This book contains Jim Elliot’s own words in four messages which he spoke before going to the mission field. Jim was one of the five missionaries martyred in Ecuador in 1956. The work of these five missionaries and their deaths have had a tremendous impact on thousands of Christians. Since their deaths over twenty books have been written about these men, their deaths, and the follow-up events. The editor of this book is a friend of the Elliot family and knew Jim personally. This book makes Jim Elliot’s own words available to everyone.

The first two messages were given to seventh and eighth-grade students and concern Christian living, including the effect of sin in the life of a Christian. Another message, based on 1 Peter 1:3, examines the life of the Apostle Peter. The message “God’s Prophet” traces the history of God’s prophets through the Old Testament and ends with God’s ultimate prophet—His own Son Jesus Christ.
All of these thought-provoking messages are particularly appropriate for anyone interested in missions, missions history, or victorious Christian living. My favorite portion of the book is the clear explanation of our need for a desire for God and the effects of sin on the life of an individual.

This book is quite different in that the messages were transcribed from old wire recordings (which predated magnetic tape). Jim Elliot had a passion for God and a fervency which was rare in his era, and perhaps even more rare today. He was a true student of the Word of God and that really comes through in his spoken messages.

In summary, this book provides great insight into the thinking of Jim Elliot and also provides a lot of quotable material. I cannot recommend this book highly enough for anyone who is interested in a more fulfilling Christian life. In my opinion, it should be on the reading list of any Christian who seeks a closer relationship with Jesus Christ—especially those in junior high through age 40. It will positively impact their lives!

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If your marriage is like most, the longer you are married, the harder it is to keep the spark burning. Life consumes you and your take your spouse for granted. You make assumptions about your relationship and no longer see the need to work on it. Before you know it you begin to wonder why you ever got married and you are even prone to wander. It is happening at an alarming pace, and the Christian community is not immune.

C Through Marriage is my first published work. I have two other books written, but not published and there are other books in the work. It is my prayer that I will be able to see them all come to fruition. C Through Marriage is available online through Tate Publishing & Enterprises, Amazon books, Barnes & Noble, etc. You can get it through most Christian book outlets as well.

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I started the book with a little skepticism, because I pastor what the book might call a “legacy church”. However, as I dug into the book, the author’s (Tony and Felicity Dale) painted a picture of what “simple church” looked like and I felt as though it opened up a lot of new avenues for me to ponder. I don’t personally see the “simple church” idea as a complete replacement for “legacy churches”, but I can see a lot of potential for them to work side by side in the harvest field.

Chapter 13 provides a great discussion on Luke 10 principles. When Luke 10 is looked at in light if the “simple church” process it seems to really fit well. I also enjoyed reading the chapter called “Stories From the Harvest”. The story about the “Church at Table Number Two” reminded me of some of my own missionary/church planting experiences. We had started churches that met in funny places and we gave them names to match. One of them was called “Light Bulb Church” because we started that church by stringing an electric cord with a light bulb in the center of it between two apartment buildings that were about fifteen feet apart. We had another church we started we called “Garage Church” because they met in a garage.

One of the biggest advantages I found in reading the book was the challenge to not get stuck in our definitions of what a church “is”. I have gotten used to starting small groups and home groups and affinity groups in my area with the idea of gradually assimilating the people gathered into our existing church. I am now thinking that the goal doesn’t need to include those people ever stepping foot in our church building. The goal is just to meet people where they are and get them o step into the Kingdom.

“The Rabbit and The Elephant” by Tony and Felicity Dale is a worthwhile addition to your reading list. It is a quick read and flows well. It also includes some interesting statistics from George Barna. One of the statistics that jumped out at me was that “the average Protestant church probably sees no converts in any given year”. That really shocked me! I hope you will read the book and I would be interested in having you comment about your thoughts as well. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the book, you can use the link below.

The Rabbit and the Elephant: Releasing the Mega Impact of Micro Churches By Tony Dale, Felicity Dale & George Barna / Tyndale House

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I have the idea that as believers, God wants us to use our imaginations. God, who created everything, created us in His image. Part of the package is being creative. Our ability to imagine is God given. Like many gifts it is sometimes misused, but the reaction to the misuse should not be, no use. Our imaginations can be used for Holy purposes. I like to imagine what it must have been like as I read the Bible. Using my holy imagination in this way often helps me to understand and meditate more deeply on the scripture.

