Book Suggestion March 2012

Suggestion from the Pastor

The Prodigal God

By: Timothy Keller

Pastor’s Description:

Keller hits a home run with a fresh explanation of the familiar parable from Luke 15:11-32.

Taking the dictionary definition of prodigal as “recklessly extravagant”, the author explains how the abundant grace offered to sinners places God in the position of the prodigal.

By demonstrating that both sons in the story care only for what their father can give them, rather than loving him for who he is, Keller challenges the reader to examine his/her own relationship with God.

He also reminds the reader that like the father in the parable, God recklessly pours out His love upon sinners through Jesus Christ, enabling them to rejoice in the measureless grace of their heavenly Father.

Whether you have run from God and are desirous to find Him again or are a regular church-goer that is experiencing a dryness of your soul, this short, thought provoking book will give you a fresh glimpse of the exceedingly great love of our amazing Prodigal God.

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Book Suggestion February 2012

Suggestion from the Pastor

“The last Jew of Rotterdam”

By: Ernest Cassutto

Pastor’s Description:

A very short (169 pages) but good autobiographical account of a young secular Jewish man caught up in the anti-Semitic persecution of the Second World War.
Through the compassion of Dutch Christians and from reading Scripture, Ernest Cassuto was converted to Christ and later became a Reformed pastor in Holland and the United States. The story weaves together his own journey with that of the woman who would later become his wife. This book speaks of the grace of God that enables people to embrace the gospel, forgive one’s enemies and learn that after a nighttime of suffering Jesus Christ is still able to make our joy complete. I recommend “The Last Jew of Rotterdam” as a refreshing look at the goodness
of God.

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Book Suggestion January 2012

Suggestion from the Pastor

The Mystery of Providence

By: John Flavel
Published by: Banner of Truth Trust

Pastor’s Description:

This small devotional on the providence of God is one of my favorite books. Having discovered it in 1988, it is one of the few books I have read over again and am planning on re-reading in 2012. For anyone wishing to be encouraged through a deeper understanding of God’s work in our personal affairs, The Mystery of Providence is a treasure.
John Flavel was a Puritan pastor, living in the 1600’s who came to understand the beauty of meditating on God’s governing power.
With a pastor’s heart, Flavel wrote this book to convince Christians of the great benefit found in contemplating the providence of God.
The illustrations from the lives of other Christians, as well as his theological and biblical insights, are refreshing in an age of shallow Christianity. Those that decide
to read this short work will find a rich blessing for their souls.

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WPE