Resources on The Apostles' Creed

We started a sermon series on The Apostles’ Creed a few weeks ago (I’ve written a little about it) and I have been frequently asked about the resources I use for sermon prep or further reading. I thought I’d lay out the short list of books I have read or am using; hope you enjoy.

RESOURCES

1. The Apostles’ Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits by Dr. Al Mohler

2. Affirming the Apostles’ Creed by J.I. Packer (great for devotion)

3. “I Believe”: Exploring The Apostles’ Creed by Alister McGrath

4. The Apostles’ Creed: A Guide to the Ancient Catechism by Ben Myers

5. The Heidelberg Catechism (helpful resource)

That’s everything that I’m currently using. If you find something out there that you’re using and it’s shown itself to be really beneficial, hit me up.

Summer 2019 Reading List

The summer months are right around the corner and one of the things our staff team has been really trying to push is getting some extra time in this season to disconnect and invest a little more time in areas or hobbies we enjoy. For me, that’s certainly a reading list. Over these next two weeks, my family and I are taking a vacation and I’m looking forward to spending some time in a couple of books.

So, for summer 2019, here are the books I’m reading:

The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch
I’m really looking forward to this read. I have listened to a few podcasts review and reference this book. Crouch, from what I understand, does a great job in supplying the reader with hard data along with how he and his family operate when it comes to screen freedoms. As Chango (my son) gets older, Rebecca and I are looking to hook him up with a phone, but we want to digest a couple of practices or rhythms that we may not even be applying.

Rhythms of Grace by Mike Cosper
This is another book I’ve heard referenced a great deal in recent podcast listens. One of the ongoing conversations I’ve been having with staff and other friends has been on the depth and study of liturgy. I think the central piece of a Sunday gathering is and should be the Word of God and I personally believe that our services should be better shaped by the Word of God for the people of God. I love liturgy saturated in scripture, but I wish to better learn how that shapes what we do on Sunday mornings at Storehouse McAllen.

Holiness by J.C. Ryle
I have read Holiness once before and it’s one of those books that should be read multiple times by Christians. I believe it’s that impactful. Bishop Ryle’s classic, Holiness is, in my opinion, the best book on the pursuit of personal holiness. He is both convicting and comforting; challenging and pastoral. Ryle essentially challenges his readers in the practice of holiness as it is formed out of our understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Throw by Ruben Degollado
My very good friend and brother published this book earlier this year and the reviews are astounding. I’m very excited to read this book that takes place in the 80’s here in the Valley. I meant to read it earlier this year, but wanted to give it my undivided attention as he provides so many cultural references like la llorna that I wish to enjoy it at a pace. If you don’t follow Ruben, you should.

The Apostle’s Creed by Al Mohler
We’re kicking off a new series later this summer on the Apostle’s Creed and I’ve been diving into some study over the past few months, but Al Mohler’s new book was just released so I couldn’t help myself to check it out. I’m really excited about this series as the Apostle’s Creed is not only a great and historical creed held by many evangelical church, it’s also a cultural value in the Valley. Also, our graphic designer/production guru, Everett, has done a phenomenal job with the graphic:

That’s all I have for this summer. I’d love to hear what you’re reading. What do you suggest for additional reads this summer?

Books: Wretched Saints (Review)

I love a good book. More, I’m a sucker for good books with good theology, especially the kind that makes me tear up. One of the things I often preach to my congregation is that we are so quick to forget who God say we are and default to who we once were. This is something that plagues me and certainly plagues those in my church and as a result, I think, that often times we place an enormous amount of pressure on ourselves to fall back into the good grace of God. It is here that we, especially myself, begin to rely on my moral or religious performance to try and remind God that I’m not too terrible, but utterly forget about what grace is.

Yesterday, I was meeting with a member of our church and as she began to tell me about the amount of fear she has about failing, I shared with her that we often do one of two things with grace: we assume it or reserve it. In other words, when we assume grace, we believe that it’s a safety net. We don’t value and forget that grace is costly and it’s designed to conform us into the image of Christ (Romans 12:2). When we reserve grace, I think we beleve that grace is only something God give on special occasion rather than something He’s actually pouring out on to you at this very moment; grace is not conditional.

This is where Heikkinen’s book comes in. Wretched Saints is a beautifully written book about the relentless grace of God towards sinners. Heikkinen says it best, “The truth of the gospel is this: I am nothing more than a wretch and so much more than a saint.” Heikkinen’s love for Scripture throughout his book is evident and refreshing. He’s funny, honest, and transparent about himself and what God has revealed to him as a husband, father, and pastor. Additionally, he does a great job at capturing cultural awareness and leads you to saturate yourself everyday gospel rhythms.

