Christ Community

Advent 2009 ... "Got Joy?" (Alan Kraft and Stacey Campbell)

Glory in the Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship CD, by Chris Tomlin.  From Dove Award-winner Chris Tomlin comes a Christmas worship experience you'll cherish for years to come!  Recorded live in 2009 with a community of artists including Matt Redman, it features "Born That We May Have Life," "Winter Snow," and "Light of the World"---plus familiar favorites including "O Holy Night," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," and "Joy to the World."    It's also available as an MP3 download and on ITunes.

October-November 2009 ... "A Ray of Hope" (Alan Kraft and Steve Oeffling)  The heart of this series is to help us grow in our awareness of the global issues in which Christ Community is involved, and our understanding of God’s heart for our personal involvement in each of these areas.   Below we've listed the links to a book we're encouraging you to read throughout this series, as well as specific resources and links tied in to individual themes.

The Hole In Our Gospel, by Richard Stearns, is the compelling true story of a corporate CEO who set aside the world's definition of success for something far more significant, and discovered the full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to change his own life.  He uses his journey to demonstrate how the gospel was always meant to be a world-changing social revolution, a revolution that begins with you.  It is also available for download as an audio book.  Click here to check out Richard Stearns' website and blog, as well as personal and group study resources for this book.

October 24/25: Hope for the Oppressed

International Justice Mission (IJM) is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to ensure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote functioning public justice systems.

Kiva. Kiva's mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty. It is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend to low-income, unique entrepreneurs around the globe. The people you see on Kiva's site are real individuals. When you browse entrepreneurs' profiles on Kiva, choose someone to lend to, and then make a loan, you are helping a real person make great strides towards economic independence and improve life for themselves, their family, and their community. Kiva provides a data-rich, transparent lending platform, using the power of the internet to facilitate one-to-one connections that were previously prohibitively expensive. Kiva creates an interpersonal connection at low costs due to the instant, inexpensive nature of internet delivery.  

October 31 - November 1: Hope for the Impoverished

Dangerous Surrender: What Happens When You Say Yes to God, by Kay Warren.  In a startling wake-up call, Kay discovered the shocking realities of the AIDS pandemic in Africa while reading a magazine. She cried out to God, “Why are you bothering me with this? There’s nothing I can do about it. I’m just an ordinary person. What could one person do about such a gigantic problem?” That began the struggle—first to avoid God’s call and then to surrender herself to God. Giving in to God isn’t easy. It’s not for cowards. It’s the boldest, riskiest step you’ll ever take. This dangerous surrender can bring both joy and pain, both heartache and ecstasy, but it enables you to know God in a far deeper way than ever before. A rare book by an uncommon woman, Dangerous Surrender will shake, challenge, and stretch you to become more than you’ve ever imagined. Your world is waiting.  This book is also available as an audio book and small group curriculum.

Kay Warren's website, "Saying Yes To God", contains a blog devoted to Kay's thoughts on the topic of reaching out to people in need, and specific ways of getting involved in ministering to people in the AIDS/HIV community and the Rwanda Healthcare Initiative.  

The Irresistible Revolution: Living As An Ordinary Radical, by Shane Claiborne.  During college, a professor remarked, "Being a Christian is about choosing Jesus and deciding to do something incredibly daring with your life."  Taking up that challenge, Shane's faith led him to dress the wounds of lepers with Mother Teresa, visit families in Iraq amidst bombings, dump $10,000 on Wall Street to redistribute wealth, and establish The Simple Way community in one of the toughest neighborhoods in inner-city Philadelphia.  In The Irresistible Revolution, you'll be challenged by a radical, authentic Christianity passionate for peace, social justice, and alleviating the suffering found in the local neighborhood and distant reaches of the world. Live out your faith with little acts of radical love as you join the movement of God's Spirit into a broken world.   This book is also available as an audio MP3.  

Pastor Steve Oeffling also recommends the following two books for more serious reading on two specific issues that Christ Community is working with in Africa.   These are some pretty serious works, but so are the issues.

Female Circumcision: The Interplay of Religion, Culture and Gender in Kenya, by Mary Nyangweso Wangila.

The AIDS Crisis: What We Can Do?, by Deborah Dortzbach and W. Meredith Long.           

