Would you consider buying me a commentary (for less than $5)?

I have a request for anyone who is interested in helping me prepare for Christian ministry.

I’m working on building my library of reference works and the like to help me when I eventually transition over to full-time ministry, God-willing. I hope to serve as a missionary overseas, but I’m still open to the idea of working and serving as a pastor in the U.S. Since I can’t be sure whether I’ll serve in the States or overseas, I’ve been focusing on saving physical shelf space by purchasing Kindle (ebook) versions of the larger, weightier titles.

Recently the whole NIV Application Commentary Series went on sale for the Kindle, being priced between $4.74 and $4.99 until Monday, May 13, 2013. I picked up three volumes from this series (Deuteronomy, Haggai/Zechariah, and 1 Corinthians). Since I’m taking a seminary class this summer, I had to buy all my seminary books last month, and I’ll be paying for my tuition this month, so I can’t afford to buy any more.

Here’s where the request comes in: would you be willing to gift me a title for my library? It would help me in my own studies, as well as in sermon preparation when called on to preach. Sermon preparation can easily take upwards of 10 hours, and would be even longer if I were in full-time ministry, so commentaries and other resources like this can help save me time. Eventually, if I do end up overseas, I could take my entire Kindle library with me, whereas most of my physical book library might have to be left behind.

If you’re willing to help me out, below a list of the titles I’m most interested it along with a link to the title itself. The asterisk (*) marks my most wanted titles. On the right side of the product page, you’ll see a green box where you can order the title. In that box is the option to “Give as Gift.” Clicking that button will take you through the checkout process. It will require an email, so you can send it to:

wencl1440 (at) gmail (dot) com

Thank you so much if you decide to help.

Old Testament Genesis Esther* Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs Isaiah* (Thanks, Sharon!) Jeremiah, Lamentations Daniel

New Testament Acts* Romans Philippians Colossians, Philemon 1 Peter* Revelation*

A Book on Wealth and Prosperity I Highly Recommend!

Contentment, Prosperity, and God's Glory (Puritan Treasures for Today). By Jeremiah Burroughs. Edited by Phillip L. Simpson. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Reformation Heritage Books. pp. 144. 2013. (List Price $10.00 Paperback | $3.99 Kindle)

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5 out of 5 stars

To many people in our society, the Bible is an antiquated piece of literature that has little to no relevance for today. It is a relic of history with little value for us as we live our lives and interact with the world in which we live. Christians, on the other hand, believe the Bible to be God’s very word given to us that we might be saved by believing its message. Unfortunately, some of us look on more recent works by our spiritual forebears and disdain them for being antiquated and irrelevant. Yet there are many who have taken the time and effort to preserve these works and introduce them to us for our benefit. Among this latter group are Phillip L. Simpson and Reformation Heritage Books.

The Puritan Treasures for Today series seeks to introduce modern readers to the timeless writings of Christians who were a lot more spiritual and a lot less snobbish than is commonly depicted by our culture. These writings are shorter than the daunting treatises we may normally associate with writers from bygone eras, and the language, with the exception of direct quotations of the Bible and other brief dialogue, is updated to modern usage, such as using “you” and “your” instead of “thee” and “thine.” The effect is not unlike picking up the New King James Version of the Bible and comparing it to the King James Version.

This particular work by Jeremiah Burroughs (1599–1646), is especially relevant to modern readers in western nations. Consumerism dominates our way of thinking, and recent economic uncertainty has helped expose our strong dependence on and lack of contentment with our personal financial portfolio. Burroughs’ time may not have been as distant from ours as we might suppose. Near the start of the book we read from Burroughs, “We live here in such a way that, although we may not be as full now as we have been in the past, it may still be said of us that we are full in comparison to our brothers in other parts of the world.”

In Philippians 4:11-12 the Apostle Paul says, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Burroughs looks at this statement and considers what it means to abound, not merely to have an abundance, but to live abundantly, and also what it means to be full and how this all bears on our Christian walk.

Burroughs book transcends the barriers between his day and ours because he speaks biblical truth into the lives of his readers. Personal finances—the accrual, management, and expenditure of wealth—is something we tend to consider a very private matter, but it is not so private as to be untouched by the word of God. Burroughs was convinced that the greater the resources at a person’s disposal, the greater his responsibility before God. Wealth and fullness (that is, having enough to meet your needs), bring their own set of temptations and trials, as well as opportunities, into the life of a believer.

With such a multitude of works to chose from for this series, I am happy that Burroughs’ work on Contentment, Prosperity, and God’s Glory was included. Never having known anything about him or his writings before picking up the book, I can say that it is every bit as valuable as the diamonds and pearls that grace its cover. I have a new appreciation for the many blessings God has brought into my life and a solemn awareness of my own need for grace as I seek to minister God’s provision for His glory.

