Comments

• Curt Smith January 19, 2015 0:16

  What's the next book? I'll order it from the library on audio CD. I'm a trucker & most of my reading is listening.
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  Carl Simmons July 17, 2014 11:47

  Since it's by a Nav staff member (and edited by me), thought I'd pass (what space allows from) this review on, from my own blog....

  The Lost Art of Discipleship

  The process of discipleship isn’t difficult—the commitment is. In fact, it’s what’s most missing in the church today. (“It” being discipleship, or commitment? Exactly.) Still, because discipleship has become such a lost art in the church, many don’t even understand the process anymore, even if they have the desire. After reading John Thompson’s book, you’ll no longer have that as an excuse.

  John L. Thompson. Changing the Landscape of Eternity: Transforming Believers into Disciples. 256p., $13.99, Deep River Books.

  The opening section, “Laying a Firm Foundation” is just that, and deals more with the theological/”why” questions. If you don’t need as much convincing, you can likely jump to Part 2 (the other two-thirds of the book), “Building an Effective Discipleship Ministry”—but not before at least reading Chapter 5, “Jesus’ Requirements: Are You a True Disciple?” As well as being a gut-check before getting into the “work” section of the book, the chapter also recounts some of John’s own story—and in short, amply illustrates why learning to following Jesus is worth the cost.

  Part 2, again, is the more nuts-and-bolts part of the book, as well as the warmer, more personal section in general. Because, after all, discipleship is about relationship. There’s also some good advice here for disciplers on how to approach the process....

  From there, we’re walked through the basics of how to establish a discipleship ministry, as well as how to deal with issues such as obstacles to growth, as well as how to tailor discipleship ministries to small groups and children’s ministries and/or parenting.

  Chapters 10 and 11 are the heart of the book, as they walk us through the goal (heart transformation) and through the discipleship process itself. Here, and really throughout the book, John reminds us, “The truth is that God transforms believers’ lives, not us; we are only tools he uses in the process… Discipleship is not rocket science, but it requires thought and prayer. Since we must combat our old nature, transformation takes time, effort, and of course, God’s transforming work…. Discipleship is a lifelong process.”

  Changing the Landscape of Eternity is, simply, a solid book on discipleship from end to end. If you care at all about discipleship (and you’d better), but don’t know where to start… start here.
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  Jerry Linnins April 23, 2014 23:20

  I am about 100 pages into William Gurnall's THE CHRISTIAN IN COMPLETE ARMOUR. It is an amazing book full of wonderful insights and pithy sayings. Wearing my highlighter out! Those loved to talk and to write. But, I am enjoying every word. STRONGLY recommend.
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  Eleanor Shepherd April 23, 2014 23:08

  i am a reader and a writer. My faith has always been nurtured by my reading
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  Charles Kasumba January 4, 2012 13:41

  Getting to "know" the late John Stott. Finished "The Radical Disciple" and currently on "The Contemporary Christian". In between throw in the DVD "The Bible & the Christian Life"  Both books including the DVD highly recommended
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  Brenda Turner January 4, 2012 13:16

  Thank you Sean for the warm welcome!   I used to be quite an avid reader but going through some life transition - I just need to start it again.  And right now, I want to learn all I can about the Lord and being a Christian.
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  Sean Ingram January 4, 2012 11:18

  Thanks for the suggestions, Don & Jerry. And welcome, Brenda, it is nice to have you aboard! Reading good books written by godly men and women is the best method I know for discipling yourself. I hope we can help you make it a significant part of your Christian walk...
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  Jerry Linnins January 3, 2012 22:21

  Finishing up Sam Storms' PLEASURES EVERYMORE. Great read in the Piper theology of "Christian Hedonism."

   
• Don Loops January 3, 2012 21:41

  I've been enjoying, profiting from, been challenged by Brennan Manning's Ragamuffin Gospel, Glimpse of Jesus, Reflections for Ragamuffins. GREAT depth and insight. New favorite author.
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  Brenda Turner January 3, 2012 20:04

  Hi, I'm new here.  My reading has not been the greatest but I'm hoping by joining to receive good book suggestions and read!   I already see several good suggestions.