Message Series Resources
The following books, websites and resources are designed to complement topics addressed in the messages at Christ Community's weekend services. They may or may not have been cited specifically by the speakers in their messages, but have been placed on this page to supplement their teaching. Hopefully they will support the Holy Spirit's activity in your life, and be of help in your further study of God's Word.
Resources are listed with the most current ones at the top of this page, and are archived by date and message theme since this page was created in January 2008. The speaker's name is listed in parenthesis for reference.
Click on the resource title or picture to be taken to a site where you can learn more, and where it may be purchased or viewed. Many of these resources are also available in The Vines Bookstore in the north lobby on the 15th Street campus at Christ Community.
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November 2011 ... "Tongue Tied"
I Once Was Lost: What Postmodern Skeptics Taught Us About Their Path to Jesus, by Don Everts and Doug Schaupp. How
do people come to Jesus in today's "truth is relative" culture? Everts and Schaupp listened intently as 2,000 individuals described their journeys from postmodern doubt to Christian faith. Despite a diversity of circumstances, common themes were unmistakable. Discover factors that influence modern skeptics to consider Christ---and how to help your neighbors do likewise.
Just Walk Across the Room: Simple Steps Pointing People to
Faith, by Bill Hybels. Building on his bestseller Becoming a Contagious Christian, Pastor Hybels shows you how to follow Jesus' model of personal evangelism by "living in 3-D"---developing friendships, discovering stories, and discerning appropriate ways to leave your comfort zone. Learn to share the good news of redemption with people living far from God---and across the room.
Tangible Kingdom: Creating Incarnational Community, primer by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay. Looking for ways to be a practicing believer apart from the traditional church model? Halter and Smay sought to create communities of faith that remained true to the ancient church traditions but existed on a real-world setting that was assimilated into today's culture. Their model for mission is presented here.
Based on a True Story, by James Choung. A companion booklet to his book True Story: A Christianity Worth Believing In, the visual model is detailed and explained without the book's story framework. James Choung offers a version of the Gospel that is easily learned and reproduced. While the model is tailored to a social gospel approach, Choung also allows for other interpretations and applications of the model.
Pray and Watch, by Neal and Judy Brower. Pray and Watch is not a book about evangelism. It isn't a book about prayer. It's a book about aligning our perspective with the heart and sovereign plan and process of God with the result that we see the people in our world differently than ever before.
Right Here, Right Now: Everyday Mission for Everyday People, by Alan Hirsch and Lance Ford. What does it mean to be a missional Christian? Arguing that the answer is more complex than hosting block parties or more time spent "downtown," Hirsch and Ford present a paradigm based on a new vision of ourselves as Jesus' followers. In this challenging work, they exhort believers to live missionally regardless of situation, vocation, or location.
September-October 2011 ... "Prayer Made Simple" / The Lord's Prayer
A Praying Life: Connecting With God in a Distracting World, by Paul Miller. Miller offers a practical real-life approach to pray
er for busy families! His honest down-to-earth advice shows you how to practice praying in the midst of daily routine. You'll learn to pray like a child, live your Father's story, understand unanswered petitions, and more. Includes tips on using tools such as prayer cards and journaling. Also available as an audiobook on CD.
Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?, by Philip Yancey. In theory, prayer is the priceless point of contact between us and God. In practice, it's often frustrating, confusing, and mysterious. Yancey explores this intersection where we meet God, asking---and answering---key questions: Is He listening? What's the point? Can prayer be more satisfying? Does it change His mind? My mind? Or both? Also available as an eBook.
Can You Hear Me?: Tuning In to the God Who Speaks, by Brad Jersak. Can You Hear Me? is a compelling combination of biblical and historical research, real life experiences, and inspiring exercises on listening prayer. God desires to transform your prayer times into intimate conversations, real meetings with a living friend. Through this book, you will become aware that encountering God is simpler and more interactive than you ever dreamed.
April-May 2011 ... "Marriage By Design" / Genesis 2-3
The Mystery of Marriage, by Mike Mason. A poetic search to understand the wondrous dynamics of committed love. In highly readable, first-person style, Mason's writing stimulates readers' thoughts and prayers and propels couples to deeper intimacy. "A marriage is not a joining of two world," says the author, "but an abandoning of two worlds in order that one new one might be formed." Rich chapters on "Otherness," "Vows," "Intimacy," "Sex," "Submission," and an all-new chapter on "Oneness" lift readers to view the eternal, spiritual nature of this faith-filled, "impossible," wild--yet wonderful--frontier.
