Since we only have a chance to review one book per week here at Lifeway Pastors, we’d like to share a few other books that we think are important for our readers, but just haven’t had the opportunity to review yet. Below are four books our friends at Facts and Trends listed in their latest issue which would be beneficial to pastors and those working in the church.
It’s Not What You Think
Jefferson Bethke (LifeWay)
Jefferson Bethke is not a pastor or theologian, but over the past couple of years he’s fallen more in love with Jesus, the story of God, and His church by removing the mute button we may have put on Jesus as 21st century Americans and letting Him speak on His own terms.
Looking at both the Old and New Testaments, Bethke reminds readers of the life-changing message of Jesus that turned the world upside-down. This video-based study will help group members see Jesus for who He truly is and to see Him more vibrant and alive each day. Because when we see the real Jesus, then we can better follow Him, and that’s where true joy is found.
God’s Story in 66 Verses
Stan Guthrie (Thomas Nelson)
The Bible can seem like a big, intimidating book—mysterious, archaic, and often hard to understand. Written over a span of 1,500 years, and completed nearly two millennia ago, God’s Word sometimes feels like a mishmash of stories and literary styles. How can 21st-century readers make sense of it all?
Author Stan Guthrie’s answer: begin by zooming in on one key verse for each of the Bible’s 66 books. Seeking to bring clarity and simplicity to the study of God’s Word, Guthrie has written a concise, easy-to-digest collection of wisdom anchored by one verse for each book that summarizes or lays the foundation for that book and places it in context with the rest of the Scriptures.
Blind Spots
Collin Hansen (Crossway)
The world needs bold, united followers of Jesus. It needs you and me to understand and appreciate the contributions of our brothers and sisters in faith. However, too often our blind spots lead to divisions and disagreements, preventing God’s people from testifying to His grace with one voice.
Highlighting the diversity of thought, experience, and personality that God has given to His people, Blind Spots lays the foundation for a new generation of Christians eager to cultivate a courageous, compassionate, and commissioned church.
Look and Live
Matt Papa (Bethany House)
Matt Papa was working in full-time ministry, ready and determined to change the world. All the while he was depressed, addicted to the approval of others, and enslaved to sin. But everything changed when he encountered the glory of God. The message of his book is not to work or to strive, but to lift our eyes.
He says we don’t need more willpower; we need a vision of greatness that sweeps us off our feet. We need to see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Look and Live helps us take our eyes off ourselves and focus on the only One who has the power to change us—the Lord Jesus Christ.
