Here's a different approach. What are your big 5 commentaries on the four Gospels and Acts? I want your #1 commentary for each book: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts. That will be a total of 5 books. If you could only have one on each book, which would it be? What's the first one a seminary student should have on his shelf? Go!
My new The High Calling article is now up: "Good Leaders Need Courage."
Find the rest of my The High Calling articles here.
A year ago yesterday I put up my first post about my wife Molly and her diagnosis of Chiari I Malformation. A year ago today it was confirmed by her neurologist as her official diagnosis. Her brain surgery went down on July 13th, as you may remember from this epic post, "Operation Chiari Freedom," describing that day and the hospital stay. (Read all the old chiari posts.)
Many folks have asked for an update on Molly and here it is. She is doing very well. She is starting to eat with utensils again and is responding to my dog whistle. LOL. C'mon! That's funny. Actually she is nearly symptom free. Her one remaining symptom is a jolting thing she does without warning. I have explained it before, but it's essentially like a pee shiver (how descriptive of me), or that moment when you are falling asleep and jolt yourself awake. The difference is it's slightly more pronounced and very random. We have no idea what it is and haven't seen a marked increase in the symptom, so we aren't too worried. But we watch it.
Over the last year Molly has had multiple opportunities to speak with other folks who are facing Chiari surgery. Some have emailed, some have called. My blog is like the 16 hit on Google for "chiari surgery" and can be found other ways, and often is. As my posts tapered off so have some of those who are emailing, but they still contact us here and there. It's a neat ministry for her.
A year later our main feeling is a deep thankfulness to God for his goodness and mercy. They have pursued us. As we have more to say about Molly & Chiari, I will let you know. Until that time we thank all of my readers and those who have been praying for Molly and our family. It's good to be facing this summer with renewed joy and fewer doctor appointments. :)
Blog Note: Please read the rules to each thread. These lists are most helpful when we all keep our lists "tight."
What are your big 5 systematic theology books?
Please, no debate on systematic or other theological methods. And limit it to systematic theology, not just any theology book you like. Obviously multi-volume systematics can be
listed as one book. Go!
What are your big 5 books on church/biblical leadership?
Resist the urge to put in books on general, secular or business leadership. I know those are very helpful, but we will have a separate list for those at some point. If they are books written by church leaders that could be used beyond church leadership, that's fine. And please don't list character books unless they are specific to leaders. This list might include books on elders, training future church leaders, leadership passages in Scripture, etc. I'll give you all a head start. Go!
Once again my favorite film podcast has introduced me to great music. This time it's David Ford. After hearing a few cuts from his album I decided to peruse many of his YouTube videos. I was hooked. The next day Joe Thorn called me, not knowing and asked if I knew anymore about the music from the film podcast since he really liked it. Listen, when Joe and I agree on music it's pretty much a guarantee that vast amounts of awesomeness are on the way. Check out David Ford's one-take studio video for "Go To Hell"...
Ford is not only a talented singer/song-writer, he's prolific at doing covers. Often they are quite fun. How about that song from Titanic...
The Avett Brothers new EP in The Gleam series (The Gleam II) comes out in late July. One song on that EP will be "Murder in the City," a really beautiful song. Listen to this studio recording, or watch a decent concert video...
Listen to some new The Twilight Sad (right side, "track list). New Okkervil River album coming in September. The new Sigur Ros song "Gobbledigook" is free for us all. Pitchfork has wisely interviewed Bon Iver. Listen to some new Shearwater. Their new album is out tomorrow.
How about one last video, this time a cover from Christian artist Phil Wickham. Wowwy. (HT: Living Forward)
List 5 books you would recommend on preaching? Think of a seminary student or newbie...what would help him? Think of a seasoned preacher...what would spice things up after years of the same process? Please no books of preaching or transcribed sermons. This should be a list of books on the art and science of preaching, on the preparation and delivery of sermons. In this post I'm thinking of preaching as the weekly public proclamation to a local church and visitors. I'm going to let you make your suggestions first before I give my list.
Nice to see the NYC Dwell Conference audio, including Keller, Driscoll, Darrin Patrick, and more, is now up (Thanks Dash).
Tim Keller's article, "The Gospel in All its Forms" from the newest issue of Leadership Journal, is now online.
Which 5 books would you recommend on the topic of personal evangelism? Please stick to evangelism, not apologetics or missional church. They can be books on theology and theory or practice. I'm going to choose less obvious ones (mostly) and leave those for you all.
The Heart of Evangelism by Jerram Barrs (can't not mention this one)
Words to Winners of Souls by Horatius Bonar
Promoting the Gospel by John Dickson
The Pastor-Evangelist by Roger Greenway
The Art of Manfishing by Thomas Boston
Please watch Weezer's new video, "Pork and Beans." Awesomely fun.
Really love the Band of Horses song "No One's Gonna Love You." Great to see a new video out...
Need some power instrumentals? Got it with some Pelican...
And since Elijah and I will be dressing in our Little League uniforms today for the Memorial Day parade, this is some old school baseball goodness. Enjoy John Fogerty's "Centerfield"...
We were talking to our kids about the Gospels at dinner tonight. You know, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Really great conversation.
Danny, our 5 year old, asked, "Daddy, is 'Luke' the same as 'Luke' in Star Wars?" Awesome!
Hated not making it to Whiteboard, but whaddaya gonna do? I know what you are going to do. You are going to the Conference Channel to experience some video, Twitter, chat with folks, view some pics and more. Should also mention Tony Morgan is blogging through the conference. Hurry up! It's already going!
I'm highly anticipating Andy Crouch's new book, Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling. You can read the introduction and first two chapters online. I heard about this book months ago and I'm eager to get my hands on it.
Go ahead, pre-order it on Amazon right now. Due out in July.
Starting a series of posts called The Big 5. They will be seeking your input on the books you would recommend on various topics, or for various reasons. For the first post: What 5 books would you recommend for a church's book table?
Your 5 should be somewhat diverse. In other words, don't give me 5 books on theology only. Mix it up. And I know you want to list more than 5, but no cheating! Don't necessarily suggest your best 5. Get creative. Mention some others won't mention.
Here are my 5, foundational-ish ones...
The Reason for God by Tim Keller
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Desiring God by John Piper
Putting Amazing Back Into Grace by Michael Horton
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney
Your turn. No need to add links unless you want to.
Chicago has once again been praised for being awesome, this time by Fast Company magazine. When we thought things couldn't get any better, the Chicago Bulls gets the top NBA pick. There was only a 1.7% chance of that. And to top it off, and this is an unbelievable achievement, Chicago also has the best gas prices (highest is best, right?).
Michael Foster: What do WE Mean by Missional Communities.
Jonathan Dodson: Living in the Tension of Mission & Community.
David Fitch: 10 Ways to Engage Mission in the Suburbs. Some great thoughts.
If you are like me and can't be at Whiteboard, there are options.
Alvin Reid has a love-hate relationship with the American Evangelical Church.
