Christian Book Notes

Alright, I rarely use this site to update everyone regarding my personal life, but I feel I at least owe an explanation as to why I have not been regularly posting since last April.

Quite frankly, the Lord has moved me through a trial of sorts that I have never experienced.  He stripped away titles and visions of grandeur I did not know I had.  He enabled me to see my own life for what it was and what it needed to be.  To put it bluntly, I needed to be taken to the proverbial shed and He took me there.

Over the past two years, I was removed from vocational ministry and had to take a job at a local retail chain in the inner city to provide for my family.  Ultimately, the Lord did bless that and I became a store manager in very short order.  Again, this was a ministry to my family, but certainly not what I wanted to do.  I was, however, able to reach into the community and proclaim the gospel to as many customers as would listen and even to some who would not.

Due to the demands on my time from my job and my neediness to spend my off time with my family (when I wasn’t sleeping), I had to pretty much quit writing reviews.  I did try a few time to start it back up again, but was quite unsuccessful in those attempts.

In the past month, the Lord has once again changed my direction.  I have been called to pastor a church in Mexico, Mo.  For the first time in a very long time, I will “only” be a pastor.  My family and I are moving from the St. Louis area to Mexico, Mo.

What this means for Christian Book Notes is that I will once again have the time necessary to be able to write reviews that will introduce you to a Christian book and tell you why you should read it…if you should read it.  Most often, I qualify my recommendation to a particular audience knowing full well that not every Christian needs (or should!) read every book.

I plan on getting some reviews written this week and will begin posting at least three a week beginning Monday 8 April.  I look forward to getting back in the game so to speak.  God bless.

By His grace and for His glory,

Terry Delaney

As you gather around your Christmas Tree this morning and unwrap presents, remember the greatest present ever given to man–Jesus Christ. Confess your sins in repentance and put your faith in Him and you will receive the only present that matters!

Merry Christmas

The difference between the non-Christian and the Christian is the difference between a Christmas tree on which people hang presents, and a living tree that bears fruit. They have to put them on the Christmas tree; it does not and cannot produce anything. But in the case of the growing tree it produces fruit. The fruit is no longer imposed from outside; it is something produced from the life, the sap and the power that are in the living tree.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones ( The Sons of God )

I have not quit publishing book reviews.  I have taken a couple weeks off so I could spend time with family as well as finishing up some class work.  The most pressing reason, however, was because I spent all of last week with my family in Cabot, Arkansas, where I was “candidating” for a ministerial position at The Bible Church of Cabot.  You can listen to the sermon I preached on the Lord’s Day at the end of my time visiting.  I will begin publishing reviews some time this week.  I do ask for prayers for me and my family as well as the leadership and the congregation in Cabot.  I should know an answer in a week.

This is just a little note to let everyone know that I have found myself in a position where I need to take a couple weeks off from publishing book reviews.  I would ask those reading this for prayer.  My list is a mile long, but the important issues are:

• Transition in ministry–It looks if the Lord wants me to start a new church.  This will be hardest on my five children.
• Two books–I have been signed by two publishing companies to work on two different books.  One manuscript is due 30 June, the other shortly after that!
• Finances–the change in ministry is going to be a crippling blow financially speaking, but my wife and I have been in this position before–my first book actually shares just how the Lord provided in a time such as this.
• Studying for a seminary class/CDL licensing.
• Faithfulness to God and my family during this time–this is why I feel I need to not publish here the next two weeks.

What is to come?

• I will still write reviews and be ready to hit the ground running again 5 July.
• I have a two-part interview lined up with Frank Viola that will prove to be fascinating.
• I am looking to join a movement involving Family Worship in the home through a contact.  This is one that is most exciting to me!

Thank you all for your patience during this time.  Most importantly, thank you for your prayers.   See you on July 5!

I am excited to announce that I will be once again “live-blogging” the Founder’s Midwest Conference in St. Peters, Missouri in February.

You can follow Founders Ministries Midwest on Facebook and be sure to look for the #FCMW hash tag on both Facebook and Twitter.

Click for a PDF of the conference schedule.

Click for the Registration Form

A while back I was asked about the five books that every Christian should own if they were starting a library. We had some fun with it here on Christian Book Notes as we tossed around books that we would recommend. I will be using that information to have some fun come March.