I received this book for the purposes of writing a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: The Life of God in the Soul of the Church

The Life of God in the Soul of the Church: The Root and Fruit of Spiritual Fellowship. By

Thabiti Anyabwile. Ross-shire, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications. pp. 256. 2012. ($14.99 Print)

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4 Stars

This book was borne out of a real need in a church that was doing well at caring for each other and developing long-lasting friendships, but as Anyabwile described it, “The caring was rooted in friendship, not in Christ and His body as a whole.” I’m sure many believers would love for their church to have that problem. But whether your church is full of people who care deeply for one another or not, all church members would benefit from reading Anyabwile’s book on what he calls “spiritual fellowship.”

This book is great. Anyabwile’s examination and explanation of the various Bible passages for each chapter is both enlightening and encouraging. I never came to a point where I said, “Where is he getting this?” or “Why does this matter?” He takes his readers straight to the work of Christ as the foundation of our fellowship and then explores the various aspects of that fellowship and how it should play out in our churches. If more people were presented with the truths in this book when they first join a church, they’d know exactly what is expected of them as members of the church and how the church should function as a body. This kind of discussion is sorely lacking in many churches today.

I do have a few minor quibbles with the book, not so much in content as in format. The book is more or less a cleaned up transcript of Anyabwile’s sermon series that he preached in 2008. The audio is even available to download on his church’s website. My quibble is that the book reads too much like a sermon transcript. There are a few instances where it reads like this: “We’re really glad you’re here this morning.” Also, although I appreciate that he tries to connect with the unbelievers in attendance at his church on Sunday, those pieces could have been taken out of the book or revised so as to better address the audience that will be reading the book, which is going to be different than the audience which was in attendance when these messages were first given.

Still, I would recommend this book to any believer. It clearly and biblically explains what it means to be a member of Christ’s body and gives very practical direction in how we are to live that out, embracing the “spiritual fellowship” that we should have, one with another.

I received this book from the publisher for the purpose of review.

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Space does not permit me to include all my highlights from this book, but let me share a few below:

The reaction that comes so naturally when we are concerned about family or a close friend is the biblical reaction we should have when we hear about someone less familiar to us who is a part of the Lord’s body. We must crucify our pride in either not wanting others to know— or thinking that our problems can only be addressed by the pastors. We must let the body be the body by each member showing equal concern for every other member. One priority for us should be a much bigger benevolence budget to ensure the needs of the brothers and sisters of this family are supplied. It is not only a vision or goal but also a test of our love as a church. Something like correction may be seen as either a nuisance or worse, a judgmental, tyrannical invasion into other people’s lives. But if we are to enjoy authentic community, we must be a group of people committed to the sometimes painful and messy work of restoring others. Such commitment and restoration require a fellowship that embraces the grace of correction. Christians suffer because Christ suffered, and His life continues in us. Christians are comforted because Christ was comforted, and His life flows over into ours. Sometimes God comforts us directly, but that’s not His only strategy. Normally He comforts us through His people— so if our lives aren’t open to one another, they’re closed to the Father’s comfort. Let’s share our lives; let’s fellowship in suffering so that we can fellowship in His mercy. When we think of giving, do we think of Jesus? In the act of writing that check or sealing that envelope, do our thoughts go to the cross? Do our thoughts go to Him who was rich and became poor for our salvation? If we were to think of Jesus when we give, would our giving be evidence of sincere love? The Lord tests the sincerity of our love through our giving. When we judge other Christians in disputable matters, we are really saying that in our view they’re not in right standing with God. What we have seen is something of the vision God gives us in His Word for how we are to live together as one family of faith in Christ. We become God’s family through Christ. Our life together leads to a holy and joyful family life: of service to one another; of love that corrects and restores; of forgiveness, unity, and acceptance; and of singing and sharing. It’s a rich family life made possible and vibrant by the fact that Christ lives in us and His life leads to these realities. Fake love has no place among Christians. When our love is insincere it proves that it’s not really love at all. If we say, ‘Yes, we go to the same church,’ but we fail to greet the person in public, that’s fake love. If we say, ‘Yes, I’ll pray for you’ and never do, that’s fake love. ‘Far be it from me to sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you’ (1 Sam. 12: 23). If we see a brother or sister headed toward trouble or sin but do nothing about it, that’s fake love. If we see a sister or brother in need and refuse to give, that’s fake love. Sincere love honors others above itself (Rom. 12: 10). Those with sincere love attempt to ‘outdo one another in showing honor’ (Rom. 12: 10, ESV).