In Tolkien’s writings, we get to see characters making good choices. Deciding to serve, to sacrifice, to do the right thing. While there may not be a specific God character, there is a story line of characters who want to do what is right and to do right with right motives. At times, they also fall short, but that is a true picture of our own lives.

I have, once again, become quickly engrossed in the books and well into the Lord of the Ring series already(The first time I read the books, thirty years ago when I was in college, I nearly flunked out of school because I just stayed in the dorm room reading. So far I have been making it to work!) I hope that as you continue to read the story, you will be encouraged to share your observations along the way. I look forward to reading your comments here on the Christian Book Club.

Our next book is part one of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring.

The Fellowship of the Ring Part One of the Lord of the Rings By J.R.R. Tolkien / Houghton-mifflin The first volume in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic adventure The Lord of the Rings. In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell into the hands of Bilbo Baggins, (as told in The Hobbit). The Ring eventually passes to Bilbo’s young nephew, Frodo Baggins. The fearsome Ringwraiths were searching for the Ring. Frodo Baggins knew they were seeking him and the Ring he bore, the Ring of Power that would enable evil Sauron to destroy all that was good in Middle-earth. Now it was up to Frodo and his faithful friend, Sam. With a small band of companions to carry the Ring to the one place it could be destroyed, Mount Doom, in the very center of Suaron’s dark kingdom.

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I am already immensely enjoying the Hobbit once again. It is one of those books that it is easy to make time for. With nineteen chapters, it will be easy to complete the book this month if you read five chapters a week. I look forward to reading your comments about the book. I am especially interested in to any conversations that we might have about Christian themes in the book. I will include the link to purchase the book in case you don’t have a copy. Happy reading!

The Hobbit By J.R.R. Tolkien / Houghton-mifflin If you care for journeys there and back, out of the comfortable Western world, over the edge of the Wild, and home again, and can take interest in a humble hero (blessed with a little wisdom and a little courage), here is a record of such a journey and such a traveler. The period is the ancient time between the age of Faerie and the dominion of men, when the famous forest of Mirkwood was still standing, and the mountains were full of danger. In following the path of the humble adventurer, you will learn by the way (as he did) – if you do not already know all about these things – much about trolls, goblins, dwarves, and elves, and get some glimpses into the history and politics of a neglected but important period. For Mr. Bilbo Baggins visited various notable persons; conversed with the dragon, Smaug the Magnificent; and was present, rather unwillingly, at the Battle of the Five Armies. This is all the more remarkable, since he was a hobbit. Hobbits have hitherto been passed over in history and legend, perhaps because they as a rule preferred peace and quiet to excitement. But his account, based on his personal memoirs, of the one exciting year in the otherwise quiet life of Mr. Bilbo Baggins will give you a fair idea of the estimable people now (it is said) becoming rather rare.

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That thought process really seemed to connect with me and the situation we find ourselves in today. Everyone seems so focused on the future, that in order to achieve what they think they want, they will do whatever they think it takes. In the process that have completely sacrificed the present, and they are really no longer living at all.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading the Screwtape Letters on Christian Book Club. As always, I look forward to your comments.

In April our Christian Book Club selection is “The Hobbit” by JRR Tolkien. I am going to put a link to the book in case you need to purchase a copy. After we read the Hobbit we are going to continue the story by reading the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I look forward to your comments and insight in the weeks ahead.

The Hobbit By J.R.R. Tolkien / Houghton-mifflin If you care for journeys there and back, out of the comfortable Western world, over the edge of the Wild, and home again, and can take interest in a humble hero (blessed with a little wisdom and a little courage), here is a record of such a journey and such a traveler. The period is the ancient time between the age of Faerie and the dominion of men, when the famous forest of Mirkwood was still standing, and the mountains were full of danger. In following the path of the humble adventurer, you will learn by the way (as he did) – if you do not already know all about these things – much about trolls, goblins, dwarves, and elves, and get some glimpses into the history and politics of a neglected but important period. For Mr. Bilbo Baggins visited various notable persons; conversed with the dragon, Smaug the Magnificent; and was present, rather unwillingly, at the Battle of the Five Armies. This is all the more remarkable, since he was a hobbit. Hobbits have hitherto been passed over in history and legend, perhaps because they as a rule preferred peace and quiet to excitement. But his account, based on his personal memoirs, of the one exciting year in the otherwise quiet life of Mr. Bilbo Baggins will give you a fair idea of the estimable people now (it is said) becoming rather rare.