Heikkinen’s patience in leading you through this wonderful paradox of being both a sinner and a saint comes with great encouragement and compelling exhortations wrapped in the gift of God’s word. My favorite quote from this book is his personal definition on grace:

“Grace is the ridiculously unwarranted and outrageously favorable posture of God that transforms wretched sinners into wretched saints and keeps at it until they look like Jesus.”

I love that! Grace is a gift of underserving favor from God toward sinners and it is continual. In a culture where truth is subjective and the church fights to hold fast to the truth of the gospel and who God says we are, Wretched Saints is a breath of fresh air.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

“Let me say it another way: you are meant to be a wretched saint. This is so that God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, can transform your wretchedness into the likeness of Jesus, until all that is left is the saint part. When you are tempted to think God isn’t pleased with you, remember that you are right where He wants you.”

“It’s not grace if the person deserves it.”

“You see, the more we experience grace, and the more it is injected into the crustiest parts of our souls, the more it alters our posture toward those who most desperately need it.”

“Our journey toward experiencing the liberating power of the gospel and extending it to others leads straight through the minefield of our own massive need for grace. Our ability to transfer grace to others is commiserate with the level to which we’ve been transformed by grace.”

“That’s the funny thing about grace: it’s a disruptive little bugger. It contains a unique power that destroys our finely tuned plans and carefully constructed facades. It exposes the faulty sensors we’ve believed and leads us back to eternal truth…the grace of God is so magnanimous that it even allows us to trample it underfoot, and yet it keeps coming at us anyway.”

RECOMMENDED READS

• Wretched Saints by Noel Heikkinen

My Summer Top 5's

The summer is upon us and that means it's hot in Texas. At heart, I'm an introvert and for me that usually means I like a handful of things to do, many I've written about. Nevertheless, I thought I'd share my top 5's on things I like to do a little more during the summer months.

Hope you enjoy!

TOP 5 BOOKS

1. Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands by Paul David Tripp
I started this book a few weeks ago and it's been incredibly good for my soul. Really, anything by Paul Tripp is good for the soul. But this book particularly has been refreshing for me as it's been a pastoral resource in counseling but also in my own life. I would highly recommend it. 

2. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
This was one of the first books I read when I became a Christian and the first I read from C.S. Lewis; his arguments and wisdom continually come to mind and it's rather nostalgic for me. 

3. The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions
Prayer has always been an area of weakness for me and over the past several months, that has been incredibly convicting. These collection of prayers from the Puritans is amazing and a great help to me in my daily prayer life. I highly recommend it. 

4. God's Word Alone--The Authority of Scripture: What the Reformers Taught and Why It Still Matters by Matthew Barrett
I'm 3 chapters in and I love this book because it's a rich culmination of early church history and the reformation. Additionally, we're about to do a 5 week sermon series on the 5 Solas so naturally this is a great resource for study. 

5. Reset: Living a Grace-Paced Life in a Burnout Culture by David Murray
I have yet to start this one, but it's on my desk. I've been burnt out before, both as a bivocational ministry leader and have almost burnt out as a full-time pastor. This is definitely a must read for anyone in ministry. 

Top 5 CIGARS

1. Flor de Las Antillas by My Father
This is a great quality stick, both in its performance and price. This is definitely a medium smoke, but lots of smoke. It has a hefty tobacco flavor with some added sweetness to it. 

2. Prensado by Alec Bradley
This is one of my favorite sticks, a common go-to. It offers rich coffee and chocolate flavors; great breakfast stick (as in, a good smoke with coffee) or dessert stick. 

3. All Out Kings by Drew Estate and Caldwell
This is the newest one in this list and was really looking forward to it when it came out. Thanks to my boys out at Cigar Saveur, they hooked it up! Definitely a great stick and hard to find in my experience. This is a medium strength cigar with a lot of rich flavor--earthy, black coffee, leather, and sweet tones throughout the smoke. 

4. AFR-75 San Andreas Maduro by A. Flores 
This one is a little harder to find, but when you do find it, it's hard to be disappointed. Don't let the maduro wrapper intimidate you as this is a mild-medium smoke. The flavors are a great blend of a natural tobacco sweetness, creamy, and very smooth with a long finish; it's definitely a smoke for anytime of the day. 

5. Liga Privada T52 by Drew Estate 
If you have some extra cash, then Liga Privada is a good "special occasion" cigar. I only get these when I'm out of town because they don't carry them in McAllen and they're a little expensive (anywhere between $13-16). Nevertheless, lots of smooth tobacco, creamy, and leather flavors; long burner.  

If you choose any of these great sticks OR you have a few of your favorites, but are missing a good cutter. I suggest Cuban Crafter's Perfect cut. It'll be the only cutter you need. 

