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| Future of Preaching... |
It is nearly time for Austin, TX to start "Exploring God." The billboard campaign throughout the city is complete, and over 300 churches in Austin are preparing for their cohesive sermon series in September on some of the great questions asked of Christians about the faith.
In the midst of preparing for this campaign, I am browsing once again through the various resources I've enjoyed for growing my spiritual walk over the past few years.
When taken as supplemental to the Bible, these Pastors, Websites, Books and other media can be a wonderful resource for maturing in our faith.
Some resources are for a more advanced study, while others will be basics worth noting. I'll try to be fairly comprehensive, but this is also somewhat opinion based. In general, the resources mentioned will be supporters of scripture as the word of God, and discerning doctrine within the faith. Some are challenging, and some are not. Some are funny, and some are very serious.
In any case, I'll break them down here, and may periodically add to the list if a new resource catches my eye. This may be a good post to bookmark for future updates. I don't expect everyone to check every resource (I can barely keep up with them all myself usually), but they provide a great outlet for discussion and spiritual growth.
PASTORS, PREACHERS, AND TEACHERS, OH MY!
Odd as it may sound, there are actually some differences here. Far from the old days of just referring to your local priest, there are now many shepherds of God's flock whose specialities lend them to various aspects of preaching. Some are great uplifting preachers, some are Bible teachers, and others are a great mix of both. These are my current favorites.
Pastor Brian Lightsey of Life Church Leander (Leander, TX)
It would be hard not to mention my home church, as it is a great source of spiritual growth. A Bible based preaching style, with a healthy dose of teaching, make Brian a great overall resource. There is a sermon archive online, so if you can't make it out to visit, you can still hear online!
Main Page: http://wwwyourlifechurch.org
Sermon Archive http://yourlifechurch.org/sermons/
Pastor Mike Fabarez of Compass Bible Church (Alisa Viejo, CA) and Focal Point Ministries
Mike is my favorite radio pastor, and a challenging listen. He is more likely to bring conviction to hearts than many of the other resources that I will list. He is as Bible-based as they come, and not afraid to approach the difficult doctrines of scripture. There are some great series archived on the website, so browse for a topic that appeals and dive in! For a quick watch, check out his short video blogs on numerous faith topics.
Main Page- http://www.focalpointministries.org
Sermon Archive- http://www.focalpointministries.org/sermons-by-pastor-mike-fabarez/
Video Blogs- http://www.focalpointministries.org/video-blogs/
Systematic Theology (9 year study)- http://focalpointministries.org/product-category/focalpointu/
Dr. R.C. Sproul of Ligonier Ministries and Renewing Your Mind Radio Program (Sanford, FL)
Dr Sproul is actually fairly well known in pastoral circles as a leader in the reformed theology movement. This is a challenging resource for a number of reasons, but I think it is also quite valuable. Dr. Sproul covers topics of importance, and maintains a reverence and awe of God in much of his teaching that really causes me to sit back in the same reverential awe.
The reformed theology camp is based on Luther and Calvin's reformation teachings, and differs somewhat from the Arminian/Wesley camp. For this reason, some may choose not to use this resource, but as a person raised in Wesleyan tradition, I find great value in the differences. Currently, Ligonier Ministries is offering a series of eBooks by for FREE. Can't beat Free books!
Main Page- http://www.ligonier.org
Radio Broadcast- http://www.ligonier.org/rym/
Free Book Resource- http://www.ligonier.org/blog/rc-sprouls-crucial-questions-ebooks-now-free/?utm_source=LMorg&utm_medium=HomeFeature&utm_campaign=FreeCQ
Pastor Paul Sheppard of Destiny Christian Fellowship and Destined for Victory ministries (Redwood City, CA)
Pastor Paul is great for a convicting, but humorous listen. His preaching style is challenging to the soul, but often hilarious in delivery. Abrupt honesty about God's truth pepper the messages and offer fresh insight mixed with humor. For a great extra resource to start, Pastor Paul is the way to go.
Main Page- http://www.pastorpaul.net
Podcast Sermons- http://podcast.pastorpaul.net
R.T. Kendall of RT Kendall Ministries (Various)
I listened to a particularly engaging question and answer session set in Britain that was hosted by Kendall, and found his answers scripturally accurate and relevant. I perused a few other sermons of his, and find him a good resource, though I don't check it nearly as much as the others. He used to preach at Westminster Abbey in England, but I believe now does ongoing travel-preaching.
Main Page- http://www.rtkendallministries.com
SURFING THE WEB ON WAVES OF GREAT RESOURCES
In the social age, the internet has become a wealth of information about every topic imaginable. These are some sites, and ministries that I find valuable as resources.
Explore God
Currently, a great resource for young and mature Christians alike; as well as, people who are not Christians, but have some questions. This outreach is ongoing, and about to hit Austin (as mentioned above). It provides insight on numerous faith topics. Bible based insight taught with love.
Main Page- http://www.exploregod.com
Living Waters Ministry and Way of the Master (Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron)
This is a great evangelistic ministry which is lead by Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron (of Growing Pains fame). Primarily, they focus on street evangelism, but have put out a few good short films worth a watch.