November 7/8: Hope for the Orphan (Orphan Awareness Sunday)

Fields of the Fatherless: Discover the Joy of Compassionate Living, by Tom Davis.  Today, millions of orphaned children live in a world without hope. Tom Davis' Fields of the Fatherless is a clarion call, and a challenge, to allow our hearts to be stirred to reach out and be the hands and feet of Christ to these millions of souls. Discover the pure joy found in compassionate living for others by serving "the least of these." Includes a "Guide to Walking in the Fields of the Fatherless," for small group or personal study.  Tom Davis is also the CEO of Children's HopeChest in Colorado Springs.  Children's Hopechest attempts to restore wholeness to the brokenness that is orphanhood, believing orphans have the greatest chances for success when they are surrounded by loving role models who remind them of their great worth and value in the eyes of God. 

Christian Alliance for Orphans is a great website resource, with links to a variety of ways to get involved in adoption (both domestic and international), caring for orphans, and connecting with pre-screened, reputable organizations that are making a practical difference worldwide.

The ABBA Fund believes that the best environment for the raising and training of children is in a godly home.   It's primary ministry is that of receiving gifts of money that are made immediately available as interest-free covenant loans to Christian couples who are called by God to expand their families through adoption and who need help with the “cash flow crunch” posed by adoption expenses.

Cry of the Orphan seeks to heighten awareness of the plight of the 140 million orphans around the world. The scope of this problem is too big for any one person or organization to solve. In the midst of this crisis, organizations from around the world are joining forces to make a difference.  This is a great site for learning the facts and exploring practical ways of getting involved in orphan care.

November 14/15: Hope for the Wanderer

Christians at the Border: Immigration, the Church, and the Bible, by M. Daniel Carroll.   Immigration is one of the most divisive issues on the national agenda. Fortunately, Christians at the Border provides sound biblical and ethical guidance for readers who are looking for a Christian perspective on the immigration issue.       

September-October 2009 ... "Beyond the Summer of Love" (Alan Kraft, Stacey Campbell and Joe Smeltzer)  

A study of what the Bible has to say about love from 1 Corinthians 13, and how Jesus shows us what love looks like in our relationships.  We used the 40 Days of Love material to discuss and apply the messages in this series, and recommending each person use the daily devotional guide The Relationship Principles of Jesus, by Tom Holliday, for their personal time with the Lord each day. 

March-September 2009 ... The Gospel of John (Alan Kraft and Others)  

Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ, by John Piper.  This book has been written in the hope that people will see Jesus for who He really is, and will come to enjoy Him above all else.  

There is also a study guide and DVD available for purchase.  

 

The Gospel of John DVD.  An epic in the spirit of The Passion of the Christ, this widely acclaimed motion picture is a meticulous recreation of the turbulent era of Jesus and the events that changed the course of history from the Gospel of John!  The Gospel of John offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the life and times of Jesus Christ, and to experience the Word of God in a fresh new way.  Rated PG-13, this 2-Disc DVD includes both the 129 minutes version, and 181 minutes theatrical version. 

February 2009 ... "Catalytic Living"  Exploring what it means for us as individuals and a church to be a people of significant impact.   This series of messages is designed to celebrate God's activity among us through Project Beyond (February 2006 - February 2009), and to cast a vision for Project Beyond Catalyst (February 2009 -  February 2012). 

The Treasure Principle, by Randy Alcorn.   If you're looking for a great little book on the topic of generosity and the Bible’s perspective on our financial resources, this is it!   When we first launched Project Beyond in January 2006, many of our small groups studied this book together, and dozens of people were transformed by its teachings.  "God owns everything," writes Alcorn. "I'm His money manager. What I call my money is really His. The question is, what does He want me to do with His money?"   

It's also available as an audio book CD or a DVD.    

Living a Life on Loan: Finding Grace at the Intersections, by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson.  You were saved from something for something, and God's concerned with how you'll use all that He has given you---your loves, your talents, your resources, and your opportunities---to extend His grace to others.  Living a Life on Loan encourages you to think of "your life as on loan rather than as a life you own." Through personal stories, the examples of others, and Scripture, Rusaw and Swanson develop a multi-faceted image of a life lived on loan from God. Questions at the end of each chapter help you to reflect and act, so that you can join those who live their lives in the pages of God's never-ending story.

