New book: The Rule of Love by Jonathan Leeman

The Rule of Love: How the Local Church Should Reflect God's Love and Authority by Jonathan Leeman - Our culture's view of love--with no boundaries or judgments or conditions-- justifies whatever our hearts want and whatever our hearts feel, rejecting any authority that gets in the way. Falsely heralded as the only path to true self-expression and self-realization, this kind of love diminishes--if not completely redefines--the holy love of God revealed in the Bible.

In this book, Jonathan Leeman directs us toward a biblical definition of love by answering critical questions: How is love commonly misunderstood? What is God's love like and why is it offensive? And how does all of this relate to the church? In an age of consumerism, individualism, and tribalism, Leeman demonstrates how God showcases his holy love and authority to a watching world through the lives of his people living in true community with one another as the church.

Book information:

Title: The Rule of Love: How the Local Church Should Reflect God's Love and Authority

Author: Jonathan Leeman

Call number: 261 LEE

New book: Eternity is Now in Session by John Ortberg

Eternity is Now in Session by John Ortberg - Something in us is waiting--for what, we don't know. Something different? Something better?

For Christians, perhaps the deepest expression of what we're waiting for is found in the phrase "eternal life." But what is eternal life? Why do we want it? And how do we know if we have it?

In Eternity Is Now in Session, bestselling author John Ortberg dispels the myth that eternal life is something way out in outer space that we can only hope to experience after we die--and that being saved is merely about meeting the minimal entrance requirements for getting into heaven. Instead, John unpacks the reality that the moment we trust Christ, we are initiated into "eternal living" with God as a here and now reality, one that will continue beyond our life on this earth.

Jesus defined eternal life just once, in John 17:3: ". . . that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." The kind of "knowing God" that is eternal life is an interactive relationship, not just an affirmation of certain facts about God. Once we begin the transformative journey of truly knowing God, we can start to experience His presence, favor, and resurrection power right here on this earth--in the details, tasks, and challenges of daily, ordinary life.

And as we begin to know God this way, we'll realize each moment of our lives is a vehicle to the eternity we've been longing for all along.

Book information:

Title: Eternity is Now in Session

Author: John Ortberg

Call number: 201 ORT

New book: The Eternal Current by Aaron Niequist

The Eternal Current: How a Practice-Based Faith Can Save Us from Drowning by Aaron Niequist - A call for Christians to move past the shallows of idealized beliefs and into a deeper, more vibrant, beatitude-like faith rooted in sacred practices and intimate experiences with God.

When the limits of his own faith experience left him feeling spiritually empty, Niequist determined God must have a wider vision for worship and community.

In his search, Aaron discovered that there was historical Christian precedent for enacting faith in a different way, an ancient and now future way of believing. He calls this third way "practice-based faith."

This book is about loving one's faith tradition and, at the same time, following the call to something deeper and richer. By adopting some new spiritual practices, it is possible to learn to swim again with a renewed sense of vigor and divine purpose.

Book information:
Title: The Eternal Current: How a Practice-Based Faith Can Save Us from Drowning
Author: Aaron Niequist
Call number: 201 NIE

New book: Holy Roar by Chris Tomlin and Darren Whitehead

Holy Roar by Chris Tomlin and Darren Whitehead - In the ancient world something extraordinary happened when God s people gathered to worship him. It was more than just singing; it was a declaration, a proclamation, a time to fully embody praise to God for who he is and what he has done. In fact, in the Psalms, there are seven Hebrew words that are translated into the English word praise each of which represents a different aspect of what it means to truly praise God. In Holy Roar, Chris Tomlin and Darren Whitehead share a fresh perspective from the worship practices of the ancient world. Grow in your understanding of praise as Darren offers unique insights. Be inspired as Chris shares how those insights take shape in the stories behind some of your favorite worship songs, including How Great Is Our God, We Fall Down, and Good Good Father. Whether for your own personal use or for use in your church small group, Holy Roar provides insight and encouragement to deepen your practice of praise. Follow along as Chris and Darren lead you to the throne room of God. Join their invitation. Become a part of the Holy Roar.

Book information:

Title: Holy Roar

Author: Chris Tomlin and Darren Whitehead

Call number: 241 TOM