In this book, the goal is to emphasize the importance and privilege of corporate worship, and to explore how Christians can engage in it for their own benefit, the benefit of unbelievers, and the glory of Christ.
In eight concise chapters, the author highlights key themes of local church gatherings, including encouragement, preaching, singing, praying, celebrating, and evangelism. Often, we overlook the significance of each aspect of Christian community, but this resource brings these topics to light and helps us reflect on our role. Each chapter concludes with Action Steps, offering practical ways to respond to the biblical truths presented, aiming to challenge and equip you to love and serve your church well.
This is an outstanding series on the local church, and I highly recommend it! It's great for small groups and leadership teams to identify areas of growth and to strengthen our communities for the glory of God.
If you're struggling with returning to church or need biblical encouragement on why and how we gather, this resource is for you. Through practical insights and a solid biblical foundation, this series not only addresses the importance of gathering but also inspires a deeper love for the local church. Whether you're looking to reignite your commitment or foster a sense of belonging, this resource will equip you to engage meaningfully with your church community.
*A big thanks to the Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of the book and the opportunity to post an honest review! ...more
These are fundamental questions to our Christian faith.
Consider this statement: There is one true God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Would you agree or disagree?
In the 2022 report on the State of Theology, they found only 54% of professing evangelical Christians strongly agreed with this statement—just over half!
Tara-Leigh Cobble asserts that, “without the Trinity as the core of our beliefs, every other doctrine of our faith starts to come unglued and unhinged." Our belief about the nature of God’s oneness and threeness is essential and she writes The Joy of the Trinity: One God, Three Persons to teach us about it.
Read more on the blog, including summary, my take and some extra resources.
*A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review!...more
The dictionary explains honor as regarding another with great respect. Not merely a positive thought about them, nor considering them kindly, but with the highest respect and esteem.
Who are the people in your life whom you honor?
I'd put my husband and parents on that list; my pastors, missionary friends & leaders, and previous mentors. They would be those who have had an impact on my life, those I look up to and desire to emulate.
When we think about the highest respect we give others, it's often reserved to the special people in our lives. In Adam Ramsey's new book, Honor: Loving Your Church by Building One Another Up, he challenges us to bestow that exceptional consideration to ALL our brothers and sisters in Christ.
*Thanks to The Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of the book and the opportunity to post an honest review...more
This is my first time through this book and while it came recommended, I didn't know much about it, other than the numerous times I've heard disciplesThis is my first time through this book and while it came recommended, I didn't know much about it, other than the numerous times I've heard discipleship quote as "a long obedience in the same direction." With the Psalms of Ascent (Ps 120-134) as the framework, the author describes different aspects of our discipleship. The topics ranging from worship, service, repentance, happiness and hope. I was really encouraged and I imagine it may be one I'll revisit again.
This is for the believer recognizing that discipleship is not instant, but a comprehensive, slow growth.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review....more
Though death exerts pain and suffering, the Christian is immune from despair. Paul writes to the church at Philippi, that whether free or imprisoned, in the moments he lives or dies, Christ will be honored (Phil. 1:20). He writes with passion and conviction, but I'm not sure we all feel exactly the same way.
Death is sobering, excruciating even. Especially when we're watching a loved one suffer.
It's not a topic we run to unless we're in it, but nevertheless the psalmist writes, "teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Ps. 90:12).
We Shall All Be Changed: How Facing Death with Loved Ones Transforms Us by Whitney Pipkin is a title that engages your heart and mind on the journey through caregiving in light of the gospel.
*A big thanks to Moody publishers for the complimentary copy of the book and for the opportunity to post an honest review...more
Similar to Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books, but condensed, this short book provides practical tips for the Christian reader, in how to read, Similar to Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books, but condensed, this short book provides practical tips for the Christian reader, in how to read, what to read and when to read. I found it a good refresher and an invitation to reassess my own reading skills and habits....more
This is a soft, yet earnest search into the Christian's life of holiness in the day to day. She covers the everyday facets of life, such as beauty, moThis is a soft, yet earnest search into the Christian's life of holiness in the day to day. She covers the everyday facets of life, such as beauty, money, humility, and sorrow. I enjoyed the author's tone and descriptive writing, which prodded me to a quiet place of reflection. I think you'll appreciate this.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review....more
If you're familiar with a psalm of Scripture, Psalm 23 is likely the one.
There's something about the serene pastoral imagery, the numerous actions of the Shepherd, and the reality of the valley of deep darkness that strike a chord within our souls. We've all walked through them, learning to depend on him.
