Whether you attend a traditional church or a house church, "Corinthian Elders" by Jack Fortenberry is an absolute must read. In this quick read, the author discusses biblically the role of the pastor/teacher, layman, and elder in the New Testament church and how it relates today.  Is it being applied today?

We all have our favorite authors, teachers, and preachers that we purchase materials from and/or admire.  Could their teaching actually be causing more harm than good?  The author warns of relying too much on men's teaching, rather than being taught from the Holy Spirit himself.  The author is quick to point out there is nothing wrong with being taught by others, but how much reliance we have in them rather than the Holy Spirit.  Who do we go to first with our questions?

1 John 2:27 says, "As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you.  But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit -- just as it has taught you, remain in him."

In addition to teaching, the author discusses offices (governing authority), role of a New Testament elder, consensus governance (within the body of Christ), participation within an assembly of believers, money, and our completeness in Christ.

What I appreciate from the author is his practical, solid, biblical approach and actual meanings of certain words from the Greek for clarification and context.  But above all, I appreciate him leading us to always listen to the Holy Spirit for our guidance.

When I come in contact with others who want to assemble as the body of Christ, like in the New Testament, I will be quick to point out this little gem.  I truly think that highly of this book.

Finding Organic Church is a comprehensive practical guide that follows all of Frank Viola's other books on the church. It answers the following questions and more:

* Where do I find the kind of church life you describe in your other books -- namely, Pagan Christianity, Reimagining Church, From Eternity to Here, and The Untold Story of the New Testament Church?

I decided to read “Hebrew Yeshua vs. Greek Jesus” after I read another of Nehemia Gordon’s books, “A Prayer to Our Father” (read my book review here).  “Hebrew Yeshua vs. Greek Jesus” has a very similar format as “A Prayer to Our Father” in that he draws out meanings to verses that are at times different when translated from Greek than from Hebrew.

For a couple of years I have wondered, "There has to be more to the Christian faith then showing up at church every Sunday for a hour to hour and a half and reading little biblical snipits throughout the week".

This book is absolutely amazing!  I loved it!

This was written by two men with different perceptions; a Jew and a Christian.  The Lord's Prayer (The Avinu Prayer) is one which both, those of the Jewish faith and the Christian faith, can apply to their life.

Every now and then you come across a book by "mistake" that ends up making a profound impact on you.  That just happened to me with a free ebook titled, Rethinking the Will of God by Frank Viola.

In 1994, 16-year-old Eric Irivuzumugabe climbed a cypress tree and remained there for 15 days without food or water. He wasn't trying to win a bet with his friends -- he was attempting to save his life.

Eric is a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide that claimed the lives of 1 million people in just 100 days. In the midst of indescribable loss, and without a job, a home, or an education, Eric was determined to start a new life for himself and his two surviving brothers.

My Father, Maker of the Trees is the story not only of his physical survival, it is the story of his spiritual rebirth and the role he is playing in the healing and redemption of his land and people. His incredible account will show readers the reality of evil in the world as well as the power of hope. Eric's message of God's relentless love through our darkest circumstances will encourage and inspire.

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