Research on Relationships by Dr. John Gottman: The Gottman Relationship Institute / University of Washington, Seattle, Washington ... www.gottman.com
How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong, by Leslie Vernick. There are no perfect spouses or marriages but there is an unexpected blessing in an imperfect marriage. Right in the midst of a marital conflict you have the opportunity to become more like Christ by responding wisely when wronged and forgiving when angry or irritated. A good marriage is hard work but as you yield your life and will to God, your marriage will be an opportunity to become increasingly holy.
For Women Only: What You Need to Know About the Inner Lives of Men, by Shaunti Feldhahn. Why is respect more important to husbands than love? Do men have an inner vulnerability? Why does sex unlock a man's emotions? Is a wife's appearance important? This groundbreaking book unmasks men's inner wiring and equip
s wives to meet them at the point of their deepest needs. Also available as an Audio Book and an eBook. Study Guide and Bible Study format available.
For Men Only: A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women, by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn. The bestselling author of For Women Only has joined with her husband to help men understand women better. Women can be very complicated at times, but by applying simple truths to your relationship, you might find they're actually quite simple to figure out. Don't keep guessing what makes your wife or girlfriend happy—read this insightful map and find the highway to her heart with a much less bumpy ride. Also available as an Audio Book and an eBook. Study Guide available.
Wild at Heart, by John Eldredge. God designed men to be dangerous. Simply look at the dreams and desires written in the heart of every boy: To be a hero, to be a warrior, to live a life of adventure and risk. Sadly, most men abandon those dreams and desires-aided by a Christianity that feels like nothing more than pressure to be a "nice guy." It is no wonder that many men avoid church, and those who go are often passive and bored to death. In this provocative book, Eldredge gives women a look inside the true heart of a man and gives men permission to be what God designed them to be-dangerous, passionate, alive, and free. Study Guide also available, as well as an Audio Book version.
February-March 2011 ... "Sexuality By Design" / Genesis 2-3
The Broken Image, by Leanne Payne. This book presents 
documented case studies of homosexuals and lesbians who have been reoriented to heterosexuality through applied healing prayer.
Desires in Conflict: Hope for Men Who Struggle With Sexual Identity, by Joe Dallas. With a very personable style, this book walks step-by-step with you down the path to healing. First, lay the foundation to spiritual health including motivation to change; then move on to topics such as the origins of homosexual orientation, the process of change, sexual integrity, dating, marriage and more.
Out of Egypt: One Woman’s Journey Out of Lesbianism, by Jeanette Howard. For many years Jeanette was an active lesbian. When, as a result of her new-found faith, she realized the need to change her lifestyle, she could find little immediate help. this book is the result of her five-year walk away from lesbianism.
Someone I Love is Gay, by Anita Worthen and Bob Davies. After the shock wears off discover how to respond to a gay spouse, child, relative or friend with the truth about homosexuality without being judgmental. In addition to helping you understand your own emotions, this essential book offers compassionate yet solid answers for both you and your loved one.
Exodus International: www.exodusinternational.org. Exodus International is the world’s largest ministry to individuals and families impacted by homosexuality. With over 35 years of ministry experience, Exodus is committed to encouraging, educating and equipping the Body of Christ to address the issue of homosexuality with grace and truth.
Setting Captives Free: www.settingcaptivesfree.com. Setting Captives Free is a ministry devoted to helping people just like you find freedom from habitual sins and learn to grow in grace. Their many Christ-centered courses are free of charge, including Door of Hope, a 60-day interactive course that will teach you to enjoy a newfound relationship with the Lord and how to find freedom from homosexuality.
October-November 2010 ... "Too Small to Ignore"
Too Small to Ignore: Why the Least of These Matters Most, by
Dr. Wess Stafford. Children are our future, yet so often we fail to make "the least of these" a priority. In this bold manifesto, the leader of Compassion International shares the dramatic behind-the-scenes story of his ministry to kids around the world---and challenges us as individuals and as a church to work for the good of children everywhere.
October 30/31: The Incredibles (Pastor Alan Kraft)
Questions Kids Ask About Sex: Honest Answers for Every Age (Including What to Say and When: A Parents' Guide), by
Melissa R. Cox. The questions will come---don't let them catch you off guard! Talking about sex can be an incredible opportunity to develop a more meaningful and rewarding relationship with your child. Since sexual images saturate today's culture, children will learn about sex somewhere, but research shows that they want to learn from you. So prepare yourself to be the one they can turn to with this encouraging and empowering resource. Also available as an eBook.
