Winter Reading List

We usually have a few books recommended here on the website (you have to be logged in to see it) during the year, but this winter everyone from the staff pitched in and we compiled a Winter Reading List. Here it is, put 'em on your 2011 reading list, and enjoy!

1. On Christian Liberty by Martin Luther. (Peter's pick) Easy to read, historically important, theologically significant, wonderfully concise; you can finish the book in an hour or two. This book is worth reading, especially given its historical significance and the fact that it succinctly summarizes Luther’s thoughts on justification. Why read about Luther’s thoughts from either his detractors or defenders, when you easily can read his translated works? Here, Luther sets forth the whole of the Christian life in two theses: "A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all." Some of his other more poignant thoughts of the book are as follows: "One thing, and only one thing, is necessary for Christian life, righteousness, and freedom. That one thing is the most holy Word of God, the gospel of Christ." And again, it is the "wedding ring of faith" which unites believers to Christ. "So let him who wishes to do good works begin not with the doing of works, but with believing, which makes the person good, for nothing makes a man good except faith, or evil except unbelief."
2. God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew. (Chuck's pick) As a boy he dreamed of being a spy undercover behind enemy lines. As a man he found himself undercover for God. Brother Andrew was his name and for decades his life story, recounted in God's Smuggler, has awed and inspired millions. The bestseller tells of the young Dutch factory worker's incredible efforts to transport Bibles across closed borders-and the miraculous ways in which God provided for him every step of the way.
3. Radical by David Platt. (Nathan's pick) It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily...BUT WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO LIVES LIKE THAT? DO YOU? In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple--then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a "successful" suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus. Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment --a one-year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring.
4. True Sexual Morality by Daniel Heimbach and 40 Questions About Interpreting the Bible by Robert Plummer (Matt's picks) * Daniel Heimbach examines the biblical teachings on sexual morality in True Sexual Morality as well as four counterfeit views that have crept into our "sexually revolutionized" society. He gives us an in-depth look at the moral relativism that has spread through our culture and opens our eyes to the effects that nonbiblical sexual choices have on individuals, the family, the church, and the culture. * In 40 Questions about Interpreting the Bible, New Testament Professor Dr. Robert L. Plummer tackles the major questions that persons ask about reading and undestanding the Bible. Questions include: Does the Bible contain error? Were the ancient manuscripts of the Bible transmitted accurately? What is the best English Bible translation? Is the Bible really all about Jesus? Do all the commands of the Bible apply today?
5. BONUS PICK: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis

New Years and the Gift of Gab

Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor

I'm making a New Year's Resolution. And it has to do with a gift that I was born with (I hope that doesn't sound too arrogant!). You might have heard of this particular gift: it's known as the gift of gab.

This gift manifested itself early. As a child, I could talk my way out of anything. There was once an incident in middle school where I ate some pop tarts that were not mine and somehow talked my way out of what would have been swift and just punishment. My mouth would run at 100 mph as I filibustered and did my best to deflect. I know I must have driven my parents completely mad, and it's probably why, even now, they still look at me and wonder how in the world a beautiful girl married me and I have four kids (technically, the fourth is still being fearfully and wonderfully knitted together!).

I remember in college, going to different spiritual retreats, where I was contemplating my future, and being asked, "What kind of gifts do you have?" or "How will the Lord use your gifts in His Kingdom?" All I could think of was that I had the gift of gab and that was about it.

Now, as I've grown I've matured in my thinking and know that God has blessed me in so many ways. He's allowed me to have experiences that have shaped my life and He's equipped me every step of the journey so far. So, I've been thinking lately, "What kind of legacy do I want to leave for my kids? What do I want them to remember about me?"

I definitely don't want to be remembered as a man who had the gift of gab! That would be depressing. Instead, my New Year's Resolution is to be known as a man who followed Christ radically. What if my kids remembered me as a Dad who followed Jesus with all of his heart, no matter how difficult! That would be awesome! So, how do I get there? Practially speaking, I love David Platt's Radical one year challenge (you can read more about it in his book, Radical):

1. Pray for the entire world during one year.
2. Read through the entire Word in one year.
3. Sacrifice my money for a specific purpose.
4. Give my time in another context.
5. Commit my life to a multiplying community.

