Christian Nonfiction Lovers Book Club discussion
Let's Talk Nonfiction Books!
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What Christian nonfiction book are you reading and how do you feel about it so far?
I absolutely loved this course. After I finished Building Great Sentences I wanted to take apart my book and rewrite it all over again.
I'm reading Golden Grain by John Wright Follette John Wright Follette's Golden Grain He has amazing insight into Christian living.
Starting The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn-close enough to Christian nonfiction for me.
The Good News About Marriage by Shaunti Feldhahn. Primarily statistical information about the state of marriage in America and how this can apply to marriage ministries. I'm not in Christian leadership, but it is SO encouraging! Highly recommend, especially if you are a pastor or in some other capacity of ministry. :)
Sounds like an interesting read!J wrote: "I'm reading "Toxic Faith" by Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton. Does a good job describing real faith verse religious activity"
I'm reading Jim Cymbala's Spirit Rising. It's a very inspiring account of faith in action.Spirit Rising: Tapping into the Power of the Holy Spirit
I am reading God Secrets by Shawn Bolz, it is about the use of 'words of knowledge' in every day situations. I love it so far, it helps me to understand this often neglected spiritual gift better.
I am reading The Autobiography of George Muller. It tells a bit about his life before Christ took over. He became a clergyman, preached for a few years and decided NOT to take a salary for his work. He would trust God for what he would receive. He had some lean times but God never left him. He started schools, a Scripture Knowledge Institution. Then he started three orphan houses, an infant one, one for girls and another for boys.
He was an evangelist from England, right ? I just LOVE reading about the old preachers and evangelists, I find it very inspiring and their stories also remind me how easy our lives are, compared to theirs. They traveled in times when there was hardly any transport, they preached when there was no communication technical stuff and they survived sicknesses without doctors or medicine!
I have come to the conclusion that we, as modern believers, do not trust God enough. Yes, George Muller was in England. However, he was born in Prussia. His father and his brother were, as far as he knew, were not believers. He built five orphan houses in his lifetime. He also supported many many missionaries and supplied schools with scripture.
What a life story, thanks for sharing this book in this group Cecelia. I wonder who else enjoys reading memoirs and biographies.
As a child, I read a lot of the biographies of famous Americans. I guess we all go back to our roots when we grow older
I like reading true stories of faith too. I also love when authors share personal anecdotes in their teaching-oriented books. I'm enjoying reading Strengthen Yourself in the Lord right now. 
Susan: Who wrote Strengthen Yourself in the Lord?
Going back to our roots, an interesting idea Cecelia. To be honest with you, I did not read that many books about or by Dutch famous people. It wasn't until I came to the USA that I heard about Corry ten Boom (go, figure).Cecelia wrote: "As a child, I read a lot of the biographies of famous Americans. I guess we all go back to our roots when we grow older"
I love Bill Johnson's books, although (here I go again) I have to read them very slow because of all the revelation hidden in his words :) I have several of his books on my 'to-read' pile.
Cecelia wrote: "Susan: Who wrote Strengthen Yourself in the Lord?"Hi Cecelia. Nice to meet you here. The book is by Bill Johnson. :)
Marja wrote: "To be honest with you, I did not read that many books about or by Dutch famous people. It wasn't until I came to the USA that I heard about Cor..."I think it was the movie that introduced me to Corrie Ten Boom. So good!
That's how it happens. I saw her here in my hometown. I was surprised. I didn't expect her to be a grandmother-type. I read several of her books. Her family aided the Jewish people for 100 years.
I deeply admire the Ten Boom family for all they did. What a legacy of faith and service. Just started reading God Secrets (see our suggested current group reads). It's about growing in revelatory gifting. I'm three chapters in and loving it. I know Marja is currently reading it too. Anyone else want to read along with us?
Shawn Bolz
I am reading A Chance To Die: the life and legacy of Amy Carmichael, by Elisabeth Elliot. It is not an easy read. The passages from Amy's letters are interesting but they are written in Victorian English and she tries to explain the Japanese Language and how it translates into English. I am presently 1/4 the way through it. More later.