Preparing Your Son for Every Man's Battle: Honest Conv
ersations About Sexual Integrity, by Stephen Arturburn, Fred Stoeker and Mike Yorkey. It's never easy to talk to your sons about sex but now there's help from the authors behind the Every Man series! Offering spiritual and biblical insights, this resource will help you initiate natural conversations that will encourage young men to stand strong, overcome temptation, and experience the blessings of godly obedience.
Preparing Your Daughter for Every Woman's Battle: Creative Conversations About Sexual and Emotional Integrity, b
y Shannon Ethridge. Recognizing how awkward it can be to confront the topic of sex, author Shannon Ethridge guides you and your daughter through enjoyable yet memorable discussions about sexuality, purity, and dating - leading to a deeper understanding of and appreciation for God's standards. Preparing Your Daughter for Every Woman's Battle provides creative tools that will give you the confidence to talk openly and honestly with your daughter, encouraging her to live a lifetime of sexual and emotional integrity.
September-October 2010 ... "By Design" / Genesis 1-2
The Case For a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God, by Lee Strobel. During his academic years, Lee Strobel became convinced that God was outmoded,
a belief that colored his ensuing career as an award-winning journalist at the Chicago Tribune. Science had made the idea of a Creator irrelevant---or so Strobel thought. But today science is pointing in a different direction. In recent years, a diverse and impressive body of research has increasingly supported the conclusion that the universe was intelligently designed. At the very least, it's giving faith an immense boost as new findings emerge about the incredible complexity of our universe. Join Strobel as he reexamines the theories that once led him away from God that he's now convinced presents astonishing evidence for the case for a Creator. Also available in a student edition and as an audio book or DVD.
The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath, by Mark Buchanan. In The Rest of God, author Mark Buchanan says that the Sabbath is essential to our full humanity and faith. God set forth a rhythm of work and rest that if restored to our lives will bring prolonged life, enriched relationships, increased fruitfulness, and abundant joy. For the majority of us who have endless demands and stifling daily routines, discovering the "rest of God" is the solution to "not enough time." Also available as an eBook.
Summer 2010 ... "Mythbusters"
Pray and Watch, by Neal and Judy Brower. Pray and Watch is not a book about evangelism. It isn't a book about prayer. It's a book about aligning our perspective with the heart and sovereign plan and process of God with the result that we see the people in our world differently than ever before. You want to live faithfully with the great commission in mind. You care genuinely about people who are perishing. But if things keep going the way they are, you might be like the majority of the historical American church, never experiencing the incredible elation of taking part in the salvation of someone you care for. Pray, asking God to do what He loves...saving human souls. Watch as He actually does it...all around you.
Spring 2010 ... "Mission Possible: Real People With Real Struggles Making a Real Difference" (Alan Kraft and Stacey Campbell)
Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations, by Alex Harris and Brett Harris. Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact. Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes and stories of teens in action. Also available as an audio book.
Start Here: Doing Hard Things Right Where You Are, by Alex Harris and Brett Harris. Blasting past mediocrity, the Harris brothers challenged teens to move beyond their comfort zones in Do Hard Things. What's next? In this follow-up to their bestseller, they help kids overcome common hurdles as they seek to change the world. Learn how to inspire others, stay motivated, discover what your hard thing is, and more, with stories from real-life rebelutionaries like you!
January-March 2010 ... "The 'D' Word: Uncovering Normal Christianity" Exploring what the Bible has to say about being a disciple of Christ, living our life in an authentic, vital relationship with Him.
The Me I Want to Be: Becoming God's Best Version of You, by
John Ortberg. Just released in December 2009, this book will help you discover the great task---and joy---of living out God's best version of yourself! Best-selling author and pastor Ortberg explains that Christ's vision for each of us is to grow spiritually toward a life in which his Spirit flows like a river---assuring us that this is God's project, not our own. Also available as an audio CD. If you are interested in engaging with the Monvee online spiritual formation tool referenced in this book, e-mail Pastor Bruce Hoppe to find out more. Christ Community is one of the churches piloting this tool in its beta phase.
Advent 2009 ... "Got Joy?" (Alan Kraft and Stacey Campbell)
Glory in the Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship CD, by C
hris Tomlin. From Dove Award-winner Chris Tomlin comes a Christmas worship experience you'll cherish for years to come! Recorded live in 2009 with a community of artists including Matt Redman, it features "Born That We May Have Life," "Winter Snow," and "Light of the World"---plus familiar favorites including "O Holy Night," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," and "Joy to the World." It's also available as an MP3 download and on ITunes.
