A pastor friend asked several of us to recommend one book that’s not the Bible for his reading plan for this year.

ONE book! That’s tough.

I’m going to say Tim Keller, Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith.  One of my all-time favorites. But more than anything, if you haven’t read Keller, it introduces you to his writing. But it’s a favorite because it addresses the centrality of the gospel in the most unique and refreshing way.

If you’ve read that one, then a more challenging but incredible book is Keller, The Reason for God: Belief in the Age of Skepticism. You’ll not only be encouraged, but you’ll draw on it for sermons for years.

And if you’ve read those two, my suggestion is a good overview of the Bible from a biblical theology standpoint. Two very accessible but good books for that are Tim Chester, From Creation to New Creation: Making Sense of the Whole Bible Story, or Vaughan Roberts, God's Big Picture: Tracing the storyline of the Bible.

I didn't have a lot of time to think about it, but what would you recommend?

Monday Memo

Hi Five Oakers,

There are a few things I want to share with you today:

// We saw a great sermon this weekend by Andy Stanley on getting some breathing room in our finances. You can watch the sermon here.  A friend also recommended the sermon on “Time” in that same series. I’m definitely going to check it out.

// Sign up for Story of God here.

// Sign up for Financial Peace University here.

// We had a substantial group at the Discovery Seminar in spite of the cold yesterday.

// Here are the comments we received from the cards we send to first-time guests:

• 8/12 Great kid’s program.  However, we did not like the sanctuary; there are no windows.  We felt like it was a cave, and had a somber feel.

• Christmas Eve: We are in Hudson and find it too far to come on a regular basis.  However, we love the music and the message.  I listen the whole time!

• Christmas Eve: I was very impressed with the church and service, and I look forward to attending services in the future!

// Here’s a selection from your comments, observations and questions from the weekend Communication Cards.

• Excited to sing Dan Lukas’ “Search Me and Know Me”. Can we sing it more? I Googled the lyrics and couldn’t find it – now I know it was a Lukas original. [Listen to a demo version here.]

• Great message, perfect timing. Thanks! Great worship Dan!

• Love that Dan Lukas song. [I agree!]

• Great message today. Thanks. [Thank you! Oops, that was an Andy Stanley sermon.]

• Keyboard, steel guitar and “Rock of Ages”. How moving! And then you bring on Amazing Grace. How much more moving. [I know. Great job Dan and team.]

• Great music today! Loved it!

• Great and impactful message! Awesome worship time. Thank you musicians for sharing your gifts!

• Great worship set, well done!

• Wish you would offer 1st place for health on Wednesday mornings for Bible Study. [Thanks for the suggestion.]

Warm Blessings, Pastor Henry