jerry Walls and Joseph Dongell. Obviously, I will not agree with the conclusions of the authors, but I trust that my mind and presuppositions will be stretched.
My musing on this subject this afternoon was provoked by two recent Barna Group reports on the subject of reading. A report released on May 30, 2005, entitled Survey Reveals The Books and Authors That Have Most Influenced Pastors, was very enlightening regarding the state of our evangelical churches in America. "When pastors were asked to identify the three books that had been most helpful to them as a ministry leader during the past three years, more than two hundred different books were listed. However, only nine books were listed by at least 2% of all pastors," states the report. The top two books listed as most helpful to Pastors were The Purpose Driven Life (listed by 21% of Pastors) and the Purpose Driven Church (listed by 15% of Pastors. Now, don't misunderstand me. These aren't the worst books that a pastor can read... but THE MOST HELPFUL AS A MINISTRY LEADER??
The report indicated that "only seven additional books gained recognition from at least 2% of pastors – and each of those seven publications was chosen by 2%. Those books were What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Phillip Yancey; Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala; Wild At Heart by John Eldredge; Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels; Spiritual Leadership by Henry Blackaby; Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley; and the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell."
Even more of a concern was the type of books pastors spend their precious time reading. The chart below shows what category of books were chosen. The percentage indicates what portion of pastors polled listed at least one book in that category in their list of the three most helpful.
54% Personal Spiritual Growth
23 % Church Growth
22 % Leadership
9% Evangelism
6% Pastoring
5% Prayer
5% Charismatic Perspectives
4% Cultural Trends
3% Preaching
Only 3% of Pastors said they found a book on Preaching extremely helpful. Maybe they all have mastered the art of expositing God's Word before God's people week in and week out. Only 9 % have read a helpful book on Evangelism? I realize I am an Outreach Pastor, but I have read four books already this year on evangelism that have challenged and stretched me immensely. Perhaps I still have more to learn.
My concern is simply this, how can we expect evangelical Christians to be growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ when their pastors are spending more time reading books about methodolgy than theology. I understand that we need to package the goods in an attractive, understandable way. But when you don't even know what you are packaging, does the pretty wrapping paper even matter?
Why are Christian "Bookstores" so full of self help books? Book on methodology, psychology, church growth, etc... But if I want to find a book on soteriology, ecclesiology or the doctrine of God's sovereignty, I have to order it online? Because people, and their pastors, aren't reading books that stretch our minds and force us to interact with the theology of God.
What are you reading? I am try to make a list entitled 5 Must Read Books for Every Christian. I find in difficult to limit it to five. It may grow to 10. But I will popst it here soon. In the mean time, what are you reading? Even if it is the Purpose Driven Life, read something! And think about it as you read it!
Grace to You!
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Christian Biographies
It was recently brought to my attention the significant impact the reading of Christian biographies had the spiritual and ministerial development of C.H. Spurgeon and George Whitfield. Scripture itself places emphasis on our learning from others around us and from those who have gone before us. We must always recognize the saints on whose shoulders we stand in the work of building God's church!
With that in mind, allow me to ask a question. What good Christian biographies have you recently read... contemporary or from generations gone by? Please post in the comment section so we can all add to our "must read" lists.
I am currently reading The Biography of Robert Murray McCheyne by Andrew Bonar. I recently finished a more contemporay biography, The Hand of Providence: The Faith of Ronald Reagan.
What are you reading that you would recommend?
Grace to You!
With that in mind, allow me to ask a question. What good Christian biographies have you recently read... contemporary or from generations gone by? Please post in the comment section so we can all add to our "must read" lists.
I am currently reading The Biography of Robert Murray McCheyne by Andrew Bonar. I recently finished a more contemporay biography, The Hand of Providence: The Faith of Ronald Reagan.
What are you reading that you would recommend?
Grace to You!
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Some favorite links
It might be a bit like a local "Mom & Pop" ice cream shop encouraging you to visit Dairy Queen or a "Jim Bob's Used Car's" telling to go see the big new Ford dealership downthe street, but I am going to encourage you to visit a few of my favorite sites. Of course, they are far better in terms of style and substance than what I am posting. I trust you will find them helpful.