October-November 2009 ... "A Ray of Hope" (Alan Kraft and Steve Oeffling) The heart of this series is to help us grow in our awareness of the global issues in which Christ Community is involved, and our understanding of God’s heart for our personal involvement in each of these areas. Below we've listed the links to a book we're encouraging you to read throughout this series, as well as specific resources and links tied in to individual themes.
The Hole In Our Gospel, by Richard Stearns, is the compelling true
story of a corporate CEO who set aside the world's definition of success for something far more significant, and discovered the full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to change his own life. He uses his journey to demonstrate how the gospel was always meant to be a world-changing social revolution, a revolution that begins with you. It is also available for download as an audio book. Click here to check out Richard Stearns' website and blog, as well as personal and group study resources for this book.
October 24/25: Hope for the Oppressed
International Justice Mission (IJM) is a human rights agency that
secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to ensure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote functioning public justice systems.
Kiva. Kiva's mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty. It is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend to
low-income, unique entrepreneurs around the globe. The people you see on Kiva's site are real individuals. When you browse entrepreneurs' profiles on Kiva, choose someone to lend to, and then make a loan, you are helping a real person make great strides towards economic independence and improve life for themselves, their family, and their community. Kiva provides a data-rich, transparent lending platform, using the power of the internet to facilitate one-to-one connections that were previously prohibitively expensive. Kiva creates an interpersonal connection at low costs due to the instant, inexpensive nature of internet delivery.
October 31 - November 1: Hope for the Impoverished
Dangerous Surrender: What Happens When You Say Yes to God, by Kay Warren. In a startling wake-up call, Kay discovered the shocking realities of the AIDS pandemic in Africa while reading a magazine. She cried out to God, “Why are you bothering me
with this? There’s nothing I can do about it. I’m just an ordinary person. What could one person do about such a gigantic problem?” That began the struggle—first to avoid God’s call and then to surrender herself to God. Giving in to God isn’t easy. It’s not for cowards. It’s the boldest, riskiest step you’ll ever take. This dangerous surrender can bring both joy and pain, both heartache and ecstasy, but it enables you to know God in a far deeper way than ever before. A rare book by an uncommon woman, Dangerous Surrender will shake, challenge, and stretch you to become more than you’ve ever imagined. Your world is waiting. This book is also available as an audio book and small group curriculum.
Kay Warren's website, "Saying Yes To God", contains a blog devoted to Kay's thoughts on the topic of reaching out to people in need, and specific ways of getting involved in ministering to people in the AIDS/HIV community and the Rwanda Healthcare Initiative.
The Irresistible Revolution: Living As An Ordinary Radical, by Shane Claiborne. During college, a professor remarked, "Being a Christian is about choosing Jesus and deciding to do something incredibly daring with your life." Taking up that
challenge, Shane's faith led him to dress the wounds of lepers with Mother Teresa, visit families in Iraq amidst bombings, dump $10,000 on Wall Street to redistribute wealth, and establish The Simple Way community in one of the toughest neighborhoods in inner-city Philadelphia. In The Irresistible Revolution, you'll be challenged by a radical, authentic Christianity passionate for peace, social justice, and alleviating the suffering found in the local neighborhood and distant reaches of the world. Live out your faith with little acts of radical love as you join the movement of God's Spirit into a broken world. This book is also available as an audio MP3.
Pastor Steve Oeffling also recommends the following two books for more serious reading on two specific issues that Christ Community is working with in Africa. These are some pretty serious works, but so are the issues.
Female Circumcision: The Interplay of Religion, Culture and Gender in Kenya, by Mary Nyangweso Wangila.
The AIDS Crisis: What We Can Do?, by Deborah Dortzbach and W. Meredith Long.
November 7/8: Hope for the Orphan (Orphan Awareness Weekend)
Fields of the Fatherless: Discover the Joy of Compassionate Living, by Tom Davis. Today, millions of orphaned children live in a world without hope. Tom Davis' Fields of the Fatherless is a clarion call, and a challenge, to allow our hearts to be stirred to reach out and be the hands and feet of Christ to these milli
ons of souls. Discover the pure joy found in compassionate living for others by serving "the least of these." Includes a "Guide to Walking in the Fields of the Fatherless," for small group or personal study. Tom Davis is also the CEO of Children's HopeChest in Colorado Springs. Children's Hopechest attempts to restore wholeness to the brokenness that is orphanhood, believing orphans have the greatest chances for success when they are surrounded by loving role models who remind them of their great worth and value in the eyes of God.