I'm about half way through reading Survive or Thrive: 6 Relationships Every Pastor Needs by Jimmy Dodd. This book is primarily geared at pastors, but I'm getting a lot out of it as a layperson. So far, I've found that a lot of what this book teaches is applicable to anyone who wants to mature in how they relate to other people. 
I had to read a book to review and didn't feel I could read that book and A Chance to Die at the same time. In A Chance to Die, Amy contracts an illness while she is in Japan. She has to leave Japan and settles in Ceylon for a respite. Her mentor, Mr. Wilson, has a stroke in England. She finds a way to go back to England to spend time with Mr. Wilson. She is there for 10 months and writes a book. She joins a different missions organization and travels to India. The author, Elisabeth Elliot, gives a brief history of the subcontinent of India. Very interesting,so far.
So, a true story that is. Interesting to learn about India. I was there back when I was young, traveling with a backpack for about 7 months.Cecelia wrote: "I had to read a book to review and didn't feel I could read that book and A Chance to Die at the same time. In A Chance to Die, Amy contracts an illness while she is in Japan. She has to leave Japa..."
The Holy Spirit - Spiritual Gifts: Book 1 : Amazing Power for Everyday People (Illuminated Bible Study Guides)I just finished reading this book by Susan Rohrer (yeah, one of our moderators in this group). I posted a review. It is a fantastic comprehensive guide and a great read for anyone who wants to grow in relationship with the Holy Spirit!
I am reading Armed and Dangerous, by John Ramirez. He is a man with a unique background of deep involvement in the dark arts, but having been gloriously saved and now full of the Holy Spirit, preaching boldly the word Of God. I enjoy his unique insights, the sharing of his personal experiences and passion for the subject of spiritual warfare. I am thoroughly enjoying this book. I am about half way through the book.
Sounds like a book I would enjoy Pamela, I love true life stories!Pamela wrote: "I am reading Armed and Dangerous, by John Ramirez. He is a man with a unique background of deep involvement in the dark arts, but having been gloriously saved and now full of the Holy Spirit, preac..."
Here are the cover and link to the book Pamela recommended in case anyone wants to check it out. Sounds like a fascinating story.
Armed and Dangerous: The Ultimate Battle Plan for Targeting and Defeating the Enemy
Thanks Susan, Ill put in on my to-read pile. Pamela, keep us updated and write a review, please.
I've been reading An Apple a Day a chapter a day and enjoying it. Each chapter is from a different contributor.
Susan: This Apple a Day book sounds interesting. Thank you for telling us about it.'
I am now at the 83% mark in my reading of "A Chance to Die" the biography of Amy Carmichael. She did not sugar-coat the missionary life to those who wrote to her and asked to work in India. She even had to send some back to England because of the difficulties that confronted them. In 1931, at the age of 63, she fell into a misplaced hole in a construction site and broke one of her legs, messed up and ankle and twisted her spine. After that, until she passed away some 20 years later, she was a virtual shut-in in Dohnavur, India.
Can you imagine being send back from a mission field? Maybe sometimes people had no idea what they were getting involved in. Still today this happens. Thanks for sharing your thoughts so far Cecelia... almost done!Cecelia wrote: "I am now at the 83% mark in my reading of "A Chance to Die" the biography of Amy Carmichael. She did not sugar-coat the missionary life to those who wrote to her and asked to work in India. She eve..."
I just finished reading Susan Rohrer's 2nd book on the Holy Spirit - Spiritual gifts and I wrote a brief review. I really enjoyed reading this enlightening Bible Study about the service gifts God has for the believers. In this Bible study guide Susan delves deep into the service gifts as mentioned in the Bible, such as the gifts of encouragement, giving, mercy, hospitality and administration for example. Rohrer calls for believers to live in the expectation of, what she calls, crossover gifting.Crossover gifting means that spirit-filled believers can and should use their God-given spiritual power gifts (such as prophecy, knowledge, wisdom and speaking in tongues for example) to empower their service gifts. I found this a very interesting insight and I can recommend this excellent book to anyone who is hungry for more of God's presence and power in their lives. Susan's insights and clear teaching will enrich your faith walk and inspire you to draw even closer to God. (less)
I just finished and reviewed Marja's book, In My Name, and highly recommend it as a potentially life-changing read. I especially loved the point that she explores throughout the book, that speaking God's name invites His presence. This is a quick and very worthwhile read, encouraged for all Christian Fiction Lovers.
