We believe reading is one of the most powerful ways to grow your mind and deepen your walk with Jesus. These recommendations are for anyone who is looking to grow through reading but might not know where to start. They’re also for those who want to expand their knowledge of what "living like Jesus" means for us right here in Middletown, Ohio. Each month will feature a “shelf” with five book titles, each one including a short description of the book.
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We’d love to hear your thoughts on what you’re reading, and how these titles hit you! Let us know here.
This book challenges the way you might view what you find at the end of your arm: your smartphone. Reinke points out 12 ways that our phones have changed us, for good and bad, and gives advice on wisely enjoying the benefits of smartphones while avoiding the pitfalls.
While many in our circles have an experience of modern Evangelical church culture, the Church (big C) has a quite different history. In this book, Bevins notes the current shift of many towards a historic enjoyment of liturgy that is growing among younger Christians. It is an invitation to dig in for yourself, finding anew old ways to deepen your spiritual walk.
The Sermon on the Mount defines life for followers of Jesus, and Lloyd-Jones brings incredible insight and wisdom to this comprehensive study. If you’re wanting to dig into this powerful Scripture, this is a wonderful place to start.
The Church of the Nazarene traces its roots to a movement shaped by John Wesley. Maddox works within Wesley’s theology, spelling out the practical theology that arises from Wesley’s works. He then suggests implications for today, as we seek to live out our theological emphases. For Wesley, and for Maddox, God’s grace calls for a response, and enables us to respond. Thanks be to God!
This book recommendation throws it back a bit, as it was written in 1847. Bushnell argues for the responsibility of adults to cultivate and develop the spirituality he sees present in children. He believes we should expect our kids to grow up as Christians, and guides us in the pursuit of that. If you have or work with kids and want to guide them towards Jesus, you’ll enjoy this book!