January 2009 ... "Grounded" Helping us go deeper in our relationship with God through His Word, the Bible.

Praying God’s Word: Breaking Free From Spiritual Strongholds, by Beth Moore.  In Praying God's Word, Beth Moore teaches how the truth of Scripture and the power of prayer can help destroy the strongholds of sin in your life. Moore begins by carefully identifying fourteen common strongholds such as anger, unforgiveness and addiction that threaten to destroy your spiritual life. She then presents Scriptures that are arranged in prayer form, so that you can use them as a means of fighting against and ultimately destroying these strongholds of sin. 

Praying God's Word Prayer Cards.   Following the themes introduced in the book Praying God's Word (pride, unbelief, insecurity, guilt, despair, or other spiritual strongholds, etc.) 420 cards (30 cards per topic) have been compiled feature stunning artwork, inspiring Scripture, and heartfelt prayers to liberate you from spiritual bondage so that you can put on the mind of Christ. Includes acrylic card holder. 

The One Year Bible.   Each 15-minute daily reading includes a portion from the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Psalms and Proverbs.  And, by all means, begin at a pace that gets you going ... 1, 2, 3 or 4 days' readings a week.   Don't sweat it if it doesn't line up with the given day on the calendar.    

The Daily Audio Bible Podcast.   Subscribe to this free podcast, and each day you'll have sent to your iPod the day's reading from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs.   Each day's reading is followed by a time of Scripture-based prayer by Bryan Hardin.   If you're more of an auditory learner, or are more readily able to spend time listening to God's Word than reading it, perhaps this podcast is for you!   You can learn more at www.dailyaudiobible.com or by typing "Daily Audio Bible" at the search command on iTunes.  As a part of this podcast, you can also join an online community of people receiving and discussing each day's readings.   A really cool way to engage with God's Word!   

Roots.  Beginning in March 2009, we will be launching a series of equipping classes entitled "Roots".  Roots classes are designed to ground people in the Scriptures.  The classes are created to give people the tools to encounter Jesus in the Scriptures by learning how to study the Bible, to lead others in the study of it, to engage it devotionally, and to understand the themes and truths of both the Old and New Testaments.    Classes will be taught on Sunday mornings in the Community Room, from 9:00-10:15am.   Click here or on the logo above to find out more about Roots, see the line-up of classes being offered in upcoming months, and register online.

Personal Bible Study for Spiritual Growth.  In September 2008, Pastor Bruce taught a workshop entitled "Personal Bible Study for Spiritual Growth" at a Men's Ministry Breakfast Conference here at Christ Community.  It summarizes an overall approach to Bible study, and lays out a process of Bible study that will allow us to be transformed by God's Word.   Click HERE or above for a PDF download of the notes from this workshop.

What the Bible Is All About by Henrietta Mears.  Includes feature articles on becoming a member of God's family, selected readings and short book overviews to open each chapter, a glossary for easy word identification, Bible reading plans, new maps and charts, and more.

Knowing the Bible 101 by Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz.  In Knowing the Bible 101, Bruce and Stan offer a memorable and manageable approach to understanding God's written message with a fresh contemporary perspective. This book is a must-have resource for readers who have been planning to get serious about Bible study--longtime believers, new Christians, Bible study leaders, and even seekers who want to read the Bible for the first time.

Bible Timeline Pamphlet.  Shows hundreds of facts in biblical history. Includes dates of kings, prophets, battles, and key events. Compare Bible history, world history, and Middle East history side-by-side.

Unlocking the Scriptures, by Hans Finzel.  You can study and discover the treasures within God's Word! Unlocking the Scriptures will show you how to search for and find the treasures that are waiting for you within the Bible. This powerful resource--combined with the optional free study aids provided on the internet--will help you learn how to "rightly divide the Word of Truth," whether it's for you alone or in a group setting. Finally, the exciting adventure of studying God's Word is within your grasp!

 

November 2008 ... "In God We Trust?"  Experiencing God's wisdom for living in turbulent economic times. 