"God and Thrones" by Carl Gallups.I love the way Pastor Gallups writes. He tackles some touchy theological subjects...but in a way that is fresh and easy to understand, He is one of my favorite Christian authors
I am adding a link to that book here, Bob!Gods & Thrones: Nachash, Forgotten Prophecy, & the Return of the Elohim
“Salvation”, by Lewis Sperry Chafer. It’s a wonderful exposition on the true Biblical Gospel of salvation that, frankly, I think everyone who considers themselves a Christian should read. In the spirit of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, Chafer takes to task all the doctrines that would attempt to replace upon weary souls the yoke of laboring for salvation or in any respect meriting God’s grace.
Sounds like a wonderful read Adam, there are still so many people unaware of God's grace and love.Adam wrote: "“Salvation”, by Lewis Sperry Chafer. It’s a wonderful exposition on the true Biblical Gospel of salvation that, frankly, I think everyone who considers themselves a Christian should read. In the sp..."
I usually only read one book at a time, but I have these two going at the moment--Unafraid and Marja's award-winning Grace of Giving:
Just finished Marja's Grace of Giving and loved it. Check out my review at: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Just finished reading Priscilla Shirer's, "Fervent." It gave me a lot to ponder and to incorporate into my prayer life. Sorry, I haven't been here so much. I got sidetracked from reading.
Hi Cecelia! Thanks for punching in. I haven't read Fervent yet, but your post encourages me to get it.
I've been rereading some Christian classics. Currently, I'm rereading Meister Eckhart's Sermons for the 3rd time. They are less obtuse this time around. I don't always agree with his thinking path but he always makes me think. I'm also rereading Catherine of Siena's Dialogue and Timothy Radcliffe's Call me Friend. These are all books by Dominicans which is no surprise as I am an Anglican Dominican. It's odd that I have so many books to read and still I go back to the classics of mysticism.
Cecelia wrote: "Just finished reading Priscilla Shirer's, "Fervent." It gave me a lot to ponder and to incorporate into my prayer life. Sorry, I haven't been here so much. I got sidetracked from reading."Cecelia, I have been absent as well. I'll look for you and you look for me so we can keep an eye out for each other.
I jst finished "Craving grace by lisa velthouse"...at first i wasnt really getting into it but later one i did and it really gave me a different understanding of Gods grace and faithfulness in all situations. Now reading "Love idol by Jennifer Nicole Lee...havent gone far yet so i can't say much abt it yet
Love Idol looks interesting. Let us know what you think, Dilianna.
”Holy Roar”....a book on the seven keys to worship by Chris Tomlin and Darren Whitehead. If you are a worshipper...and want to go deeper...this is a short little book you will love!!!BOB PALUMBO
Hi everyone!I'm reading Daring to Draw Near to God by John White. Really good so far. He pulls out people from the bible and reveals how they drew near to God.
I'm also reading Angels and Heroes-True Stories from the Front Line by Dr. Robert D. Lesslie. True stories from first responders (Fire service, police and medics). I like this book because they're true stories we don't get to hear about every day. He adds good details and interesting characters.
Christian Nonfiction Lovers Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
The Seer Dimensions: Activating Your Prophetic Sight to See the Unseen (other topics)After Doubt: How to Question Your Faith without Losing It (other topics)
Lead Me, Holy Spirit: Longing to Hear the Voice of God (other topics)
The Power of a Praying Wife (other topics)
When God Breaks In: Secrets to a Lifestyle of Tangible Encounters with God (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
A.J. Swoboda (other topics)Shawn Bolz (other topics)
Cotton Mather (other topics)
Bill O'Reilly (other topics)
Joni Eareckson Tada (other topics)
More...
I expected to sleep my way through this, but it is absolutely fascinating. I am thoroughly in love with this book. Not only is his phrasing beautiful, but I find myself sympathizing with him quite often. For example...
""I found my soul under strong distempers, and especially an idle frame of soul was a plague upon me."
When I read that, mentally I was all "Yeah, I feel you, dude. I had a lazy day too and it irritated me. SO MUCH needed to be done, but instead I am just playing on twitter and hayday..."