Pastor's Picks
Disclaimer: The only infallible book every written was the Bible. The books that I am recommending are not the Bible but point you to the Bible. They should encourage your love for and application of biblical truth. So, if you find something in one of these books you disagree with every once in a while, well, that is to be expected. Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. - Pastor Marcus
1. The Master Plan of Evangelism (Start Reading)
Instead of drawing on the latest popular fad or the newest selling technique, in this classic study, Robert E. Coleman looks to the Bible to find the answer to the question, What was Christ's strategy for evangelism? Through a thorough examination of the gospel accounts, Coleman points out unchanging, simple, yet profound biblical principles of how to emulate Christ to others.
2. When People Are Big and God is Small (Start Reading)
Overly concerned about what people think of you?
However you put it, the fear of man can be summarized this way: We replace God with people. Instead of a biblically guided fear of the Lord, we fear others. Of course, the “fear of man” goes by other names. When we are in our teens, it is called “peer pressure.” When we are older, it is called “people-pleasing.” Recently, it has been called “codependency.” With these labels in mind, we can spot the fear of man everywhere.
Since there is no room in our hearts to worship both God and people, whenever people are big, God is not. Therefore the first task in escaping the snare of the fear of man is to know that God is awesome and glorious, not other people. This book helps to uncover the spiritual dimension of people-pleasing and points the way through a true knowledge of God, ourselves, and others.
3. Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper (Start Reading)
Some people spend their lives on trivial diversions, seeking worldly comfort and pleasure above all else. But Jesus said, "Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it," pointing to the eternal purpose and God-exalting joy to which all Christians are called. In this book, John Piper passionately warns readers of the dangers of a life that counts for nothing, calling Christians to take risks in their lives that matter for eternity―with a passion for the glory of God that seeks to make much of him in all spheres of life.