Christian Alliance for Orphans is a great website resource, with links to a variety of ways to get involved in adoption (both domestic and international), caring for orphans, and connecting with pre-screened, reputable organizations that are making a practical difference worldwide.
The ABBA Fund believes that the best environment for the raising
and training of children is in a godly home. It's primary ministry is that of receiving gifts of money that are made immediately available as interest-free covenant loans to Christian couples who are called by God to expand their families through adoption and who need help with the “cash flow crunch” posed by adoption expenses.
Cry of the Orphan seeks to heighten awareness of the plight of the
140 million orphans around the world. The scope of this problem is too big for any one person or organization to solve. In the midst of this crisis, organizations from around the world are joining forces to make a difference. This is a great site for learning the facts and exploring practical ways of getting involved in orphan care.
November 14/15: Hope for the Wanderer
Christians at the Border: Immigration, the Church, and the Bible, by M. Daniel Carroll. Immigration is one of the most divisive issues on the national agenda. Fortunately, Christians at the Border provides sound biblical and ethical guidance for readers who are looking for a Christian perspective on the immigration issue.
September-October 2009 ... "Beyond the Summer of Love" (Alan Kraft, Stacey Campbell and Joe Smeltzer) 
A study of what the Bible has to say about love from 1 Corinthians 13, and how Jesus shows us what love looks like in our relationships. We used the 40 Days of Love material to discuss and apply the messages in this series, and recommending each person use the daily devotional guide The Relationship Principles of Jesus, by Tom Holliday, for their personal time with the Lord each day.
March-September 2009 ... The Gospel of John (Alan 
Kraft and Others)
Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ, by John Piper. This book has been written in the hope that people will see Jesus for who He really is, and will come to enjoy Him above all else.
There is also a study guide and DVD available for purchase.
The Gospel of John DVD. An epic in the spirit of The Passion of the
Christ, this widely acclaimed motion picture is a meticulous recreation of the turbulent era of Jesus and the events that changed the course of history from the Gospel of John! The Gospel of John offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the life and times of Jesus Christ, and to experience the Word of God in a fresh new way. Rated PG-13, this 2-Disc DVD includes both the 129 minutes version, and 181 minutes theatrical version.
February 2009 ... "Catalytic Living" Exploring what it means for us as individuals and a church to be a people of significant impact. This series of messages is designed to celebrate God's activity among us through Project Beyond (February 2006 - February 2009), and to cast a vision for Project Beyond Catalyst (February 2009 - February 2012).
The Treasure Principle, by Randy Alcorn. If you're looking for a great
little book on the topic of generosity and the Bible’s perspective on our financial resources, this is it! When we first launched Project Beyond in January 2006, many of our small groups studied this book together, and dozens of people were transformed by its teachings. "God owns everything," writes Alcorn. "I'm His money manager. What I call my money is really His. The question is, what does He want me to do with His money?"
It's also available as an audio book CD or a DVD.
Living a Life on Loan: Finding Grace at the Intersections, by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson. You were saved from something for something, and God's concerned with how you'll use all that He has given you---your loves, your talents, your resources, and your opportunities---to extend His grace to others. Living a Life on Loan encourages you to think of "your life as on loan rather than as a life you own." Through personal stories, the examples of others, and Scripture, Rusaw and Swanson develop a multi-faceted image of a life lived on loan from God. Questions at the end of each chapter help you to reflect and act, so that you can join those who live their lives in the pages of God's never-ending story.
January 2009 ... "Grounded" Helping us go deeper in our relationship with God through His Word, the Bible.
Praying God’s Word: Breaking Free From Spiritual Strongholds, by Beth Moore.
In Praying God's Word, Beth Moore teaches how the truth of Scripture and the power of prayer can help destroy the strongholds of sin in your life. Moore begins by carefully identifying fourteen common strongholds such as anger, unforgiveness and addiction that threaten to destroy your spiritual life. She then presents Scriptures that are arranged in prayer form, so that you can use them as a means of fighting against and ultimately destroying these strongholds of sin.
Praying God's Word Prayer Cards. Following the themes introduced in the book Praying God's Word (pride, unbelief, insecurity, guilt, despair, or other spiritual strongholds,
etc.) 420 cards (30 cards per topic) have been compiled feature stunning artwork, inspiring Scripture, and heartfelt prayers to liberate you from spiritual bondage so that you can put on the mind of Christ. Includes acrylic card holder.
