LOOKING FOR AN INSPIRATIONAL READ? TRY THESE….
The Faith Once for All
“The Faith Once For All” is one of the books written by our Teaching Minister, Dr. Jack Cottrell. All serious Bible professors tend to write a “Systematic Theology” book. “Systematic Theology” is a body of work on the doctrine of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In “Systematic Theology”, Bible scholars try to tie all we know about the doctrine of God as Trinity into a systematic whole; hence, this is their major work in life; this is Dr. Cottrell’s. Reading this book will introduce you to so many issues relating to the Trinity, and will change your life. Why? Because you will learn so many ideas about God. You will use this as a resource for the rest of your life.
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Eric Metaxas has written an exhaustive biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the greatest contemporary theologians. This book recounts the well known story of how Bonhoeffer was put to death by the Nazis for a failed assassination attempt on Adolph Hitler, and is a lesson in what it means to take grace seriously in real life.
THE FRANCIS SCHAEFFER TRILOGY
Perhaps no other theologian has impacted this century as profoundly as Francis A. Schaeffer. He and his wife, Edith touched a generation of seekers through their study center, first in Switzerland, and then in many other international locations. Available for the first time in one are three of his books which he considered fundamental in his philosophy (he wrote 22 books in all). These books answer the burning questions: Is God really there?; what is the meaning of life?; how does God being there impact the way I live my life?
READY TO RETURN
Ken Ham’s new book, “Ready to Return”, is an insightful, albeit alarming look at the views millenials hold on the church, and why they have left the faith. Armed with well researched statistics, Ham not only enumerates the causes of the loss of church attendance by 20-somethings, but he points the way to reclaim this generation for Christ. This book is somewhat of a sequel to his book, “Already Gone”, and is an important read for all Christians who are concerned to preserve the church’s influence in this world.
POWER FROM ON HIGH
Who or what is the “Holy Spirit”, and how does the answer to this question impact my life as a Christian? Jack Cottrell, in “Power from on High”, addresses this question, and discusses the various beliefs held throughout Christian history, regarding the Holy Spirit. In his usual comprehensive style, he weaves his way through this study. In the end, the reader is left with a bolstered hope and amazement in just what God has done by sending His children the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to live within. This book is a must read for all Christians.
Battlefield of the Mind
In this book, Joyce Meyer straightforwardly addresses how to develop the mind of God by overcoming worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger and feelings of condemnation. She illustrates her points with her own personal experiences.
The Constantine CODEX
This is an historical fiction book about a college professor who discovers an ancient Biblical codex in Israel, and the intrigue which follows. The author, Dr. Paul Maier is a professor of ancient history at Western Michigan University. He holds degrees from Harvard University and Concordia Seminary. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including Pontius Pilate.
Don’t Waste Your Life
This inspiring book will open your mind to a deeper fellowship with God. Piper believes that we should walk straight through sufferings, using them to the glory of God. His searing message will make us assess rather or not we are using our lives and our talents in the best way we can to “glorify God”.
If You Can Keep It
What happens when a nation forsakes its founding principles? What if the schools and society fails to teach patriotism and what happens to religious freedom in that climate? Eric Metaxas calls us to restore the love of country and to treasure the foundations of our freedoms, unique as they are in the world. This is a must read not only for adults, but for young people.
SEEKING ALLAH, FINDING JESUS
Nabeel Qureshi, a formerly devout Muslim, traces his painful path to finding Jesus. He gives a picture of his life growing up Muslim, and of what Muslims believe. Then Qureshi describes exactly how he came to faith in Jesus. This is a timely book, and enlightening in view of the age in which we live.
HERE I STAND
First published in 1950, the author, Roland Bainton, Yale Professor (specialist in Reformation history) paints a vivid portrait of the reformer, Martin Luther. Bainton takes you from Luther’s childhood through his tumultuous and revolutionary life for Christ. This book is still a relevant work on the life of Luther.
JESUS, AMONG OTHER GODS
In this dialogue between Jesus, Mohammed and Budda, Ravi Zacharias creatively demonstrates the basic differences between Christianity, Islam and Buddhism. A well known speaker and Christian apologist, Ravi is the head of RZIM.
THE STRONGEST NIV EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE
You might say this concordance is “where to find everything in the Bible”. The product description reads, “….an exhaustive indexing of every appearance of every word in the NIV Bible: (The Strongest NIV Exhaustive Concordance). It also offers complete access to the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek from which the NIV was translated.” This book is an indispensable aid to your personal or group Bible study.
HIDDEN CHRISTMAS
Tim Keller, best selling New York pastor, has written a refreshing look at Nativity, and the Biblical accounts retold since our youth. This easy read is the perfect preparation for a blessed Christmas season.
CRAZY LOVE
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment.” Matt. 22:36-38.
As we embark on another new year, we think of Jesus’ Words describing the very most important thing He wants of us: He wants our love. Francis Chan, in his book (several years old) “Crazy Love”, challenges us to a compassionate love for God in Christ, and away from apathy. This is a revised copy of his original book, which challenged millions of people to live an authentic life of love.
SCREWTAPE LETTERS
This classic book written by C.S. Lewis, was originally published February, 1942. It was originally published as a weekly sequel in the now defunct Anglican gazette called “The Guardian” It was dedicated to Lewis’ friend, J.R.R. Tolkien, but in truth, Tolkien found the book disturbing. Lewis said that he did not enjoy writing “Screwtape”, but it was immediately successful. This is a correspondence between a senior demon, Screwtape, and his demon apprentice, “Wormwood”. Screwtape counsels on how to secure the soul of “the patient”, a recently converted Christian. Sometimes chilling, but always entertaining, this is a must read.
DESTINED TO WIN
This book addresses past hurts and guilt to help to move people toward realizingGod’s purpose in their lives.
HE’S BEEN FAITHFUL
Carol Cymbala, director of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, testifies of God’s constant help and presence through her life and work at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Wife of Jim Cymbala, the New York Tabernacle’s pastor, Carol recounts stories of her choir members, and how God has worked in the city.
WHY SUFFERING?
Ravi Zacharias joins with Vince Vitale to give deep answers to the basic, most challenging questions everyone faces: why does a loving God allow suffering? They explore the other major religions’ answers and why the Bible gives the most reasonable answer to this perplexing problem.
GOD IS GOOD, HE’S BETTER THAN YOU THINK
Fear, disease, crisis, uncertainty can take hold of Christians and threaten their faith in the goodness of God. Bill Johnson asserts that how we think about God affects our very lives.
Greendale First Church of Christ 