The Total Money Makeover, by Dave Ramsey.  In this book, nationally-known financial maestro Dave Ramsey condenses his 17 years of financial teaching and counseling into 7 organized, easy-to-follow steps that will lead you out of debt and into a Total Money Makeover. Plus, you’ll read over 50 real-life stories from people just like you who have followed these principles and are now living with financial peace!  It is a plan designed for everyone, regardless of income or age.  There's also a practical companion workbook available for purchase on Dave Ramsey's website (www.daveramsey.com), which has a variety of online tools, articles and additional resources for you to use or download free of charge.    Principles from The Total Money Makeover are shared at Christ Community's Financial Freedom Workshop, offered periodically as a part of our Equipping U adult equipping ministry.   Books are also available for purchase at this workshop at a reduced rate.

September-October 2008 ... "Hurled Into the World" / The Book of Jonah  Coming to grips with God's heart of compassion for the world and our frequent struggles to align ourselves with this compassion.

Just Walk Across the Room: Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith, by Bill Hybels.   Building on his bestseller Becoming a Contagious Christian, Pastor Hybels shows you how to follow Jesus' model of personal evangelism by "living in 3-D"---developing friendships, discovering stories, and discerning appropriate ways to leave your comfort zone. Learn to share the life-transforming message of the gospel with people living far from God---and across the room.    This book is also available in audio form, in Spanish, and as a small group Bible study (our ministry staff and several of our small groups have gone through this book/study this past year).    Click HERE to find out more about these other resources.   

August 2008 ... "The Blessing: Breathing Life Into Our Relationships"

The Family Blessing: Discover the Powerful Gift of Legacy and Life God Has Given You Through Your Words, by Rolf Garborg.   This book provides biblical insight and practical tools for parents to bless their children with life-giving words.

The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance, by John Trent and Gary Smalley.  Many of us spend a lifetime striving for the approval of our parents. Your parent's approval affects how you view yourself and you ability to pass that approval on to your children, friends, and spouse. In The Blessing, the authors present a life-changing gift the Bible calls "the blessing." Five elements of the blessing are meaningful touch, spoken messages, attaching high value, picturing a special future, and an active commitment. Using the principles offerd here provides hope and healing for men and women who may have missed their parents' blessing, and for others who long to bless others with whom they have a close relationship.

July-August 2008 ... "Undeniable Calling"   Christ Community Pastors speaking on topics central to their calling in life and ministry at Christ Community.   Below they've each listed those books that have been formative in their thinking and ministry development, and recommend them to you for your reading.

July 12-13: "A Missional Calling", Phil Grizzle, Pastor of Missional Formation, and Campus Pastor of Christ Community's new Downtown Campus.

The Tangible Kingdom: Creating Incarnational Community, by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay

The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church, by Alan Hirsch

July 19-20: "A Relational Calling", Bruce Hoppe, Associate Pastor of Adult Ministries.

Community 101, by Gilbert Bilezikian

The Safest Place on Earth, by Larry Crabb.

The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends, by Richard Lamb

Search and Rescue: An Urgent Call to Make and Multiply Disciples, by Neil Cole

In his message, Pastor Bruce referred to a tool we're encouraging that will enable 2-3 people to connect and grow together spiritually in simple ways.   Taken from the book Search and Rescue mentioned above, copies of this tool are available at the Spiritual Resources booth in the lobby, or you may CLICK HERE to view, download and print this tool from our website.

July 26-27: "A Family Calling", Daniel Steitz, Associate Pastor of Children and Students.

Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions, by George Barna.  Also as a DVD curriculum and in Spanish: Cómo Transformar a los Niños en Campeones Espirituales.

Tender Warrior, by Stu Weber.   Also as an audio book and in Spanish: El Corazon de un Guerrero.

Building Faith at Home, by Mark A. Holmen

August 2-3: "A Worship Calling", Aaron Wooten, Pastor of Worship and the Arts.

