Cambridge Seventh-day Adventist Church Cambridge MN : Book Recommendations

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Book Recommendations

	The Chronicles of Narnia Fantasy allegories with talking animals aren’t for everyone. And never fear, I do not condone fantasy writing in general; far from it because 99.9 percent of it is junk food for the mind. But unlike most of the genre C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia is profound Christian theology. Technically, the series was written as parables for children. And that is when I first read them. However, I still refer to them regularly almost like reference books, because throughout the stories the truths of Christianity run deep. I suppose it’s possible to read the books and completely miss the theological aspects, but for the discerning reader who looks for the Christian vein you will likely find yourself drawn into deep thought concerning your faith. Whether or not I agree with all the Lewis presents, I count the Chronicles of Narnia among the major influences that have formed and continue to form my personal faith journey.
	Silence Christian writer Shusaku Endo is greatly respected in his native Japan. One of his most fascinating works is a historical novel based on the courageous missionaries to Japan during the severe persecution of Christians in the 1500s. The book is called simply, Silence. It tells the story of two Catholic priests who snuck into Japan under cover of darkness to minister to the surviving Christians. They went in the full knowledge that they would be caught and the consequences that would follow. The book, written from the point of view of one of the would-be martyrs, is filled with tough questions, many of which are not easily answered. Whether you like the book or not one thing is sure: you will be forced to think.
	Blue Like Jazz “Sometimes you have to watch somebody love something before you can love it yourself,” says Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz, Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality, as he tells his story of trying to make religion relevant to spirituality. On the one hand I hesitate to recommend the book to everyone because Miller’s style may be uncomfortable and even heretical to some. On the other hand, his humorous and sincere presentation is disarming even when you disagree with him. This book may appeal particularly to those enmeshed in postmodern life with all of its confusing spiritual twists and turns. You may be stretched, but stretching can be healthy spiritually, too.
	The Practice of the Presence of God The Practice of the Presence of God is a small book written back in the 17th century by a man known only as Brother Lawrence. Actually, he didn’t write it as a book; it’s mostly letters that he wrote to others, which someone who knew him gathered and published. The primary theme of the book is the peace that will fill our lives when we practice living moment by moment with God. As he learned to include God in the most mundane of activities Brother Lawrence learned that every activity becomes an act of worship. It’s worth the short read.
	Intentional Disciplemaking “I have observed three excellent ways for a person’s heart rate to reach aerobic level quickly: jogging for thirty minutes, losing their two-year-old toddler while shopping in a blown glass retail store, or hearing the word ‘evangelism.’” These are the words of Ron Bennett in his book Intentional Disciplemaking: Cultivating Spiritual Maturity in the Local Church. In his book Ron addresses such vital topics what spiritual development really is, transformation versus conformation, how to overcome barriers and lead others into deeper spiritual maturity all the while growing deeper yourself, and much more. Intentional Disciplemaking is a small, easy-to-read book that is well worth reading. It’s available at Amazon.com or directly from NavPress at www.navpress.com or 800-366-7788.
	Altar Call If you are interested in understanding the Old Testament sanctuary better and how it is connected to heavenly sanctuary of the New Testament and how that ties in with the book of Hebrews, as well as how it ties into the entire scheme behind the plan of salvation, then you should read Altar Call by Roy Gane. Gane is considered one of the foremost authorities on the Old Testament sanctuary, and is the author of Zondervan’s NIV Application Commentary: Leviticus and Numbers. Gane brings a wealth of insight to the New Testament teachings of the sanctuary by his profound understanding of the old sanctuary and he does it in a way that you almost don’t realize you’re reading a scholarly work. You will come to understand the subject of salvation, atonement, and judgment in an eye-opening way that will affect your entire Christian experience. The book is out of print, but used copies can be found at Amazon.com.
	Divine Conspiracy Divine Conspiracy, by Dallas Willard, has been a life-changing book for me. Willard begins with an exposition on what Jesus really meant when he showed up on earth boldly declaring that the kingdom of heaven had arrived. Willard challenges us to stop thinking of the kingdom of heaven as a distant location far removed from life on earth and realize that it is here and now. And perhaps just as importantly he emphasizes that this kingdom is accessible to absolutely everyone. After showing the immediate availability of the kingdom of the heavens to each one of us Willard goes on to describe in practical day to day terms how we can access it and begin living life eternal with God right now.
	*The Taste of New Wine* The Taste of New Wine is a small book written by Keith Miller chronicling his struggle to learn to be a minister of God where he was at—in the oil business. Over time he came to understand how God has called every person to be his faithful witness in every life situation. If you want some ideas about how to be a full-time minister in your current job perhaps this little book will help.