Category Archives: Books
Theology….Why Bother?
I’ve been having some really good conversations with our Lead Team at the Ridge lately about things that we were taught growing up in church about the character of God, the person and work of Jesus, and things that just plainly were not true. So much of our conversations have went like this….
” I was taught and had always heard that___________. But then as I STUDIED SCRIPTURE I saw that just wasn’t true.”
More and more over the last several years, I have continued to better understand and see the importance of knowing theology as I preach and teach those around me. Many years ago, I would had told you that deep theology was a waste of time. I was a fool. All I needed to know was Jesus and Him crucified. Which, in the grand scheme of things, that matters greatly. But as a teacher, preacher, and church leader, I better know a few more things and have a clear understanding of a few more things. It’s amazing to me now that I look back, my lack of deep, meaningful, study and understanding of theology. I can’t say that I haven’t learned anything over my years of teaching, but what I can say is that I didn’t dive in deep enough. Times are changing.
It’s important to me that our staff, our volunteers and even the attenders of the Ridge Community Church understand scripture, basic the0logy, and how all of scripture tells the story of Jesus and the Gospel. So for starters, I’m having our Lead Team and a few other leaders read Mark Driscoll’s Doctrine book. I highly recommend this book, especially if you want a crash course on some solid theology.
Don’t ever believe that you’ve learned all you can about God. Because then you’ll STOP learning. That’s a dangerous place to be.
Wild Goose Chase Give Away
So here’s the big moment….I’m giving away a copy of Mark Batterson’s new book, Wild Goose Chase to the first person to comment, “I want a copy of Wild Goose Chase!” Here’s the catch…you also have to tell me your biggest, craziest, most ridiculous dream for your life. Why?…Read the book and you’ll see…
Let the games begin….
Book Review: Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson
Last week, I was given the opportunity to get an advanced copy of Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson as part of a Blog Tour for the new book. I just received the book last Friday, but in the last few days I’ve been able to read a few chapters and I’ve already been blessed, stretched, and taught. What? You don’t have it yet? Check in at Confessions of a Worshipper later today to find out how you can get a FREE COPY of Wild Goose Chase right here on Confessions!
As I’ve read through the book, I took my trusty highlighter out to mark some standout points. Here are a few to wet your appetite:
- Otro dia, otra aventura: Translation- Another day, another adventrue
- Inverted Christianity- instead of following the spirit, we invite the Spirit to follow us
- “I wonder if churches do to people what zoos do to animals?” (wanna know what this means? Read the book!)
- When was the last time you asked God to make you dangerous?
- Could it be possible you are bored with your faith?
Those are just a few thoughts and excerpts from Chapter 1! Yes, it’s packed full of thought provoking goodies! There are 7 chapters in the book and during the 7 chapters, Mark discuses “the 6 cages that keep us from roaming free with the Wild Goose (Holy Spirit) and living the life spiritual adventure God destined us to.”
I personally can’t wait to finish this book. I’ve already decided that I will use this book to launch from this year with the Clinton High School football and basketball teams, teaching on the main points of the book. I can’t wait to see how this new offering from Mark Batterson, by the leading of the Wild Goose, impacts mine and all the others who have a chance to read it/hear it.
Check out chasethegoose.com for more info, including Mark’s 10 Steps to Setting Life Goals.
Purchase Wild Goose Chase @ Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or ask for it at your favorite book store.
He KNEW You
In reading Francis Chan’s new book, Crazy Love (which you have to buy NOW), he makes a statement about how God knew us before we ever formed. That comes from Jeremiah 1:4-5.
4 The Lord gave me this message:
5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
Crazy Love Coming Down
My good friend Rusty lent me a copy of Francis Chan’s new book, Crazy Love today. He read it in like 24 hrs so I’m hoping to have it finished up sometime tomorrow. I’ll share thoughts, insight, and a review when it’s complete.
If you have not yet heard about this book, you need to be reading it NOW! Go to www.crazylovebook.com