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I am including a video that you might enjoy about The Srewtape Letters.

If you haven’t ordered the book yet I am putting a link below so that you can get your copy.

Screwtape Letters By HarperOne Wormwood, a demon apprentice, has been given his first earthly assignment—secure the damnation of a young man who’s just become a Christian. He seeks the advice of an experienced devil—his uncle Screwtape. Their correspondence discloses the psychology of temptation from the other side. Invaluable insights on temptation, pride, the power of prayer, and the ultimate victory of faith over the forces evil. 160 pages, softcover from Zondervan.

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Having finished the book I have been spending the last week really pondering the idea of what unconditional love is. I think that we often love people when they are doing what we want them to do, but are we loving people who are doing things we don’t like. What is the difference between love and acceptance? Does loving someone who is engaged in activities I don’t agree with mean that I approve of what they are doing? Or, can I love someone based on them just being a person and separate any of the sin or even ideologies I might want to judge them with. It has been a good read for me.

Blue Like Jazz: Non-Religious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality By Donald Miller

I have also decided what books we will be reading in the months ahead on the Christian Book Club. You can get the list at the Christian Book Club Books page. Just as a heads up, we will be reading C.S. Lewis “Screwtape Letters” in March and the we will be reading “The Hobbit and the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy in the following months. In light of the current economy I thought that it ould be easy for most of you to get these books at the library if you don’t already own a copy.

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March 2009 – The Screwtape Letters

Screwtape Letters By HarperOne Wormwood, a demon apprentice, has been given his first earthly assignment—secure the damnation of a young man who’s just become a Christian. He seeks the advice of an experienced devil—his uncle Screwtape. Their correspondence discloses the psychology of temptation from the other side. Invaluable insights on temptation, pride, the power of prayer, and the ultimate victory of faith over the forces evil. 160 pages, softcover from Zondervan.

April 2009 – The Hobbit

The Hobbit By J.R.R. Tolkien / Houghton-mifflin If you care for journeys there and back, out of the comfortable Western world, over the edge of the Wild, and home again, and can take interest in a humble hero (blessed with a little wisdom and a little courage), here is a record of such a journey and such a traveler. The period is the ancient time between the age of Faerie and the dominion of men, when the famous forest of Mirkwood was still standing, and the mountains were full of danger. In following the path of the humble adventurer, you will learn by the way (as he did) – if you do not already know all about these things – much about trolls, goblins, dwarves, and elves, and get some glimpses into the history and politics of a neglected but important period. For Mr. Bilbo Baggins visited various notable persons; conversed with the dragon, Smaug the Magnificent; and was present, rather unwillingly, at the Battle of the Five Armies. This is all the more remarkable, since he was a hobbit. Hobbits have hitherto been passed over in history and legend, perhaps because they as a rule preferred peace and quiet to excitement. But his account, based on his personal memoirs, of the one exciting year in the otherwise quiet life of Mr. Bilbo Baggins will give you a fair idea of the estimable people now (it is said) becoming rather rare.

May 2009 – The Fellowship of the Ring – LOTR 1

The Fellowship of the Ring Part One of the Lord of the Rings By J.R.R. Tolkien / Houghton-mifflin The first volume in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic adventure The Lord of the Rings. In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell into the hands of Bilbo Baggins, (as told in The Hobbit). The Ring eventually passes to Bilbo’s young nephew, Frodo Baggins. The fearsome Ringwraiths were searching for the Ring. Frodo Baggins knew they were seeking him and the Ring he bore, the Ring of Power that would enable evil Sauron to destroy all that was good in Middle-earth. Now it was up to Frodo and his faithful friend, Sam. With a small band of companions to carry the Ring to the one place it could be destroyed, Mount Doom, in the very center of Suaron’s dark kingdom.