The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion and Host by David Gibson takes us verse by verse through this psalm to help us know the Good Shepherd better in his care, leadership, protection and welcome.
Psalm 23 is such a popular chapter of Scripture and I appreciated taking it slow, going verse by verse through to reflect and meditate more thoroughly on who Christ is and how he leads and welcomes me, even through the darkness.
This is a good read if you’re walking through challenges or difficulties, or if you cling to this psalm and want a better picture of the Good Shepherd.
Quick Stats # of Pages: 184 Level of Difficulty: Easy My Rating: 5 stars...more
I'll send my kids to grab something for me from the pantry, and without a doubt they'll come back in a short amount of time telling me they couldn't find what they were looking for. Usually I'm fairly certain the ingredient is there—not that I've never forgotten—so I go myself and with relative ease locate what I need, with a look of curiosity at the child.
A tiny shrug and, "I just didn't see it Mom"
With a defeated sigh, I might admonish them to look harder next time or pay more attention to what they're doing. And isn't that what we long for in our relationships too?! Just see me, look harder, I'm right here!
In You Are Not Forgotten: Discovering the God Who Sees the Overlooked and Disregarded, Christine Hoover helps us unpack the hurt we've experienced and shows us more about the character of God and how he both sees and intervenes for us.
If you’re struggling with hurt and loneliness, feeling unaccepted and unworthy, this book reminds us God not only looks upon us when others disregard us, He looks after us—and this is a huge source of encouragement and strength for the Christian. That makes this a title you won’t want to miss out on.
Quick Stats # of Pages: 224 Level of Difficulty: Easy My Rating: 5 stars
* A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review...more
I give this 5 stars because this topic is important for the church to talk about and engage with, not because this was particularly enjoyable to read.I give this 5 stars because this topic is important for the church to talk about and engage with, not because this was particularly enjoyable to read. It’s hard and difficult to get through. There’s pain and anguish in hearing what she went through.
One of the things that stood out to me was the shame she felt and how it prevented her from talking to anyone about what was happening. It causes me to linger on how I can pay attention to those in my church, to really see them, to have safe spaces in fellowship.
Recommend if you are in ministry, if you’re leading discipleship ministries with young adults, if you’re a parent.
(Read this as part of the VT Reading Challenge - a book recommended by a pastor.)...more
We can find empowerment in our identity, as a woman, wife, or mother. Maybe it's in characteristics of our personality, our ability to handle confrontation, or in the skills we have. Perhaps we feel empowered in our achievements, whether in the workplace or our homes.
According to the dictionary app, empower is defined as the act of granting someone the authority or power to do something, as if entrusting them with a sphere of influence.
Our culture tells us empowerment is something we give ourselves, an authority we pursue, influence we take from our own efforts.
In She Believed He Could, So She Did: Trading Culture's Lies For Christ-Centered Empowerment, Becky Beresford peels apart the layers of misplaced truth to bring us back to the heart of the gospel and the centrality of Christ in our lives as faithful followers.
In the pages of this book, you’ll find an invitation to press pause on the soundtrack of the world, where we’re told empowerment comes from ourselves, and listen instead to the strong, sure voice of God, where Christ is at the center and all-sufficient.
So, if you’re a Christian woman pondering truth in the age of female empowerment and if you're discipling younger women, this is a gospel-centered resource to guide you.
*A big thanks to Moody publishers for the complimentary copy and the opportunity to post an honest review....more
"Friendship is no optional extra life feature we might get talked into by an eager salesman. It's vital to our flourishing."
Have you considered friendship vital to your flourishing?
If I’m honest, introvert that I am, in my younger years, I likely didn’t give credence to relationships. Walking along in my self-reliance, I thought I could depend on myself and my relationship with God to get me through anything.
But we know this isn’t true.
God created the church as interconnected puzzle pieces, every one unique and distinct, to picture his light and love to the world.
In No Greater Love: A Biblical Vision for Friendship, Rebecca McLaughlin helps teach us about our relationships and why they're so important.
If you’ve been struggling in your friendships, this book would be a good place to find your bearings again, helping you reset your perspective with a biblical vision of friendship.
If you’re interested in a topical study on friendship, I would highly recommend this resource. It would also make a great small group book club with your friends, providing you with an opportunity to explore your friendships, the ways you’re already growing together and areas of challenge.
Check out the post for the full review. A big thanks to Moody Publishers for the complimentary copy and for the opportunity to post an honest review....more
"The holiday season with its crowds and festivities moves at warp speed. I have to rush just to keep up. But Advent asks us to decelerate, be still, and rest."
