Tag: books

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HOPE BEYOND CURE: BOOK REVIEW // GUEST POST BY ADAM SCOTT (@ADAMNSCOTT)

hope-beyond-cure

I recently noticed my friend, Adam Scott, share online that he had just finished reading a book for the second time. The book? ‘Hope Beyond Cure’ by Dave McDonald. Knowing some of Adam’s story I asked him if he’d be willing to share how this book has impacted him in particular. Ads is one of the ministers at St Mark’s Pennant Hills (Sydney).

“It’s actually very serious.”

That was the last thing I wanted to hear from the doctors treating me.

An MRI had apparently revealed a large arterial tear in my neck & the consensus was that I’d probably had a stroke.  It all started feeling very serious.  I was 28 years old, laying in a hospital bed, surrounded by pensioners who were apparently healthier than I was – go figure!

It was the first time in my life that someone spoke candidly & clinically with me about the reality of dying and it was terrifying. I’d always expected dying to be a future, far-off, unfortunate but inevitable reality, but someone with more authority on the subject was telling me that perhaps my presumptions were wrong.

That’s probably why I’ve appreciated reading ‘Hope Beyond Cure’ by David McDonald as much as I have. It’s a book written by a pastor who was humble enough to admit that facing death can be terrifying & perhaps our presumptions are wrong.

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LIFE UNDER GOD // CONCISE THEOLOGY

#LIFEUNDERGOD

The following is a blurb I wrote for our news sheet for Arvo Church last weekend.

Today is the last part of our LIFE UNDER GOD teaching series. I’ve personally found it to be a stimulating time considering some of our core beliefs from God’s word.

If you have enjoyed thinking through these topics and are keen to think through more theological issues, J.I. Packer has a fantastic book called Concise Theology. The book is divided into different doctrines and each section is short with lots of scripture references you can look up for more information.

You can purchase easily enough from Christian bookstores or online retailers, but all the articles are also available online for free. I have linked to the articles here: www.miers.co/packer-theology

My prayer for us is that each time we consider what it is we believe about God, that in response the Holy Spirit would transform us to live all of LIFE UNDER GOD.

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WIN THE WORKS OF GEORGE WHITEFIELD (13 VOLS.) FROM @LOGOS

george-whitefield

For the last 6 years I have been gradually building a digital library of Bible tools and other Christian books using Logos Bible Software. The thing I love above Logos is having access to my library anywhere and anytime. I use Logos on my mobile phone, tablet device and laptop. It has now become part of my regular preparation for preaching and personal reading.

I’m excited to announce a partnership with Logos. The basic platform is free to download, but it is worthwhile purchasing one of the base packages to really start to accessing the powerful tools. CLICK HERE to receive 15% off the base package.

For the next 2 weeks you can also enter to win THE WORKS OF GEORGE WHITEFIELD. Whitefield was an English Anglican Evangelist who saw incredible fruit while preaching Christ in the 1700s. I’ve read biographies of Whitefield before and am fascinated by the man and the way that God used him to save many. This collection includes biographies, sermons and other writings/correspondence.

See below to enter…
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LITTLE BLACK BOOKS // INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT PETTY

LITTLE BLACK BOOKS

Little Black Books are a series of short, readable, engaging books written by my friend, Scott Petty. Scott is an excellent writer and one of the best youth communicators in Australia. I have personally purchased each of the 8 books and thoroughly recommend all youth leaders to read them and then give them away!

Matthias Media (the publishers) have agreed to offer all eight of Scott’s books for only $29.95 – that’s a bargain!!

GO TO THE RIGHT SIDE BAR and click on the “LITTLE BLACK BOOKS” advertisement to be directed to the right place!

I recently had the opportunity to ask Scott Petty a number of questions about this excellent books series. If you have any other questions leave them in the comments and I will see if Scott can drop in to answer them.

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1) A brief snapshot of your life, family and ministry.

I’m married to sweet Carolyn, and we have 3 fun-loving boys together. I’ve been the Youth Minister at Christ Church St Ives for over 11 years. I was born in Queensland and have lived in London, but Sydney really is home. I like racing bicycles, drinking coffee, eating good food, listening to rock n roll, discussing Christian stuff with young people, and I recently completed my first Tough Mudder event, oo-rah!

2) There are millions of books in the world, why does the world need 8 more?

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Youth Ministry on the Front Foot

Youthworks have recently launched a brand new youth leadership book, Youth Ministry on the Front Foot. I have a chapter in there… but don’t let that stop you getting a copy!! I haven’t read it in its final form, but am looking forward to gleaning wisdom from the experienced youth pastors who contributed. Intro blurbs etc below.

READ A SAMPLE OR BUY IT NOW

Youth are our future, right?

No! The future of our youth lies in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The truth is, the youth of any generation need to hear and accept this gospel! Youth Ministry on the Front Foot tackles the unique opportunities and challenges of ministry to this age group through the wisdom of experienced youth ministers with a passion for seeing teenagers come to Christ. The biblical principles and practical advice in these pages on key issues such as social media, discipling and leader accountability are ideal for youth ministers, church leaders and anyone interested in youth ministry. Application guides in each chapter also contain helpful questions, checklists and diagrams for your youth ministry context.

Contributors: Mike Everett, Eugene Hor, Cameron Hyslop, Ron Irving, Sarah Macken, Jodie McNeill, Dave Miers, Ken D Noakes, Murray Norman, Scott Petty, Graham Stanton, Zac Veron (series editor) & Kylie Williams

READ A SAMPLE OR BUY IT NOW

Click below for Endorsements…
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THINK by John Piper

John Piper writes books quicker than I can read them. But I still try! I thoroughly enjoyed one of his recent books: Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God. Here’s part of the official blurb from the publisher, Crossway: “We often pit thinking and feeling against each other, especially when it comes to the Christian experience. Glorifying God with our minds and hearts, however, is not either-or, but both-and. Focusing on the life of the mind will help you to know God better, love him more, and care for the world.”

Here’s a promo video for the book:

In Think Piper has two biblical texts that form the main point of the book. 2 Timothy 2:7 – “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything” (ESV) and Proverbs 2:3-6 – “…if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding…” (ESV)

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God, Marriage, and Family | Andreas J. Kostenberger

Crossway have recently launched the 2nd Edition of God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation by Andreas J. Kostenberger. You can find out about the book here. It comprehensively deals with the Old Testament, the New Testament and current topical issues. I’m currently studying Christian Ethics at college and it’s a useful text for a theological college student, but I think it’s not beyond the average reader. I know of a number of churches that use this as required reading for couples before they get married. Marriage is currently under attack in our world… there’s no better time to be acquainted with God’s good plans for  relationships than now!

Here’s a blurb from the product website:

The release of the landmark first edition of God, Marriage, and Family provided an integrated, biblical treatment of God’s purposes for the home. Since then, explain authors Andreas Köstenberger and David Jones, the crisis confronting modern households has only intensified, and yet the solution remains the same: obedience to and application of God’s Word.

In the second edition of God, Marriage, and Family, Köstenberger and Jones explore the latest controversies, cultural shifts, and teachings within both the church and society and further apply Scripture’s timeless principles to contemporary issues. This new edition includes an assessment of the family-integrated church movement; discussion of recent debates on corporal punishment, singleness, homosexuality, and divorce and remarriage; new sections on the theology of sex and the parenting of teens; and updated bibliographies. This book will prove to be a valuable resource for personal and group study, Christian counseling, and marriage and family courses.

Get your hands on a copy:

Crossway | Amazon | Booko | Browse the whole book online