June 2009 – The Two Towers – LOTR 2

The Two Towers: Part Two of the Lord of Rings, Softcover By J.R.R. Tolkien / Houghton-mifflin The second volume in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic adventure The Lord of the Rings. Frodo and the Fellowship of the Ring have been beset by danger during their quest to prevent the Ruling Ring from falling into the hands of the Dark Lord by destroying it in the Cracks of Doom. They have lost the wizard, Gandalf, in a battle in the Mines of Moria. And Boromir, seduced by the power of the Ring, tried to sieze it by force. While Frodo and Sam made their excape, the rest of the company was attacked by Uruk-Hai. Now they continue the journey alone down the great River Anduin — alone, that is, save for the mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go.

July 2009 – The Return of the King – LOTR 3

The Return of the King: Part Three of the Lord of the Rings By J.R.R. Tolkien / Houghton-mifflin The third volume in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic adventure The Lord of the Rings. As the Shadow of Mordor grows across the land, the Companions of the Ring have become involved in separate adventures. Aragorn, revealed as the hidden heir of the ancient Kings of the West, has joined with the Riders of Rohan against the forces of Isengard, and takes part in the desperate battle of the Hornburg. Merry and Pippin, captured by the Orcs, escape into Fangorn Forest and there encounter the Ents. Gandalf has miraculously returned and defeated the evil wizard, Saruman. Sam has left his master for dead after a battle with the giant spider, Shelob; but Frodo is still alive – now in the foul hands of the Orcs. And all the while the armies of the Dark Lord are massing as the One Ring draws ever nearer to the Cracks of Doom.

August 2009 – Out of the Silent Planet – Space Trilogy Series

Out of the Silent Planet, Space Trilogy Series By C.S. Lewis / Simon & Schuster Trade Sales This book begins the adventures of the remarkable Dr. Ransom. Here, that estimable man is abducted by a megalomaniacal physicist and his accomplice and taken via spaceship to the red planet of Malacandra. The two men are in need of a human sacrifice, and Dr. Ransom would seem to fit the bill. Once on the planet, however, Ransom eludes his captors, risking his life and his chances of returning to Earth, becoming a stranger in a land that is enchanting in its difference from Earth and instructive in its similarity.

September 2009 – Perelandra – Space Trilogy Series

Perelandra, Space Trilogy Series By C.S. Lewis / Scribner The second book in C.S. Lewis’s acclaimed Space Trilogy continues the adventures of the extraordinary Dr. Ransom. Pitted against the most destructive of human weaknesses, temptation, the great man must battle evil on a new planet – Perelandra – when it is invaded by a dark force. Will Perelandra succumb to the malevolent being, who strives to creat a new world order and who must destroy an old and beautiful civilization to do so? Or will it throw off the yoke of corruption and achieve a spiritual perfection as yet unknown to man? The outcome of Dr. Ransom’s mighty struggle alone will determine the fate of this peace-loving planet.

October 2009 – The Hideous Strength – Space Trilogy Series

That Hideous Strength, Space Trilogy Series By C.S. Lewis / Scribner The final book in C. S. Lewis’s acclaimed Space Trilogy, which includes Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra, That Hideous Strength concludes the adventures of the matchless Dr. Ransom. The dark forces that were repulsed in Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra are massed for an assault on the planet Earth itself. Word is on the wind that the mighty wizard Merlin has come back to the land of the living after many centuries, holding the key to ultimate power for that force which can find him and bend him to its will. A sinister technocratic organization is gaining power throughout Europe with a plan to “recondition” society, and it is up to Ransom and his friends to squelch this threat by applying age-old wisdom to a new universe dominated by science. The two groups struggle to a climactic resolution that brings the Space Trilogy to a magnificent, crashing close.

As always the Christian Book Club looks forward to hearing from you.

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For anyone wondering if the Christian faith is still relevant in a postmodern culture,
For anyone thirsting for a genuine encounter with a God who is real,
For anyone yearning for a renewed sense of passion in life . . .
Blue Like Jazz is a fresh and original perspective on life, love, and redemption.

I think it will be an interesting read for all of us and I look forward to reading your comments. The book has twenty chapters so we are going to read five chapters a week. I have just finished the first chapter and Miller has an interesting discussion about experiencing guilt as a child at Christmas. If you haven’t got your book yet I will put a link at the end of this post. I will include a video of Donald Miller talking about the book. OK. let’s read on together on Christian Book Club.

Blue Like Jazz: Non-Religious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality By Donald Miller

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