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For the rest of 2018, I will be sharing books I recommend because they are some of my favorites.  New Book Friday will resume in January. Enjoy!

Today's Favorite Book(s) Friday is a trilogy of books by James Bryan Smith.  I have enjoyed all three books especially the focus on the false narratives many Christians have and looking to the Jesus narrative.  Smith is a professor at Friends University in Wichita, KS and founder of the Apprentice Institute.

Right now, I am reading several books on the gospel.  It is interesting how each one is helping me better grasp the truth of the gospel.  Each comes from a different perspective, but have many overlaps as well.  These books are: The Gospel of Peace by James Richards When Sinners Say I Do by Dave Harvey Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchividjian Good & Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith I think what all of them agree on is the need to understand who God is and who we are in Christ.  This truth is so important because that will then impact what we say and do.  Rather than participate in the "pendulum swing", they give a balanced view of love & holiness.  Both are important and when we respond to an extreme in either one, we do not have a Biblical understanding of God. They also speak to our motivations.  Why are we serving in the church?  Why are we loving others?  What is our response when we sin?  All of these a...

Yesterday, I wrote a post about looking for ideas for families to do during Lent.  I am going to be trying a few things, but do not have definite plans yet.  However, as I thought about what I might do for Lent, I thought about a few ideas to share with you.  This is a great time to begin a new "habit" to help you grow in your relationship with God.  Here are a few suggestions for you during the next 40 days: You Version (on android or Apple devices) has several reading plans for Lent.  I am currently doing one suggested by Pastor Brad.  It is called 40 Days of Lent. Fasting--Have you considered giving up food, TV, facebook, etc. during the next 40 days?  Maybe you should start small and pick one day and fast from your choice. Spiritual Disciplines-There are many great books on the Spiritual Disciplines.  You could choose silence, solitude, meditation, etc. to try during Lent.  I would encourage you to pick up Good and Beautiful God by...

Occasionally, I like to share what I am reading at the moment.  A few of the books are for classes, groups, or staff discussion, but the rest are for edification and growth.  Here is my list for the start of 2012: The Resolution for Men by Alex & Stephen Kendrick The Legacy Path by Brian Haynes The Good & Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith Who Stole My Church by Gordon MacDonald The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller Sticky Faith by Kara Powell & Chap Clark Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchividjian Here is a quote from The Good and Beautiful God : "As we spend time in quiet and rest and contemplation, sitting at the feet of Jesus, we gain strength to act in wisdom in the hustle and bustle of a busy world."

How would you answer that question?  Personally, I lean much more towards sinner.  But as we look at Scripture and better understand our identity in Christ, does that change the answer?  When we grapple with what Christ did through his life, death, and resurrection, does that impact how we see ourselves?  Is this just a theological debate or does it truly affect how we live the Christian life? I am reading The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith.  His chapter entitled, "God Transforms" addresses the title of this post.  Smith argues that our narratives of being a sinner are false.  Before you get upset, he believes we still sin, but wonders if focusing on being a sinner fits with what Christ did on the cross and the rest of the New Testament . He reminds us that we are not under the power of sin any longer.  He says, "God is no longer dealing with you on the basis of your sin."  I look forward to discussing more of the details of th...