GOOD READS recommended by Pastor Aaron Pendergrass.
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GRACE ABOUNDING TO THE CHIEF OF SINNERS by John Bunyan
The persecution of believers in the seventeenth century was extensive. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners is John Bunyan’s (1628-1688) spiritual autobiography, which he wrote while he was imprisoned for his outspoken faith in Christ. Bunyan’s release after 12 years in prison came as the result of a royal pardon. He then obtained a license to preach, and devoted the remainder of his life to writing and actively preaching of the Word of God.
His autobiography gives you a candidly transparent glimpse of his coming to a saving knowledge of Christ and his devout walk with God. His reflections reveal his innermost thoughts as he struggled with doubts and fears. Bunyan openly confronts the adversaries that impacted his daily life. He reflects on how he found his eventual victory against Satan’s tactics, including the struggle he experienced from the Devil’s twisting the meaning of Scriptures. Bunyan came to understand that our ancient foe employed the same strategy against Christ Himself in His temptation. He then realized that the work of the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ in his life meant he no longer had to fear that he was forsaken and cast off from his Savior. Although this book was written centuries ago, Bunyan’s testimony is vital today as we unleash and witness about the power of the Son of God to work within our own lives.
John Bunyan may be better known for his writing of The Pilgrims Progress.
HOLDING THE ROPE: HOW THE LOCAL CHURCH CAN CARE FOR ITS SENT ONES by Ryan Martin
The local body of believers, the church, needs to rediscover its responsibility to the Great Commission to partner with the Holy Spirit in seeing individuals come to a saving relationship in Jesus Christ. The local church should not rely entirely upon mission organizations to send out or care for the laborers. The church needs to be the primary source of sending, caring for, and supporting those it sends into the world to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a book that is helpful for understanding how church members can pray for, encourage, and support missionaries. It also gives pointers about what the role of a mission organization should be in caring for missionaries. Pastor Pendergrass believes that this is a book that should be read by missionaries, churches, and anyone who desires to serve or extend hospitality to missionaries.