Main Page- http://www.livingwaters.com
"Evolution Vs God" Movie- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0u3-2CGOMQ
"Monumental" Movie- http://www.monumentalmovie.com
"Genius" Movie- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7pe3_VQbUM
"180 Movie"- http://www.180movie.com
"Unstoppable" Movie (not yet released as of posting)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8yXBG0Wm2Q
Answers in Genesis (Ken Ham)
One of my favorite resources for creationism. Ken is a polarizing figure to be sure, but always pushes for the authority of God in scripture. Christians who like to put evolution and God together may find his ministry challenging, as it is young earth Creationism. Personally, I see no reason God couldn't have created everything in six days, so I enjoy this ministry and its resources. He also heads up the Creation Museum, and is working on constructing a full size replica of Noah's Ark (see link below). A Christian man pushing for God's authority while holding a somewhat unpopular belief, his posts can sometimes be challenging as he spends most of his time defending the ministry.
Main Page- http://www.answersingenesis.org
Creation Museum- http://www.creationmuseum.org
Ark Encounter- http://www.arkencounter.com
Thru the Bible Radio Network of J. Vernon McGee
Audio of J. Vernon McGee's series, which is also in book form (mentioned below). J. Vernon's primary ministry late in life was going verse-by-verse through the Bible and commenting on sections. He is a great resource for those looking to dive into the Bible, who wish to have a guide along the way.
Main Page- http://www.ttb.org
Dan Lietha Cartoons
A cartoonist associated with Answers in Genesis, his "After Eden," and other cartoons are good for a laugh and learning.
Main Page- http://www.answersingenesis.org/aftereden/index.aspx
Other Cartoons by Dan- http://www.danltoons.com
Rick Henderson of Church is Messy
I just discovered some articles at this website today that are worth a look. He definitely shares my assessment that doctrinal discernment is something all Christians need to address at some point.
Main Page- http://www.churchismessy.com
TURN THE PAGES OF THESE BOOK RESOURCES
Generally, these are books that once I engaged them, kept my full attention. Most are non-fiction, but I will include any fiction books that appeal as well in the realm of Christianity. These are books that have generally helped shape my theology and supplemented my Bibles studies well. Enjoy!
"The Explicit Gospel" by Matt Chandler
By far, the best Christian resource I have read outside of the Bible. This is a challenging, and covicting read, and essential for all Christians wanting to grow in their faith, and fully understand what Christianity is about. It is broken down into two main ideas, the Gospel on the Ground and Gospel in the Air, and is a worthwhile read.
Book Page: http://theresurgence.com/pages/the-explicit-gospel
"Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart" by J.D. Greear
This is my second favorite Christian resource I have read outside of the Bible. It is a book designed to help the Christian-whether long time believer or new believer- understand the work of salvation in their lives.
Book page: http://www.jdgreear.com/sinnersprayer
"The Christian Atheist" by Craig Groeschel
It's been a few years since I've read it, but I recall enjoying it enough to buy copies for family members that Christmas. A good addressing of Christians and interaction with the faith and church. Also discusses Christians who claim Christianity, but don't put their faith into action.
Book Page: http://christianatheist.com
"The Serpent of Paradise" and "Who are You to Judge" by Erwin W. Lutzer
Challenging, but engaging book by an author and pastor of Moody Bible Church in Chicago. The book covers the means by which God can use Satan (a creation) for greater good (see Book of Job). Erwin's writing style is engaging to me, and many of his books are great to check out. This was my favorite, with his book "Who are You to Judge" coming in a close second place.
Author Page Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Erwin-W.-Lutzer/e/B001IR1JO0
The Serpent of Paradise book order page- http://www.christianbook.com/serpent-paradise-incredible-rebellion-serves-purposes/erwin-lutzer/9780802427205/pd/42700
Who are you to Judge book order page- http://www.christianbook.com/judge-learning-distinguish-between-truths-lies/erwin-lutzer/9780802409065/pd/409067
"Secrets from Beyond the Grave," by Perry Stone
If there is one "afterlife" book to read this would be my choice. I'm not a huge fan of Stone's charismatic theology, but this was a well documented, Bible- based exploration of concepts of Heaven and Hell. As with any afterlife book, much is speculative, but I remember this being a decent one to read. I probably owe it a re-read sometime soon.
Amazon Book Page- http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Beyond-The-Grave-biblical/dp/1616381574
"The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare" by Dr. Ed Murphy
Juliet recommended this to me, and I made it most of the way through. It was a great Bible-based resource on a very real aspect of the Christian faith. Spiritual warfare, as much as Christians like to avoid the topic, is a real thing, and this is a good scholarly assessment of it.
Amazon Purchase Page: http://www.amazon.com/The-Handbook-Spiritual-Warfare-Revised/dp/0785250263
"Thru the Bible" by J. Vernon McGee
When my grandmother passed away I found this collection, and began browsing them. Though Dr. McGee has long since passed away, his writing and radio series "Thru the Bible" remains a great Christian resource. He goes verse by verse through the entire Bible, summarizing and analyzing each verse with great commentary. It's somewhat outdated in the commentary, but still Biblical and engaging. His radio broadcast of the same series is free on the Thru the Bible site for those who prefer to listen. His unique voice is a southern treat.
Thru the Bible Radio site- http://www.ttb.org
Thru the Bible Book Set- http://www.ttb.org/SHOP/Products/Set-of-5-Volumes-(without-Index)__11100P-VOL.aspx
I hope many of you will check out some or all of these great resources. They have strengthened my spiritual walk over the past couple of years, and I know they will for others as well.
Enjoy and God Bless!
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