In the meantime, I talked with four other men whom I greatly admire and have been influential in my life and various ministries. I talked with Tim Challies (Tim) of Discerning Reader, Tim Brister (Timmy) of Provocations & Pantings, Owen Strachan, Instructor of Christian Theology and Church History at Boyce College, and Trevin Wax of Kingdom People.

The Rules

The rules were quite simple.  Our challenge was to come up with 5 books, and 5 books only, that every Christian must have in their library.  Even more specific, if a new believer wanted to build a library, these 5 books needed to be the foundation from which to begin.  The only other rule was that the Bible was assumed already.

The Discussion

I believe Tim said best what I was thinking, “I don’t know how we’ll ever agree on five, and only five, books.”  That being said, the Lord provided a common thought process as we hammered out which five books should be on this list.

Timmy offered the first attempt of which we wound up keeping three of them.  Not because Timmy is so brilliant, but because the five of us were thinking with one mind.  The most surprising book to be knocked off this list was John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. Trevin though Augustine’s Confessions would be more suitable for this list than Pilgrim’s Progress. Tim, however, offered a different book that we all agreed upon the author of which was referred to as “the bomb” at one point in our discussion.

We had four of the 5 books in less than an hour through emails that included much bantering and chiding of one another!

The last book was going to be difficult as we needed to decide what genre from which this particular title must come.  After looking at the list of four, I offered one that I refer to as a “toolbox book.”  It covers a wide range of topics and is a great help to both new or old believers.

We ended up with a list of books that offer an apologetic for the Christian faith, a book that looks at the atonement and two books that offered an exposition on the character of God.  The last title to be added offers an understanding of the process of sanctification.  Our list of 5 books was now complete.

More About the List

There were some books that were discussed but ultimately left off the list due to inaccessibility to a wider range of readers or we just could not agree on it.  One of those books was Jonathan Edwards’ Religious Affections – a book we all love and enjoy but don’t feel as though everyone would feel the same way we do.

A biography did not make the list because it was just too difficult to pick one biography that would appeal to everyone.  Sadly, They Popped My Hood and Found Gravy on the Dipstick, a suggestion from one of the guys, did not make the cut, either.

While I am sure that there will be much debate (feel free!) on our list, this is the list we came to in our discussion.  These five books represent a great introduction to the Christian faith and walk.  What is more, most of the books reference so many other rich and solid books that if one were to start with these 5 books and then work from the bibliographies found therein, they will begin to amass a library rich in theology and sound doctrine that would rival that of many biblical scholars.  So, what did make the list?  Without further ado…

The 5 Books

An excellent resource introducing the essentials tenants of the Christian faith as well as a defense of the faith.

This book is great at introducing the depth of the great God we worship and serve.  Each chapter will expand your mind and knowledge of God.

This monumental work by John Stott looks at the importance of the cross and how it impacts not only the believer’s life, but the history of the entire world.  The doctrine of the atonement will become more real to you than ever.

Sproul’s work on the doctrine of God’s holiness is second to none in terms of readability and accessibility.  To read the Holiness of God is to come to the realization that your salvation has more to do with God than it does with you.

Don’s book on the Spiritual Disciplines is a wonderful toolbox to help the Christian grow in sanctification for the sake of godliness.  While you might not do everything in this book, there is enough biblical advice found within the pages, that the reader will certainly find a biblical means by which he can grow in his faith.

Westminster Books has been so kind as to offer a sale on all of these books and a special bonus if you purchase all five.  The sale will last until 31 December 2010.

They are going to offer an additional 10% off the five books listed above.  If you purchase all 5 books, they will even offer free shipping and handling!  The specifics of the sale are listed below.

Mere Christianity: The additional 10% off is for the paperback, $8.87.
Knowing God: The additional 10 % off is for the hardcover deluxe edition only, $15.80.
The Cross of Christ: an additional 10% off, $15.20.
Holiness of God: an additional 10% off, $8.19.
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life : an additional 10% off, $8.85.

If you purchase all five books, you will save more than $40 off the list price plus get the free shipping and handling!

To receive the discount on these books and/or the free shipping and handling, you will need to use the coupon code 5BOOKS (*note – this code is to be entered on the shopping cart screen where it reads “ENTER SPECIAL OFFER COUPON CODE”).

