Thursday, June 16, 2011

Glorifying God in Your Work

I picked up this bit of wisdom from John Piper's blog the other day.
I'm reminded of the statement that is often attributed to Martin Luther, erroneously it turns out, but a proper understanding nonetheless; namely, that if you are a shoemaker, make the best shoe you can for the glory of God. Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Some good practical advice. The link is below.

12 Ways to Glorify God at Work

Monday, June 13, 2011

What is Pastor Gene Reading?

I thought it may be of some interest, especially to members of my congregation, to know what books I am currently reading, and have read recently.


Why We're Not Emergent: By Two Guys Who Should Be - Kevin DeYoung, Ted Kluck
I have been doing quite a bit of reading online regarding the Emergent Church when I came across this book by a couple of guys from west Michigan, one of whom is a pastor in a Reformed church. It is a helpful, and a think fair-handed treatment of the Emergent church "conversation."

Love Wins - Rob Bell
One of the hottest books out . . . and one of the most controversial, and with good reason. Rob Bell, the author of Velvet Elvis, has taken a further step in demonstrating how far he is from orthodox Christianity. In taking notes on the book as I read it, my ongoing thought was where does one begin in critiquing the book and its teaching. Every pastor should read this book, but only to be able to intelligently interact with it and as a watchman on the wall, to warn those under his care to keep as far away from this unbiblical and thoroughly dangerous book.

Man of Sin: Uncovering the Truth About the Antichrist - Kim Riddlebarger 
A great book on the theology. The title really says everything that needs to be said about the content of the book. Kim Riddlebarger (some of you may know him as one of the hosts of the White Horse Inn) has done a fine job of wading through the texts concerning the mysterious figure of the antichrist and presenting it at a popular level.

A Praying Life - Paul E. Miller
Just got started on this one, on the recommendation of a blogger that I read and respect. A book on prayer is certainly something we could all stand to read.  

The Masculine Mandate - Richard D. Phillips

I'm reading this one along with the men of our congregation as we go through it at a monthly study / breakfast. It is refreshing, biblical look at manhood and masculinity. Phillips bucks the trend of evangelical treatments of masculinity; books such as "Wild at Heart" by John Eldridge and presents a scripture-centered look. The book is really an expanded exposition and application of Genesis 2:15.
I, and the other men, are enjoying working through it. 

The Help - Kathryn Stockett
I include this one for the sake of completeness. I don't get to read too many novels, but when my wife Cindy finished reading this bestseller I thought it would be a good read, and it was. 

Pastor Gene