Books

The Importance of Reading Good Books

The final words of Paul's written ministry are interesting.  He writes Timothy with a request that his younger friend would bring him "my scrolls, especially the parchments" (2 Tim. 4:13).  Facing death, he still believed there was value in reading.  Throughout Scripture we are admonished to "grow in depth of insight and in knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."  We are urged to advance from milk to meat, from the elementary truths of repentance and salvation to the profound truths.  The way to grow in Christian maturity is to learn to distinguish between good and evil and to be able to tell the difference between good ideas and bad ideas.  We are told to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).  One way to do this is by reading the Bible.  Another way is by reading good books that explain biblical concepts and truth.  

Where do Christians begin and what books should they read?  The following are some helpful ideas summarized from Sinclair Ferguson's booklet "Read Any Good Books?"

1.  Read the great books.  The great books of Christian literature were "written to show a great God and a great Christ of the people of God."  Most of the great books are identified as classic books because they have stood the test of time.

2.  Read according to a plan.  If you plan and read regularly, you will be surprised how much you can get done; an hour each day, during your lunch break or while you are waiting on someone or a meeting.

3.  Read selectively.  Learn to read selectively and deeply rather than widely and superficially.  Read to understand and to put into practice what you learn.  Master a few excellent books, know then thoroughly.  

4.  Read a balanced variety of books from the following categories:  Biblical and theological, Historical and biographical, Devotional.

"You are what you read," suggests Sinclair Ferguson.  We need to read books which will explain Scripture, search our consciences and challenge us to spiritual growth and obedience.  

"A Christian Reader" booklet is available at the church office.  It contains suggested reading lists arranged by topics.  

      

Recommended Reading List Links:

Reformed Reading Room

Reformed Women Reading

Reformation Ink

Reformation Theology Study


BOOK REVIEWS:

Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman  Reviewer: Maureen Bradley

Above All Earthly Pow'rs: Christ in a Post Modern World by David Wells Reviewer:  Ron Gleason

Redemption:  Accomplished and Applied by John Murray  Reviewer: David Hegg

Bulletin

Call to Worship Singing                                           9:20 a.m.

Welcome 


We Offer Our Praise

Unison Words of Praise                                                 Psalm 99:1-3

The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake.  Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations.  Let them praise your great and awesome name-he is holy.


Song of Praise           “Holy Is the Lord/Holy, Holy, Holy”

We stand and lift up our hands, 

For the joy of the Lord is our strength.

We bow down and worship Him now;

How great, how awesome is He!


And together we sing, ev'ryone sing!


Holy is the Lord God Almighty

The earth is filled with His glory.

Holy is the Lord God almighty;

The earth is filled with His glory.

The earth is filled with His glory


We stand and lift up our hands

For the joy of the Lord is our strength

We bow down and worship Him now

How great, how awesome is He


And together we sing

And ev'ryone sing


Holy is the Lord, God Almighty

The earth is filled with His glory

Holy is the Lord, God Almighty

The earth is filled with His glory

The earth is filled with His glory


And it's rising up all around 

It's the anthem of the Lord's renown

It's rising up all around

It's the anthem of the Lord's renown


Together we sing, And ev'ryone sing


Holy, holy, holy!  Lord God Almighty!

Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!


Holy is the Lord, God Almighty

The earth is filled with His glory

Holy is the Lord, God Almighty

The earth is filled with His glory

The earth is filled with his glory (x2)


Prayer of Praise


We Offer Our Prayers

Keeping Our Commitments                          CPC Women's Retreat


Congregational Prayer and Prayer of Thanksgiving   Jim Roszell

    Today, we pray for our missionaries to Germany - Jay and Holly     Eastman


We Offer Our Gifts

Reading of Psalm 99:4-5

The King is mighty, he loves justice-you have established equity; in Jacob you have done what is just and right.  Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.


The Giving of Our Gifts                     “Open the Eyes of My Heart”

Open the eyes of my heart Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see You, I want to see You


Open the eyes of my heart Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see You, I want to see You

To see You high and lifted up

Shining in the light of Your glory

Pour out Your power and love

As we sing holy, holy, holy.


Holy, holy, holy

Holy, holy, holy

Holy, holy, holy

I want to see you.


We Offer Our Lives

Greetings

Song of Preparation                                            “Great Is the Lord”     

Great is the Lord, he is holy and just;

By his power we trust in his love.

Great is the Lord, he is faithful and true;

By his mercy he proves he is love.


Great is the Lord and worthy of glory.

Great is the Lord and worthy of praise.

Great is the Lord, now lift up your voice;

Now lift up your voice,

Great is the Lord, great is the Lord!


Great is the Lord, he is holy and just;

By his power we trust in his love.

Great is the Lord, he is faithful and true;

By his mercy he proves he is love.


Great are you Lord and worthy of glory.

Great are you Lord and worthy of praise.

Great are you Lord, I lift up my voice;

I lift up my voice,

Great are you Lord, great are you Lord!


Sermon                  “The Story of Our Fall”               Tom Stein

                                        Genesis 3:1-6                                       

Prayer of Confession


Song of Response  

“Creation Sings the Father's Song”         Special Music

Words of Institution and Invitation

The Bread and the Cup         

“Who Am I?”   Special Music

“Once Again”

Jesus Christ, I think upon Your sacrifice

You became nothing, poured out to death

Many times I've wondered at Your gift of life,

And I'm in that place once again

I'm in that place once again


Chorus:  And once again I look upon the cross where You died

I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside

Once again I thank You, Once again I pour out my life


Now You are exalted to the highest place

King of the heavens where one day I'll bow

But for now I marvel at this saving grace

And I'm full of praise once again

I'm full of praise once again.


Chorus:  And once again I look upon the cross where You died

I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside.

Once again I thank You, Once again I pour out my life


Thank You for the cross, thank You for the cross

Thank You for the cross, my Friend

Thank You for the cross, thank You for the cross

Thank You for the cross, my Friend  (repeat)

(Repeat chorus)


The Blessing                                                                     Revelation 1

To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father, to Him be glory and power forever and ever!  Amen.


*Two elders will be available at the front of the sanctuary for prayer after the service.  If you would like to make a special request for prayer, or discuss a spiritual issue arising out of your life or the service, please come to the front after the service, and one of the elders will be glad to listen and pray with you.


Questions or Comments contact:  Office@knowingChrist.net