The One Year Bible. Each 15-minute daily reading includes a portion from the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Psalms and Proverbs. And, by all means, begin at a pace that gets you going ... 1, 2, 3 or 4 days' readings a week. Don't sweat it if it doesn't line up with the given day on the calendar.
The Daily Audio Bible Podcast. Subscribe to this free podcast, and each day you'll have sent to your iPod the day's reading from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. Each day's reading is followed by a time of Scripture-based prayer by
Bryan Hardin. If you're more of an auditory learner, or are more readily able to spend time listening to God's Word than reading it, perhaps this podcast is for you! You can learn more at www.dailyaudiobible.com or by typing "Daily Audio Bible" at the search command on iTunes. As a part of this podcast, you can also join an online community of people receiving and discussing each day's readings. A really cool way to engage with God's Word!
Roots. Beginning in March 2009, we will be launching a series of equipping classes entitled "Roots". Roots classes are designed to ground people in the Scriptures. The classes are created to give people th
e tools to encounter Jesus in the Scriptures by learning how to study the Bible, to lead others in the study of it, to engage it devotionally, and to understand the themes and truths of both the Old and New Testaments. Classes will be taught on Sunday mornings in the Community Room, from 9:00-10:15am. Click here or on the logo above to find out more about Roots, see the line-up of classes being offered in upcoming months, and register online.
Personal Bible Study for Spiritual Growth. In September 2008, Pastor Bruce taught a workshop entitled "Personal Bible Study for Spiritual Growth" at a Men's Ministry Breakfast Conference here at Christ Community. It summarizes an overall approach to Bible study, and lays out a process of Bible study that will allow us to be transformed by God's Word. Click HERE or above for a PDF download of the notes from this workshop.
What the Bible Is All About by Henrietta Mears. Includes feature articles on becoming a member of God's family, selected readings and short book overviews to open each chapter, a glossary for easy word identification, Bible reading plans, new maps and charts, and more.
Knowing the Bible 101 by Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz. In Knowing the Bible 101, Bruce and Stan offer a memorable and manageable approach to understanding God's written message with a fresh contemporary perspective. This book is a must-have resource for readers who have been planning to get serious about Bible study--longtime believers, new Christians, Bible study leaders, and even seekers who want to read the Bible for the first time.
Bible Timeline Pamphlet. Shows hundreds of facts in biblical history. Includes dates of kings, prophets, battles, and key events. Compare Bible history, world history, and Middle East history side-by-side.
Unlocking the Scriptures, by Hans Finzel. You can study and discover the treasures within God's Word! Unlocking the
Scriptures will show you how to search for and find the treasures that are waiting for you within the Bible. This powerful resource--combined with the optional free study aids provided on the internet--will help you learn how to "rightly divide the Word of Truth," whether it's for you alone or in a group setting. Finally, the exciting adventure of studying God's Word is within your grasp!
November 2008 ... "In God We Trust?" Experiencing God's wisdom for living in turbulent economic times.
The Total Money Makeover, by Dave Ramsey. In this book,
nationally-known financial maestro Dave Ramsey condenses his 17 years of financial teaching and counseling into 7 organized, easy-to-follow steps that will lead you out of debt and into a Total Money Makeover. Plus, you’ll read over 50 real-life stories from people just like you who have followed these principles and are now living with financial peace! It is a plan designed for everyone, regardless of income or age. There's also a practical companion workbook available for purchase on Dave Ramsey's website (www.daveramsey.com), which has a variety of online tools, articles and additional resources for you to use or download free of charge. Principles from The Total Money Makeover are shared at Christ Community's Financial Freedom Workshop, offered periodically as a part of our Equipping U adult equipping ministry. Books are also available for purchase at this workshop at a reduced rate.
September-October 2008 ... "Hurled Into the World" / The Book of Jonah Coming to grips with God's heart of compassion for the world and our frequent struggles to align ourselves with this compassion.
Just Walk Across the Room: Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith, by Bill Hybels. Building on his bestseller Becoming a Contagious Christian, Pastor Hybels shows you how to follow Jesus' model of personal evangelism by "living in 3-D"---developing friendships, discovering stories, and discerning appropriate ways to leave your comfort zone. Learn to share the life-transforming message of the gospel with people living far from God---and across the room. This book is also available in audio form, in Spanish, and as a small group Bible study (our ministry staff and several of our small groups have gone through this book/study this past year). Click HERE to find out more about these other resources.
