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Mark Recommends part 3

Here are a few more resources that will help you dig deeper into your spiritual life. As always, click on the links to find these books and videos on Amazon.

1. Commentaries can be a great way to dig a little deeper into the study of a particular book of the bible. One of my favorite commentary writers is a man named John Stott. I would suggest his work on the book of Romans.

I have also frequently used the Everyman’s Bible Commentary, which is a collection of authors. They are very simple and give great detail. Plus they are cheap!

2. Want to know and understand what the major beliefs of other religions and world-views are?  The Univse Next Door, by James W. Sire, does a great job at exploring many different worldviews. 

3. Real Sex, by Lauren F. Winner, is a great read on why chastity is important and biblical. This book is appropriate for older teenagers and provides a great biblical argument for saving sex until marriage.  

4. Rob Bell’s video, Matthew, is a great conversation starter to speak to people about death and grieving. I would suggest it for anyone who is grieving the death of someone they love.  

5. A Love Supreme by John Coltrane. Okay I know it’s not biblical, but this might be one of the greatest jazz albums ever. 

Mark Recommends Part 2

Here are few more resources that I would recommend to anyone wanting to deepen their walk with Jesus.

Click on the titles to find the books on Amazon!

1. ESV Study Bible

Yes, it is huge. But it is a great translation that is easier to read but also is very trustworthy. It is full of great notes, amazing commentary, articles, charts and pictures. If you are shopping for a new study bible, go for this one.

2. The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming

by Henri Nouwen.

This book was a huge influence on my spiritual journey. Nouwen walks back through the Prodigal Son story that Jesus tells and also focuses on Rembrandt’s painting of the prodigal son. This book will make you consider the roles of the characters and how they might be representations of our own lives. You think you have your faith figured out? Think again.

3. Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality

by Donald Miller

I read this book in College; I would recommend it for seniors in High school and up due to some content.

Donald Miller takes a look at Christianity and helps to point out that Jesus is relevant in the here and now. This book shows that it’s okay to wrestle with what you believe. It is also written in a very comfortable laid back manner. Again some content might be a little inappropriate for younger readers.

4. Studies on the Go

by David Olshine.

These Bible studies are built for the quick pace that many students are moving at. Dr. Olshine, one of my old professors, has put together some great studies that are quick to read but always have a good challenge. Read one a day and keep some focus on God throughout the week! (Not to mention that yours truly contributed to the Thessalonians book.)

5. Jack in the Box.

Seriously… We could really use one of these in Blythewood.

Mark Recommends…

Here a few resources that I think some of you might find interesting. Click on the Titles to find them online. These 2 books and podcast will help many of you to take a deeper look at your faith.

1. “Is God a Moral Monster?” by Paul Copan.

I just finished reading this book yesterday. If you have questions about why it seems that God was more violent in the Old Testament, this book is for you. Want to know how God could ask people to kill? Worried about all those weird laws in Leviticus? Think it’s odd that God allowed Israel to have slaves? Copan does a great job of helping to make sense of the Old Testament.

This is pretty heavy read. It contains a lot of big words but is great for anyone who enjoys philosophy, theology and arguing.

2. “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan.

Chan breathes new life into Christianity. When you read this book, be prepared for some self-examination of your own life.  ”Crazy Love”,  is all about God and his unbelievable love for us. Do we really understand and embrace it?

This is a very quick read and is appropriate for Jr high to adults. It may also provide a lot of discussion starters for families.

3. Mosaic Church Podcast

Listen to Pastor Erwin McManus. This guy is a great speaker. I often listen to his sermons during the week. McManus speaks on a variety of subjects in a very engaging way. Add this to your iPod and listen on long car trips.

4. Civil War.

Spider-man, Capitan America, Iron Man. Need I say more?


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