Here is a list of my favorite sites:
http://www.9marks.org/ - The ministry of Mark Dever and 9 Marks of a healthy church
http://www.crosswalk.com/news/weblogs/mohler/ - Dr. Al Mohler's Blog
http://www.alliancenet.org/ - The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
http://aomin.org/ - The apologetic ministry of Dr. James White
http://a1m.org/index.php - The thoughtful ministry of Steve Camp
http://www.mlj.org.uk/ - Martin Llyod Jones Recording Trust - hear recorded sermons of the great expositor himself
http://www.monergism.com/ - Good website on church ministry and conservative theology
http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/ - My other hobby, when I am not teaching or reading
http://www.johnnybronco.blogspot.com - the thoughts of a friend of mine who is just starting his seminary training at Southern.
These are some of my most frequently visited sites. So be encouraged! Read! Study to show yourself approved!
Here is a list of my favorite sites:
http://www.9marks.org/ - The ministry of Mark Dever and 9 Marks of a healthy church
http://www.crosswalk.com/news/weblogs/mohler/ - Dr. Al Mohler's Blog
http://www.alliancenet.org/ - The Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
http://aomin.org/ - The apologetic ministry of Dr. James White
http://a1m.org/index.php - The thoughtful ministry of Steve Camp
http://www.mlj.org.uk/ - Martin Llyod Jones Recording Trust - hear recorded sermons of the great expositor himself
http://www.monergism.com/ - Good website on church ministry and conservative theology
http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/ - My other hobby, when I am not teaching or reading
http://www.johnnybronco.blogspot.com - the thoughts of a friend of mine who is just starting his seminary training at Southern.
These are some of my most frequently visited sites. So be encouraged! Read! Study to show yourself approved!
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Waking Up In Perdition
I wish I could be done writing about the passing of John Paul II, but the news will not let it go. There is coming soon the announcement of yet another man to assume the blasphemous titles of "Holy Father," "Vicar or Christ," and "Pontificate." In a soon coming post we will look at how the Bishop of Rome, in assuming these three names, presumptively takes upon himself the very names of the three persons of the Holy Trinity.
In th meantime, let me comment about a another evangelical leader that I greatly respect. In my role as Director of Operations at a Christian Camp and Retreat Center, I had the privilege of partnering in minstry with Steve Camp. Steve in a legend in Christian Music. I greatly appreciate thetheological depth and biblical commitment presented in his music. In the past few years I have come to appreciate Steve even more so as a bold, clear communicator of Truth. When many evangelical leaders are caving to ecumenism and blurring the truth of the gospel, Steve has been faithful in standing for the heart of the Gospel. He is truly a "no holds barred" proclaimer of Truth. See here his most recent posts of the final "resting place" of John Paul II. Warning! Reading this post will be dangerous to any inkling of ecumensim you might posses! Be challenged!
http://a1m.org/index.php
Grace to you!
In th meantime, let me comment about a another evangelical leader that I greatly respect. In my role as Director of Operations at a Christian Camp and Retreat Center, I had the privilege of partnering in minstry with Steve Camp. Steve in a legend in Christian Music. I greatly appreciate thetheological depth and biblical commitment presented in his music. In the past few years I have come to appreciate Steve even more so as a bold, clear communicator of Truth. When many evangelical leaders are caving to ecumenism and blurring the truth of the gospel, Steve has been faithful in standing for the heart of the Gospel. He is truly a "no holds barred" proclaimer of Truth. See here his most recent posts of the final "resting place" of John Paul II. Warning! Reading this post will be dangerous to any inkling of ecumensim you might posses! Be challenged!
http://a1m.org/index.php
Grace to you!
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
A link to a favorite Blog
Here is a link that I would encourage you to check out. Dr. James White is an apologist and Executive Director of Alpha and Omega Ministries. You will find his entire site very valuable, particulary his recent posts on Roman Catholocism. Enjoy your reading!
http://aomin.org/index.php?itemid=333
2 Tim 2.14-16 "14Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness" (ESV)
Our quarrel is not over words or irreverent babbling, but an effort to "rightly handle the word of Truth" which is being thrown out at the expense of ecumenism, false piety and a general lack of "good courage" to "contend for the faith the was once delivered to the saints" Jude 3.
Grace to you!
http://aomin.org/index.php?itemid=333
2 Tim 2.14-16 "14Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness" (ESV)
Our quarrel is not over words or irreverent babbling, but an effort to "rightly handle the word of Truth" which is being thrown out at the expense of ecumenism, false piety and a general lack of "good courage" to "contend for the faith the was once delivered to the saints" Jude 3.
Grace to you!
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