My Book Shelf – 360° Life by Billy Joe Daugherty

My Book Shelf – 360° Life by Billy Joe Daugherty

Every now and then in my blog to our church I like to share with you the books that I’m reading that really help, challenge, and inspire me. My hope is that these books do the same for you.

What if you only had a few days to live?


Would you love?


Would you laugh?


Would you give?


Would you live differently than you do right now?




If possible, would you do a makeover on parts of your life? Most of us would gladly say “Yes!” to a fresh start, and that’s exactly what God offers. 
 
So many people live empty and frustrating lives, which is tragic because God desires a full, productive, and satisfying life for His children. 360° Life explores how ordinary people, regardless of their challenges, can experience life-altering change through simple faith. Billy Joe Daugherty weaves material from the Bible, his own experiences, and riveting interviews with contemporary Christians to reveal how not just to survive struggles, but to rise above them.

During the writing of this book Pastor Daugherty went home to be with the Lord. A final quote from the book, “I’ve lived as if my life was not my own, as if I have been bought with a price. My goal is to touch as many lives with the love of Jesus as I can in my brief journey through this earth. That is how you live the 360° Life - knowing that you started with God, entered the earth, touched others during your brief stay, and finally completed the circle to enter eternity with God.”

Pentecost and the Holy Spirit

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV)

It’s time to celebrate the birthday of the church! It is Pentecost weekend! This week take time to read Acts 2 to see how it happened! Christ had talked about building His church in Matthew 18. He had promised the Holy Spirit throughout the Gospels and in Acts 1. At Pentecost the 120 were baptized in the Holy Spirit, Peter preached, and 3000 members were added to the church. What a glorious beginning! And the power of Holy Spirit continues today as Christ builds His church.

There are 3 baptisms spoken of in Scripture. Make sure you have participated in all 3.

The baptism into God’s family. “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…” 1 Corinthians 12:13

The baptism in water. “Then Peter said to them,...’let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...’” Acts 2:38. “...and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God.” I Peter 3:21. “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4

The baptism in the Holy Spirit. “I (John the Baptist) baptize you with water, but He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Mark 1:8. Take time this week to study the following verses concerning being baptized in the Holy Spirit... Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 8:14-17; 10:44-48; 19:3-6; Ephesians 5:18.

Your Faith Matters

It is impossible to please God without faith.

Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)

Your faith is matters! God cannot be pleased without faith. God has given each of us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) and we need to have the attitude of the disciples who asked Jesus to increase their faith (Luke 17:5). Our faith needs to be strengthened and grow daily. We do this by spending time in God’s Word. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

Your Faith... Moves Mountains. “So Jesus answered and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt... but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done.” (Matt. 21:21)

Your Faith... Gives You Access Into The Peace Of God. “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.” (Rom 5:2)

Your Faith... Does Not Need To Be Large To Be Incredibly Effective. “So Jesus said to them, '...if you have faith as a mustard seed... nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matt 17:20)

Your Faith... Can Birth A Physical Healing In Your Body. “...listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed.” (Acts 14:9)

Your Faith... Will Lead You To An Eternity In Heaven. “The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.” (I Pet 1:9)

Your faith in God has the potential of incredible rewards in your life!

My Book Shelf – Radical by David Platt

My Book Shelf – Radical by David Platt

Every now and then in my blog to our church I like to share with you the books that I’m reading that really help, challenge, and inspire me. My hope is that these books do the same for you.

It's easy for American Christians to forget how Jesus said his followers would actually live, what their new lifestyle would actually look like. They would, he said, leave behind security, money, convenience, even family for him. They would abandon everything for the gospel. They would take up their crosses daily...



BUT WHO DO YOU KNOW WHO LIVES LIKE THAT?

DO YOU?



In Radical, David Platt challenges you to consider with an open heart how we have manipulated the gospel to fit our cultural preferences. He shows what Jesus actually said about being his disciple--then invites you to believe and obey what you have heard. And he tells the dramatic story of what is happening as a "successful" suburban church decides to get serious about the gospel according to Jesus.



Finally, he urges you to join in The Radical Experiment - a one-year journey in authentic discipleship that will transform how you live in a world that desperately needs the Good News Jesus came to bring.

Growing Up In God

There is something beautiful about spiritual maturity. I love it when I’m able to spend time with someone that is “rooted and grounded” in Christ. (Eph. 3:17) There is a depth to that person and their life and they provide a powerful spiritual influence wherever they go. The sad truth is that most Christians never “grow up” in the things of God. (1 Peter 2:2)

How can we grow up in God? How do you know that your spiritual development is on track? How do we graduate from the milk of Christianity to the meat? (Heb. 5:12) Here are the basics:

Read your Bible. Find a bible that is easy for you to read and then find a Bible reading plan that works for you. There are a variety of plans available at http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans. Allow the Word into your heart and then obey what God tells you.

Pray every day. Prayer is simply talking with God and allowing Him to talk with you. Make prayer a part of your daily routine.

Go to church. The Bible encourages us to meet together regularly with other believers (Heb. 10:25). There is something powerful about worshipping, praying, and studying the word together. Attending church is a fundamental part of your spiritual growth.

Join a small group. This is an important step beyond just attending church. Small groups allow you to “plug in” and share your life with other believers. This is where real relationship and growth can happen.

Give. Being a Christian means being a giver. God has given us our time, talents, and treasure. If we love God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30) we need to give Him our first and best!

When working on growing up in God always remember that God looks at the heart. (1 Sam. 16:7) Allow these basics to help you develop a heart after God.