So, that's my New Year's Resolution: to be a radical follower of Jesus!

Bonus New Year's Blog Feature: Here's a great song from Charlie Hall on the New Year!

Approaching the Manger

Another Christmas thought from Bonhoeffer:

For the great and powerful of this world, there are only two places in which their courage fails them, of which they are afraid deep down in their souls, from which they shy away. These are the manger and the cross of Jesus Christ. No powerful person dares to approach the manger, and this even includes King Herod. For this is where thrones shake, the mighty fall, the prominent perish, because God is with the lowly. Here the rich come to nothing, because God is with the poor and hungry, but the rich and satisfied he sends away empty. Before Mary, the maid, before the manger of Christ, before God in lowliness, the powerful come to naught; they have no right, no hope; they are judged.

Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendour

Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor

Happy Christmas Day everyone! I hope it's a special one with your family! Check out the words to this Christmas hymn by Frank Houghton:

Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,
All for love's sake becamest poor;
Thrones for a manger didst surrender,
Sapphire-paved courts for stable floor.
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,
All for love's sake becomes poor.

Thou who art God beyond all praising,
All for love's sake becamest man;
Stooping so low, but sinners raising
Heavenwards by Thine eternal plan.

Thou who art love beyond all telling,
Saviour and King, we worship Thee.
Emmanuel, within us dwelling,
Make us what Thou wouldst have us be.
Thou who art love beyond all telling,
Saviour and King, we worship Thee.

The Twelve Words of Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve everyone! This is a short little video that talks about the first broadcast ever on AM radio. Pretty cool!

Future of Forestry - O Holy Night

This is my favorite version of the Christmas classic. Check it out!

I Heard The Bells

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men."

An Un-Christmas-Like Idea

An excerpt from Dietrich Bonhoeffer:

When the old Christendom spoke of the coming again of the Lord Jesus, it always thought first of all of a great day of judgment. And as un-Christmas-like as this idea may appear to us, it comes from early Christianity and must be taken with utter seriousness...The coming of God is truly not only a joyous message, but is, first, frightful news for anyone who has a conscience. And only when we have felt the frightfulness of the matter can we know the incomparable favor. God comes in the midst of evil, in the midst of death, and judges the evil in us and in the world. And in judging it, he loves us, he purifies us, he sanctifies us, he comes to us with his grace and love. He makes us happy as only children can be happy.

Snow

Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor

Here's a video of a song called "Snow" by Sleeping at Last. It's a great Christmas song, particularly if you love the movie, "It's A Wonderful Life." It has a lot of allusions and nods to the movie including the line, "Like the petals in our pockets may we remember who we are." (Speaking of Snow, will we have a white Christmas? I do not remember one from NC in my entire life. We've had rain and we've had 70 degree days, but no snow. Could this be the year?) Enjoy:

The Death of Life

Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor

This is one of my all time favorite quotes on Advent. It comes from Augustine and I think it captures the mystery of the Incarnation perfectly:

 Man's maker was made man that He, ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother's breast; that the Bread might hunger, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired on its journey; that Truth might be accused of false witness, the Teacher be beaten with whips, the Foundation be suspended on wood; that Strength might grow weak; that the Healer might be wounded; that Life might die.

That Holy Thing

That Holy Thing
by George MacDonald

They all were looking for a king
To slay their foes and lift them high;
Thou cam'st, a little baby thing
That made a woman cry.

O Son of Man, to right my lot
Naught but Thy presence can avail;
Yet on the road Thy wheels are not,
Nor on the sea Thy sail!

My how or when Thou wilt not heed,
But come down Thine own secret stair,
That Thou may'st answer all my need-
Yea, every bygone prayer.

Highway Hypnosis

Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor 

Me: "I have no idea where we are."
Kristi: "We're on Bells Lake/Hilltop Needmore/Optimist Farm/etc. Your turn is coming up at the next light."

