Resources
We want to encourage and equip you to pursue God on daily basis, not just on Sunday mornings. The following are resources that have been a blessing to one or more of the people at our church. The name of the person who recommended the resource is listed along with their e-mail address so that you can ask them a question or borrow the resource from them. We are happy to help and share!
This page is regularly being updated so check back often.
The Essentials
The ESV Study Bible. A good study Bible is necessary for understanding Scriptures. This one has tons of notes for those of you who want to really learn the context of Bible verses.
Apologetics
Want evidence to defend your Christian beliefs? Or are you a sceptic who is seeking truth and is willing to consider Jesus Christ's teachings? Here are some recommendations:
Josh McDowell is a former lawyer who tried to prove the Bible is a false document. He put it on trial just like he would any other document. It passed with flying colors! McDowell has a number of books out. For a really quick read: More Than a Carpenter. More in depth: Evidence that Demands a Verdict. A great reference book: A Ready Defense. His website has materials available online: www.josh.org.
Lee Strobel is a former journalist who investigated the Bible, Jesus, etc. and has written a number of books: The Case for Christ, The Case for a Creator, The Case for Christmas, The Case for Easter, and The Case for Faith.
A logical but more philosophical approach to finding God was taken by C.S. Lewis. Mere Christianity is a classic!
Christian Living
Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Short but impactful! We're using it in our small groups.
Radical and Radical Together, both by David Platt. Our entire congregation is being given a copy of the sequel, Radical Together. Both books will sharpen your focus on God's plan while expanding your view of His kingdom! Prepare to be challenged.
Don't Waste Your Life, by John Piper. Most people slip by in life without a passion for God, spending their lives on trivial diversions, living for comfort and pleasure, and perhaps trying to avoid sin. This book will warn you not to get caught up in a life that counts for nothing. If you believe that to live is Christ and to die is gain, read this book, learn to live for Christ, and don't waste your life!
Great Reads
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas. A biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a participant in the German resistance movement against Nazism. He was involved in plans to assassinate Hitler. This led to his arrest in April 1943 and execution by hanging in April 1945, 23 days before the Nazi's surrender. His view of Christianity's role in the secular world has become very influential. His most well known book is The Cost of Discipleship.
The King's Cross by Timothy Keller. Keller has been called a C. S. Lewis for the 21st century. In this book, he looks at the life of Christ as told in the Gospel of Mark. Keller shows how the story of Jesus is at once cosmic, historical, and personal, calling each of us to look anew at our relationship with God. Like his other books, it speaks to both skeptics and the faithful, those who are looking for a closer connection to Jesus.
Daily Devotionals
Chris Tiegreen, two one year devotionals: Walk with God: Wisdom from the Bible to Renew Your Mind and The Wonder of the Cross: Daily devotionals to Renew Your Faith. There's something about the way Tiegreen writes that truly does put a fresh take on things we already know. Recommended by Sharon Krause (sharon@thewatersedge.net).
My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. One of the most influential devotions of the 20th century. Chambers consistently calls believers to rise above mediocrity and serve Christ in a radical way.