AUTHOR ARCHIVES :

“Total Church” by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis

“Total Church” by Tim Chester and Steve TimmisTotal Church by Steve Timmis, Tim Chester
Published by Crossway on August 21, 2008
Pages: 224
Format: Paperback
four-half-starsfour-half-starsfour-half-starsfour-half-starsfour-half-stars
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From the Publisher’s Description: “Church is not a meeting you attend or a place you enter,” write pastors Tim Chester and Steve Timmis. “It’s an identity that is ours in Christ. An identity that shapes the whole of life so that life and mission become ‘total church.'” With that as their premise, they emphasize two overarching principles to govern the practice of church and mission: being gospel-centered and being community-centered. When these principles take precedence, say the authors, the truth of the Word is upheld, the mission of the gospel is carried out, and the priority of relationships is practiced in radical ways. The church becomes not just another commitment to juggle but a 24/7 lifestyle where programs, big events, and teaching from one person take a backseat to sharing lives, reaching out, and learning about God together.

 

This book was outstanding, and it really made me consider and reconsider my own views of the structures and goals of the local church. Continue reading →

“When Sinners Say I Do” by Dave Harvey

“When Sinners Say I Do” by Dave HarveyWhen Sinners Say "I Do" by Dave Harvey
Published by Shepherd Press on June 25, 2007
Pages: 190
Format: Paperback
four-half-starsfour-half-starsfour-half-starsfour-half-starsfour-half-stars
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From the Back Cover: Marriage is the union of two people who arrive at the altar toting some surprisingly large luggage. Often it gets opened right there on the honeymoon, sometimes it waits for the week after. The Bible calls it sin and understanding its influence can make all the difference for a man and woman who are building a life together. When Sinners Say “I Do” is about encountering the life-transforming power of the gospel in the unpredictable journey of marriage.

Dave’s writing style embraces the reader as he speaks honestly, and sometimes humorously, about sin and the power of the gospel to overcome it. He opens the delightful truth of God s word and encourages the reader to see more clearly the glorious picture of what God does when sinners say “I do.”

 

This is one of the best books on marriage I’ve ever come across. Continue reading →

“First Place In All Things”

Colossians 1:15-20 is a privilege to preach…and it is also intimidating to preach. This is one of the richest passages for Christology in the entire Bible! I don’t know that I did it justice, but I hope to have this passage ringing in all of our ears for a long time to come, even if my sermon is long forgotten.

“Prayer For A Worthy Walk”

Sometimes the Bible convicts the preacher just as much as it does the congregation. The text for this sermon was one of those instances. Colossians 1:9-14 challenged me in why, how, and how constantly I pray. A good reminder that we need the Spirit’s powerful working to grow in Christ…more than just about anything else.