For some reason, I tend to zone out in my thoughts when I'm driving, especially when I'm traveling those old back country roads heading home (I guess they're not so country anymore, but they used to be). All of those bends and turns in the road tend to blend together and look the same in my subconscious. I literally will suddenly come out of my reverie and have absolutely no clue where I am. Dangerous, I know. I'm sure you're excited to be on the same road as I am. Fortunately, Kristi always knows where we are so if she's with me in the car I'm in luck. If not, it might take me a few minutes to remember where I am, where I'm coming from, and where I'm going.

They warned us about this in Driver's Ed. I don't know how you did it in your day, but I took the one-week class during summer after my Junior Year of High School. In between all of the videos of accidents they showed us, my instructor told us about a mysterious phenomenon called highway hypnosis. It sounded like a bunch of mystical mumbo-jumbo at the time, but I was wrong.

I have been the victim of highway hypnosis over the years many times, and not always on the highways! Country roads, back roads, dirt roads, alleyways, it doesn't matter. The hypnosis sucks you in: the cars flying by, the yellow lines, the trees all a blur.

The concept of highway hypnosis got me thinking seriously about a few verses from Scripture. The first is from Hebrews 12:

"Therefore, since we also have such a large crowd of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne."

Also, from Proverbs 4:

"Let your eyes look forward;
fix your gaze straight ahead.
Carefully consider the path for your feet,
and all your ways will be established."

I really wish that I was so into Jesus that it would be literally impossible for me to take my thoughts off of Him. That my heart would be constantly in tune with God's heart, and that His love would so consume my waking hours that I would be immune to distractions. Not that Christ would hypnotize me or that I'm out in some la-la land (like I get when I'm driving), but I'm compelled because of the Cross to fix my gaze straight ahead, to carefully consider the paths that I walk on, and to keep my eyes on Him. Wouldn't that be awesome?

Prophets

Prophets
by Ann Porter

Once in the Advent season
When I was walking down
A narrow street

I met a flock of children
Who all came running up to me
Saying that they were prophets
And for a penny they
Would prophesy

I gave them each a penny

They started out
By rummaging in trash-cans
Until they found
A ragged piece of silk

It's blue, they said
Blue is a holy color
Blue is the color that
The mountains are
When they are far away

They laid the rag
On a small fire
Of newspaper and shavings
And burned it in the street

They scraped up all the ashes
And with them decorated
Each other's faces

Then they ran back to me
And stood
In a circle 'round me

We stood that way
In a solemn silence
Until
One of the children spoke

It was the prophecy!

He said that long before
The pear tree blossoms
Or sparrows in the hedges
Begin to sing

A Child will be our King.

Advent Summons

Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor

Another Advent Poem...

Advent Summons
by Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C.

Come forth from the holy place,
Sweet Child,
Come from the quiet dark
where virginal heartbeats
Tick your moments.

Come away from the red music
Of Mary's veins.
Come out from the Tower of David
Sweet Child,
From the House of Gold.

Leave your lily-cloister,
Leave your holy mansion,
Quit your covenant ark.
O Child, be born!

Be born, sweet Child,
in our unholy hearts.

Come to our trembling,
Helpless Child.
Come to our littleness,
Little Child,
Be born unto us
Who have kept the faltering vigil.
Be given, be born,
Be ours again.

Come forth from your holy haven,
Come away from your perfect shrine,
Come to our wind-racked souls
From the flawless tent,
Sweet Child.

Be born, little Child,
in our unholy hearts.

The Risk of Birth

Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor

I thought I'd kick off December and the Advent season with an Advent poem from Madeleine L'Engle (probably best known for her A Wrinkle in Time series). I'll try to post some more of these as Christmas approaches.

The Risk of Birth (Christmas, 1973)
Madeleine L'Engle

This is no time for a child to be born,
with the earth betrayed by war and hate
And a comet slashing the sky to warn
That time runs out and the sun burns late.

That was no time for a child to be born,
In a land in the crushing grip of Rome;
Honour and truth were trampled by scorn-
Yet here did the Saviour make His home.

When is the time for love to be born?
The inn is full on the planet earth,
And by a comet the sky is torn-
Yet Love still takes the risk of birth.