New book: Life Lessons from 1 and 2 Thessalonians by Max Lucado

Life Lessons from 1 and 2 Thessalonians by Max Lucado - The church in Thessalonica was a study in contrast. They had been a quiet and holy people. But after a while, they had become restless and impatient. They needed direction on how to live. So Paul wrote the young church two letters. The first commended the believers for their faith and encouraged them to continue living according the gospel principles he had taught. The second letter was filled with helpful hints that corrected their wrong beliefs, assumptions, and behaviors. Whether we are living a quiet and holy life or one that leaves us restless and impatient, Paul's letters encourage us. They challenge us to remain faithful in a temporary world.

Book information:

Title: Life Lessons from 1 and 2 Thessalonians

Author: Max Lucado

Call number: 108 LUC

New book: Why We Love the Church by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck

Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck - This book presents the case for loving the local church. It paints a picture of the local church in all its biblical and real life guts, gaffes, and glory in an effort to edify local congregations and entice the disaffected back to the fold. It also provides a solid biblical mandate to love and be part of the body of Christ and counteract the "leave church" books that trumpet rebellion and individual felt needs.

Why We Love the Church is written for four kinds of people—the Committed, the Disgruntled, the Waffling, and the Disconnected. 

Book information: 
Title: Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion
Authors: Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck
Call number: 261 DEY

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

New book: What Is a Healthy Church? by Mark Dever

What Is a Healthy Church? by Mark Dever - What is an ideal church, and how can you tell?

How does it look different from other churches? More importantly, how does it act differently, especially in society? Many of us aren't sure how to answer those questions, even though we probably have some preconceived idea. But with this book, you don't have to wonder any more.

Author Mark Dever seeks to help believers recognize the key characteristics of a healthy church: expositional preaching, biblical theology, and a right understanding of the gospel. Dever then calls us to develop those characteristics in our own churches. By following the example of New Testament authors and addressing church members from pastors to pew sitters, Dever challenges all believers to do their part in maintaining the local church. What Is a Healthy Church? offers timeless truths and practical principles to help each of us fulfill our God-given roles in the body of Christ.

Book information:

Title: What Is a Healthy Church? 

Author: Mark Dever

Call number: 261 DEV

New book: Life Lessons from Colossians & Philemon by Max Lucado

Life Lessons from Colossians & Philemon by Max Lucado - Do you remember when God amazed you? When he marvelously provided for you? Sadly, sometimes we forget God’s mercy. We lose sight of his grace. The early believers in the Colossian church had forgotten. Instead, they were impressed by spiritual claims from false teachers, and the church was starting to add some extras to salvation. The apostle Paul’s letters reminded them that Jesus is all we will ever need. Paul encourages. He challenges. He gives principles for living and interacting at work, in our families, and our churches. Paul also knew that one of his friends had been betrayed and had every reason to seek revenge. So Paul wrote to Philemon encouraging him to rise above his hurt and show mercy, forgiveness, grace, and love. Paul’s letters remind us of the difference Christ makes in every aspect of our lives.

Book information:

Title: Life Lessons from Colossians & Philemon

Author: Max Lucado

Call number: 108 LUC

New book: Life Lessons from Philippians by Max Lucado

Life Lessons from Philippians by Max Lucado - An unexpected bill. An upcoming doctor’s appointment. A tense family visit. Every day struggles of all sizes creep into our lives, leaving us stressed. Frustrated. Anxious. Just plain miserable. The believers in Philippi were struggling. They were trying to grow in faith and live for Christ. Trying to deal with conflict and threats of persecution. The apostle Paul was stuck in a Roman prison when he wrote to this young church. His letter could have focused on his own troubles. Instead he wrote about living a life full of joy, peace, and contentment. He reminds us of important biblical truths and points us to Jesus as the ultimate example. Paul’s letter encourages. It inspires. His confidence reminds us of God’s wisdom and control in the difficult moments of life. His excitement challenges us in this guide to joy.

Book information:

Title: Life Lessons from Philippians

Author: Max Lucado

Call number: 108 LUC

New book: Life Lessons from Ephesians by Max Lucado

Life Lessons from Ephesians by Max Lucado - Is there anything more elegant than a wedding? Candles bathe a chapel in gold. Families fill the pews. Groomsmen and bridesmaids descend the aisles with bouquets of newness. And the groom stands at the front, longing for that moment his bride will appear and step toward him to start their new life together. In Ephesians, Paul reminds us that Jesus is also longing for the day he will be united with the church—his bride in all her beauty. Paul’s letter celebrates the beauty of the church and gives us wonderful examples and overviews of a Christian life. Paul shows us how to walk worthy of Christ as we live our life for God. His focus on the beauty of the church reminds us that through salvation we become a part of God’s family: a place where we can experience true belonging.

Book information:
Title: Life Lessons from Ephesians

Author: Max Lucado

Call number: 108 LUC