Interesting Idea

Church Tells Gentleman's Clubgoers 'Strip for Me' on Billboard

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us" Hebrews 12:1

Why the rich give less.

Apparently I have been thinking about wealth this month... The Atlantic has an interesting article comparing the giving habits of the rich and the poor.  As a Christian and a pastor I think it's foolish and maybe dangerous at times to compare who is giving what, however, this study gives some interesting statistics and thoughts about the subject that should be thought about.  So check out the article here.

What do you think?

Are we rich?

Here's a video about wealth floating through the interwebs:

The Resurrection Changes Things

Anyone who quotes N.T. Wright deserves to be read :)  Here is a great article on Relevant Magazine's website that talks about the resurrection.

What has the resurrection changed in your life?

Cuz' I am Your Husband

Is it goofy?

Yes.

Is it stealing?

Yes.

Is it worth watching?

Maybe....

But my old friends at Delaware Grace Brethren made it, so it's worth it :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3NvUtI4-no&feature=youtu.be

Quist Adventures

Step One: Read this story.

Step Two: Laugh out loud (or LOL for the youngins).

Step Three: Thank God you only worry about squirrels getting in the house.

Step Four: Join me in feeding the Baboons by supporting the Quist's in South Africa.

Winter 2013 Reading List

Well, Ohio winter has definitely started. We have several inches of snow on the ground right now and snow every few days in the forecast, which is why it's a great time to talk about winter reading.  I've got five books sitting here waiting to be read and I am pretty excited about several of them.  I plan on reading them in the next few months and 'hopefully' reviewing them on this blog later.  With no further ado, here is my winter 2013 reading list:

Managing God's Money: A Biblical Guide

by Randy Alcorn

This has been sitting in my pile for a while.  My wife read it probably 8 months ago and said I should take a look at it for myself.  I realize that in most Christian circles Dave Ramsey is the man on finances and for good reason his plans are really pretty good, especially his aversion to debt.  The problem I have with Dave Ramsey is his lack of Biblical awareness and support throughout his money management books and programs.  That;s not to say his programs aren't Biblical, it's just I don;t see him using the Bible as a basis for all his thoughts on money, which has earned him greater appeal.  Hope to  read this Alcorn book and feel more solid in what the Bible actually says we should do with our money and plan our finances more accordingly.

Who Do You Think You Are?  Finding Your True Identity in Christ.

by Mark Driscoll

New book by an interesting author.  So honestly I love Mark Driscoll (in a platonic  he's a cool dude kind of way).  While I don't always agree with him and I believe he definitely has some tendencies toward being arrogant, I think he has a great way to engage this culture with questions (and answers) relevant to today.  I just hope his book contains some 'new' (there is nothing NEW under the sun) thoughts and ideas that can assist me and my ministry to define who we are in Christ to a post modern culture.

The Church on the Other Side: Doing Ministry in the Postmodern World

by Brian McLaren

This book was just recently given to me by a friend who was moving.  In general I have mixed feelings about Brian McLaren's books, I think that this one might be in the ones that I can get along with section... hopefully.  McLaren is a fairly polarizing individual within the evangelical sphere, which I think to some extent is overblown and yet intentional on his own part.  In general though I think he challenges me and those I lead to look at things differently than what we might have done on our own.

Jesus: A Theography

by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola

I received this from BookSneeze to review back in October and honestly haven't able to pull myself through the first couple chapters.  But that ends this winter.  I will finish this book and post a review (but it may not be a positive one - we'll see).  Overall I think I've decided Leonard Sweet is not the easiest author for me to read, which is crazy because so many people like his stuff.  If you haven't noticed in the past it's difficult for me to pull myself through his books, and this one is the longest driest one I've tried to date.  However, it must  be finished!

Unleashed: Breaking Free from Normalcy

by Perry Noble

Probably the book I am most excited about on the list.  I have never read anything by Perry in the past, but I have listened to him preach several times through online sermons.  I like Perry Noble's style and hope it translates well into his books.  

Bonus Winter Book:

Red Letter: Living a Faith that Bleeds

by Tom Davis

Here's another book that's been sitting on my desk collecting dust.  I've heard great things about the book but haven't been able to find the time to read through it.  It looks like a great book and should be a good read.

Well there you have it my winter reading list.  Hope you like it:)