Top 5 COLD BREW COFFEE

1. Chameleon Cold Brew Coffee
Chameleon Cold Brew is definitely a constant in our fridge. It's also distributed throughout most grocery stores in Texas so it's easily accessible. The original is my favorite; strong in its strength (it's concentrated) and rich in chocolate flavors.

2. Black and Blew Coffee by Cuvee
This is a delicious treat; it's sweet and creamy both in it's flavors and texture. A friend and I would love to have this on tap in our office because it's that delicious. 

3. Grady's Cold Brew
Grady's is very creamy, much more creamy than Chameleon and I mean that in its flavor and texture which gives it a little "heavier" taste to it. The earthiness is very sweet and great for the early morning or after dinner. 

4. Bear State Cold Brew Coffee
Sometimes, when you drink black coffee (hot or cold brew) it can taste quite bitter in its notes. Bear State has done a phenomenal job at making a cold brew that is very sweet from the start (but also pairs well with creamers or almond milks). Not bad, Cali. Not bad.

5. Bruja Cold Brew Coffee
This is a very easy drinking coffee--great on a hot day. If I'm not mistaken, it's a brazilian bean; smooth nuttiness flavors with a hint of sweet. 

Reading List: The Fall '16

Any time that you have spent on my blog (Thank You) and you will see that I love books. In fact, at times I'm still bewildered at my love for books because up until the time of Jesus calling me to Himself, I never enjoyed reading. I did it because I had to, but never really did any reading on my own and outside of the classroom. In fact, before my conversion the only books I had ever come to enjoy were Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, Cinderella Man by Jeremy Schaap, and Nothing's Sacred by Lewis Black. 

As a new Christian, I learned that I could read quickly and retain the content well. I thoroughly enjoy reading my Bible and journaling my thoughts, prayers, and process. During my infancy of my walk with the Lord I began to ask what other people were reading and I was presented with a few decent books here and there--a few that I wouldn't recommend, but the more I read and ask questions, the more I began to dive deeper into theology and its application as it relates to life today, not merely the study of it. 

Today, I thought I would hook you up with the "Fall 16" reading list (in no particular order). These are books that I have either already read this year or books that I will be reading as the end of the year approaches. I have been greatly inspired by many of these books and their authors and am eager to get to the pages of others; hope you enjoy. 

1. Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry by Paul David Tripp
I first read this book a few years ago while living in Denton, TX and it simply convicted the crap out of me. Paul Tripp not only gives light to the realities of pastoral ministries, but the temptations that many pastoral leaders battle as a result of the pressure put on them by themselves or others in addition the dangerous places leaders go when they step away from accountability and the preaching of the gospel to themselves.

2. Gospel Eldership: Equipping a New Generation of Servant Leaders by Robert H. Thune
I read this book earlier this summer and absolutely fell in love with it. It was deeply convicting to me as a pastor and leader; journaling and following through with the exercises help me tremendously. Bob Thune essentially breaks down the call to pastoral ministry by providing scriptural references that provide a start to what is to come and then he challenges (or encourages) you by asking questions that force you to evaluate your heart on your life, marriage, and leadership in light of the gospel. I'm not walking through this with several other men and it's been very fruitful. 

3. A Theology of Biblical Counseling by Heath Lambert
I stated reading this book a few weeks ago and so far it's a great read because as the title suggest, it's a walk through of counseling from a biblical perspective with sound doctrine. I think many have picked up books on counseling by christian authors and they're essentially self-help books or pockets of good advice absent of the gospel. Lambert makes the argument that counseling is a theology and by expanding on it's biblical implications we can better serve others who are in need. 

4. The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson
I will be the first to confess, I am horrible at repenting. By this, I mean, I struggle with setting time aside and actually repentant. When I drop the ball, I aim to quickly resolve the situation but am also genuine about it. However, I am quick to forget about repentance; it's like Catholic guilt--working off my sin which isn't' biblical. This book has helped me dive into the depth that is repentance and how it relates to my relationship with the Lord and as Watson argues is a means of grace. 

5. Holiness by J.C. Ryle
I have not started this book yet, but J.C. Ryle is a beast. He was a bishop in Liverpool during the 19th century and into the early 20th century and had a good reputation with the working class. What I have loved about his writing from articles or blurbs is that he's incredibly systematic--by this, I mean that his thoughts are well organized and detailed coupled with truth and grace. I love that in a person because it shows that they're not one or the other. Many who are systematic can be cold and abrupt and many who are only warm and gracious tend to shy away from the truth. J.C. Ryle is a great example of both gifts. 