Christmas and the month leading up are characterized by ceaseless activities, shopping and planning. Yes, our goal is to celebrate our Savior, to remember his birth and the hope of the gospel, but it's not easy in the tempest of events.
In Advent: The Season of Hope we're reminded of the value of observing advent for our spiritual formation and discipleship. An invitation to pause, to quiet our minds and bodies, to slow down and reflect on gospel hope.
This book is part of the “Fullness of Time” project which aims to provide reflections on seasons and key events of the church year, in this case, the season of Advent, and to help believers understand how the church calendar helps form their Christ-likeness.
You’ll notice from the contents, this book isn’t long. The author shares insights from church history, reflections on biblical themes of the gospel, and spiritual practices of this season, to equip the church in recollecting the beauty and purpose of celebrating advent.
I found it a really good primer in preparing for the advent season and think it’s worth adding to your shelf, particularly if you’re interested in a liturgical perspective. Church history and liturgy has breadth of perspective we don’t often consider.
So, if you’re interested to learn more about how the season of advent points us the gospel and gives us hope, this is a great resource to use.
*A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review!...more
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Ps 139:23-24)
What a powerful prayer!
One that unravels the pride and self-righteousness bound tightly around our hearts, seeking instead to open up those dark, secret places of our hearts, willing light to shine and the Spirit sweep the cobwebs.
It’s like the surgeon, performing a laparoscopic procedure. He usually has a good idea of what he’s going to find, but sometimes, once he’s got the camera in real close, he can see evidence of other problems or a reason for the symptoms. When we understand the problem, we can move to treatment.
For those of us in the church today, we’re prone to the speck-log dichotomy, where the “big” sins of others seem obvious but the “little” sins of our own are quietly tucked away in a corner growing cobwebs, often unseen until closely inspected.
But, do I want to be examined?
When the wave of shame easily washes over us, crushing us under the weight of all our imperfections, this prayer seems fearsome. The threat to our identity hangs in the balance if we gaze too deeply at our own sins.
However, I remember this plea, “lead me in the way everlasting.”
Here’s where I want to be. Led closer to Christ. Invited nearer to the gospel of grace.
In Respectable Sins, Jerry Bridges takes us into the realm of sins we ignore, justify or accept, so that we may grow in grace and more into likeness of Christ.
I echo these words by J.I. Packer: “Read this book—we need to—and be ready for a gentle surgeon’s sharp knife.”
Purpose: This resource is written to help Christians open their eyes to the sins we’ve come to deem as acceptable, then lead us to confession, repentance and dependent upon God’s grace.
Summary: Though you see plenty of chapters, it’s not a thick book. However, don’t expect to breeze through the pages. If you approach this prayerfully, you’ll find it also painful—the healthy discomfort of the Spirit bringing your sin to light.
The first six chapters provide a biblical framework of sin and repentance. The rest of the book focuses on specific sins the church doesn’t address as robustly as “big” sins. The point is to look at all our sin as a problem we need to confront and address in our Christian life.
The end of the book provides a study guide for personal reflection or group discussions. I liked that it includes a section for action points and progress reports for accountability.
My Recommendation: This author doesn’t mince words. He’s fairly direct and to the point. I say this to prepare you for the journey you’ll undertake. You’ll notice he uses many personal examples to remind the reader sin is stuck in all of us; I found a good balance between honesty and humility.
I’d posit the chapter on anxiety would benefit from added nuance; his approach I found a little narrow here.
I’d also say this is a 5 star read, one that would be helpful for all believers.
If you’ve been working through a period of self-righteousness, find yourself aggressively condemning the sin of others without the lens of humble awareness of your own sin, I’d invite you to check this out.
If you’ve been in the church a long time and feel like you’re doing pretty good, this resource would help you find areas of growth.
If, however, you’re struggling right now with acute OCD and anxiety, this book may not be the best approach until you’ve got some tools to mitigate the overload of information.
Quick Stats: # of Pages: 192 Level of Difficulty: Easy My Rating: 5 stars
Have you ever been asked to volunteer for something in your local church community?
How did you respond?
Whether it’s helping in sunday school, baking cookies, preparing food for a potluck, or sitting on a committee, there are numerous ways our communities need support.
When we consider that a metaphor used to describe the church is a body, with eyes, ears, legs and arms, we pay attention to the fact that we need each other, the diversity of our strengths and gifts in order to bring God glory. We are God’s workmanship, “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Gal 2:10).
So, if we’re created for good works, and the Lord Jesus tells us to, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16), how are we to serve?
