Dug Down Deep

Josh Harris had a contest for filmmakers to create a video based on his new book Dug Down Deep. This is the Winning Entry:

DugDownDeep_Carnahan.mov from Covenant Life Church on Vimeo.

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A Sweet and Bitter Providence

John Piper just released a new book entitled A Sweet and Bitter Providence regarding the story of Ruth. Many people I know are reading this book, along with myself, so I thought I would post a video of Piper reading some excerpts from the book.



HT: JT

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Currently Reading

I've recently added a section to the right under my name where you can see the books that I'm currently reading. It's a neat tool from a website called Library Thing which I encourage you to check out sometime. You can input your whole library and keep track of what you're reading, what you want to read, create reviews of books you've read and many other neat resources. I'll try to post my thoughts on the books as I finish them and let you know which ones are really worth reading.

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Kingdom People Christmas Giveaway

Trevin Wax has a great Christmas Giveaway through Christmas Day over at Kingdom People. I just stumbled upon his blog, but definitely one I'm going to start following. You can check out the giveaway here.

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Why We Love The Church Video

HT: T4G

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January 19, 2010

January 19, 2010 is the day that Joshua Harris' new book is set to be released, and after many months of praying for his season of writing and waiting, he has finally unveiled the title and description. The book is entitled Dug Down Deep, which comes from the parable of wise man building his house upon the rock in Luke 6. He writes regarding the contents of the book:

Dug Down Deep has eleven chapters--eight of which are reflections of key Christian beliefs including the Doctrine of God, Scripture, the Person and Work of Christ, the Atonement and the Holy Spirit. The book is very personal and narrative-driven. I share the questions, misconceptions and hang-ups I've had what it's meant to allow Scripture's truth to reshape my thinking.

Needless to say, I am very excited for January 19 to come. If you'd like more information on the book from Harris himself, go here.

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Summer Reading List

Summer always brings a lot of excitement, joy, relaxation, free time and READING! Especially for college students, summer is always the most opportune time to catch up on reading or read for leisure instead of books that are required for class. The following is a list of books I plan to read this summer with a brief explanation of why I am reading them now. I encourage you to click on the title and check out more information regarding the books. Hopefully this will encourage you to pick up a book or two as well, and who knows...maybe one off my list will catch your eye!

Stand: A Call to the Endurance of the Saints by John Piper and Justin Taylor. This book, edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor is based off the Desiring God Conference in 2007 and gives readers a case for biblical perseverance in ministry. I'm reading this book at this point to gain a biblical view of how to stand strong persevere in the ministry that awaits me.

The Courage to Be Protestant: Truth-lovers, Marketers, and Emergents in the Postmodern World by David F. Wells. This is a book that my dad has been imploring for me to read for months and months now. Finally, it has reached the top of my list! My dad has used this book for illustrations in countless sermons and according to him, Wells does a phenomenal job in calling readers to stand firm in the Gospel and what is Biblical.

What Is A Healthy Church? by Mark Dever. This small book has been acclaimed as one of the best books on the church and how the church should function. I have wanted to read one of Dever's books for a long time and have heard that this is one of his best.

What Is A Healthy Church Member? by Thabiti Anyabwile. I love hearing Thabiti speak and have yet to read his book. I received this book as a gift from my father for preaching last summer and feel that it would be great to read this alongside What Is A Healthy Church?

Why Johnny Can't Preach: The Media Have Shaped the Messengers by T. David Gordon. I have been looking forward to reading this book ever since reviews started popping up on Justin Taylor and Tim Challies' blogs. Considering my field of study and the career God is calling me to, this book is a must read in my opinion and I have heard nothing but great things about it. I ordered it the other day and am looking very forward to its arrival so that I can break it open and read!

This is my list as of now. If it changes or I finish these books and have time for one or two more, I'll post later as well as provide updates on my progress. Enjoy your summer and catching up on some reading!

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The Priority of Discernment When it Comes to Reading

I'm reading a great book on preaching entitled Feed My Sheep: A Passionate Plea for Preaching by many great theologians and scholars. One part of the book in particular that really challenged me as I was reading yesterday was in the chapter entitled "Experiential Preaching" by Joel R. Beeke. The part that jumped out on me most was on the subject of books and how to be discerning in what we read. Although this book is intended for pastors, I think this particular excerpt should be read and held onto by all who are devout followers of Christ. It reads:

Be selective about what you read, however. Measure all your reading against the touchstone of Scripture. So much of today's Christian literature is froth, riddled with Arminian theology or secular thinking. Time is too precious to waste on nonsense. Read more for eternity than time, more for spiritual growth than for professional advancement. Think of John Trapp's warning: "As water tastes of the soil it runs through, so does the should taste of the authors that a man reads."

Before picking up a book, ask yourself: Would Christ approve of this book? Will it increase my love for the Word of God, help me to conquer sin, offer abiding wisdom, and prepare me for the life to come? Or could I better spend time reading another book?

Speak to others about the good books you read. Conversation about experiential reading promotes experiential living.

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