6. Taking God At His Word by Kevin DeYoung
I recently wrote a review on Kevin's book. You can check it out here. In short, it's a great quick read that covers the doctrines of the sufficiency, clarity, authority, and necessity of scripture in a manner that is both simple and practical, but also weighty enough that if you choose to further study these doctrines, he provides sources. 

7. Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God by Joe Thorn
I wrote a review on this book a few months back, you can check it out here. In short, I'm a big fan of Joe Thorn and what I love about his books is that he writes them in the form of a devotion--short and to the point regarding the topic at hand so that you can rest and meditate on what you just read. 

8. Manhood Restored: How the Gospel Makes Men Whole by Eric Mason
Dr. Mason makes a great point when he says that there isn't enough written about men and the gospel--if there were, the problem with prolonged adolescence would be fixed. I couldn't agree more. Dr. Mason's book is a great exhortation to men who find themselves lost in their adolescence at age 28. In other words, you're not a kid anymore! However, there are some things that we must consider before jumping on some of these "boys who can shave." There is real hurt and struggle-Dr. Mason provides great insight on the gospel as it relates to the whole man.

9. Friend of Sinners: An Approach to Evangelism by Harvey Turner
I do not have the gift of evangelism. I can evangelize, but evangelism is a struggle for me. Harvey Turner's new book is a must have because he is creating what he has told me to be a "gospel ruckus." This book was very challenging to me in light of evangelism to where it challenged me to step out in some areas and also reassured me that I'm doing okay in others. If evangelism is an area where you struggle with, I highly recommend it. Review coming out next month. 

10. The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions by Arthur Bennett
Right now, this is my go-to book for prayer and meditation. I love hearing stories of the Puritans and their prayer life; I'm envious because I wish to have a deep life of devotion and prayer. The Valley of Vision is an excellent source for extended prayer and learning on what more to pray on and how to pray.  

11. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney
I'm currently reading this book and I am loving it. It looks a little intimidating because it's a little thick, but rest assured Donald Whitney keeps you engaged on the importance of Spiritual Disciplines and what they actually are (the reading of God's Word, prayer, etc.). While I haven't finished it, I highly recommend you pick up a copy because it deeply convicting and a helpful reminder of what we as Christians do what we do; it's not random but purposeful. 

12. A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission Around the Table by Tim Chester
I haven't started this book yet, but have been wanting to read it for some time. I found it at a Half Price books while in Dallas and immediately picked it up. I have read a few excerpts from the chapters in this books and they've been encouraging, especially for our missional community. Essentially, Chester's argument is that sharing a meal together is not only missional but theological--an important part of Christian fellowship. 

13. Morning and Evening by Charles Haddon Spurgeon
C.H. Spurgeon is one of my favorite theologians and as soon as I learned about him, I picked up everything I could. Morning and evening is an absolutely wonderful devotional. It takes you through the entire year and you read an excerpt in the morning and the another in the evening before going to bed. The purpose is to rest, apply, and meditate on the grace of God throughout our life; the daily. 

14. Am I Called? The Summons to Pastoral Ministry by Dave Harvey
I wrote a book review on this book several months ago, you can check it out here. This book was one of my favorites on pastoral leadership and ministry. In fact, I had my interns read through it and then submit a response. I think one of the most valuable chapters, to me, comes at the end where Harvey argues that a man waiting for a call is not a man sitting still. I think that's deeply profound especially after he's expanded on the biblical qualifications for men in pastoral leadership/ministry. 

15. Kingdom Come by Sam Storms
I just got this book in the mail the other day and I'm pretty excited about it. I'm a big Sam Storms fan and have had the privilege of meeting him a few times and he's absolutely gracious and kind. This book came as a recommendation that I saw on Joe Thorns Facebook page on the eschatology (the end times). In the past, I've held a very simple position on my perspective of eschatology and that is that one day Christ will return. Truthfully, I still hold that that perspective and I also wish to grow a deeper and better understanding of eschatology and I think this book will provide that insight. 

16. Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches by Russell Moore
Russell Moore is such a great write and a great representative of the Christian Faith. I love his books and there's actually one I've read that isn't mentioned here (maybe another post), but Adopted for Life is one I'm very excited to dive into because my wife and I are passionate about adoption. Our story is that we are not able to have biological kids, but God has provided us with a vibrant and amazing son (Chango) and we look to adopt more kids in our future as our family grows. For me, when I first understood what adoption meant it was like the gospel was even more crystal clear. I think this is going to be a fantastic book on the subject of adoption. My wife and I along with a few other friends are looking to raise awareness on adoption this fall in addition to starting a ministry of adoption in our church early next year. 

That's all I have. It's lengthy but I hope it helps! What have you read this year? Any books on your list before the year ends? Comment below!