LayGuy

Stuart has tagged me on a book list so here goes…

1. One book that changed your life.

Apart from the Bible, Lucado’s book, "In The Grip Of Grace" was liberating for me.  Raised in an extremely legalistic denomination left me with major scars.  Lucado’s book helped me move on from seeing God as a tyrant to a loving Father. Highly recommend it for anyone trying too hard to please God instead of resting in Him.

 

2.  One book you’ve read more than once.

Like movies, I rarely read a book twice.  This one however captivated me.  George Otis spent 30 years travelling the world to get a deeper understanding of why "why does spiritual darkness linger were it does?" Exit our Western mindset of rationality and enter the bizarre world  of the occult and how it is submissive to Jesus.  You will read amazing stories in this book.

 

3. One book you’d want on a desert island.

Not trying to be "holier than thou" but seriously, a desert island doesn’t sound like a place where I’d survive for long.  So why not spend the rest of my life getting ready for the next one?   Makes sense to me!

 

 

 

4. Two books that made you laugh.

You all know that Driscoll is my favourite Preacher. One of the reasons is that the guy is an absolute crack up.  His sermons make me look like an idiot as I burst into laughter listening to my iPod while waiting at traffic lights.  And his book is no different.  Here he outlines his story of Mars Hill Church.

 

 

Victor Schlatter was a Nuclear Scientist and left everything to plant over 100 churches in Papua New Guinea.  An old Jewish looking kind of guy, this American now resides in Australia and heads up SPIM - South Pacific Island Ministries.  He lobby’s the governments of the Islands to stand up for Israel in the UN amongst other things.  A life long friend, his humour, wit and sarcasm shine in this book.

 

5. One book that made you cry.

Anderson’s books are all about freedom in Christ.  Freedom from all the crap piled up in your life and the power to move forward despite your circumstances.  As I read this book, there were many times where I just broke down in tears at my circumstances. Good tears though because it was a Godly sorrow.  This book just might make it into the "read more than once" section.

6. One book that you wish had been written.

"LayGuy’s Transformation: From Sinner To Saint."  Yeah that would do it for me.  Not that I would be famous or anything.  But that my sanctification would be a lot more done then it is right now.

7. One book that you wish had never been written.

The Koran.  Yeah I know a little controversial but nevertheless it’s how I feel.  I know there are many things done in the "name of Christianity" that are down right dumb, but at least Christianity teaches a salvation that comes from faith.  The Koran teaches works and in a fallen and fanatical world, the works many of these people do are more down right "dumber."  A honest look at the worlds trouble spots and you will find Islam there.

 

8. One book that you’re currently reading.

Actually I have two.  I’m just about to finish Groeschel’s pre-marital book he was kind enough to send me if I blogged about it.  My next post will review this book as requested.  In a nut shell, it’s easy to see why Groeschel pastors one on the most amazing churches in the world, he is a talented and disciplined guy and his book is ful
l of wisdom and guidelines on how to mak
e your relationship solid.

 

I’ve just started to read my second McManus book and find him profound.  He is a talented story teller and reading his books makes you search deep within.  McManus has the gift of helping you forget your circumstances and invites you to journey with him.  Every time I read his material, as I look up from my book, I am staggered as to how immersed I get into his writing and the thoughts he generates.  Highly recommended.

 

9.  One book you’ve been meaning to read.

I’m fascinated by the state of the Church in the US - and note for all the right reasons.  Emerging Churches.  There is a lot of good and a lot of not so good things happening.  From the reviews of others, I know I will be in the Driscoll, Burke and Kimball side of this debate.  Padgitt and Ward are a little too bizarre for my liking.  Looking forward to dusting the cover to my copy and getting into the minds of these 5 authors.

 

10. Now tag 5 people.

Ok now it’s your turn.

Zabs, Poop,  Elmo, Heather, and lets see if I can get some big wigs…. TSK and Kimball. Well it’s worth a try anyway…