August 2008 ... "The Blessing: Breathing Life Into Our Relationships"
The Family Blessing: Discover the Powerful Gift of Legacy and Life God Has Given You Through Your Words, by Rolf Garborg. This book provides biblical insight and practical tools for parents to bless their children with life-giving words.
The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance, by John Trent and Gary Smalley. Many of us spend a lifetime striving for the approval of our parents. Your parent's approval affects how you view yourself and you ability to pass that approval on to your children, friends, and spouse. In The Blessing, the authors present a life-changing gift the Bible calls "the blessing." Five elements of the blessing are meaningful touch, spoken messages, attaching high value, picturing a special future, and an active commitment. Using the principles offerd here provides hope and healing for men and women who may have missed their parents' blessing, and for others who long to bless others with whom they have a close relationship.
July-August 2008 ... "Undeniable Calling" Christ Community Pastors speaking on topics central to their calling in life and ministry at Christ Community. Below they've each listed those books that have been formative in their thinking and ministry development, and recommend them to you for your reading.
May-July 2008 ... "Shattered" / JobJuly 12-13: "A Missional Calling", Phil Grizzle, Pastor of Missional Formation, and Campus Pastor of Christ Community's new Downtown Campus.
The Tangible Kingdom: Creating Incarnational Community, by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay
The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church, by Alan Hirsch
July 19-20: "A Relational Calling", Bruce Hoppe, Associate Pastor of Adult Ministries.
Community 101, by Gilbert Bilezikian
The Safest Place on Earth, by Larry Crabb.
The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends, by Richard Lamb
Search and Rescue: An Urgent Call to Make and Multiply Disciples, by Neil Cole
In his message, Pastor Bruce referred to a tool we're encouraging that will enable 2-3 people to connect and grow together spiritually in simple ways. Taken from the book Search and Rescue mentioned above, copies of this tool are available at the Spiritual Resources booth in the lobby, or you may CLICK HERE to view, download and print this tool from our website.
July 26-27: "A Family Calling", Daniel Steitz, Associate Pastor of Children and Students.
Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions, by George Barna. Also as a DVD curriculum and in Spanish: Cómo Transformar a los Niños en Campeones Espirituales.
Tender Warrior, by Stu Weber. Also as an audio book and in Spanish: El Corazon de un Guerrero.
Building Faith at Home, by Mark A. Holmen
August 2-3: "A Worship Calling", Aaron Wooten, Pastor of Worship and the Arts.
Serve God, Save the Planet: A Christian Call to Action, by Dr. J Matthew Sleeth
Everything Must Change: Jesus, Global Crises, and a Revolution of Hope, by Brian D. McLaren
The Great Awakening: Reviving Faith and Politics in a Post-Religious Right America, by Jim Wallis
Shattered Dreams: God's Unexpected Pathway to Joy (book and workbook), by Lar
ry Crabb. If God loves me, why is life so painful? Exploring the biblical account of Naomi, Crabb explains how God longs to awaken his children to the dream beneath the rubble of tragedy -- changing lives for good and forever. Encounter your closest Friend in the midst of difficulty and learn to live beyond life's deepest pain. Click on the picture or book title above to learn more or to purchase these resources.
Pain, Perplexity and Promotion: A Prophetic Interpretation of the Book of Job, by Bob Sorge*. The essential theme of the book of Job is to reveal how God takes a man who is blameless and upright, with a passion for God and a willing spirit, and promotes him to a higher spiritual plane than he could have ever imagined. Those who persevere in the pain and perplexity of the Job crucible are being prepared for renewed intimacy with God, and will be raised up to equip the endtime bride of Christ. Let Job's example compel you toward God's highest and best. Bob Sorge writes from the valley of a sustained personal trial, along with the contagious hope God has given him for a mighty deliverance.
* Bob Sorge has spoken in services at Christ Community Church in recent years. You may recall him as the self-described "worship-leader/pastor who lost his voice and gained a ministry".
Life Without Limbs ... the Story of Nick Vujicic. At a recent small
group leadership conference in Atlanta, Pastor Bruce and Dick Dougherty were able to experience the incredible story of Nick Vujicic, a twenty-five-year-old young man who was born without arms or legs. Nick's mission is to cross boundaries and break down barriers to build bridges that bring people to the love and hope found in Jesus Christ. Nick's authentic love of Christ shines through him so penetratingly that people are literally captivated and disarmed by the fact he can genuinely rejoice in his circumstances. Almost without realizing it, they discover that they want desperately that same factor that they see so clearly displayed in Nick's life and messages, in their own lives. That factor that they desire for themselves is, of course, Christ...living in him, and working through him. Click HERE to be taken to Nick's website.
