Pastor's picks
Ryann Watters and the King's Sword
Ryann Watters and the Shield of Faith
(books by Eric Reinhold)
Ryann Watters found himself getting tasked by Gabriel the angel to find the King’s Sword in the first book, and the Shield of Faith in the second. Gabriel gives him three items he will need to use; a horn, a staff with buttons on it that do different things, and a ring that changes colours depending on what is happening like black for danger and gold for a portal leading into Aelianna where the story takes place. Ryann, Terrell and Liddy make unexpected encounters with different kinds of people if that’s what you want to call them. I find it exciting how Eric Reinhold leaves you in suspense every chapter and how he quotes Scripture because it’s amazing how he uses it.
Kid's Pick, review by Shantal Koop.
The Birth (book by Gene Edwards)
Here is a good read for the Christmas season…from the ‘heavenly’ perspective...
In the glorious heavenly realm, the angels strain eagerly to understand. What new thing is God doing as Gabriel slips through the Door and fights his way to earth? In the lower realm, angelic visitations are not an every day affair–not even for Mary and Joseph!
Dare to open The Birth and you will find yourself drawn into a drama as Gene Edwards weaves anew the wonderful story of the incarnation, the Christmas story, seen from both realms. Hard to put down, a compelling narrative, The Birth especially introduces the mystery of the Christian life for those who have never heard the story.
Pastor Rick.
Keeping in Step with the God of Peace (book by Arden Thiessen)
Non-violence?!? Pacifism?!? Give me a break. Don’t tell me we should not fight or there is no room for violence, when there is so much of it in the Bible. What about all those wars? Didn’t God even direct people to kill others? So how in the world is it possible today to hold to a view Christians should live a life of peace?
If any of these questions are on your mind – or you have others like them, you need to read this book. Look, you do not have to agree with everything you read, but that should not stop you from checking this out – the timing could not be more poignant.
Life of Peace is one of the distinct beliefs we have here at SEMC. But, it is a difficult one for many to grasp, especially when a person reads the Bible from cover to cover. Dr. Arden Thiessen enters into this discussion and seeks to openly and honestly look at the difficult issues associated with this particular statement of faith. He writes in conversational language – making this discussion accessible to everyone.
I encourage you to pick up a copy at the Connect Center today. And, when you have read it, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Pastor G.
Fireproof (movie)
In the movie Fireproof, Captain Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. Inside the burning buildings, it's his natural instinct. In the cooling embers of his marriage, it's another story. Yet, as he and his wife Catherine prepare to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb's dad asks his son to try an experiment: The Love Dare. But can Caleb attempt to love his wife while avoiding God's love for him?
You'll relate and be inspired as Caleb and Catherine work through all-too-common struggles on their way to a marriage that can last a lifetime!
There will be two special showings of the movie Fireproof at the SEMC:
1st showing: Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 7:00pm
2nd showing: Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 7:00pm
Review by: Pastor Rick.
Messy Spirituality (book by Michael Yaconelli)
Jesus has always enjoyed the company of lepers and sinners. This book is specifically written to those Christians with problems, who struggle and sometimes do things they regret. Messy Spirituality is a book about God's grace, His forgiveness, and accepting God's forgiveness.
One time while Jesus was having dinner with a bunch of tax collectors some Pharisees asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'? When Jesus heard this he said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick… For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matt. 9:10-13).
In his book, Yaconelli talks about how Jesus is looking for imperfect people who long to let God turn their messes into masterpieces. God does not shun your "messes." They are opportunities where God meets you, opens your eyes to His love and transforms you with His grace.
Review by: Pastor Jason.
The Blessing (book by Gary Smalley & John Trent)
I was introduced to 'The Blessing' in my first year of Seminary back in '87 - the book was required reading for a counseling course that I was taking. You would be correct in assuming that most required reading in Seminary was not usually 'easy' or always 'enjoyable' but here was a book that was both easy and enjoyable to read!
I have used the book and study guide as a Small Group study on several occasions – with very positive results! Over the years, I have also recommended 'The Blessing' to individuals in need of Biblical peace and healing in their hearts – in fact I have borrowed out my copy so many times that I have lost track of who now has it! Needless to say, I was very pleased to find a well-used edition in the SEMC library and would encourage those of you who have not yet read 'The Blessing' to avail yourself of the opportunity to do so!
