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So, I am probably late with this post.  Easter Sunday has come and gone.  However, there are some great resources that I recommend for Holy Week.  Most of these are available at your local Christian bookstore and might even be on sale now.  In no particular order, I recommend the following books, videos, or items: Lily's Easter Party by Crystal Bowman (Ages 4-7)-This new book tells the story of the Resurrection Eggs. Resurrection Eggs -12 eggs that tell the story from Palm Sunday through Easter.  I use every year to tell the true meaning of Easter to the kids in my church after an Easter egg hunt. God Rocks: Rez the Rock That Rolled Away -I have used this video the last two years.  It tells the story for children through music in a fun, creative, and age appropriate way. Little Colt's Palm Sunday by Michelle Adams-Great story to use on Palm Sunday.  I usually incorporate a live donkey that is used with this story. The Story of Jesus for Child...

On this Easter weekend, let these words from Steven Furtick remind you what Good Friday & Easter is all about.

There are some great deals for resources on the cross and resurrection this week.  I have personally only read the one by John Piper.  But have read other books by R.C. Sproul and Jonathan Dodson.  If you are looking for a helpful resource this Easter week, I encourage you to check out the following links. Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die by John Piper.  Available for $.99 here The Truth of the Cross by R.C. Sproul.  Available here for free. Raised by Jonathan Dodson and Brad Watson is also free here  I also recommend the following books about Jesus: Jesus Is ________________ by Judah Smith Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchvidjian  The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller The Gospel of Yes by Mike Glenn You can purchase these at Faith and Life Bookstore in Newton or your local Christian store.

Today  is my oldest daughter's 11th birthday.  I have previously shared on this blog about her birth.  She was born at 35 weeks and spent 2 weeks in the NICU.  If you would like to know more of the story, click here or here . We are thankful for God's protection, provision, and strength to bring her through those two weeks and to this day.  She has a sweet spirit and is loving, caring, and a servant.  If you see her today, wish her a happy birthday.  Below you will find a picture that was taken last night during puppet practice.  Thanks Deb Buhrman for the great picture!

Check out this short video by Steven Furtick sharing the good news of Easter.

In Chapter 6 of Creature of the Word by Chandler, Patterson, & Geiger, they discuss this question in great length.  It begins the second part of the book where they explain in more detail how the church and its leaders need to keep the gospel central as they seek to be prophet, priest, and king following Jesus' example.  We will not do it perfectly, but all of these need to be present. Here are a few quotes from the chapter: "The healthier the culture, the more likely the church will impact the community around her." "Spiritual growth is the working out of what God has worked and is working in us and church ministry consists of intentionally forming culture while realizing He is the One who ultimately does the transforming." "For a church culture to be centered on the gospel, there must be harmony between theology, philosophy, and practice." "All three types of leaders (prophet, priest, king) are necessary and essential, and all thr...

Have you ever pondered the statement that Jesus is a "friend of sinners?" That statement alone flies in the face of what many religious people believe and how they live.  Rather than hang out with the healthy, Jesus chose the sick.  In Judah Smith's book, Jesus Is            , he explains this concept.  Here are a few quotes from his book: "But Jesus didn't care about the scandal. He cared about the scandalous." "If justice must be served, we are all in trouble because we all have sin." "Both extremes (self-righteous or self-condemning) come from focusing on rules rather than on a relationship with Jesus." "Jesus sees our sin more clearly than anyone, yet he loves us more than anyone." "Church is a place where a bunch of people who realize they need help get together to love Jesus and encourage each other." "But when sin becomes more important than the sinner, an alarm needs to go off in our heads....