Christianity is no stranger to the economics of pleasure and reward. You don’t need to blush at the mention of fun. The desire to be happy is a proper motive. As J.I. Packer writes, "Pleasure is designed to raise our sense of God’s goodness, deepen our gratitude to him, and strengthen our hope of richer pleasures to come."
We've asked everyone who accepted our challenge to read 12 books in 12 months to submit one sentence from every book they read. As John Piper says, “Books don’t change people, paragraphs do — sometimes sentences.”
Last month's category was "A book published in 2016." Here are some responses from our teen readers.
"For all our sin, I think that history shows again and again that Christians are good for a country." -Abby, from God and Politics by Mark Dever
"A shouted 'You're going to Hell' is an awful introduction to a God who desires to love and know His children." - Elizabeth, from If You Feel Too Much by Jamie Tworkowski
"Jesus did not live a calm life. He cared too much." - Sam, from Good and Angry by Dr. David Powlison
Join us as we read 12 books in 12 months. This month we are reading a book recommended by your pastor.
All the books from all the other months are fair game. Read a new one. They were all recommended by your pastor.
January February March April May June July August September October
However, if none of these options excite you, here's one more. A timely treatment of a subject every Californian Christian should to understand.
Can I Smoke Pot? Marijuana in light of Scripture by Tom Breedon and Mark L. Ward Jr.
This book isn't the definitive work on the subject of marijuana and there is room for disagreement. However, their willingness to allow scripture to determine their thinking is commendable. This is a good model of how to wrestle with and apply the scriptures.
You sent thirteen of us to our denomination's Pastors Conference this year. This is a huge investment into our future and we want to say thank you. We will share more about our experiences in the coming weeks, but for now you get the main session messages.
These are some of the finest keynote addresses you will hear anywhere, at any conference, intended to equip and refresh church leaders.
In a society where religion is increasingly private, and faith is OK as long as it's not shared, many would seek to keep God out of their politics. But is that right, and is it biblical? This is an important topic to consider, not just for those working in government, but for all of us as we seek to be responsible citizens in a fallen world. Mark Dever unpacks what the Bible has to say on this topic, and teaches how we can "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's" without compromising on what we believe. We'll see that our duty to God is comprehensive and that there isn't an area of life that we can separate from His influence. This little book won't take long to read, but its impact could last a lifetime.
You can purchase this book on Amazon, but we have a better price at our bookstore in the church lobby :)
Well lots of things. They are sensitive (yet manly) men.
But one important thing that can bring a tear to their eye is gospel-saturated hymns. The song in the video above, He Will Hold Me Fast, is one of the songs that just does that.
Which is why they are excited that Sovereign Grace Music is releasing Together for the Gospel Live III on 10/21/2016!
You can pre-order the album and hear the full version of He Will Hold Me Fast by clicking here. The lyrics are below.
VERSE 1
When I fear my faith will fail,
Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail,
He will hold me fast.
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path;
For my love is often cold;
He must hold me fast.
REFRAIN
He will hold me fast,
He will hold me fast;
For my Savior loves me so,
He will hold me fast.
VERSE 2
Those He saves are His delight,
Christ will hold me fast;
Precious in His holy sight,
He will hold me fast.
He’ll not let my soul be lost;
His promises shall last;
Bought by Him at such a cost,
He will hold me fast.
VERSE 3
For my life He bled and died,
Christ will hold me fast;
Justice has been satisfied;
He will hold me fast.
Raised with Him to endless life,
He will hold me fast
‘Till our faith is turned to sight
When He comes at last!
Queremos que todos disfruten buenos libros. Es un modo maravilloso para crecer en nuestro amor de dios y el evangelio.
Ahora puedes encontrar títulos en español, en la biblioteca, este domingo. Pregunté a los pastores si esta buscando algo en particular. No podemos cargar todos los buenos libros, pero podemos dirigirlos en una buena dirección.
Join us as we read 12 books in 12 months. This month we are reading a book published in 2016. Here are a few recommendations:
The Faith of Christopher Hitchens by Larry Alex Taunton*
The Unfinished Reformation by Allison and Castaldo
Good and Angry by David Powlison
Eight Women of Faith by Michael A. G. Haykin
Young readers might appreciate What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care? by Edward Welch
*Not recommended for younger readers.