That’s one of the questions answered in Serve: Loving Your Church With Your Heart, Time and Gifts by Steve Robinson.
Purpose: In these pages, you’re going to be motivated to serve sacrificially in your church as the Lord has saved and equipped you to do.
Summary: This book begins with the why and ends with the how. It’s so important to understand the reason for what we do in order to live it out with a heart aligned with the Lord’s. The gospel is expounded and explained as the central reason for our serving others. Written for the regular church member, sitting in the pew, you’ll find this a very accessible encouragement.
This series has featured action steps at the end of each chapter which I always appreciate for reflection and consideration.
My Recommendation: We all need to remember the gospel as the foundation of our Christian lives. Who we serve is central to why and the church needs this encouragement in an age where we’re fairly focused on serving ourselves.
You can enjoy this resource with your small group or a gathering of friends. There’s a free small group kit to help you organize your meetings and dive in deep.
I’d recommend this for all of us who are members of a church!
Quick Stats: # of Pages: 128 pages Level of Difficulty: Easy My Rating: 5 stars
*Don't forget to visit the full review on the blog :) *A big thanks to The Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of this book and for the opportunity to post an honest review!...more
Read this with my leadership cohort. We had a lot of good discussions. I think one thing I appreciated was the differentiation between organizational Read this with my leadership cohort. We had a lot of good discussions. I think one thing I appreciated was the differentiation between organizational leaders and role leadership. Useful for thinking holistically about influence and the character of leaders....more
The mass of tulip bulbs in my garden bucket are all brown, covered in dirt. You can't tell from these what color the flower will bloom. Who we are in Christ will be reflected by how we bloom, the ways we give and love and serve.
In the hustle and bustle of our days, a pause is beneficial, to stop and consider how our being influences our doing.
"When Jesus challenges us not just to say, “Lord, Lord” but to mean it and to live it, it is this Jesus, full of compassion and power, who is issuing that challenge. When Jesus calls us to be different—to embrace upside-down values, to pursue a different kind of love, to be marked by integrity, and to live a life of obedience—it is this Jesus who is calling us."
We will spend our life learning and striving for this life. One where good works flow from a good heart.
In The Christian Manifesto, Pastor Begg takes us through the Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6 to teach us how to live with a heart and hands for Christ.
The author writes this book to invite you to the best possible life. It’s not a gimmick. It’s a personal and relational life outlined for us in Jesus’ sermon on the plain, found in Luke 6:20-49.
Each chapter takes us through a segment of Jesus’ sermon on the plain in Luke 6. He provides us with the context of the passage, helps us understand the teaching, and unpacks how we can take these truths into our lives today.
This journey through Luke 6 is an invitation to live a counter-cultural life in Christ. If you’ve felt the Lord leading you to a new lifestyle or have been searching for how to be a light in this darkness, this resource will help you understand and show you the difference we, as his disciples, can be.
AND, you can also download a free study guide.
*A big thanks to the Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review! ...more
One summer we were camping and took our kids on a hike through the sand dunes at the provincial park. Of course, the day happened to be scorching, and traipsing through sand, in full view of the bright sun wasn’t going well.
We got to an oasis, had a snack and drank more water. The onslaught of complaints continued.
The only comment that helped them stand up and keep going was the hope we were almost to the end. Grabbing hold of this they mustered the resolve to follow the trail again and trudge through the seemingly endless dunes of sand.
In the weariness of our day to day, the failures, the complications, the endless needs, we collapse, uncertain of whether we have what it takes to press on.
In Hopeward: Gospel Grace for Weary Souls by Dai Hankey we find encouragement in oasis, to put our feet on the ground, follow the path, and hold onto hope again.
When we find ourselves worn down and weary, whether we’re troubled by our circumstances or the struggle toward maturity in the Christian life, the author writes from a place of knowing to guide us hopeward in the renewal and restoration we can only find in Christ.
A few lines of poetry begin each chapter to set the stage for each topic. (These culminate at the end to create a beautiful poem titled, Hopeward, as a free download). He invites us to the feet of Jesus with our burdens to find rest and discover grace. You’ll find 3 questions to end each chapter to help you reflect on the truths presented.
If you’re weary, let this resource take you hopeward.
The voice of a fellow sojourner, who’s been downtrodden before, understands what we’re feeling and shares with us how to find hope again.
Definitely check out his printable poem here, it’s really beautiful.
Quick Stats # of Pages: 128 Level of Difficulty: Easy My Rating: 5 stars
*A big thanks to The Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review....more
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