Even if you own most or all of these books, this offer allows you to buy multiple copies for your friends and family or even your pastor in time for Christmas.

I was asked earlier this week what five books I would recommend to a Christian who wants to get serious about starting a library for his or her own edification. I started to answer only to realize that I had no idea what five books I would recommend for starting a library. So, I am asking you to help me as I continue to mull this over. Which 5 books (the Bible being assumed and therefore I need 5 more!) would you recommend to begin someone’s library.

What I am wanting:

I am thinking of books for a “seasoned” believer first and foremost though I am thinking I can come up with a separate list for the new believer as well.

I am thinking of books that transcend secondary doctrinal differences though many of these doctrines are of the utmost importance. Therefore, I am thinking of books that apply to any Christian in any denomination.

So, here is what I am asking: Please give me 1-5 books that you believe every Christian must own or you believe to be necessary to start a library. Also, a 1 or 2 sentence offering your reason as to why this book should make the list would be very helpful.

If you offer a book with a valid reason as to why it should be included, I will enter your name into this Winsday’s drawing. (Trust me, it will be worth it!) If you have already answered this on Facebook, I will include your name in the drawing.  Also, feel free to discuss this amongst yourselves below in the comment field.  I will ultimately run a series of posts of the five books that I would recommend and, Lord willing, I will be able to do a giveaway featuring those five books!

Introduction

I would like to take today to introduce you to the Framework Productions ministry. Framework Productions is committed to promoting cultural change by glorifying the works of God through music and drama. They are a para-church organization with a mission to produce art (music and drama) that glorifies the Creator. Framework desires to undergird Christian artists as they strive to sustain our culture with unique works of beauty and Truth. Their mission is to foster and encourage Christian artists to illuminate the Biblical worldview in today’s culture by producing superior music, drama and fine art.

Framework Productions is affiliated with and supported by Chuck Colson who has been a leader in cultivating a Christian Worldview in all of life through his Prison Fellowship and Break Point Ministries.

Sample Videos

You can check out two of the music videos they have produced.  The first one is called The Maze and is performed by Jeff “JDUB” Williams.  This video won first place at the Digital Media Showcase.

This second video is of the producer, Michael LoPresti, explaining why he is working with Framework Productions.

Framework Productions and Christian Book Notes

The reason why I am introducing this ministry to the readers here at Christian Book Notes is because I have been asked to develop and oversee a Christian worldview book review site. This website is an affiliate website is called the Christian Worldview Bookshelf. It is designed to be a more critical look at one or two books a month.  Our goal is to eventually engage Christians in conversation about living out one’s faith.

We are blessed to be supported and sponsored by ChristianBook.com who has graciously offered their web support in the formation of the website as well as their immense purchasing power.

This month we are featuring Kimberly Powers’ book Escaping the Vampire.  This book is an important resource for parents and youth and children ministers as the Twilight vampire series continues to sweep the world.

You can follow the Book Shelf on Facebook or keep up to date with everything that is going on at Framework Productions at the parent Facebook page, Framework Productions.

Going Forward

While I am excited about the opportunity that has been presented because of the modest success of Christian Book Notes, I do not intend to quit writing the current style of reviews here.  My prayer is that both websites will continue to bring glory to God as well as edify the saints.  Each site has a specific purpose and it is my intention to maintain a separation between the two except to advertise what is going on on the other.

Please check out the Corporate Framework Productions website and familiarize yourself with its contents.  It is our hope that through music, movies, and now books, we can be an aid to the church in cultivating a Christian worldview.  God bless.

Since starting this website about one year ago to the day, I am going to take this entire week off from posting reviews on the website.  My family has been living in an unsettled state for over a year and now that we have finally moved into a house (renting) in the community where I am serving as a pastor, I am going to take the next week off from the website to better enable us to settle in to our new home.  I realize this means I will probably take a “hit” on readership, but at this point, I am perfectly content with that.

I do have many, many books lined up for reading and reviewing.  I also have some interviews and giveaways in the pipeline that will be sure to please the reader.  However, I intend to spend the next week settling in for the first time in over a year and doing some personal reading though I am sure I will write about those, too!

God bless and thank you to all who read Christian Book Notes and make this website popular.  Stay tuned–I promise to come back and hit the ground running.