March-May 2008 ... "Praying Like a Rebel"
Thirty Days of Praying the Names and Attributes of God. A great resource for your time alone with God in prayer, this PDF download lists thirty of God's characteristics found in the Bible, along with a brief description of each. Consider how God might transform you and your prayers as you meditate on these characteristics before praying.
A Layman Looks at the Lord's Prayer, by W. Phillip Keller. Next to the 23rd Psalm, perhaps one of the most well-known passages in the Bible is “The Lord's Prayer”. As we’ll be learning, despite its brevity it teaches some remarkable things about God, His kingdom, and our relationship to God. In this book author W. Phillip Keller shares his keen insights into the significance of these verses for him and other Christ-followers in today’s world.
Too Busy NOT To Pray: Finding Time To Be With God, by Bill Hybels. Most of us have trouble finding time to pray. There's church and school and neighborhood and job and friends and recreation. And then the crises hit! Time for prayer seems an impossible luxury. As a pastor, Bill Hybels knows hundreds of people with schedules like this. Yet in his own life he has made the hard discovery that prayer doesn't happen on the run. He decided he was too busy not to pray. He shows how to slow down to pray, listen to God, respond to what is heard, practice the presence of God, and overcome prayer barriers. This practical book offers the resources you need for growing, ongoing experiences in prayer. It's also available as an Audio Book CD and a Bible study.
March 1-2, 2008 ... Project Beyond 2nd Anniversary
Operation World. Operation World is a ministry committed to helping Christians pray intelligently for the people groups and countries of the world. Included in their ministry is a Pray Today e-mail update that identifies a country of the day with fuel for prayer, including insights into God's activity and statistics about that country from a Christian perspective.
There's also a handbook, CD-Rom set and wall map that can be ordered directly from the Operation World website.
February 23-24, 2008 ... "Jeremiah Speaks"
Jeremiah, DVD. Jeremiah tells the story of the prophet Jeremiah, who abandons that which is most familiar to him in order to relay God's message in Jerusalem. Although he is persecuted and branded as a traitor, he continues fearlessly with his mission.
Be Decisive: A Study of Jeremiah. As we've been learning, the prophet Jeremiah was not a middle-of-the-roader. People always knew just where he stood. He stood with God. In spite of persecution and seeming failure, for over forty years Jeremiah courageously declared God's message to a nation sinking in sin and heading for judgment. As you studyJeremiah's book you will discover: how to be bold before people and broken before God, the secret of overcoming discouragement, and what's involved in becoming more like Christ.
January-February 2008 ... Jeremiah / Sexual Purity
Every Man's Battle: Winning the War on Sexual Tempation One Victory at a Time, by Stephen Arterburn*
Every Woman's Battle: Discovering God's Plan for Sexual and Emotional Fulfillment, by Shannon Ethridge*
Escape the Trap. A pamphlet/mini-book helping boys and young men better understand the nature of temptation, especially temptation from pornography.
Sex, Food and God: Breaking Free from Temptations, Compulsions and Addictions, by David Eckman
Pure Life Ministries. Pure Life Ministries exists to serve Christian individuals and organizations dealing with sexual sin throughout the world by providing biblically based counseling, teaching materials and a public speaking ministry with the goal of leading Christians to victory over sexual sin and into a deeper life in God.
Setting Captives Free. Setting Captives Free exists to offer Christ-centered hope and freedom to those in the grip of sin through accountability to Bible-based truth resulting in the true enjoyment of life in and for the glory of God. Confidential online counseling and study courses available.
Somebody's Daughter CD by Tim Akers. For those struggling with pornography, this disc includes the songs Never Shake His Hand, Traitor, Somebody's Daughter, All of Me, Is It Me?, Into the Light, I Commit My Eyes, Every Man's Battle, and Free. It also includes spoken word content from Family Life, Focus on the Family, original poetry, scripture, and personal stories from men who have successfully removed pornography from their lives. The packaging includes reprints of all lyrics, an article by Michael Cusick, statistics, and a list of 25 Lies porn will lead men to believe about themselves, women and God.
* Christ Community offers two confidential small groups for men and women struggling with lust, pornography and their effects. These groups meet every other week on Wednesday evenings at the church facility. To find out more about "Every Man's Battle" for men call Jeff at 356-6545, or "Woman's HOPE" for women whose marriages and relationships have been effected by lust and pornography, call Kerry at 356-7662.