Reading/Studies List

Happy Thursday! So there are 3 books/studies that I am currently involved in in various settings that I would like to recommend to you! Each of them has made me critically think, inspired me, and mostly made me recognize how much I appreciate grace. When I was recommending one of these books to a friend she asked me if I was a sales rep for the company. I guess my passionate side was shinning through and I may have pressured her to buy the book. But I promise it was just my excitement getting the best of me. Sorry Ash : ) Anyways I know I am always wanting suggestions from others so here are a few of my top picks now (Radical by David Platt or Crazy Love by Frances Chan are of course great and let me be clear that I do not think any of these studies or books should be put above reading the Bible)

1. Reason for God: by Timothy Keller
             Can be read individually or the group study/DVD can be purchased to go through in a small group of 4-12 people. The book and DVD discuss the most common arguements used to try and disprove Christianity such as: "How can a good, all-powerfull God allow suffering." The video is a taping of Tim Keller discussing issues with a group of self proclaimed atheist/agnosit people, not in hopes of converting them but to learn of their perspective. The book is a great resource but the thing I think that is so valuable about watching the DVDs is observing the non-judgmental/ appropriate tone that Tim Keller uses when discussing sensitive issues and hard topics with non-believers.





2. Experiencing God: by Henry and Rickhard Blackaby, Claude King
            A daily workbook/bible study that can be done individually, with one or two other people as a means of discipleship, or in a larger group type setting. It explains very clearly and honestly about how to experience God (hence title) by seeing where God is at work, building a relationship, responding to His invite, listening to Him, going through some crisis of belief where we make a decision, adjusting our lives, and then finally obeying Him. About 15-30 minutes per day x 5 days per week is needed to complete daily study. Worth it.



3. Tangible Kingdom Primer: by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay

          It is designed to take place in a small group setting. Each person completes 15 minute studies during the week except on one day out of each week the group meets, shares a meal together, and completes study together. A review I read online described it better than I....The Primer is designed for an incarnational community, or in simple terms, a group of people who are committed to their spiritual growth together. Really together. Radically together. This is a handbook for how to form that community, and — the missing link in so many small groups — how to bring action and change to that group. There’s solid information here, but there is also motivation and meditation. Days are devoted to concepts, meditation, action, change, community and even rest. It’s kind of like — wait for it — life in the Kingdom.


Let me know if you have any questions about these or if you or your group does one!