Smalley & Trent outline a "simple, logical process, one that touches both the inner spirit and the physical body, one that teaches in a step-by-step manner how to be a blessing and how to pass that life changing blessing on to your parents, spouse, children and friends". I believe that the Biblical principles found in 'The Blessing' offers every believer the opportunity to develop a simple set of skills that can be easily mastered and effectively used by the Holy Spirit to profoundly impact hurting people! So, whether you have read the book years ago, or never before – take time to read it again, or read it for the first time, and discover how the Lord can bless you to be a rich blessing!
Review by: Pastor Rick.
JESUS An Intimate Portrait of The Man, His Land, And His People (book by Leith Anderson)
As we draw closer to the Resurrection Season it is a regular practice on my part to read a book about the Lord Jesus Christ – in conjunction with the Holy Scriptures – which recounts the life of Jesus. This year, the book I have chosen is titled Jesus by Leith Anderson.
In Anderson’s words "it is a biography of Jesus, harmonizing and integrating the four Gospels from the Bible in a reasonable chronological order." It is a book that is easy to read as it "weaves the story of Jesus in his first century historical setting, along with the cultural and political perspectives of his day."
Reading a book of this kind, at this time of year, not only provides the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Jesus – but helps to prepare my heart for worship as I approach the celebration of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection. I have this found this yearly ‘pilgrimage’ to be a most useful exercise as I am reminded of the Savior’s sacrifice for individuals like you and I.
Let me encourage you to take time and prepare your heart as you discover anew the life-changing story of Jesus!
Review by: Pastor Rick.
Stop Dating the Church (book by Joshua Harris)
Church?!? I don't need to go to church to be a Christian. Church?!? I'm not into 'organized religion'. Church?!? I don't believe in 'institutions'. Church?!? It's basically a club. Right? There are members. People go when they can. When they feel like they need to. It's not really a big deal. Any of this sound familiar?
How would you define your relationship with SEMC? Are you 'dating' or fully committed? Do you have a genuine passion for the church? Is it even right to have a passion for the church? It is true. Sometimes it is challenging to feel passionate about the church. So let me challenge you to investigate this a little further. In this tiny little book (it'll take you less than an hour to read – maybe a little longer if you are listening to music or watching TV at the same time), Joshua Harris totally challenges our way of thinking.
The church is the visible body of Jesus Christ here on earth. Christians are called to be passionately committed to a specific local church. Why? Because the local church is the key to spiritual health and growth for every Christian. The truth is, we need the church in order to thrive and grow spiritually.
Allow Harris to spark or reignite your desire, passion, and purpose for the church. For SEMC. For your future. And the future of others too... Pastor G.
Amazing Grace (movie)
Refuse to remain the same!
One person can make a difference. One person did. We know this statement to be true. Over and over as we look at history in our rear view mirror. William Wilberforce was one such man. His passion and his deep conviction of right and wrong lead him into the den of politics and impossible odds. And he changed the world.
Least about the song, most about the meaning, this is a gripping and inspiring true story, and a most fitting account at the mid-way point of our series, Closer to the Heart of God. God’s transforming power is meant to change us from what we are to what He means for us to become. One person can make a difference. You know it is true. Will you be next? I truly hope so.
This movie is available in our SEMC library. Click on this link for the official web site.
...Pastor G.
6 Secrets to a Lasting Love (book by Dr. Gary & Barbara Rosberg)
Guys, this isn't a 'chick flick' in book form. You will benefit by reading it just as much as your girlfriend or spouse.
Kimberley and I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Gary and Barbara Rosberg speak on the subject of marriage, keeping husbands and wives together, and it was definitely worth our time.
This book offers six secrets to a lasting love, but the first 'secret' is so powerful, it is worth reading just for that. But once you've started reading you will not want to stop. Gary and Barbara speak out of their own personal marital difficulties to put very practical and helpful information into the hands of every married couple. Insightful. Challenging. Refreshing. Read it and let me know your thoughts... Pastor G.
The Jesus I Never Knew (book by Philip Yancey)
Jesus Christ – the author and perfecter of our faith... (Hebrews 12:2). In this book Yancey will bring you a true Biblical and historical investigation of who Jesus was (and is) after all. Yancey also tackles the questions of why Jesus came, why He chose the particular time period He did, as well as what it is that He left behind.
"'But what about you?" Jesus asked. "Who do you say I am?" If there is one question you need to discover for yourself it is this question. Discover why it is that no one who meets Him ever stays the same.