Sermon Notes (1 Cor. 1:1-3), part III

I recently preached a sermon in Spanish at my home church, Enfoque. I based my sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:1-3. Here are the verses and a few quotes (translated and lightly edited):

(1) Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, (2) To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: (3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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The death of Jesus satisfied the holiness of God. And on the basis of that we can receive the benefits of his sacrifice. If we believe in Him, we will be sanctified as it says, “those who have been sanctified.” 

Not only does He take away our sin, but He gives us His holiness. It is the only way in which we can enter into the Church: those who are part of the church “have been sanctified.” 

The first step in entering the Church is to invoke the name of Jesus. That is how you enter. If you haven’t done that you are not part of the Church, including Enfoque. We can talk about Enfoque in a general sense that all who come here are part of Enfoque, but when we talk about Enfoque as a church, if you haven’t been saved you can’t be part of the church. You can come, we invite you to like we said at the beginning, “Your religion, your believes about God, don’t matter to us; we only want you to be able to experience a relationship with Christ.” If you haven’t experienced that, if you haven’t experienced the sanctification of Jesus, your religion doesn’t matter. What you believe about God doesn’t matter. The first, the most fundamental, the basic thing is to invoke Jesus, ask His forgiveness, trust in Him.

Sermon Notes (1 Cor. 1:1-3), part II

I recently preached a sermon in Spanish at my home church, Enfoque. I based my sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:1-3. Here are the verses and a few quotes (translated and lightly edited):

(1) Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, (2) To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: (3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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In this church to join the membership you have to be baptized. And when I say baptized, I am speaking… of biblical baptism. Because baptism communicates a truth about the gospel that we cannot lose, we cannot forget. … Immersion in water shows that you have been buried and after, when you rise, that shows the resurrection of Christ, and we want to announce it. We do not want to hide the gospel.

“To those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus.” That sounds like something that you can hear in a church. When you go to work you won't hear your boss say something about sanctification. When you go to a soccer game you won't hear someone say something about sanctification. It seems like one of those words that only exists in church, and in most instances, it is. Not because it is a religious word, but because it is a word that speaks of our relationship with God, and the world around us does not care about the things of God. That is why they won’t talk about sanctification.

Sermon Notes (1 Cor. 1:1-3)

I recently preached a sermon in Spanish at my home church, Enfoque. I based my sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:1-3. Here are the verses and a few quotes (translated and lightly edited):

(1) Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, (2) To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: (3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Even though the majority of us, I would say, grew up in an environment where we beleived that the Church was defined by four walls and a roof, the Church really is the people.

The church is a very big group. The Church is the people, and just as the church is not limited by these walls, neither is it limited by region. The Church consists of believers.

If you really want to be part of the Church you have to commit to a local church.

I believe that it is very difficult to join a church because it is very easy to be a stranger: enter, sing, listen to a sermon, chat a little, and then leave, and no one expects anything from you. No one says, “You have to go to this group,” or “You have to work on your love for your family.” We are not going to invade your privacy. But if you are part of this congregation and we involve ourselves with each other, we’re going to find that the church is not only a group, but a group committed to each other.

Sermon Prep

I've been AWOL from blogging (and my Greek homework) this past week due to a little thing called sermon prep. I've been working on a sermon based on the first few verses of 1 Corinthians. I'm proud that I got it done in a week, but all that Spanish sure takes it out of me. I can finally go to bed at a decent hour again. Next time I'll work a little bit less on my notes. They were so thorough I preached for 54 minutes! Just imagine.

Spanish Resources

Announcing a new blog! In addition to MissionsOutlook and MexicoInTen, I have created a new blog to feature Spanish resources. These resources will be videos that I upload in Spanish, audio from sermons I preach (I am booked for the month of March, so stay tuned), materials I create for the numerous discipulados and classes I'm involved with, and links to other ministry sites.

I will add resources every now and then, with a Twitter update if something exciting goes up. Have no fear, however, as this blog will continue to be my primary focus for the time being.

As if I don't have enough to do already, I plan on launching yet another blog with more personal stories and life updates, though I may keep that private and publish a few stories every now and then here. I haven't decided. That's all for now. Be sure to check out the Spanish site. Unless you don't speak Spanish. Then it may not be as exciting for you.

Memorial Day Sermon

On Sunday, May 30, 2010, I was afforded the opportunity to preach at my church's English service.  The audio will be available for download (free) at Fall Creek Baptist Church's website in a few days.

I also downloaded the MP3 and edited it so the sound is cleaner, and I've posted it to my GoogleDocs page with a link for anyone to download.  Please check it out and let me know if it blesses you!