July 2010

Here are some suggested readings for the summer:

Anything by Tim Keller – "The Reason for God" answers seven most common questions that nonbelievers would ask. "How could a good God allow suffering?" "How can a loving God send people to hell?" Also covered are chapters on Science, one true religion, and "You can't take the Bible Literally." The next seven chapters give the strongest reasons for believing in God and his Son Jesus. This book is written for everyone who has doubts or knows someone who does.

I also recommend his books, "The Prodigal God" and "Counterfeit Gods."

John Ortberg – "The Me I Want to Be." I don't like the title because it looks like life is about me and we know it is not. The book is about learning to live life in the Spirit. How does God change us so we will be all he created us to be?

Dave Harvey – "When Sinners Say I Do." If you are not taking the marriage class but still want something to improve your marriage, this is my favorite book on marriage. The book shows that the problem in my marriage is me. My wife is married to the world's worst sinner. If you can handle that you can learn grace rules the day and can rule our marriages. Sell your pillow but get this book.

Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson – "The Externally Focused Church" – This is the book that has helped Valley think through our mission to serve our community by partnering with them to build relationships and to bring the compassion of Jesus to those in need. It is very practical and has helped me think "outside the walls" with Kingdom Assignments and ministries. I would love to have a group of people in our church read this book and help lead us in these directions.

Francis Collins – "The Language of God" – Collins was the head of the Human Genome Project and one of the world's leading scientists. Yet he is also a man of unshakable faith in God and Scripture. He believes that those not only can but should exist together within a person. I have not completed this book but already I can tell I recommend it. You may not agree with everything in it but it is wonderfully encouraging to find a world renowned scientist state so clearly his reasons for belief in God.