Serve God, Save the Planet: A Christian Call to Action, by Dr. J Matthew Sleeth

Everything Must Change: Jesus, Global Crises, and a Revolution of Hope, by Brian D. McLaren

The Great Awakening: Reviving Faith and Politics in a Post-Religious Right America, by Jim Wallis

 www.creationcare.org

www.thestoryofstuff.com

www.tradeasone.com

May-July 2008 ... "Shattered" / Job

Shattered Dreams: God's Unexpected Pathway to Joy (book and workbook), by Larry Crabb.  If God loves me, why is life so painful?  Exploring the biblical account of Naomi, Crabb explains how God longs to awaken his children to the dream beneath the rubble of tragedy -- changing lives for good and forever.  Encounter your closest Friend in the midst of difficulty and learn to live beyond life's deepest pain.  Click on the picture or book title above to learn more or to purchase these resources.

 

Pain, Perplexity and Promotion: A Prophetic Interpretation of the Book of Job, by Bob Sorge*.  The essential theme of the book of Job is to reveal how God takes a man who is blameless and upright, with a passion for God and a willing spirit, and promotes him to a higher spiritual plane than he could have ever imagined. Those who persevere in the pain and perplexity of the Job crucible are being prepared for renewed intimacy with God, and will be raised up to equip the endtime bride of Christ.  Let Job's example compel you toward God's highest and best. Bob Sorge writes from the valley of a sustained personal trial, along with the contagious hope God has given him for a mighty deliverance.

* Bob Sorge has spoken in services at Christ Community Church in recent years.   You may recall him as the self-described "worship-leader/pastor who lost his voice and gained a ministry".

Life Without Limbs ... the Story of Nick Vujicic.   At a recent small group leadership conference in Atlanta, Pastor Bruce and Dick Dougherty were able to experience the incredible story of Nick Vujicic, a twenty-five-year-old young man who was born without arms or legs.   Nick's mission is to cross boundaries and break down barriers to build bridges that bring people to the love and hope found in Jesus Christ.   Nick's authentic love of Christ shines through him so penetratingly that people are literally captivated and disarmed by the fact he can genuinely rejoice in his circumstances. Almost without realizing it, they discover that they want desperately that same factor that they see so clearly displayed in Nick's life and messages, in their own lives. That factor that they desire for themselves is, of course, Christ...living in him, and working through him.  Click HERE to be taken to Nick's website.

March-May 2008 ... "Praying Like a Rebel"

Thirty Days of Praying the Names and Attributes of God.   A great resource for your time alone with God in prayer, this PDF download lists thirty of God's characteristics found in the Bible, along with a brief description of each.   Consider how God might transform you and your prayers as you meditate on these characteristics before praying.  

A Layman Looks at the Lord's Prayer, by W. Phillip Keller.  Next to the 23rd Psalm, perhaps one of the most well-known passages in the Bible is “The Lord's Prayer”. As we’ll be learning, despite its brevity it teaches some remarkable things about God, His kingdom, and our relationship to God.  In this book author W. Phillip Keller shares his keen insights into the significance of these verses for him and other Christ-followers in today’s world.    

Too Busy NOT To Pray: Finding Time To Be With God, by Bill Hybels.  Most of us have trouble finding time to pray. There's church and school and neighborhood and job and friends and recreation.  And then the crises hit!  Time for prayer seems an impossible luxury.   As a pastor, Bill Hybels knows hundreds of people with schedules like this. Yet in his own life he has made the hard discovery that prayer doesn't happen on the run. He decided he was too busy not to pray.  He shows how to slow down to pray, listen to God, respond to what is heard, practice the presence of God, and overcome prayer barriers.  This practical book offers the resources you need for growing, ongoing experiences in prayer.   It's also available as an Audio Book CD and a Bible study.

 March 1-2, 2008 ... Project Beyond 2nd Anniversary

February 23-24, 2008 ... "Jeremiah Speaks"

Jeremiah, DVD.  Jeremiah tells the story of the prophet Jeremiah, who abandons that which is most familiar to him in order to relay God's message in Jerusalem. Although he is persecuted and branded as a traitor, he continues fearlessly with his mission. 

Be Decisive: A Study of Jeremiah.  As we've been learning, the prophet Jeremiah was not a middle-of-the-roader.  People always knew just where he stood.  He stood with God.  In spite of persecution and seeming failure, for over forty years Jeremiah courageously declared God's message to a nation sinking in sin and heading for judgment.  As you studyJeremiah's book you will discover: how to be bold before people and broken before God, the secret of overcoming discouragement, and what's involved in becoming more like Christ.