Review by: Jason Heide, Pastor of Youth Ministries
Thr3e (book by Ted Dekker)
The battle between good and evil is one that presents itself on a daily basis in many different forms all around the world. In Thr3e Ted Dekker brings it to you in a suspenseful, mysterious thrill ride that will leave you anticipating chapter after chapter. Nothing is what it seems. Get ready to expect the unexpected.
After reading Thr3e I have concluded that Ted Dekker is one of the most gripping storytellers alive today. This book is written specifically for youth and young adults as well as anyone else who is seeking a great action-packed fiction novel from a Christian perspective.
Review by: Jason Heide, Pastor of Youth Ministries
Fire and Ice (book by Michael Adams)
We're just like the U.S. We're nothing like the US. Canada is a Christian nation. The US is a Christian nation. Canada is a secular nation.
Are our Canadian values converging with the U.S. or are they diverging? Before you answer this question, you'll want to check this out. Michael Adams really gets right to it in this book. It only makes sense from the author of Sex in the Snow - but that's for another day.
Adams is the president of Environics a research and communications company, and he provides some excellent statistics and information to back up some totally surprising results. A lot of what you'll read here flies in the face of conventional wisdom. Look, I could go on, but at a time such as this, you find this to be among the most timely reads ever.
Read it, if you dare, and let me your thoughts... Pastor G.
Redeeming the Time (book by Leland Ryken)
Leisure. Leisure? How do you spell that? Okay. So tell me again. What is leisure?
It seems within the church or Christian vernacular, the word leisure is taboo -- almost like a sin. Now, mix church and an agricultural setting together -- and the word leisure probably pops up in the list of sins. But is that really the case? Wait a minute -- are you telling me there is a Biblical perspective of leisure?
Most of us need a serious push into the zone of leisure. Here's just one of many insightful challenges from Leland...
"Human nature craves more than work and more than utilitarianism. Indulging this capacity is not selfish. In fact, it can be unselfishness, letting go of one's urge to acquire and be successful, relinquishing one's status that in our society is too closely bound up in one's work"
Get some insight on the subject... and maybe some balance in your life... I know, you don't have time. I know it looks like a big book... that's kinda the point... so speed read it... take a chance. Then, pass it on... and let me know your thoughts. Blessings... Pastor G.
Choosing to Cheat (book by Andy Stanley)
Guys, it's time to start cheating. Andy is 'straight up', and guys he gets us pretty good. This book is definitely for every married man and especially for those of you who are currently in the workforce. Any job at all. Listen, guys, before you say 'forget it' or, 'look I'm not really a reader', you'll be happy to know this book is short (and small too) and it gets right to the heart of things.
Andy asks some awesome questions, like, are you giving your company & career what belongs to your family? He uses some vivid illustrations, like asking your wife to hold a boulder while you are out working over time. He is also realistic – providing some excellent solutions without, in his words, just telling a smoker to stop smoking. Like anyone who has smoked knows is a pretty crazy statement to make. Right?
Anyway, you totally have to check this out. I could keep on rambling here – I wrote 2-½ pages of notes from reading the book myself – the book itself is barely that long – but I won't keep rambling. Just go to SEMC library check out the book and then tell the guy beside you to read it when you're done.
The Gospel of John (movie)
This movie gets 3 thumbs up!
I know what you're thinking. Here's another Bible story movie in low definition and poor quality. Or maybe you're just getting Charleton Heston flashbacks and reluctant to 'go there'. Actually that movie wasn't too bad for its time.
Anyway, there are several reasons why I like this movie. First of all, the production level is very high -- think Passion of the Christ -- only this movie came out first. Garth Drabinsky is one of the main producers of the film. He was one of the original founders of Cineplex Movie Cinemas and went on to produce a number of musical productions in Canada and on Broadway. Good stuff. Interesting side note: Drabinsky is Jewish... Produced the Gospel of John... hmmm... Good stuff. Okay, I digress, back to the review.
Another reason I really like the movie is that it is 100% committed to the Biblical text. In fact, it is a word for word script. That's right. Every single word spoken on screen is from the gospel text. Not one word added or deleted. Listen, for that alone you have to see this movie.
The actor playing Jesus is phenomenal in the most difficult role imaginable. If the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) are accounts of Jesus life, the gospel of John is a portrait of Jesus, to paraphrase one Biblical scholar.
You can check it out of our SEMC library. There is a 2 hour and a 3 hour version in the same DVD set, so you can even play the version which matches your attention span.
And hey, I'd love to hear what you think. Write Your own review and send it to us.
Blessings...
Pastor G.